Best Masonry Tools for Every Job

Whether you’re a mason, a bricklayer or just an active homeowner who wants to do a bit of masonry around the house, you need a set of the best masonry tools to get you where you need to, in the most efficient way possible. That’s why it’s crucial to look for the right types of tools.

As you know, having the correct tools for cutting, shaping, measuring, and laying masonry materials can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll go through some of the high-rank masonry tools for anyone and any masonry work out there, like some of the best masonry tools for brick and bricklaying as well as other niche occupations. Throughout the article, you’ll find different categories for every part of the task, from cutting and laying to cleanup. Feel free to jump between the sections to find what best suits you and your type of tasks.

Throughout the guide, you’ll see asterisks (*) here and there, they’re not random! The asterisk suggests a tool is an essential tool for anyone wanting to start doing masonry tasks. So, if you’re looking for a beginner’s list, here you can also find a list of top masonry tools for every beginner!

Cutting and Shaping Tools

The very first and basic step of every masonry task is cutting and shaping! They’re the backbone of masonry and perfect for both construction and demolition tasks. That’s why having a set of quality masonry tools goes a long way in this category. Here is a list of some of the most used masonrytoolstohelp you cut bricks, stones and concrete.

*Brick Hammer / Mason’s Hammer

A brick hammer is one of the first things a mason will need. It can do two things: striking with the flat head and cutting with the chisel part. It’s such a reliable tool since it’ll help you do a number of things like trimming bricks or breaking up concrete.

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*Masonry Chisels

Chisels are one of those tools you can’t have too many of! There are so many different sizes and shapes for your specific needs and you need to have them in your tool bag if you’ll be cutting into bricks or stones!

*Power Saw

This might be a bit pricier than the previous must-haves, but it sure is worth it in the long run. High-powered saws are great for cutting concrete, stone and bricks. If you see yourself in need of one, don’t contemplate it; just get your hands on a good brand and you’re set for a long time.

*Angle Grinder

Another must to help you get perfect results when cutting concrete, bricks and stone. Just like the power saw, an angle grinder, too, is one of the best masonry tools out there for beginners as well as professionals.

*Hammer Drill

Another great investment is the hammer drill. This is a powerful tool for when you need to break through tough materials like concrete.

More Professional Tools

·         Bolsters

Wide-blade chisels that are used for cutting bricks and blocks cleanly.

·         Club Hammer

A small heavy hammer used with chisels for controlled cutting.

·         Combi Hammer

A versatile tool combining hammering and drilling functions.

·         Concrete Planer

Used to smooth rough concrete surfaces.

Mixing & Application Tools

An important aspect of doing masonry work is the adhesive: mortar! You need these tools to be able to do all the mixing, applying and shaping of mortar.

*Brick Trowel / Mason’s Trowel

Essential for spreading mortar and laying bricks evenly. You can also use the trowels that have an edge to cut through some materials in case you need to! This specific type of trowel is the best and most versatile type of all brick setting tools. You can do so much with just one of these, from scooping and applying mortar to pacing bricks, shaping joints and even cleaning up the excess mortar.

*Rubber Mallet / Rubber Hammer

Another classic is the rubber mallet. It’s especially essential for brick walkways that are on sand. You can pick up the brick that has settled, add some sand and use this mallet with just a few taps and you’re good to go! It doesn’t crack or chip your bricks and is a safe way to adjust pavers without causing any damage to them.

*Margin Trowel

A margin trowel is a slim, rectangular-bladed tool that’s a must-have for applying and spreading mortar in tight spaces. Unlike a brick trowel, it’s not for scooping large amounts of mortar but rather for precision work: Getting into narrow joints, filling small gaps, ensuring a smooth finish, etc. If you’re working with stone veneer or delicate brickwork where control matters, a margin trowel is your best bet. It’s also great for scraping excess mortar and keeping your workspace clean as you go. That’s why every mason, beginner or pro, should have at least one in their toolkit!

More Professional Tools

·         Concrete Mixer

A powered machine for large-scale mixing of concrete.

·         Concrete Mixing Bowls

Used for small-scale mixing and testing of concrete.

·         Mixing Hoe & Bucket

For manually mixing mortar or concrete.

·        ·         Mortar Board

Provides a surface for holding and mixing mortar.

·         Mortar Pan

Holds mixed mortar for easy access.

·         Mortar Spikes

Used to aerate and mix mortar effectively. It’s essential for applying and spreading mortar when laying bricks.

·         Bucket Trowel

Used for scooping and placing mortar onto surfaces.

·         Pointing Trowel

A small, narrow trowel used for filling and finishing joints.

·         Tuck Pointer

Designed for fine and detailed mortar application in brick joints.

·         Float

Used for smoothing and leveling plaster or mortar.

·        Mortar Mixer (Electric or Gas-powered)

A must-have for large projects. A dedicated mixer for efficiently preparing mortar, ideal for large projects requiring consistent mixing.

Measuring & Layout Tools

An undeniably inseparable part of masonry is having accurate measurements. There are different tools as for how you’ll do the measurements throughout the process, and some of them are absolutely essential.

*Measuring Tape / Masonry Ruler

A simple measuring tape is essential for almost every DIY task and is one of the top masonry tools, and masonry tasks are no exception. It has measurements like a regular ruler and the brick-spacing rule to help masons mark courses when laying bricks.

Since a tape measure will be important all the way through a masonry project, make sure you get one of high quality. It needs to last in tough conditions and not leave you when you need it most!

* Mason’s Line / Mason’s String / String Line + Line Block

Another one of the high-rank masonry tools, the mason’s line is used to keep brick and block walls straight and aligned as you keep building them. You’ll find yourself in need of a line block too, as they’ll get a hold of the string line along and close to the bricks.

*Levels

There are different types of levels for any masonry task you might have! Here are some of the most useful of the lot and their use cases. Choose wisely, as you’ll need a level at any level! (Sorry, it was right there!)

• Torpedo Level: Less practical for professionals but great for homeowners.
• Bubble Level: Another tool for checking level alignment, often used in smaller applications.
• Laser Level: Provides highly accurate leveling and alignment.
• Spirit Level: This type of level can be used along the way while you’re laying bricks on bricks to make sure your wall is level and plumb.

More Professional Tools

·         Masonry Square

Helps ensure perfect right angles in masonry layouts.

• Chalk Line

Used for marking straight lines on masonry surfaces.

• Plumb Bob

Ensures vertical alignment in bricklaying and wall construction.

• Straight Edge

Helps in checking the flatness of surfaces and aligning bricks.

• Line Pins

Used with string lines to maintain straight masonry courses.

Jointing & Finishing Tools

These tools help shape and finish mortar joints for a polished look.

*Finishing Trowel

Finishing trowels help repair concrete work around the house. You can use it to smooth and level surfaces like walkways or patios.

*Jointers

This is a general term for tools used in shaping mortar joints; like a Brick Jointer. It creates smooth, uniform mortar joints for a professional finish.

It’s better to grab a jointer that has a slicker at its end, so you can use it to slick and seal up the edges after your work is done! A tool like that is called a jointing trowel. With the help of their curved edges, you can create a concave joint, and make your work look like it was done by a professional.

*Tuck Pointer

An important tool for repairing and maintaining mortar joints. You can use it to fill gaps or smooth out for a more coherent finish.

Cleanup Tools

The very last step of every masonry task is the cleanup process. Here are the necessary tools for creating the perfect clean finish on your walls and masonry work.

*Masonry Brush

This brush is used for cleaning dust and debris as well as excess mortar from masonry surfaces. You can find brushes with different bristle types; hard-bristle brushes are great for the floor and the softer brushes are for the final brickwork cleanup and wiping up the pesky snots!

*Mason’s Sponge

You can’t go wrong with a sponge! Sponges are easy and super helpful when it comes to cleaning up after you’re done. They smooth out imperfections and help you get the most polished results.

Safety & Support Tools

Masonry work requires tools to ensure safety and stability while working.

*Masonry Gloves

Protect hands from rough surfaces, sharp edges, and chemicals.

*Dust Mask and Safety Glasses

Essential for protecting against airborne dust, debris, and flying particles.

*Clamps

Holds masonry pieces in place for precision work.

More Professional Tools

·         Scaffolding and Work Platform

Provides a stable and safe working height for large masonry projects.

·         Brick Hod

A carrying tool for transporting bricks and mortar efficiently.

·         Dutch Pins

Used for securing and aligning brickwork.

·         Toolbox

Essential for organizing and carrying masonry tools.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Masonry Tools

If you’re looking to buy quality masonry tools, consider the following factors.

Material & Durability

Material plays a great role in, not all, but most professional masonry tools. Look for forged steel tools for cutting and stainless steel for trowels to ensure longevity. And as for other tools like measurement tools, you can’t go wrong with a renowned brand like Makita, DeWalt or Ronix in case you’re in need of high-quality products but have a limited budget.

Ergonomics & Comfort

When you are investing in tools, make sure you look for ergonomics as well as practicality and other criteria. You’ll be using your tools constantly and if they’re not comfortable, you’ll face issues and further costs along the way.

Budget vs. Quality

It goes without saying that premium tools offer more. They are more durable and efficient which makes them great for professionals. But if you’re a homeowner who’ll be using the tools less frequently, or you’re a DIYer just getting started, budget options are the best way to go. And you can always opt for affordable brands like Ryobi or Ronix that offer solid quality at competitive prices.

Best Masonry Tools Brands

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you know what tools are a must for every mason or bricklayer, and which tools are less of a necessity and more of a future-proof investment. One last tip would be to take care of your tools, whatever they are! It’s important to keep them clean so they’ll last longer and give you more sleek finishes. Apart from taking care of your masonry tools, make sure you have a set of safety tools for your own sake too! And finally, have fun paving the way or creating masonry works of art!