Like with any home improvement project, there are tools that contractors need to complete masonry repairs and installations. No matter what kind of installation, from stairs to fireplaces, there are eight essential tools all masonry contractors must have in their arsenal to get any job done. Below are each of the eight popular tools and what they are used for. Having this knowledge will give you peace of mind that the tools they are using will get the job done and not cause harm to any part of your home.

• Brick Trowel – This tool is used to pick up and spread mortar. This mortar is used to hold brick, stone, or other pavers you are using together.
• Gauging Trowel – A gauging trowel is similar to a brick trowel but it is smaller in size comparison. Their distinct rounded nose is ideal for finishing large joints and used a lot fo general patching of mortar.
• Pointing Trowel – A pointing trowel is the smallest trowel in bricklaying and will be used primarily for pointing work.
• Rubber Mallet – When working on a masonry project, there may be times where the material won’t seem to fit properly. To fix this use a rubber mallet to get every piece into place. These mallets are used to knock blocks, slabs, or other heavy masonry materials in place. The rubber head will cause no damage to the surface of your materials while delivering the heavy impact to set the materials in place.
• Brick Hammer – Brick hammers are heavy hammers used to chip away or shape the materials you are using to your liking. The brick can also be used to work in the area you are working on, by using the hammer to break up ground before laying your masonry.
• Brick Jointer – Joint are integral components of masonry work, especially wall work. Joints also form part of the design of a masonry project. A jointer is used for new pointing, and the different thicknesses of a jointer can allow for different joint depths.
• String Line and Line Pins – One of the most important tools a masonry contractor can have for a job is a string line and line pins. A string line enables bricks to be laid at an even level and ensure they will be straight. The string line is held in place with line pins or blocks. The line is tied between the pins to form a guideline to show the contractor where to go with their laying and to make sure everything is uniform.
• Line Blocks – One-way masonry contractors use to position guidelines in place is using line blocks. A continuous slot at one end of the block holds the string in place, while the shorter arm of the L-shaped tools lips around the end of the wall holding it in place.

If you have any other questions on other masonry tools used, or about any of our masonry services please give us a call!