Home Improvement and Repairs Holiday 2020 Issue

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IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR

GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY

HOMEOWNER

THE HOLIDAY ISSUE HIRpub.com

INSIDE ¢ MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN REFINISHING WOOD ¢ STEP BY STEP: REPAIR BRICK STEPS

TM

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SKILL SET

MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN REFINISHING WOOD

SIX COMMON DIY ERRORS AND HOW TO AVOID THEM

By Matt Weber

Trends in interior design have made refinishing furniture and using reclaimed architectural items more popular than ever. A budget-minded DIY’er can take an old table, door, vanity or desk and make it look new again. The applications are limitless, but refinishing wood isn’t as simple as just sanding, staining, then top-coating. Make the wrong move, and you’ll find you now have a lot more repair work than you ever expected. Here are six common DIY errors and how to avoid them.

1. Don’t Sand Plywood Too Much If you want to change the color or tone of the wood’s finish, your best bet is to remove the old coatings and start fresh. When working with solid wood, a random orbital sander can work well to remove the old finish.

However, if you’re working with veneered plywood, be very careful. It might be wise to remove a plywood finish with a chemical stripper, because aggressive sanding can

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penetrate the veneer, expose the lower-grade layer laminated beneath it, and ruin the look of the workpiece (as shown in the lead photo).

Look closely at the edge of the plywood in the photo. See how thin the “beauty” layers of the sanded veneer are? If you sand through that veneer, you won’t be happy with the result.

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SKILL SET 2. Don’t Forget Trim is an Option The ragged edges of this old wood desk (below) have chipped out and flaked. There’s no way to convincingly repair this on stain-grade furniture, because a liquid product such as wood filler or epoxy will not absorb the stain at the same rate as the wood, leaving the repairs ugly and noticeable. It is more likely to repair this

damage with a filler product when painting the item. However, even when cured and sanded, liquid repairs can be difficult to blend with the surrounding surface texture, and the repair is often still visible when painted.

Rather than hassle with filler products, consider installing new trim to conceal damaged areas around edges or joints, or anywhere you see the opportunity. Adding new trim can be easier than making repairs, it can be stained or painted your color of choice, and you can even get creative and apply your own decorative enhancements to the workpiece.

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3. Fillers Work Best with Paint In my humble opinion, wood fillers work best with paint. You might find a wood filler labeled “stainable,” but the problem lies with the extent to which the filler absorbs the stain, which is typically different than the wood’s absorption rate. For example, the wood might drink up lots of stain and turn a warm chocolate color while the wood-filler only absorbs a little stain and remains a light blond color, which leaves you with a visible repair patch.

For dents and dings in wood, you can sometimes make modest repairs by applying a little water to the damaged wood surface, then

place a soft cloth over the moistened dent and heat it with an iron. The idea is to use moisture and heat to swell the woodgrain and decompress the fibers to smooth the dent.

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MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN REFINISHING WOOD

When a filler product is the only option for a stain-grade project, choose a pre-tinted wood filler that most closely matches the color of stain you intend to use.

4. Improper Finish Sanding Random orbital sanders with circular disks are popular among DIY’ers, but don’t let that be the last tool you use before applying your stain. The circular action of the sander cuts across the grain, which leaves tiny swirl marks on the wood surface. Those tiny marks might be difficult to see with the naked eye, until you add stain and the contrast makes them pop

>

out on your workpiece. That’ll ruin your day.

Remove swirl marks in your project by finishsanding the surface in the same direction as the woodgrain. Use a sanding block or quarter-sheet finish sander equipped with progressively finer abrasive sandpaper, going from 120- or 150-grit to 220-grit, etc. Pro woodworkers might suggest sanding with even finer grits before applying a stain or sealer.

5. Don’t Leave Dust Once you’ve finish-sanded the surface glassy smooth, you should completely clean the surface of dust. Sweeping or dry-wiping alone is not adequate. The very fine dust generated by the finishsanding will leave a residue that is difficult to see, but a quick wipe over the surface with your hand will show dust that remains stuck to the surface.

If this remains on the surface, it can get into your stain, sealer, applicator, etc. and cause problems with your finish coat.

This close-up photo shows the tiny swirl marks left on the wood surface by circular disk of a random orbital sander.

DO NOT use a damp towel or any sort of water to wipe away the dust. Water will raise the woodgrain, and you’ll be stuck sanding again to smooth it out. Instead, spring for some Tack Cloth at your local hardware store. This product is literally a “tacky” cloth that the wood dust adheres to without the use of water.

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SKILL SET

6. Don't Expect All Wood to Stain the Same Different wood species absorb stains at different rates. Hardwoods have tighter grain and less stain permeability than soft woods, and even within the categories of hard and soft woods, the varying wood species retain colors differently. So, when testing wood stains, experiment with whatever wood species you’ll be using on your project.

If you’ll be refinishing oak, test your stain on scrap pieces of oak. If working with pine, test your stain on scraps of pine, etc. Otherwise, the color tone you expected to achieve, based on your samples, might look dramatically different on your finished project.

H This photo shows how the same stain can look remarkably different on two dissimilar species of wood.

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER Compiled by Christopher West

It’s shopping season, and we’ve compiled a list of handy gift ideas for the home-improver in your life.

From hand tools to powered equipment, you can stuff stockings and surround the tree with the kind of presents that keep on giving—presents that can be used on many home projects to come.

From our staff to your family, have a very merry Christmas and a happy holiday season.

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER

METABO HPT MULTIVOLT TABLE SAW WITH STAND For the pro on the go or the serious DIY’er, the new MultiVolt Table Saw is a cordless/corded hybrid and the first high-powered 36-volt 10-in. table saw on the market. When you’re near an outlet, plug it in. If you’re working somewhere without an AC power supply, use the lithium-ion battery. The MultiVolt operates with a powerful brushless motor and features a rack-and-pinion rip fence adjustment mechanism. An expanding tabletop offers the highest rip capacity for a cordless table saw at 35 inches. An accessory fence helps with making very thin cuts, and an on-board outfeed support bar extends from the back of the table to help carry the workpiece. The blade tilts from 0 to 45 degrees, and an electric brake stops blade rotation within seconds for added safety.

With so many features and such large cut capacity, the new MultiVolt is a large and heavy table saw, but Metabo HPT also offers a slick folding saw stand (#374769) for easy portability.

The stand easily sets up and breaks down in seconds. It’s built with four sturdy legs that release with the push of a button, plus two solid-core wheels that never need inflating.

Visit www.metabo-hpt.

FOR THE PRO ON THE GO OR THE SERIOUS DIY’ER

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DUST DEPUTY DELUXE Upgrade any make and model wet/dry vacuum into a two-stage dust control system with the Oneida AirSystems Dust Deputy Deluxe—a musthave for any DIY’er or tradesman who owns a shop vacuum. Now 20 percent more efficient with NeutralVane Technology, the patented design of the Dust Deputy Cyclone uses centrifugal force to capture and remove 99 percent of dust and debris from the air-stream before it reaches your vacuum's filter, eliminating clogged filters and suction loss. The Dust Deputy will save you significant time and money on expensive replacement filters and dust bags, all while keeping your shop

A MUST-HAVE FOR ANY DIY’ER OR TRADESMAN vacuum operating at peak performance. The simple and efficient design can be adapted for use with any make, size, or model shop vacuum and features tapered 2-inch ports that fit most standard wet/dry vac hoses. The buckets included in the Dust Deputy Deluxe Kit are 100-mil thick—up to 40 percent thicker than comparable 5-gallon buckets—making them much stronger and able to withstand heavy vacuum pressure. The Dust Deputy is the original shop vacuum pre-separator and it still out-performs the competition with greater separation, less pressure-drop, and more throughput (CFM). Designed and manufactured in Syracuse, NY, the Dust Deputy Deluxe comes with the anti-static Dust Deputy Cyclone, (2) 100 mil 5gallon buckets, (2) elbow adapters, 3 feet of vacuum hose, (3) casters, gasket and hardware. Visit www.oneida-air.com.

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER

ZIRCON SUPERSCAN "KX" ADVANCED STUD FINDERS The new SuperScan "Kx" Advanced Stud Finders from Zircon feature Target Control (TC) Technology, which Zircon equates to the "black box" control unit of a car. Zircon's new TC works similarly, with multiple sensors streaming data combined with sophisticated intelligence controlling the result, to virtually eliminate "false positive" stud indications.

Unknown objects (that are not studs) hidden in the wall fool ordinary stud finders into falsely indicating a wooden stud when it's really detecting some other object—metal, plastic, wiring, etc. False positives create an obvious risk to the safe, efficient outcome of any project. By analyzing complex data streams from multiple sensors, TC lets users avoid all things metallic, such as plumbing, conduit, straps, brackets or ducts hiding in the wall. Additionally, TC helps avoid other low signal-strength, non-metallic targets, including plastic pipe, PEX tubing, wiring and more. By using the new "Trust but Verify" technique, users can verify clean "safe-to-drill" zones along a stud by sliding the unit vertically, up and down the wood stud after they found it, thereby avoiding metal screws, nails, and protector plates fastened to the wood stud itself. The SuperScan “Kx” series is available for purchase exclusively at https://shop.zircon.com and delivered free of charge anywhere in the continental United States via UPS ground shipping and backed by the Zircon Limited Lifetime Warranty.

DELIVERED FREE OF CHARGE ANYWHERE IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER

KOBALT 24V MAX XTR BRUSHLESS IMPACT DRIVER The new Kobalt 24V MAX XTR Brushless Impact Driver #1518742 delivers 3,400 RPMs—up to 20 percent faster than the competition. It’s built with a compact design that allows easier use in cramped areas, such as when working under sinks. The new impact generates an industry-leading 2,400-inch-pounds of torque to drive the most demanding fasteners, great for framing and hanging ledger boards or anchoring landscape timbers with large lag screws. The tool also features three-speed settings and an Assist Mode, which reduces screw cam-out and cross-threading. The 24V brushless motor maximizes efficiency while delivering long-lasting quality and 4,000 impacts per minute. Visit www.lowes.com.

UP TO 20 PERCENT FASTER THAN THE COMPETITION

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WEBER SPIRIT II E-310 LIQUID PROPANE GRILL Weber Grills are known for quality construction and ease of use. Backyard Barbecuers can step up their grilling game with the Spirit II E-310 gas grill (#8863581). This three-burner grill has a spacious grilling area, convenient stainless steel side tables for placing serving trays, and six tool hooks for hanging tongs and spatulas.

With the powerful GS4 grilling system and iGrill capability, it’s already set up for BBQ success. Features include the GS4 infinity ignition, stainless steel burners, porcelain-enameled flavorizer bars, and the GS4 grease-management system. Visit www.acehardware.com.

BACKYARD BARBECUERS CAN STEP UP THEIR GRILLING GAME

RAPID ROPE Tangle-free rope can be a lifesaver whether you’re tying down a truckload of building materials or you’re camping outdoors and in need of a helping hand. Rapid Rope is “rope reimagined,” designed to handle the most severe conditions. It’s an extreme utility rope housed in a compact, weatherproof canister and is ideal for such outdoor activities as hunting, fishing, ranching and gardening. It’s smart to add one to a disaster kit as well. Each refillable canister contains 120 feet of rope that’s rated at 1,100 pounds tensile strength. The Rapid Rope canister has a cut insert ready at all times. Pull the desired length of rope to tackle any job and just wrap the rope around the insert and pull, cutting the rope. Visit www.rapidrope.com.

DESIGNED TO HANDLE THE MOST SEVERE CONDITIONS

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER

M18 FUEL OSCILLATING MULTI-TOOL Harnessing the power, performance, and run-time delivered by Milwaukee M18 FUEL battery technology, the new M18 FUEL Oscillating Multi-Tool generates the fastest and most powerful multi-tool cuts in the industry and the lowest full-tool vibration. The new M18 FUEL Multi-Tool features three Milwaukee-exclusive innovations—the PowerState Brushless Motor, RedLithium Battery Pack, and RedLink PLUS Intelligence Hardware and Software. The Brushless motor pairs with an aggressive oscillation angle of 4.2 degrees and 10,000 - 20,000 OPM to deliver the fastest cut speed and complete many demanding applications, such as rip cuts through hardwoods and nail-embedded wood, pushing the limits of what a multipurpose oscillating tool can do.

Additionally, the overall design of the tool dampens vibration to make cuts more comfortable, creating less fatigue for users. Additional features include a 10-setting dial with an Auto-Load Feature, allowing users to adjust the speed to the application, and an integrated 180-degree LED light for maximum visibility in low-light situations.

Visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

PUSHING THE LIMITS OF WHAT A MULTIPURPOSE OSCILLATING TOOL CAN DO

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER

TOUGHBUILT 3PC HANDYMAN TOOL BELT SET The ToughBuilt 3-piece Handyman Tool Belt Set (TB-CT-111C) brings a new level of organization and efficiency to every project. The ClipTech innovation gives handymen and professionals the never-before option of effortless, adjustable, and interchangeable pouches to fit every job. Carry only what you need, when you need it. This set includes two rugged pouches and a padded belt with heavy-duty buckle. The integrated kickstand allows your pouch and tools to stand on the floor or table next to you. Its 27 customized pockets and loops include two large-capacity pockets with No-Snag Hidden Seam construction, plastic-lined utility knife pocket, screw driver loops, notebook pocket, extreme-duty hammer loop, and two tape measure clips. Made with rugged six-layer construction and rivet reinforcement, this dependable tool belt withstands the harshest working conditions. Visit www.toughbuilt.com.

CARRY ONLY WHAT YOU NEED, WHEN YOU NEED IT

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WORX 20V 18-GAUGE BRAD NAILER/CROWN STAPLER The new Worx 20V Power Share 18-gauge Brad Nailer and Crown Stapler eliminates the need for an air. compressor and air hose, as well as a hammer and nail. Nails and staples are driven by tool’s sealed compressed-air cylinder, making it an asset to do-it-yourselfers for assembly and installation projects throughout the house. It represents the first nail gun Worx has ever offered. This combination tool drives 18-gauge brad nails from 3/4 in. to 2 inches long. As a crown stapler, it uses narrow crown staples from 3/4 in. to 1-1/2 in., ideal for adhering fabric to wood, as in upholstery work for chairs and benches.

Balanced and easy to control, the 6.7 lb. nailer (with battery) can even tackle jobs overhead.

It fires 80 nails-per-minute and up to 500 nails on a single charge. Its side-loading magazine is easy to release and reload. The nailer/stapler is powered by a Worx 20V 2.0 Ah Max Lithium battery. Visit www.worx.com.

AN ASSET TO DO-IT-YOURSELFERS FOR ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION PROJECTS THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER

CHANNELLOCK FORGED WIRE STRIPPER Channellock, Inc. expands its line of specialty tools with the new 968 Forged Wire Stripper. The tool is designed for superior quality, greater ease of use, and is made in Meadville, Pa., from 100-percent forged U.S. steel. It strips 10-20 AWG solid and stranded wire. It has screw shears that are precisionmachined to prevent damage to threads when cutting 6-32 and 8-32 machine screws. By incorporating XLT Xtreme Leverage Technology, the tool requires considerably less force to cut than traditional high-leverage designs, reducing hand fatigue. In addition, the 968 Wire Stripper has a spring-loaded handle for easy one-handed operation, a lock for safe storage, and a curved shear that is uniquely shaped to contain material during handling. The reaming head can deburr, clean, and flare up to 1-inch conduit with precision-machined grooves. Visit Channellock.com.

REQUIRES CONSIDERABLY LESS FORCE TO CUT THAN TRADITIONAL HIGH-LEVERAGE DESIGNS

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER

ROCKLER BENCH COOKIE CONNECT Four snap-together sections give the Bench Cookie Connect a 7-1/8-in. diameter and added versatility. The latest addition to Rockler’s line of Bench Cookie work grippers features the same high-friction rubber pads that made the original Bench Cookies so effective at holding and protecting workpieces for sawing, sanding or routing. But while the original measures just shy of 3 inches in diameter, the Bench Cookie Connect has four pie-shaped sections that click together to form a 7-1/8-in. diameter disk. The large combined surface area provides increased stability for woodworking operations where individual supports might not be adequate. Visit www.rockler.com.

SO EFFECTIVE AT HOLDING AND PROTECTING WORKPIECES FOR SAWING, SANDING OR ROUTING

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HOTLOGIC PERSONAL OVENS You may have seen construction crews lugging around a clunky microwave oven on a jobsite. HotLogic offers a better idea. The new Mini XP and Max XP portable + personal ovens expand the HotLogic line and have a built-in storage bag. In a new COVID-19 world, HotLogic provides a solution to heat better and safer meals prepared and touched only by you. HotLogic precisely cooks and reheats prepared meals, leftovers and frozen entrees to the perfect temperature and holds it there for hours through its HeatDeck technology, preserving moisture and enhancing flavor. Visit hotlogic.com.

PRECISELY COOKS AND REHEATS PREPARED MEALS, LEFTOVERS AND FROZEN ENTREES

SIDEBAR The SideBAR is designed to be the ultimate side table for drinks and food. It features two beer holders, two stemmed wine glass holders, and a table large enough for one large bowl or two small plates. Made in the USA, this is the table you'll want by your side, either outdoors or indoors. Its durable aluminum and steel construction weighs only 11 lbs. for easy portability. Order the SideBAR with the optional tablet/phone attachment to enjoy an unobstructed view of mobile devices while enjoying beverages and snacks. Visit www. testritehomedesigns.com.

THE ULTIMATE SIDE TABLE FOR DRINKS AND FOOD

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> GIFT IDEAS FOR THE DIY HOMEOWNER

TRUE POSITION CABINET HARDWARE JIG For the past 25 years, the original Cabinet Hardware Jig by True Position Tools has made installation of cabinet handles and pulls quick, easy and accurate. The Jig works on any cabinet door and drawer style from traditional and shaker cabinets to contemporary flat panel designs.

The user-friendly layout prevents mistakes and eliminates the stress of constant measuring. Unlike typical cabinet hardware templates, this robust tool is made from hardened aircraft-quality aluminum and features laser-etched rulers, offering pinpoint precision that is guaranteed to .001-in. squareness. The included stainless steel thumbscrews and 5mm case-hardened steel bushings have a lifetime warranty. Visit www.truepositiontools.com.

MAKE INSTALLATION OF CABINET HANDLES QUICK, EASY AND ACCURATE

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STINGER POWER BITS The new Stinger Power Bits from Spyder Products make exceptionally fast, clean cuts with less battery-draining torque. Stinger Power Bits are designed for drilling both soft and hard wood, as well as plywood, laminated wood and particle board. They speed through cuts, making clean holes much faster than conventional center-point spade bits. As precision, clean-cutting tools, they excel in finish carpentry as well as rough construction applications. Burr-free entry holes and exit holes with no blowout look great on woodworking projects, and the new bits make pulling wire and inserting plumbing tube/pipe through studs a cinch. They’re optimized for use on both high- and low-torque drill motors and impacting tools. They require up to 50 percent less torque than standard threaded auger and spade bits, slowing battery drain on cordless tools to drill more holes on a single battery charge.

Visit www.spyderproducts.com.

THEY SPEED THROUGH CUTS, MAKING CLEAN HOLES MUCH FASTER THAN CONVENTIONAL CENTER-POINT SPADE BITS

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REPAIR BRICK STEPS

By Matt Weber You’ve seen it many times: Brick steps that fall apart at the mortar joints. Over time, the outdoor elements deteriorate the mortar and cause the bricks to loosen and dislodge. Broken steps aren’t only ugly, they’re a safety hazard. You can pay a brick mason or handyman to make the repairs or you can save money and make this inexpensive repair yourself.

Step 1 First step is to completely remove the loose bricks. Chip off the old mortar from the loose bricks as well as the existing brickwork that’s still intact. To remove the mortar, you can use a hammer and mason’s chisel, or an air hammer. Brush away the debris with a stiff-bristle or wire brush to create a clean surface for new mortar.

Step 2 & 3 Temporarily replace the bricks in the arrangement

you’d like to reinstall them to make sure you have all the bricks you need.

Step 4 Soak the bricks in water and use a garden hose to rinse the damaged steps. This is to prevent the dry materials from leaching water out of the mortar too quickly, which could cause the joints to cure improperly and lessen their strength. The work area should be damp but have no standing water.

Step 5 Use water to mix the mortar for the repair. If you have no experience working with mortar, you’ll probably end up using more than you would expect. A 10-lb. bag costs only about $3 but it doesn’t yield very much. A 60-lb. bag goes for less than $6, so spring for the larger bag and spare yourself a return trip to the home center.

[STEP 1a]

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Step 6 Mortar is easiest to mix using a drill attachment, and the mortar’s consistency should work similar to very thick cake frosting. If it’s too thin, it will push out of the joints beneath the weight of the brick, indicating you have too much water in the mix (so add more powder). A wetter mix might be easier to work with, but a drier mix will achieve a stronger bond. In some cases, you might want to tint the new mortar to match the old mortar joints.

[STEP 2]

[STEP 3]

Step 7 Use a masonry trowel to apply a 1-in. thick mortar bed to all sides and the bottom of the brick cavity.

Step 8 Place the first brick and tap it with the rubber mallet (or the trowel handle) until it’s flush with the adjacent bricks.

Step 9 & 10 Make sure to pack the joints and holes in the bricks with mortar so they interlock and bond with each other.

Step 11 & 12 Use a bubble level and/or straight-edge to align the front and top of each brick to ensure your

[STEP 4]

[STEP 5 & 6]

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[STEP 7]

[STEP 8]

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REPAIR BRICK STEPS

[STEP 9]

[STEP 10]

steps remain level. Repeat this procedure for each brick.

Step 13 Press additional mortar into the joints with a tuck-pointing tool or wood dowel. Scrape away excess mortar with the trowel, then use your pointing tool to shape the mortar joints to match the surrounding structure.

Step 14 On this repair, we used the oldfashioned “mud trick,” where we mixed a little black mud collected on site into the mortar for the final application to the joints. We did this to darken the color to more [STEP11]

[STEP 12]

[STEP 13]

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REPAIR BRICK STEPS closely match the old mortar of the steps. Charcoal dust also works for this.

Step 15 Allow the loose mortar to set until it becomes crumbly, then brush it away from the bricks with a stiff-bristle brush.

Step 16 To clean away mortar residue on the steps, I saved some elbow grease by letting a reciprocating saw do the work. This quick couple-attachment from Recipro Tools chucks into the blade holder. You can then use a variety of brushes that insert with a hex end, allowing you to angle the brush for the most comfortable working position.

[STEP 14]

Step 17 The completed repair should blend with the rest of the brick steps.

H [STEP 15]

REPAIRED BRICK STEPS

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[STEP 16]

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