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Whether you’re repairing a brick walkway or building a stone wall, you can tackle many masonry projects with the right set of tools. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you the essential masonry tools for do-it-yourself (DIY) homeowners. We’ve also included a video featuring This Old House expert Mark McCullough and host Kevin O’Connor as they walk you through the toolkit they’ve created for any homeowner looking to take on masonry work at home.
Measurement and Layout Tools
Most DIY projects start with measurements. McCullough suggests that every homeowner have the below tools on hand to measure with precision and accuracy.
Level
Keep your masonry work plumb with a level. You may know that professional masons use extended-length levels, but DIYers will find a torpedo level is just as useful for their projects. These compact levels are affordable, and they let you check levelness in small areas or confined spaces, keeping things uniform throughout.
Mason’s String
A mason’s string, or mason’s line, creates straight lines between two points. The string is usually a sturdy, brightly colored line that provides a precise and straight pathway for your brickwork or stonework. It’s useful because it helps you avoid misalignment or unevenness in any project.
Tape Measure
There’s no way to perform a DIY task without a tape measure. For masonry work, find one that’s durable and has clear, easy-to-read markings. Your tape measure needs to stand up against the tough conditions of a construction site and measure small or expansive dimensions.
Striking Tools
You can’t shape, cut, or put down material without striking tools. They’re the backbone of masonry work, used for both construction and demolition purposes. Here’s what we suggest you keep on hand for your at-home projects.
Brick Hammer
The brick hammer, or mason’s hammer, is two tools in one. It has a flat head for striking and a chisel edge for cutting. It does everything from trimming bricks to breaking up concrete and helps you cut and shape with precision, even in challenging circumstances.
Chisels
McCullough recommends that you include a variety of chisels in your tool kit to fill your masonry needs. There are several sizes of cold or masonry chisels to fit with many joint widths and stone proportions. You might also want to have larger chisels with ergonomic plastic handles that can protect your hands during block cutting or demolition tasks.
Rubber Mallet
The rubber mallet lets you adjust bricks and pavers without causing damage. It’s gentler than a brick hammer, so it works well on projects such as brick walkways laid on sand. This necessary tool allows you to secure bricks without cracking or chipping them.
Trowels and Jointing Tools
Masons use trowels to smooth cement, apply mortar, and dress joints. Homeowners creating their masonry kits might want to include the following trowel types.
Brick Trowel
For a masonry project that uses bricks or stones, you can use a brick trowel. It makes it easier to apply mortar, place bricks, and shape joints. We recommend you use a standard 10-inch trowel because it can fulfill many of a homeowner’s needs.
Finishing Trowel
Finishing trowels help masons smooth and level concrete surfaces, such as patios and walkways. The result produces a refined look whether you’re making a repair or installing something new.
Jointing Tool
A jointing trowel, also called a slicker, smooths and shapes mortar joints. They have curved edges that create a concave joint, so your work looks like it was done by a professional while also protecting the mortar from water damage.
Margin Trowel
Margin trowels are small and have an angled blade. They’re effective for DIY projects, especially if there are tight spaces or corners. You can also use it to fill broader stone joints because it can reach spaces where larger tools may struggle to fit.
Application Tools
One way to make the DIY process a little easier is by using specialized tools to speed up mortar application.
Masonry Grout Bag
A masonry grout bag looks like a pastry bag. Masonry grout bags allow you to apply mortar into joints, especially in hard-to-reach areas. They’re becoming more popular because they’re easy to use and simplify masonry projects.
Mixing Tub
A mixing tub combines water with premixed mortar. Modern premixed options make mixing even easier by eliminating separate sand and cement blending. All you have to do is add water, then mix and proceed, which helps you to prepare for application.
Cleanup Tools
Cleanup is part of every DIY project. There are a few tools you can use to clean up after masonry work. The following items will help you maintain a clean workspace and enhance your projects.
Hard-Bristle Brush
A stiff-bristled brush removes debris and excess mortar from floors and expanses. By cleaning these areas, not only will your project have a professional appearance, but it will also provide your project with structural integrity.
Soft-Bristle Brush
Softer brushes work on delicate surfaces. They’ll help you remove fine mortar residue and dust without scratching the exterior, giving your masonry a polished finish.
Mason’s Sponge
A sponge helps you achieve a refined and professional look by smoothing out imperfections and leaving a clean surface.
Safety Equipment
Practicing safety precautions will help you to avoid injuries when you work with masonry tools and materials. Here are some we recommend you include in your tool kit.
Dust Mask
Inhaling dust during masonry projects is harmful. To avoid particles from entering your lungs, wearing a dust mask can protect you against all the fine powder generated from cutting, mixing, and other tasks.
Safety Glasses
A lot of debris can fly around during masonry work. Protect your eyes with safety glasses to stop dust and chips from hurting you and causing eye injuries.
Work Gloves
Although you might find it easier to work without them, we recommend you have a pair of work gloves in your toolkit. They protect your hands from rough surfaces and sharp edges and cover your hands as you work with caustic materials.
Power Tools for Masonry Projects
Now that we’ve covered the traditional hand tools McCullough recommends for your masonry tool kit, we’ll go over the power tools that can help you speed up projects and make your work more precise and efficient.
Angle Grinder
An angle grinder cuts, grinds, and polishes masonry materials. Grinders are especially useful for projects that require rapid removal or surface preparation. When you use the correct masonry-cutting discs, it cuts stone and concrete pretty easily.
Hammer Drill
A hammer drill provides the strength you need when you’re working with concrete or tougher materials. Thanks to its powerful hammering action, you can drill holes for anchors or other fixtures with ease. Since it works so well with hardened material, many masons use it to complete more demanding masonry tasks.
Wet Saw
A wet saw has a water-cooled blade that limits the amount of dust produced during cuts. It offers clean cuts during the precision cutting of stone or tiles.