as identified by reference number 40 41 the tapered portions 40 and 41 of the handle 20 serve as a centering guide to visually assist in centering the tool over the expansion joint with reference to fig7 and 8 it will be seen that the outer surfaces of generally parallel flanges 34 35 are structured to engage straight edges positioned exteriorly thereof such as straight edge 44 which has surface 45 in contact with the outer edge of flange 35 as shown in fig7 and straight edge 52 having outer surface 53 in contact with the outer surface of flange 34 fig8 in this manner through the use of at least one such straight edge 44 52 which is positioned generally parallel to the expansion joint and are normally or otherwise restrained against movement the straight edge 44 52 may be a wooden 2 by 4 for example the hand tool may be moved in a straight line with the expansion joint received within channel 36 in a first direction to straighten the expansion joint and reciprocally moving back toward the starting point to further straighten the expansion joint this creates an efficient means of rapidly creating the desired straight configuration for the expansion joint without having to engage in the burdensome prior art practices the tool has a downwardly open expansion joint guide channel 36 which receives the expansion joint 49 this channel is defined by flanges 32 33 of respectively elements 28 29 which are preferably secured to the underside of plate 26 by any.