Quarter inch stock for tong reins? I can't believe I was working with that for so long, it feels like a toy compared to the 3/8 inch. The old ones must have been flexing way more than I realized.

Man, I read something similar about that exact problem. It was talking about how our brains trick us into thinking more options mean better work, but really it just freezes you up. Having that one slide rule forces you to make actual choices instead of just collecting stuff forever. It turns a pile of maybes into a real direction. Your method cuts through the noise so you can just start doing the work.

Yeah, @tarahart is right about the drying too fast part. So when you soak them, is there a point where they're too wet and mess up the mix? I mean, I'd worry about the mortar sliding around if the brick is dripping.

Setup woes are the WORST, hang in there!

Oh good, so a permit just means they can afford the fee. So our best hope is someone with a van and good timing?