Im having some trouble getting mortar to stick to the ends of some 8x8x16 blocks Im lying. Anyone have a tip or trick to make this easier? The blocks have been stored inside and are dry. Maybe I don’t have the water mix right? I’m using the ready mix, Quikrete.


redfinger999

You definately need good (sticky) mortar, but also make it easier by standing the block on end (mortar wont fall off) . Grab some mortar on your trowel and tap the base of the trowel on the block, or just give it a shake. This will settle the mortar on the trowel and make the surface wetter (stickier-shinier). Now wipe the mortar down the end-side of the block at near vertical. Next place your trowel at the top of the pyramid shaped mortar and push it down and towards the centre of block to make it stick.
Now you can lift the block and (hopefully) the mortar wont fall off. But BE CAREFULL. It took me about a week to learn how to do it, and I've spent over 30 years trying to forget.