Tools Used by a Mason

Power Saw

• A masonry power saw works well when you have a large amount of bricks or block to cut. Masons should wear safety goggles and avoid wearing loose hanging clothing when operating the power saw. A table saw powered by an electric motor cuts through any form of bricks and blocks and include blades ranging from 14 to 20 inches high.

Steel Square

• Masons use steel squares to assure corners of walls are set at 90-degree angles. A 12-inch steel square helps masons check door and window openings, while a 24-inch steel square verifies and marks corners. In addition, a door or window may mot close properly if the angles are not 90 degrees.

Chalk Line

• Chalk lines help masons align the concrete foundation when laying the block or brick wall. It comes in a plastic or metal case with a cotton rope-like line protruding from one section. The rope line crosses over chalk powder when a mason pulls the line. It device leaves a red or blue mark once the line sits between two points and the mason snaps the line.

Level

• Levels come either with alcohol or oil in vials situated in the middle of the tools. A level is a straight edge that has equally spaced vials in the middle of the tool. Some levels consist of two fluid-filled vials in the middle and two fluid-filled vials toward the ends. It helps masons accurately keep materials evenly horizontal or vertical. The bubble must appear level or straight for an object to be accurately level. You can find levels spanning 16 to 48 inches.

Hammer

• Masons use a hammer to drive nails in materials and for breaking bricks and blocks. Additionally, masons need goggles when using masonry hammers to protect the eyes from flying materials. Additionally, hammers feature a flat, smooth square-like end and a sharp chisel-like end. Achieve a clean cut by applying light blows with the chisel end around the entire brick and apply a hard hit with the hammer sections.