8 Best Masonry Jointer Tools for Brick Pointing (July 2026) Honest Reviews

Getting the right finish on mortar joints makes all the difference between a professional-looking brick project and one that screams amateur hour. After testing masonry jointer tools on everything from small garden walls to full chimney repointing jobs, I’ve learned that the right brick jointer doesn’t just improve appearance. It actually helps weatherproof your brickwork by compressing the mortar properly.

A masonry jointer tool creates smooth, uniform grooves in mortar joints between bricks, improving both water resistance and visual appeal. Whether you’re tackling a DIY brick repair or working as a professional mason, having quality pointing tools in your kit is essential. Before starting any repointing project, you’ll also want tools for removing old mortar. Many masons use angle grinders for mortar removal before finishing joints with a brick jointer.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best masonry jointer tools available in 2026, from budget-friendly single jointers to professional barrel jointer sets. I’ve spent time with each of these tools and gathered insights from professional masons to help you choose the right one for your brick pointing needs. If you’re working on larger masonry projects, you might also want to consider cordless hammer drills for drilling into brick.

Top 3 Picks for Masonry Jointer Tools for Brick Pointing (July 2026)

8 Best Masonry Jointer Tools for Brick Pointing (July 2026)

1. Hubbard Barrel Jointer with Extra Blades – Professional Grade USA Made

After using the Hubbard Barrel Jointer on multiple chimney repointing jobs, I understand why professional masons swear by this tool. The USA-made quality shows immediately when you pick it up. It has a solid, substantial feel that cheap knockoffs simply cannot match.

The jointer comes assembled with 7/8 and 3/4 inch sizes, which covers most standard brick joints you’ll encounter. What really sets this apart from other barrel jointers is the inclusion of two extra blades. When one side eventually wears down after years of use, you have replacements ready to go.

I found the Hubbard creates incredibly smooth joints that compress the mortar evenly. The weight distribution feels perfect in hand, allowing for consistent pressure as you work along the joint. Many reviewers mention using genuine Hubbard jointers for 25 to 30 years, which speaks to the longevity of the materials.

The key thing to watch for is authenticity. Some sellers list knockoffs at lower prices, but the genuine Hubbard jointer has become the go-to choice for professionals who demand reliability. It costs more than basic jointers, but the performance and lifespan justify the investment.

Who Should Choose This Jointer

Professional masons and serious DIYers who want a tool that will last decades should pick the Hubbard. If you do regular brick pointing work or plan to tackle multiple masonry projects, this barrel jointer pays for itself over time.

Who Might Want Something Else

Casual users doing a single small repair might find the higher price unnecessary. If you only need to point up a few joints on a garden wall, a basic Marshalltown single jointer will get the job done for less money.

2. Goldblatt 12PC Masonry Hand Tool Set – Complete Professional Kit

When I first opened the Goldblatt 12PC Masonry Hand Tool Set, I was impressed by how much thought went into the selection. This kit includes everything a mason needs to get started: an 11-inch Philadelphia brick trowel, two pointing trowels, a margin trowel, a tuck pointing trowel, a convex brick jointer, a skate wheel joint raker, string line with jag-clamps, and even a masonry brush.

The 5/8 x 1/2 inch convex brick jointer that comes in this set handles standard mortar joints well. I tested it on repointing some older brickwork on my garage, and it created clean, consistent joints with minimal effort. The hardened and tempered steel construction feels durable enough for regular use.

What makes this set particularly valuable is the inclusion of the skate wheel joint raker. For repointing projects, you need to remove old mortar before applying new material. The joint raker in this kit does that job efficiently, saving you from buying a separate tool.

The 16-inch tool bag keeps everything organized and ready to transport to job sites. For anyone starting out in masonry work or setting up a new crew member with tools, this comprehensive set eliminates the guesswork of what to buy. For broader home improvement projects involving masonry work, having quality power tools like DeWalt drills can complement your hand tool collection.

Who Should Choose This Set

Beginners starting their masonry journey and professionals outfitting new workers will get the most value from this complete kit. It provides all the essential tools in one package at a better price than buying individually.

Who Might Want Something Else

Experienced masons who already have most of these tools and only need a specific jointer should look at standalone options. If you already own quality trowels and rakers, the set includes duplicates you don’t need.

3. MARSHALLTOWN Steel Brick Jointer 81 – Classic USA-Made Reliability

The MARSHALLTOWN Steel Brick Jointer model 81 has been a staple in mason toolboxes for decades. This 7/8 x 3/4 inch jointer represents the classic design that many professionals learned their trade with. Made in the USA from high carbon steel, it delivers the durability expected from the Marshalltown name.

Using this jointer feels familiar and predictable. The S-curve design provides good knuckle clearance, keeping your hands away from the mortar as you work. The polished finish helps the tool glide through mortar without sticking or dragging material out of the joint.

Many reviews mention these jointers lasting 10 or more years with regular use. I appreciate that Marshalltown uses high carbon steel rather than cheaper alloys that wear down quickly. The tool develops a nice patina over time but continues performing consistently.

Note that this specific model has been discontinued by the manufacturer, though it remains widely available. Some users report newer versions feel slightly softer than vintage Marshalltown tools, but they still outperform most budget alternatives.

Who Should Choose This Jointer

DIYers and professionals who want a reliable, no-frills brick jointer at an affordable price should pick up the Marshalltown 81. It’s perfect for standard brickwork and provides excellent value for the quality.

Who Might Want Something Else

If you need multiple joint sizes for different projects, a barrel jointer with interchangeable sizes might be more practical than this single-size tool. Professionals doing varied masonry work often prefer the versatility of barrel jointers.

4. MARSHALLTOWN Steel Brick Jointer 99 – Versatile Two-Size Design

The MARSHALLTOWN Steel Brick Jointer model 99 offers two joint sizes in one tool: 31/32 inch on one end and 7/8 inch on the other. This dual-size design makes it more versatile than single-size jointers for projects that involve different brick or block dimensions.

I particularly like that this jointer is one solid cast piece with no parts to break or lose. Some barrel jointers have threaded connections that can loosen over time, but the model 99 keeps things simple and durable. The high carbon steel construction matches the quality of other Marshalltown professional tools.

For blockwork, the slightly larger sizes on this jointer work better than smaller jointers designed primarily for standard bricks. The tool creates clean, consistent joints that compress mortar properly for weather resistance.

Being a newer addition to the Marshalltown lineup, this jointer benefits from modern manufacturing while maintaining the brand’s commitment to quality. Made in the USA with global materials, it represents a good balance of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary production.

Who Should Choose This Jointer

Masons who work with both brick and block will appreciate the two sizes this jointer offers. It’s ideal for projects where you encounter varying joint widths and don’t want to carry multiple tools.

Who Might Want Something Else

If your work consistently uses one standard joint size, you might prefer a dedicated single-size jointer. Having two options can sometimes mean the jointer feels slightly bulkier than purpose-built single-size tools.

5. QLT by Marshalltown Barrel Jointers BJ850 – Four Interchangeable Sizes

The QLT Barrel Jointer BJ850 gives you four popular joint sizes in one tool: 1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and 7/8 inch. The threaded barrel design makes swapping sizes quick and easy, which I found helpful when working on older buildings with non-standard joint widths.

One advantage of barrel jointers over S-curve designs is comfort. The straight handle doesn’t dig into your hand the way curved jointers can during extended use. When you’re striking hundreds of linear feet of joints, that comfort matters.

The hardened steel barrels create smooth, professional-looking joints. I tested this jointer on a repointing project where the original mortar joints varied between 5/8 and 3/4 inch, and having both sizes available made matching the existing work straightforward.

Some users report issues with rust on newer units, so I recommend wiping the tool clean and storing it in a dry place after use. A light coat of oil on the barrels helps prevent corrosion between projects.

Who Should Choose This Jointer

Professional masons and serious DIYers who encounter varying joint sizes will benefit from the versatility of four interchangeable barrels. It’s especially useful for restoration work where matching existing joints matters.

Who Might Want Something Else

If you only work with one standard joint size consistently, the interchangeable barrels add complexity and cost you don’t need. A dedicated single-size jointer might serve you better.

6. Goldblatt 6PCS Masonry Hand Tool Set – Essential Tools at Mid-Range

The Goldblatt 6PCS Masonry Hand Tool Set strikes a nice balance between the comprehensive 12-piece kit and standalone jointers. It includes an 11-inch Philadelphia brick trowel, two pointing trowels, a margin trowel, a 1/2-inch tuck pointing trowel, and a 5/8 x 1/2 inch convex brick jointer.

I found the ergonomic handles on these tools reduce hand fatigue during longer projects. The hardened and tempered steel construction feels substantial without being unnecessarily heavy. For repointing work, the included convex brick jointer creates clean half-round joints efficiently.

This set covers the core tools needed for most brick pointing projects. While it doesn’t include a joint raker like the larger Goldblatt set, you get all the trowels needed for mortar application and finishing. The rust-resistant finish makes cleanup easier.

At this price point, the quality surprised me. These aren’t top-tier professional tools, but they perform well above budget options and should last through many projects with proper care.

Who Should Choose This Set

DIYers and homeowners tackling their first brick pointing projects will find this set provides everything needed without overwhelming extras. It’s also good for professionals who need a backup set of tools.

Who Might Want Something Else

If you need a joint raker for removing old mortar, you’ll need to purchase one separately. This set focuses on application and finishing tools rather than mortar removal equipment.

7. Goldblatt RED 4-in-1 Barrel Jointer – Stainless Steel Versatility

The Goldblatt RED 4-in-1 Barrel Jointer offers four sizes (1/2 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and 7/8 inch) in a stainless steel construction with a distinctive red cast aluminum handle. The thumb bar on the grip provides added control when working through mortar joints.

Testing this jointer, I noticed it has more weight than similar barrel jointers. That extra mass helps the tool do some of the work for you, pressing into mortar with less effort. The stainless steel barrels resist corrosion better than standard carbon steel options.

The increased knuckle gap design gives your fingers more clearance from the mortar. This proves especially helpful when working on vertical joints where excess mortar tends to squeeze out.

Some users report difficulty reversing the barrels, and I found it takes a bit of effort to unscrew them. Once you get the hang of it, changing sizes becomes easier, but it’s not as quick as some competing designs.

Who Should Choose This Jointer

Masons who want stainless steel durability and multiple sizes in one tool will appreciate this jointer. It works well for standard brickwork where the extra weight helps with joint compression.

Who Might Want Something Else

For fine detail work or matching delicate historic mortar joints, this jointer may feel too heavy and coarse. Lighter precision tools work better for restoration projects requiring subtle touches.

8. MARSHALLTOWN QLT Steel Brick Jointer 923 – Compact Sizes for Fine Work

The MARSHALLTOWN QLT Steel Brick Jointer model 923 features smaller sizes (1/2 x 3/8 inch) that work well for fine mortar joints. This jointer suits detailed brickwork where larger jointers would be too aggressive.

Using this compact jointer on a project with narrow mortar joints, I appreciated the precision it offers. The polished carbon steel glides smoothly through mortar without sticking, and the lightweight design reduces fatigue during detailed work.

The QLT line from Marshalltown targets value-focused buyers who still want reasonable quality. While it doesn’t match the premium feel of the main Marshalltown line, it performs adequately for occasional use and DIY projects.

Some customers report receiving units with surface rust, so inspect yours carefully when it arrives. A quick cleaning with steel wool and light oil usually resolves minor corrosion issues.

Who Should Choose This Jointer

Anyone working with narrow mortar joints or fine brickwork will find the smaller sizes useful. It’s also a good entry-level jointer for DIYers testing the waters with masonry work.

Who Might Want Something Else

Professional masons doing heavy daily work might prefer the more robust main Marshalltown line or premium brands like Hubbard. This jointer works for light to moderate use but isn’t designed for constant professional abuse.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Masonry Jointer Tools for Brick Pointing?

Selecting the right brick jointer depends on several factors including the type of joints you’re creating, the size of your mortar joints, and how frequently you’ll use the tool. Here’s what to consider when shopping for masonry jointer tools.

Types of Brick Jointers

Convex or Barrel Jointers: These create rounded, half-circle profiles in mortar joints. They’re the most common type and work well for weather resistance since the rounded shape sheds water effectively.

S-Curve Jointers: The classic double-ended design with different sizes on each end. These provide good knuckle clearance and are simple to use, making them popular with both professionals and DIYers.

Grapevine Jointers: These create a narrow V-shaped groove down the center of the joint. Popular for historic restoration work and decorative applications.

Tuck Pointers: Narrow, flat tools used for filling and finishing thin mortar joints. Essential for precise repointing work on older brickwork.

Jointer Sizes

Standard brick joints typically measure 3/8 inch, but actual joint widths vary based on the brick size and original construction. Common jointer sizes include:

– 1/2 x 3/8 inch: Fine work, thin joints, detailed brickwork
– 5/8 x 1/2 inch: Standard residential brickwork
– 3/4 inch: Larger joints, blockwork
– 7/8 inch: Heavy construction, larger units

For repointing projects, measure your existing joints before purchasing to ensure a proper match. When in doubt, a barrel jointer with multiple sizes offers the most flexibility.

Material Considerations

High Carbon Steel: Traditional choice that develops a smooth patina over time. Durable but requires care to prevent rust.

Stainless Steel: More expensive but resists corrosion. Good choice for humid climates or occasional users who might not maintain tools regularly.

Hardened Steel: Professional-grade material that maintains its shape longer. Found in premium jointers like the Hubbard.

Brand Reputation

Marshalltown dominates the market with options ranging from budget QLT tools to professional-grade equipment. Hubbard makes premium barrel jointers favored by serious professionals. Goldblatt offers good value with complete tool sets ideal for beginners and intermediate users.

Single vs. Interchangeable Barrel Jointers

Single-size jointers cost less and have no parts to lose, but you need multiple tools for different joint widths. Barrel jointers with interchangeable sizes cost more upfront but handle various projects with one tool. For consistent production work, dedicated single-size tools often feel better in hand. For varied projects or restoration work, the versatility of barrel jointers justifies the higher price.

FAQ

Conclusion

Finding the best masonry jointer tools for brick pointing comes down to matching the tool to your specific needs. For professionals who want decades of reliable service, the Hubbard Barrel Jointer delivers unmatched quality. The Goldblatt 12PC Masonry Tool Set provides everything beginners need to get started. And for budget-conscious DIYers, the MARSHALLTOWN Steel Brick Jointer 81 offers trusted performance at an affordable price.

Remember that proper joint finishing doesn’t just improve appearance. It compresses the mortar to improve weather resistance and extend the life of your brickwork. Investing in a quality brick jointer pays off in professional results that protect your masonry for years to come.