DIY Network

I need to cut out and repoint mortar joints in my front steps. I know the procedure except for the best way to cut out the old cracked joints. I was going to buy a Milwaukee grinder. I'm looking for advice on the best diamond cutting blade and optimum grinder speed. TIA.

I think your way over thinking this one. All you need is a 4-1/2" right angle grinder and a diamond blade to do the cutting. There is no adjustments on the speed.
You should wear a face shield and dust mask also.
I use a morter bag to refill the joints. (it looks like a pastry bag.) In the concrete area they also sell a tuck pointing tool so you do not have to use your finger to do the joints.

i'm w/joey altho you may not have the best experience using the grout bag,,, rent the grinder & buy a tuckpoint dia blade (.250"),,, for high work we'd usually use hawks & pointing tools.

I've started on this project finally. I picked up a Milwaukee 6148 grinder and an MK-799DT 4" x .250" segmented dry blade. I am impressed with this blade. But there are spots near corners that I cannot reach with the blade. Where the pavers meet walls, the grinder and blade cannot reach. Where verticle joints in the risers meet the treads, there is no way to get the diamond blade in there to cut the joint out.

I was wondering what the best choice would be for these areas. I tried a brick chisel, but the mortar is pretty hard, so it's slow going. I tried the hammer drill with a masony bit. That is pretty slow going too.

If the mortar is that firm then it should be left alone. Only remove the loose areas.

If you ahve loose or cracked morter in the corners, use a 1" mason's chisel.