In 2002, three individuals were repointing a 200-year-old farm building. They had invested in a mechanical electric-powered pointing tool, which doubled their pointing rate when it worked. However, it frequently malfunctioned: stones would block the auger, drills burned out, bearings wore out, and the auger itself degraded. Despite these issues, they recognized the potential of mechanical pointing for profitability and sought a better solution.
They aimed to eliminate breakdown causes by creating a simple tool with minimal moving parts. Manual "mastic gun" approaches were tried but discarded due to wrist strain and wear. A pneumatic-powered mastic gun was next, but piston wear and mortar-water separation led to failure. Eventually, they developed a vertical tool where the mortar acted as its own piston, which worked effectively. Thus, the Pnu-Point Pointing Tool was born.
In 2003, Pnu-Point Ltd was founded, patents were obtained, tools were designed, and the first Pnu-Point was sold.
The tool's body is roto-moulded from polyethylene, making it virtually indestructible and easy to clean. The standard lid is injection-moulded PVC, a stiff and strong inert plastic. Nozzles are injection-moulded nylon with stainless steel inserts. Valves are durable, easily purchasable stock items, and fastenings are stainless steel.
All materials and components are selected for durability and longevity, ensuring the Pnu-Point is reliable and long-lived.
The Pnu-Point Tool comes with a set of nozzles, spare gaskets and O-rings, O-ring lubricant, full instructions, all packed in a durable aluminium toolbox. A full year's warranty is offered for customer satisfaction.
The Pnu-Point pressure pointing tool is utilized by:
It's used to point (tuck point) brickwork and stonework of:
An increasingly important application is pointing brick slips for building cladding, both on-site and in factory settings.
The Pnu-Point pointing tool is powered by compressed air. The recommended minimum compressor specifications are:
The compressor must be regulatable down to 2 bar (30 PSI). The Pnu-Point tool comes standard with a 1/4 inch BSP PCI quick-release fitting, with other fittings available upon request.
A compressor meeting these specifications will operate efficiently, ensuring a quiet environment and prolonged tool life.