Sand jointing - Do you need a rubber wacker pad?

[Rick]

Guys arrived on site 6 weeks ago, for a combined sandstone pation and clay pavior drive.
(very pleased with work so far, just taking a long time)

How important is it to use a rubber pad wacker on clays ? ... is it a necessity ? , will clays be marked without it ?

[Bob_A]

I don't think there is a clear cut answer but this may help.
http://ext.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin....=rubber

[Tony McC]

Paver pads for clays are a good idea but not always critical. A lot depends on the whumph of the pate and the brittleness of the pavers. If you notice more than two or three spalled pavers following initial compaction, then you really do need a pad fitting.