Quick verdict
Six masonry hand tools for repointing: three double-ended jointers in six widths from 1/4 to 7/8 inch for striking and smoothing mortar joints, two double-ended tuck pointers for raking out old mortar and pushing new mortar into the joint, and a stiff masonry brush for cleaning the joint before and after. Garden walls, patio edging, steps and brick planters all lose mortar and this set covers the joint sizes found in most of them. It is the set for a homeowner doing a wall, not a mason doing a house.
Strengths
- Three jointers cover six joint widths from 1/4 to 7/8 inch
- Two tuck pointers rake out and pack in mortar
- Masonry brush for joint prep and cleanup
- Double-ended tools halve the count in the bag
- Enough for walls, steps, planters and patio edging
Weaknesses
- Generic steel; edges may need a file to true up
- No pointing trowel or hawk included
- Handles are basic for a long session
The overall YardToolLab Score is out of 100. Section scores are out of 10.
Mortar Falls Out, and Someone Has to Put It Back
Garden walls, brick steps, patio edging and planters all shed mortar after enough winters, and the joints that are left open let water in and frost does the rest. Repointing is not hard with the right small tools. Kepfri’s set is three double-ended jointers covering six widths, two double-ended tuck pointers for raking and packing, and a stiff masonry brush.
This review is based on the listing specifications and on standard repointing technique. We have not used these tools ourselves and the brand is a generic importer.
The Job
Rake the failed mortar out with the tuck pointer to a depth of about twice the joint width, so the new mortar has something to hold. Brush the dust out and dampen the joint. Load a little mortar onto a hawk or a board, push it into the joint with the pointer in two or three layers, and when it is firm enough to take a thumbprint without sticking, strike it with the jointer end that matches the width. Brush off the smears once it has stiffened. A short wall is an afternoon.
Widths
Three jointers give 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 and 7/8 inch. A standard brick joint is 3/8; stone and old brick run wider. The right end fills the joint and leaves a concave profile that sheds water without cutting into the brick edge.
Tuck Pointers
The two pointers, in 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 and 7/8 inch, rake the old mortar with one end and push the new in with the other, with a bend that keeps knuckles off the wall. They also fill the wide joints in a stone wall where a jointer only finishes.
The Brush
Stiff bristles clean the raked joint, which matters because dust stops the bond, and brush the face when the pointing has set enough not to smear. It is the tool people skip and then wonder why the joints fail again.
Build
Generic steel with basic handles. The working ends may want a file to true an edge, and a long session is hard on the hands. For a wall or two a year, it is enough.
Who Should Buy It
- Homeowners repointing a garden wall or steps.
- Anyone repairing brick planters or patio edging.
- DIYers grouting a stone path.
Common Owner Complaints
Rough edges and basic handles. File; take breaks.
Alternatives to Consider
A Marshalltown jointer for a professional edge. A mortar gun for long runs of narrow joint. A pointing trowel and hawk to complete the kit.
Verdict
For a garden wall that needs repointing, this set covers every joint width at the price of a single professional tool. Rake deep, brush clean, pack in layers and strike when thumb-firm.
Full specifications
Kepfri 6-Pack Double-Ended Brick Jointer and Tuck Pointer Set with Masonry Brush FAQs
Rake the old mortar out to about twice the joint width with the tuck pointer, brush the dust out, dampen the joint, push new mortar in with the pointer in layers, and when it is thumb-firm strike it with the matching jointer. Brush when it is dry enough not to smear.
Measure the joint. Most brick joints are 3/8 inch; stone joints vary. Use the end that fills the joint without digging into the brick edges.
A mortar that matches the original in strength. Old soft brick wants a lime-rich mix; hard modern brick takes a standard masonry mortar. Too hard a mortar on soft brick spalls the brick.
Yes. Dust in a raked joint stops the new mortar bonding, and a brush at the end lifts the smears before they set.
