It’s Time for a Tool Upgrade

Words: Kim HaleyPhotos: Marshalltown Company

Over the years, advancements in technology, materials, and techniques have helped masons work smarter, faster, and more comfortably. Along with these improvements, a new generation of innovative tools has emerged. Today, several upgraded masonry tools are available that can make your job easier, and they deserve a spot in your toolbox.

1.) For Transporting and Carrying Mortar
Every mason uses a mortar board to hold mortar or stucco and to transport materials around the jobsite. In the past, plywood and other wood-based boards were the top choice due to their lower costs; however, they often lacked the quality and durability needed on the job. Wooden boards can leave behind debris and soak up moisture from materials, affecting the quality.

Today, lightweight advanced polymer mortar boards have become the preferred choice among the pros. When choosing the right board, there are four key features to keep in mind.

First, make sure your mortar board can handle a heavy load. A reinforced, heavy-duty board should be able to support up to 150 pounds with little flex — a major benefit with tough jobs. The more durable the board, the better it will stand up to wear and tear from trowels, shovels, and hammers.

Next, you’ll want a mortar board that is UV- and water-resistant for longevity in the warmest temperatures. A UV-resistant polymer board won’t conduct heat, unlike plywood or black colored plastic boards, which absorb heat and dry out the mortar quicker. Dry mortar prevents bricks from sticking together properly. Advanced polymer boards help mortar retain moisture better, extending workability by more than 30 minutes compared to traditional plywood boards.

Finally, choose a board with an integrated, ergonomic handle for easy portability. With a well-designed handle, you can comfortably carry the board around the jobsite and reduce strain.

2.) For Storing and Placing Mason’s Line
To save time and improve convenience when laying brick or block, consider adding a mason’s line winder to your toolbox. This handy tool makes it easy to place mason's line for any bricklaying and blockwork job. For added convenience, choose a winder with a hand crank to easily rewind the line and a storage notch to lock the loose end of the line in place.

A line winder also makes it simple to replace and reload mason’s line during a project. There is nothing worse than starting a job only to find your line tangled and unusable. With a mason’s line winder, you can keep your line neat, organized, and tangle-free when not in use.

3.) For Mixing Mortar
When mixing mortar, you are often exposed to harmful dust that can negatively impact your health. Fortunately, with modern innovations you can invest in a dust collector that allows you to mix mortar more safely and cleanly. When selecting the right one, pay attention to a few key features.

When mixing a smaller amount of mortar within a 5-gallon bucket, look for a dust collector with multiple suction vents to ensure 360-degrees of dust capture. A dust port is also important for compatibility with most standard shop vacuums. For versatility, choose a model with a tapered bottom that fits most standard 5-gallon buckets. An oversized opening is another great feature, making mixing and pouring easier and more efficient.

A quality dust collector will help you reduce dust, save time, and keep your work area cleaner while helping you avoid silica exposure and stay compliant with OSHA standards.

4.) For Building Your Tool Kit
Whether you are just starting out in the masonry trade or feeling overwhelmed by the number of tools available, investing in a masonry tool kit or apprentice tool kit will be a smart move. These kits are designed to equip you with the essential tools needed for a professional finish on any masonry project.

A good masonry kit should include a brick trowel. After all, this is the tool used for spreading mortar and setting bricks or blocks. A pointing trowel comes in handy for filling small cavities and repairing crumbing mortar joints. The margin trowel is useful for detailed work around windows, doors, and in tight corners.

Additionally, a quality kit will include a brick jointer to smooth and compress joints for added durability and visual appeal. Wood line blocks and a mason’s line winder are essential for keeping rows straight and level, which is absolutely required with any quality masonry job. A joint raker helps you neatly clean out mortar joints, especially in restoration projects. Finally, a masonry brush is great for cleaning joints helping to achieve that finished look

Many kits come with a convenient tool bag or carrying case, which is a bonus! Not only does it make it easy to transport everything around the jobsite, but it also keeps your tools organized and protected.

5.) For Fun
Now comes the fun part: customizable masonry tools. Many companies offer customizable options for tools like line pins, line twigs, wood blocks, and more. A customized tool makes a great gift for current or aspiring tradesmen, and it’s also a creative way to promote your company’s logo or slogan.

Whether you've been in the masonry trade for years or are just starting out, having the right tools makes all the difference. With advancements in design and materials, today’s masonry tools are built for efficiency, durability, and comfort so you can get the job done faster, with quality results.

It’s Time for a Tool Upgrade

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