Common QuikPoint Drill-Mate Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The QuikPoint Drill-Mate Mortar Gun is one of the fastest ways to tuckpoint brick, lay stone, and fill joints with precision. But like any pro tool, technique matters. Many issues—clogs, uneven flow, mess, slow output—are caused by simple mistakes that are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.

This guide covers the most common mistakes contractors and DIY users make, how they affect performance, and how the Drill-Mate’s smart design (auger system, interchangeable nozzles, and clean-flush components) helps you stay efficient on the job.

1. Mistake: Using Mortar That’s Too Thick or the Wrong Mix

One of the biggest challenges new users face is auger clogging, and the #1 cause is incorrect mortar consistency.

Problem:

• Mortar that’s too thick strains the auger
• Sand-heavy mixes can bind up
• Mortar that isn’t blended well causes clumps
• Using the wrong type of mortar leads to poor flow

Why It Happens: People mix mortar as if they’re laying bricks by hand—but the QuikPoint Drill-Mate works best with a slightly wetter, pumpable mix.

How to Avoid It:

- Use a type N or type S masonry mortar that’s fully blended
- Add water until the mix is smooth and peanut-butter-like
- Screen out large aggregate if you're using site-mixed mortar
- Mix in small batches so it doesn’t dry as you work

How the Drill-Mate Helps: The internal auger is designed to keep mortar moving evenly through the delivery tube. When the mix is right, the auger provides constant pressure and smooth flow—fast, clean, and predictable.

2. Mistake: Using the Wrong Nozzle Size or Incorrect Orientation

Nozzles are your “brush strokes” when tuckpointing—and using the wrong size creates messy joints, wasted mortar, and constant cleanup.

Problem:

• Too large a nozzle → excess mortar spills out
• Too small a nozzle → back-pressure and clogging
• Wrong angle → messy vertical or overhead joints
• Incorrect orientation slows work dramatically

Why It Happens: Users often stick with one nozzle and try to force it to work on every joint profile.

How to Avoid It:

- Match nozzle size to your joint width
- Use narrow nozzles for tight joints, wider ones for stonework
- Rotate the nozzle to match vertical vs. horizontal joint direction
- Practice the motion before applying full flow

How the Drill-Mate Helps: The tool comes with interchangeable nozzles designed for different masonry needs. These snap on easily, reducing downtime and giving precise control for:

• Horizontal joints
• Vertical joints
• Irregular stone gaps
• Deep tuckpointing channels

The right nozzle = clean lines and fast finishing.

3. Mistake: Poor Clean-Up Leading to Hardened Mortar in the Auger or Hopper

If there’s one mistake that causes long-term damage, it's not cleaning the tool properly.

Problem:

• Hardened mortar sticks to the auger blades
• Residue in the hopper restricts flow
• Mortar build-up leads to jams and premature wear
• Eventually the auger may seize entirely

Why It Happens: Users often wait too long after finishing a batch—or assume a quick rinse is enough.

How to Avoid It:

- Clean the unit immediately after each use
- Rinse out the hopper thoroughly
- Remove and clean the auger (takes only a few seconds)
- Flush water through until it runs clean
- Use a small brush for stubborn spots

How the Drill-Mate Helps: The Drill-Mate includes a clean-flush system that lets you run water through the delivery tube and auger. This makes cleanup fast and prevents cement from hardening in hard-to-reach areas.

Good cleanup = longer tool life + smoother flow every time.

Bonus Tips for Best Performance

Here are a few pro tips to make your job even easier:

Keep the Drill Speed Consistent: A steady trigger pull ensures even mortar distribution.

Don’t Overfill the Hopper: Fill halfway so mortar stays fresh and doesn’t weigh down the tool.

Break Up Mortar Clumps Before Loading: A quick pass with a margin trowel prevents surprises inside the auger.

Start and Stop Outside the Joint: This prevents blobs at the beginning and end of runs.

Use Good Drill Torque: More torque = smoother continuous flow.

Why the QuikPoint Drill-Mate Is Built to Minimize These Mistakes

Many tools clog easily or are difficult to adjust. The Drill-Mate is different because it’s engineered with contractor realities in mind:

Powerful Internal Auger: Keeps mortar moving steadily, reducing clogs.

Interchangeable Nozzles: Perfect for customizing joint size and angle.

Quick-Clean Design: Flush the unit fast before mortar hardens.

Durable Construction: Withstands abrasive mortar materials and heavy jobsite use.

Used correctly, the Drill-Mate can cut labor time drastically and produce cleaner, more consistent joints than manual tuckpointing.

Conclusion

Using the QuikPoint Drill-Mate correctly can transform your masonry workflow—but avoiding common mistakes is the key to fast, clean, professional results. By choosing the right mortar consistency, selecting the correct nozzle, and cleaning the unit thoroughly, you can keep the auger running smoothly and extend the tool’s lifespan.

With its auger-driven delivery, interchangeable nozzles, and easy clean-flush system, the Drill-Mate is designed to make those best practices easy—so you get more done with less effort.