Glass Block Spacer Univ

I guess as a skilled amateur I could install glass blocks without these, but having used them I would never try. On the ends, near the walls of the opening, I bought a 8' strip of 'plastic' 1/4" molding at one of the big box stores to use as spacers. You can easily cut into 1 inch or so pieces with a razor knife. Cheaper and easier to use on the ends. These work for 4" blocks. The two halves clip together and are adjustable for 3 or 4 inch thick blocks. Some observations, snap off the little squares before the mortar sets up. After you have a couple of rows on top the blocks are set up enough to twist off the squares. Each bag has an instruction booklet. Worth reading One more thought on laying blocks: I built several windows. Two, three and four blocks wide and 8 high. Might be obvious but be careful with what I would call drift. On the first window I got about 1/8"+ of 'lean' at the top. Didn't realize it until I was done. Almost not noticeable , but its there. On the 4 block wide wall, I should had put a string line, About row 4 or 5 I started with a small bow in the middle, about 1/8"+. I fixed it over the next two rows but if you look closely its there. To help things, I started to work each row from the opposite side to the last. Not sure if that helps but should work to minimize bias. Make sure you leave enough space/margin on the edges. I got a bit tight on one window and its a bear to work in the mortar. If you have never worked with glass before, mix the mortar very, very dry, crumbly. There is no place for the water to go so any more wetness will cause all sorts of problems. I used a spray bottle to dampen the mortar when needed. Make sure to get the special mortar. I was able to find bags at a local hardscape wholesaler who sold me what I needed for 1/2 the price the big stores charge. Seems the mortar is not all that available. At least that was my experience. Overall, these clips make the job very doable and the results are impressive. Slow work and I could do only about 3 rows a day to let the lower blocks set up. I learned to let the mortar set very dry before trying to tool it. Don't rush

Worked very well

Nice to work with

These spacers made installing glass block so much easier. Helped keep everything in line and level is important. Great shipping and arrived early.

The pegs that hold the side twist off alignment squares are too short for the thickness of the borders on my 4" blocks. That results in the spacers popping upwards and out of position, and makes the blocks very difficult to align and settle when installing with mortar. I ended up cutting the straight ribbed pieces off and using them as spacers between blocks in the conventional manner.

Very appreciative of the fast delivery on the universal glass block spacers. Was able to work on the project sooner than expected. Spacers adjusted to fit the 4" block perfectly.

Spacers do not fit the older glass 8" blocks. The spacers are too narrow to snap together to work. The return postage (2 bags) got me to come up with the idea to make them work for my blocks. I ended up instead of snapping together, I super glued the two pieces back to back. NOW they fit for the older block dimensions which seem to be 1/16" or wider than the newer blocks. Otherwise good sturdy spacers.

Absolutely necessary for getting blocks mortared in straight.