Hot take: The new guy on my crew in Phoenix decided to 'speed things up' by mixing the entire mortar bag at once.

We were on a backyard wall job last Tuesday, and he dumped a full 80-pound bag into the mixer without asking. It was over 90 degrees, and by the time we got halfway through laying the first course, the mix was already starting to set up like concrete. I had to stop everything, scrape out the mixer, and we lost about an hour and a half of good morning light. Anyone else had to deal with a rookie mistake that cost you a big chunk of a day?

3 comments

3 Comments

flores.mark20d ago

Honestly, keeping that drum spinning is the only thing that saves you. But even then, tbh, once it starts getting hot and stiff in the truck, you're just fighting a losing battle. I've seen guys try to add a splash of water every few minutes, but all that does is make the whole batch weak and watery in spots. Ngl, the real move is to just cut your losses, dump it, and mix a smaller batch. Trying to save it always wastes more time.

theacooper20d ago

Man, I gotta say I've done that exact thing on purpose in the heat. Sometimes you just need a huge batch ready to go for a long run of block. The trick is to keep the mixer spinning and throw a couple shovels of extra sand in the drum to buy time. Did you try slowing the set with a little more water?

hannahj4920d ago

Yeah that extra sand trick from @theacooper is a lifesaver. Adding more water is a gamble though, it can really mess up the mix strength. Seen too many walls go soft from that. Honestly, keeping the drum spinning is the only real fix when you're stuck waiting on the masons.