While many other forms of physical exercise don’t necessitate as many specialised tools as brick and stone laying, bricklaying and stonemasonry are two of the most distinctive forms of construction art. Tools like hammers, trowels, and chisels fall under this group. Here is a list of the equipment you’ll need to become a professional mason and a brief description of its purpose. This data is provided for that purpose. If you’re curious about anything on this list, you can look it up and learn more about it at your own pace.
Different Masonry Materials
Brick Masonry
When it comes to masonry, brick is the most sought material. Bricks have a reputation for being long-lasting and attractive due to their ability to appear excellent even after being used for several decades. Bricks, like blocks, come in a wide range of styles and variations, from the more conventional to the more contemporary. Bricks frequently display serpentine masonry, in which the included lines curve and zigzag rather than running straight. A serpentine pattern can be used to increase the durability of other forms of masonry as well.
Clay, water, sand, and occasionally lime or ash produce bricks. Depending on the type of brick, several materials may be combined and crushed in a steel mould. Bricks are made by placing clay into a very hot kiln after forming. Bricks are handcrafted, making it challenging to match brickwork; hiring an expert is recommended in these situations.
Stone Masonry
Stones can be treated or left naturally to construct masonry out of stone. The sizes and designs available for dressed stone are evolving. Undressed stone, also called rough stone, is laid as ‘rubble masonry,’ which involves assembling a wall ad hoc fashion and creating a less polished appearance. A more genuine or natural aesthetic can be achieved with unfinished stone, which may sound chaotic but produce a beautiful end product.
Concrete Blocks
Concrete blocks are stacked and pressed into place in a staggered pattern, much like bricks. Compared to laying bricks, laying concrete blocks is a significantly more efficient use of time.
For this and other reasons, masonry units made of concrete are often used in construction. They can withstand flames and are less expensive.
Concrete masonry units come in many standard and customised configurations, making them versatile. Concrete blocks are frequently used as the backbone of a masonry structure in constructing schools, workplaces, and homes.
Commonly Used Equipment in Masonry
Trowels
Many sized and shaped trowels have been designed depending on the task at hand. Examples of common trowel kinds include:
Brick trowel
Brick trowels have a blade length of around 18 centimetres and a handle made of either steel or wood. Trowels for laying brick are used to scoop up the motor and distribute it evenly across the following brick course. It’s a classic implement that comes in all sizes and forms. One side of the motorised, snoozing blade from the skillet is flat. The brick-cutting curved edge is specially toughened. Thanks to the slanted handle, Mason’s hand can stay clear of the motor.
Small-size brick trowel
It is a trowel but small; it is about 12.5 cm long and is mainly used to fill joints between bricks.
Margin trowel
Like a pointer, a margin trowel has a rectangular blade, but its head is flat. Plasterers use this tool to apply and smooth material in tight spaces where a standard trowel would be impractical.
Gauging trowel
Plasterers employ the 15- to 20-centimeter-long bladed measuring trowel in the same manner as a margin trowel. Masons prefer it for mixing small amounts of quick-setting plaster.
Angle trowel
The angle trowel blade is 25 millimetres tall and 100 millimetres broad at right angles. Plasterers use this to smooth out the material when plastering in a tight space.
Floats
Wooden float
A mortar liner is a 55 cm long, 12 cm wide hardwood strip with a handle that evenly distributes mortar between bricks throughout the laying process and occasionally during plaster application. You can also have it in smaller dimensions, like 27cm x 12cm. The primary function of floats in trowel preparation is to fill holes, smooth surfaces, and level ridges.
Metal float
Typically measuring 27 cm by 12 cm, the metal float also features a centrally located handle. Its primary function is to coat the plaster with pure cement and complete the application process.
Plumb Bob
A bricklayer’s basic toolkit would only be complete with a plum bob for all work done in the vertical plane. It is typically made of mild steel and has a coating that adds just about 30–40 grammes to the overall weight. The plumb bob is a pointed weight with an attached line of known length stored within the bob and secured in a slot on the top.
Right Angled Scales
The proper angle corner can then be set using this tool. The MS is presented here. It’s a 30cm × 60cm square, with each hand representing about 1 inch of Cms. The corner of the rectangle is laid with bricks using this tool.
Line Dori
Any competent Mason will need this standard equipment. Standard practice calls for a three mm-wide dori line. The coating is made of wax. The nylon line tori, which can range in diameter from 1 mm to 2 mm, is widely used nowadays.
Aluminium Hollow box section
The screenboard creates a level surface in the plastering and site-preparation process. 50mm x 65mm x 1.2m to 1.5m long wooden planks would work. Also utilised is a 1.5-meter long, 65mm x 30mm metal hollow box component. A straight edge is what you’d call this.
Measuring Tape
A meter/foot/centimetre/inch steel tape with graduations. Masons typically use these to gauge the height and width of their work. It comes in lengths of 2, 3, 5, 15, and 30 metres.
Mortar Making Tools
Measuring Box
A wooden or metal container measuring 1 square foot by 1 square foot by 1.25 feet is suitable for this purpose. One bag of cement will be combined with four bags of pharma sand while filling the luggage with raw ingredients (say 1 4).
Mixing Tray
The motor is typically mixed on a sheet of lightweight steel. It’s 2.0 m in length and 1 m across at the helm.
Sand screen
Sand is typically screened using a wire mesh of 0.9 m × 1.2 m, housed in a wooden or angular frame. The mesh used in masonry screens has a diameter of 0.6 millimetres and a density of 10 wires per square inch.
A screen with 0.3mm-diameter wire and 24×24-wires-per-inch-square is ideal for plastering.
Pan
An Iron Pan 40cm in diameter is used to transport the motor. The same holds for the speed at which things are mixed. Mix one pan of cement with four pots of sand if using a 1:4 mortar mix.
Shower
It is the standard implement for making mortar and filling moulds.
Bucket
Typically, a ten-litre iron bucket is used to mix water into the mortar.
Drum:
The water is stored in an M.S. drum with a capacity of 200 litres. These days, you can also find PVC storage containers.
Garden Shower
The figure depicts a cluster of eight to ten 8 mm M.S. bars of 550 mm length wires, with the wires bent at right angles at both ends. Apply concrete to the desired thickness over a large area quickly and efficiently.
Levelling Tools
In the workplace, these instruments are utilised to establish appropriate parameters.
Spirit level
This is the most crucial instrument you can use if you want to know how much the bubble moves between two surfaces. The tile industry typically employs this device for sizing tiles.
It is usually 30 cm long.
Any level’s vial is its most vital component. Glass or plastic tubes in the shape of a curve or barrel could contain oil, alcohol, or chloroform. An air bubble rises to the surface in the middle of the liquid between the two lines. The bubble will be centred between the two lines whenever the condition is met.
Level Tube
A translucent PVC tube of 8-10m in length and 6mm in diameter is used to see how high the water is. The water remains at the same level and is used to doing tasks at that level.
Finishing Tools
The likes of Sponge and these instruments are employed for final touches.
Sponge
A square of the sponge measuring 12.5 by 10 centimetres is utilised for a sand-coated plaster finish. The area will appear like fine sand after two or three passes with this sponge.
M.S. Corners
Miniature MS sheets measuring around 12.5 cm in length are used to smooth the plaster around door and window frames and in wall corners.
Cove Corner
Like a metal float, the cove’s corner is straight, but the rectangular blade curves outward throughout the breadth. Sometimes, between ceilings and walls, decorative plaster trim has a curved inside that is utilised to smooth out.
Finishing Trowel
Its handle is on one side of this floating trowel, which is wide and flat. Use as a tray to carry heavy loads of mortar or plaster, and give it a final smoothing pass before it is utilised.
Brushes
To clean surfaces and complete the job, a mason should have at least two different brushes, one 25mm wide and the other 75mm wide.
Cutting Tools
These implements are perfect for light chopping and chipping jobs.
Chisel and Hammer
There are many different hammers and chisels on the market, but a bricklayer needs hammers weighing 1 and 4 pounds for demolition work and 10 and 20 centimetres, respectively.
Pointed hammer
When cutting the concrete surfaces of columns, beams, or slabs before plastering, this tool resembles a hammer but has sharp edges on both sides. For some, the ability to hack deeply is a strong suit.
Tile cutter
The most basic tile cutter comprises a 20cm long steel shaft with a square cross-section and a sharp tungsten carbide tip. It’s for making a line on the top of a ceramic tile’s glaze so you can break it off cleanly.
Portable Circular saw
It’s hard to overstate the usefulness of a portable circular saw. Although it was originally designed for use with wood, it may also be outfitted with tile-cutting blades for use with ceramic and other tile materials.
Preventative Maintenance For Tools And Equipment
Tools and equipment need regular upkeep to perform well and last as long as possible while protecting workers. Here are some tips for keeping your tools and machinery in tip-top shape.
Organise It Right
Protecting equipment from the elements, damage, and theft is essential to proper storage. Keeping metal tools dry is essential to keep them in good condition.
It will be crucial to have a cabinet for securing these tools and equipment. Greasing, lubricating, or oiling metal tools and equipment is also important for preventing rust and maintaining the items in top working order for future uses.
Correctly Using Tools and Equipment
A tool can be kept in prime condition by using it for the work it was designed for. The user is shielded from harm, and unneeded damage is mitigated. Before utilising any equipment, make sure it is in good working order.
Cleaning After Use
If you put unclean tools in storage without cleaning them, they may rust. Preventing rust and delaying wear and tear can be achieved through consistent cleaning.
Routinely Check Your Equipment
Inspecting tools regularly is helpful since it lets you know if anything is broken or needs to be replaced. A last-minute journey to the hardware shop to pick up a missing tool or replacement parts can be avoided with the help of inspections.
Conclusion
Brick and stone masonry are two distinct forms of construction art that require specialized tools like hammers, trowels, and chisels. Bricks are the most sought-after material due to their long-lasting and attractive appearance. They come in various styles and variations, including serpentine masonry, which can be used to increase durability. Stone masonry is another popular choice, with various sizes and designs available. Undressed stone, also known as rough stone, is laid as ‘rubble masonry,’ creating a less polished appearance. Concrete blocks are stacked and pressed into place in a staggered pattern, making them more efficient and cost-effective.
Common used equipment in masonry includes brick trowels, small-size brick trowels, margin trowels, gauge trowels, angle trowels, floats, plumb bobs, right angled scales, line toris, and aluminum hollow box sections. Brick trowels have a blade length of around 18 centimeters and a handle made of either steel or wood. Small-size brick trowels are used to fill joints between bricks. Margin trowels are used to apply and smooth material in tight spaces. Gauging trowels are used for mixing quick-setting plaster. Angle trowels are used to smooth out material when plastering in tight spaces. Plasterers use various floats, such as wooden floats, metal floats, plumb bobs, right angled scales, line toris, and aluminum hollow box sections.
Masons use various tools and equipment for their work, including measuring tape, mortar making tools, mixing trays, sand screens, pans, showers, buckets, drums, and garden showers. Leveling tools are essential for establishing appropriate parameters in the workplace, such as the spirit level and level tube.
Finishing tools include sponges, M.S. corners, cove corners, finishing trowels, brushes, and cutting tools. Sponges are used for sand-coated plaster finishes, while M.S. corners smooth plaster around door and window frames and in wall corners. Cove corners have a rectangular blade that curves outward throughout the breadth, while finishing trowels carry heavy loads of mortar or plaster and give it a final smoothing pass before use.
Cutting tools are perfect for light chopping and chipping jobs, with chisels and hammers weighing 1 and 4 pounds for demolition work and 10 and 20 centimeters for concrete surfaces. Pointed hammers are used for cutting concrete surfaces before plastering. Tile cutters have a 20cm long steel shaft with a square cross-section and a sharp tungsten carbide tip. Portable circular saws are useful for cutting tiles and other materials.
Preventative maintenance for tools and equipment is crucial for their performance and longevity. Proper organization, proper usage, consistent cleaning after use, and regular inspections can help prevent rust and delaying wear and tear. Regular inspections can also help identify any broken or needing replacement parts, avoiding last-minute trips to the hardware store.
Content Summary:
- While many other forms of physical exercise don’t necessitate as many specialised tools as brick and stone laying, bricklaying and stonemasonry are two of the most distinctive forms of construction art.
- Here is a list of the equipment you’ll need to become a professional mason and a brief description of its purpose.
- When it comes to masonry, brick is the most sought material.
- A serpentine pattern can be used to increase the durability of other forms of masonry as well.
- Stones can be treated or left naturally to construct masonry out of stone.
- Compared to laying bricks, laying concrete blocks is a significantly more efficient use of time.
- Many sized and shaped trowels have been designed depending on the task at hand.
- It’s a classic implement that comes in all sizes and forms.
- Small-size brick trowel It is a trowel but small; it is about 12.5 cm long and is mainly used to fill joints between bricks.
- Margin trowel Like a pointer, a margin trowel has a rectangular blade, but its head is flat.
- The angle trowel blade is 25 millimetres tall and 100 millimetres broad at right angles.
- Plasterers use this to smooth out the material when plastering in a tight space.
- A mortar liner is a 55 cm long, 12 cm wide hardwood strip with a handle that evenly distributes mortar between bricks throughout the laying process and occasionally during plaster application.
- The corner of the rectangle is laid with bricks using this tool.
- Any competent Mason will need this standard equipment.
- Standard practice calls for a three mm-wide dori line.
- The nylon line tori, which can range in diameter from 1 mm to 2 mm, is widely used nowadays.
- The screenboard creates a level surface in the plastering and site-preparation process.
- Also utilised is a 1.5-meter long, 65mm x 30mm metal hollow box component.
- The motor is typically mixed on a sheet of lightweight steel.
- It’s 2.0 m in length and 1 m across at the helm.
- Pan 40cm in diameter is used to transport the motor.
- Mix one pan of cement with four pots of sand if using a 1:4 mortar mix.
- In the workplace, these instruments are utilised to establish appropriate parameters.
- This is the most crucial instrument you can use if you want to know how much the bubble moves between two surfaces.
- An air bubble rises to the surface in the middle of the liquid between the two lines.
- The bubble will be centred between the two lines whenever the condition is met.
- A translucent PVC tube of 8-10m in length and 6mm in diameter is used to see how high the water is.
- The water remains at the same level and is used to doing tasks at that level.
- The likes of Sponge and these instruments are employed for final touches.
- A square of the sponge measuring 12.5 by 10 centimetres is utilised for a sand-coated plaster finish.
- MS sheets measuring around 12.5 cm in length are used to smooth the plaster around door and window frames and in wall corners.
- Use as a tray to carry heavy loads of mortar or plaster, and give it a final smoothing pass before it is utilised.
- To clean surfaces and complete the job, a mason should have at least two different brushes, one 25mm wide and the other 75mm wide.
- There are many different hammers and chisels on the market, but a bricklayer needs hammers weighing 1 and 4 pounds for demolition work and 10 and 20 centimetres, respectively.
- The most basic tile cutter comprises a 20cm long steel shaft with a square cross-section and a sharp tungsten carbide tip.
- It’s for making a line on the top of a ceramic tile’s glaze so you can break it off cleanly.
- It’s hard to overstate the usefulness of a portable circular saw.
- Although it was originally designed for use with wood, it may also be outfitted with tile-cutting blades for use with ceramic and other tile materials.
- Here are some tips for keeping your tools and machinery in tip-top shape.
- Protecting equipment from the elements, damage, and theft is essential to proper storage.
- Keeping metal tools dry is essential to keep them in good condition.
- It will be crucial to have a cabinet for securing these tools and equipment.
- Greasing, lubricating, or oiling metal tools and equipment is also important for preventing rust and maintaining the items in top working order for future uses.
- Before utilising any equipment, make sure it is in good working order.
FAQs About Masonry
Are Power Tools Commonly Used In Masonry Work?
Yes, power tools like angle grinders with diamond blades, masonry saws, and rotary hammers are commonly used for cutting, shaping, and drilling into hard materials like stone and concrete.
What Is The Purpose Of A Mortar Mixer?
A mortar mixer is a machine used to mix large batches of mortar or concrete efficiently. It ensures a consistent blend of ingredients and saves time compared to manual mixing.
How Does A Masonry Saw Differ From Other Saws?
A masonry saw has a diamond-tipped blade designed to cut through hard materials like stone, brick, and concrete. It produces clean and precise cuts, often used for shaping and resizing.
What Is A Pointing Trowel Used For?
A pointing trowel is a smaller trowel with a pointed blade used for applying and smoothing mortar into tight spaces and for finishing small areas such as corners and edges.
How Is A Bricklayer’s Line Used In Masonry?
A bricklayer’s line, also called a mason’s line, is a string stretched between two points to ensure that the brickwork is laid in a straight line. It helps maintain alignment and consistency as bricks are set.