Laying monoblock without a "whacker"?

Herzlos

I'm planning on replacing a couple of small gravel paths with some monoblock, because I've got all the materials free / spare, and I figured it'd be easier to keep clean (next to a lawn). There almost no foot-fall on them.

All the guides seem to imply I need to rend a whacker/compactor for the type 1 / sand layers, but I don't really want to do that because I'm likely to be doing the work piecemeal and don't want to pay for multiple hires.

Normally I've just compacted stuff in the past using a rake / fence post, but that's normally been for slabs. Can I get away with doing the same with blocks?

Furts

I did not use a wacker plate on any paths or patios on my home. All were compacted using a hosepipe and watered in, and I also used a hand tamper - a square based one for tarmac finishing. The paving blocks were bedded in semi dry mortar and tapped into place in this with a lump hammer handle. or timber. It has all worked out fine.