These are some of the tools most commonly used in the trade of bricklaying. It is essential that all tools are of good quality and are used for the purpose they were intended. Tools should always be kept in pristine condition and thoroughly cleaned after each use:
1. Firstly the Trowel is a Bricklayer’s sidekick and it is used to spread the mortar bed joints onto a wall, as well as buttering cross joints or perps onto bricks and blocks.
2. A Pointing trowel is used for creating a weather struck joint finish on brick or blockwork, patching small holes or filling small gaps with mortar.
3. The Bucket handle jointing bar is used for creating a rounded joint finish on brick or block work referred to as key jointing
4. A Chariot is used for creating a recessed joint finish on brickwork, this is referred to as recessed or square jointing.
5. A Banister brush is used for lightly dusting down brickwork which has been recess jointed. A Banister brush may also be used after key jointing so long as the mortar is dry enough.
6. A Lump hammer is used for breaking blocks or similar items. This is normally used in conjunction with a bolster
7. A Bolster is used for breaking bricks, blocks or similar items. This is always used in conjunction with a brick or lump hammer.
8. Brick hammers are used for breaking bricks and are normally used in conjunction with a bolster. Bricks can be trimmed using the bladed end of the brick hammer.
9. A Skutch hammer is used for breaking bricks – in a similar way to a brick hammer. However, removable combed and toothed ends tend to be more effective on some materials.
10. A Measuring tape is used for taking various measurements (in metric) such as when gauging during wall construction.
11. A Box ruler is used for taking various measurements of a short nature. Usually up to 1 metre. The ruler folds for convenience.
12. Line and pins are used for assisting in keeping the bricks or blocks in a wall true and aligned.
13. Corner blocks are used for holding the line and pins in place during construction. These are usually attached to corner leads.
14. A Boat level is used for levelling and plumbing items of a small nature such as an individual brick.
15. A Spirit level is used for levelling and plumbing of a general nature. This may also be used for ranging.
