Pro tip: an old timer in St. Louis told me my tuck pointing was too fast

He said I was just pushing mortar in, not working it into the joint, and it would fail in a few years. Now I slow down and really pack it with my iron, which adds maybe 30 minutes to a wall but feels solid. Anyone else get a piece of advice that made you change a basic habit?

3 comments

3 Comments

max_kelly301mo ago

Speed matters on a job site. Sometimes getting it done right now is better than perfect in ten years.

lee_martinez971mo ago

Perfect in ten YEARS? What job takes that long?

kevinc841mo ago

That old timer was right about working the mortar in. It's the difference between a patch and a repair. Speed has its place, like @max_kelly30 said, but some tasks just can't be rushed. The extra thirty minutes you spend is really an investment against a future callback. Rushing the basics often means you're just creating a problem for the next guy, or for yourself down the road. Good habits on the small stuff build a reputation for quality work.