New masonry products for December 2016

Words: Dan Kamys

Mix It Up With OX Tools’ mix m8

OX Tools
Cranford, N.J.

With its unique “rabbit ear” design, the mix m8 mixing paddle is ideal for mixing small batches. The highly flexible and durable non-porous plastic mixing paddle creates a smooth and consistent mix. The patented mixing system can mix up plaster or other mortar compound including aggregates even with a cordless drill (18v). Working well with both cordless (3/8-inch hex shaft) and corded drills (9/16-inch hex shaft), it is a must-have for jobsites where a cordless drill is the only option.

us.oxtools.com

ToughBox Storage Chest Equipped for Toughest Jobsites

DEWALT
New Britain, Conn.

ToughBox Storage Chest Equipped for Toughest Jobsites
ToughBox Storage Chest Equipped for Toughest Jobsites
The ToughBox Storage Chest is designed to withstand the most demanding jobsites, offering a 2,500-lb. capacity and available in 36-, 42-, 48- and 60-inch models. Constructed from a 16-gauge steel body, a 14-gauge steel floor, and 7-gauge steel skids with four-way skid access, the box has under-lid storage. The expansive bottom area of the box allows for bulk storage of large tools. The ToughBox is compatible with ToughSystem Totes to provide storage in the top portion of the box, aiding organization and portability.

www.dewalt.com

Performance, Beauty and Sustainability for Modern Masonry

Watershed Materials
Napa, Calif.

Performance, Beauty and Sustainability for Modern Masonry
Performance, Beauty and Sustainability for Modern Masonry (Image © Ed Caldwell, www.edwardcaldwell.com)
A new range of Watershed Block uses local materials that celebrate the region of their origin, all produced with the latest in sustainable building materials technology. The Lime White block uses zero cement and offers a bright, glacier-white appearance that emerges from lime and white clay. The Stanford block is inspired by the rich, reddish-brown sandstone beneath the Stanford University campus. The sunrise hue of the Sweetwater Watershed Block comes from the warm, almost peach tone of its predominant crusher fines. More colors are available.

www.watershedmaterials.com

Long Tapes With Industry’s First Blade Cleaning System

Milwaukee Tool
Milwaukee

Long Tapes With Industry’s First Blade Cleaning System
Long Tapes With Industry’s First Blade Cleaning System
Designed to address common user frustrations with long tapes currently available on the market, new Milwaukee Long Tapes provide ultimate durability and accuracy. The industry-first, patent-pending Grime Guard blade cleaning system features a wiper that keeps dirt, mud, and other jobsite contaminants out of the housing and internal components of the long tape as it is reeled in – providing a much longer tool life. A proprietary blade manufacturing process also combines a steel blade with extruded nylon coating.

www.milwaukeetool.com

New Line of 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Tools

Makita
La Mirada, Calif.

New Line of 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Tools
New Line of 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless Tools
Makita has created a new class in cordless tools with the release of 18V LXT Sub-Compact Brushless. The line includes the most compact and lightest weight tools in the 18V category, giving contractors the size and handling of a 12-volt tool with the performance, power and compatibility of 18 volts. Both the new 18V Sub-Compact driver-drill and impact driver feature brushless motors that run contact-free and are engineered for up to 50 percent longer runtime, increased power and speed, and longer tool life.

www.makitatools.com

PERM-A-BARRIER Liquid Flashing

GCP Applied Technologies Inc.
Cambridge, Mass.

PERM-A-BARRIER Liquid Flashing
PERM-A-BARRIER Liquid Flashing
PERM-A-BARRIER is an advanced liquid flashing technology created for difficult detail areas and applicator productivity. This fluid-applied flashing protects window and door rough openings from the damaging effects of air and water entry. It creates an air-tight seal equal to traditional sheet-applied flashing and applies and dries at 20 mils, eliminating the need to calculate for water evaporation. PERM-A-BARRIER liquid flashing cures to form a durable, resilient, monolithic and fully bonded elastomeric flashing when applied to existing or new construction.

www.gcpat.com
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic