Construction & Contractors Blog
Are you looking to upgrade your masonry tools or just curious about the field of masonry? Here's a closer look at some of the most common masonry tools and what they do.
What Is Masonry?
Masonry is a type of art or craft that involves working with stones, bricks, concrete, and other materials to create structures and decorative elements. However, masonry is not a do-it-yourself project. Instead, it is a skilled trade, often passed down from generation to generation. In fact, masonry guilds have existed for centuries, and, like any specialized craft, masonry requires a unique set of tools to get the job done right.
What Are Some Common Masonry Tools?
Some of the most essential masonry tools you'll need include:
Chisels
Chisels are typically made from high-quality steel and come in a variety of shapes. They're used to cut and shape stone or brick into desired shapes. Masons hit the handle end of a chisel with a hammer to drive the sharp end into the stone or brick, effectively breaking up large pieces of stone or brick into smaller ones.
Trowels
A trowel is a flat metal blade with a handle attached to it used for spreading mortar between stones or bricks during construction projects. It can also be used for smoothing surfaces after they have been laid down. There are several types of trowels available, including pointing trowels, margin trowels, and other specialized tools.
Levels
Levels are devices that help masons determine whether or not the surface they're working on is level, which is incredibly important when constructing walls or other structures as it ensures that everything will be even and balanced. The mason needs to make sure each block is level as they place it and each course is level before they move on to the next. Levels come in various sizes depending on the project's scope and the mason's personal preferences.
Brick Hammer
As the name suggests, this tool is specifically designed for working with bricks. The head of the hammer has two faces: a smooth face for tapping down bricks into place and one rough face for removing excess mortar from joints between bricks. A brick hammer is an essential tool for any mason.
Mortarboard
A mortarboard is a flat board used to mix and store mortar. It typically has two parts: a flat surface for mixing and a shallow trough for containing the mortar as you mix it. A mason holds the mortarboard and uses a trowel to mix, distribute, and spread the mortar when laying bricks or stones.
Masonry is a unique craft that requires skill, precision, and the right tools. Whether you're an experienced mason or just getting started in this field, you need to make sure you have these essential masonry tools on hand so you can complete your projects quickly and accurately. In addition, investing in quality tools will save you time and money in the long run.
Contact a masonry contractor to learn more.
Share11 January 2023
