Any masonry project can be done yourself as long as you go slow, get advice from experts, and have the right tools. Here are some of the basic masonry tools you should have before beginning any concrete, stone, or brick building project.
A brick hammer (AKA a Mason’s Hammer) is not like your standard, everyday-use hammer. It is a blunt, square-tipped hammer designed specifically for breaking rock, brick, and concrete. The other side is thin and chisel-like, designed for chipping away, or scoring small areas of stone, brick, or concrete for more accurate breaks.
This is a flat-nosed trowel used to place small amounts of mortar into tight spaces. This is the closest thing to a universal all-purpose trowel for all types of masonry projects that you will find.
The name “cold chisel” is a bit deceptive. It is not for use in cold weather, it is used for cutting cold metal. This makes it perfect for cutting stone. These are made of hardened steel with a cutting edge on one side and a large handle designed to protect your hands when pounding the chisel with a large ball-peen hammer.
These levels are standard levels that are at least four feet long and are specifically designed for providing accurate readings for masonry projects.
Wire brushes are used to scrape away chips of rock and concrete that get in your work area. You often need this stiff of a brush to rip away old debris in order to make a concrete repair.
A pointing trowel (AKA a jointer) is trowel used for more detailed masonry work, such as “tucking” mortar into the seams of brick and stone construction.
These are standard tape measures that include brick spacing scales on the bottom edge of the tape.
Nothing is more important for a masonry project than a rugged, high-quality wheelbarrow. It is used for so many different things, hauling decorative concrete pavers and brick, mixing mortar and concrete, removing construction waste, and so much more.
Masonry saws are not necessarily “must-haves” for concrete, stone, or brick building projects, but they are definitely nice to have. These saws have a lot of names, concrete saw (consaw for short), road saw, cut-off saw, or quick-cut saw, just to name a few. These range from small hand-held saws to huge walk-behind saws used to cut through asphalt or concrete. They use diamond saw blades in order to cut through stone, brick, concrete, and more. Most of these saws require water to cool the blades because of all the friction and heat generated by the cutting process.
Our manufactured stone experts have provided advice on hundreds of concrete paver, brick and natural stone building projects over the years and know a little something about what is needed to make a project go smoothly. We sell the mortar, cement, and sealer that you need in addition to masonry building materials, so we are well suited to help you out. Give us a call at 407.859.1300, or fill out our handy online order request form to speak to one of our friendly, knowledgeable masonry supply experts today.
The recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases has many people canceling their summer vacations. This provides you with the perfect opportunity to invest the money you would have spent on your trip to start a new brick, stone, or concrete paver masonry project. A DIY project such as a new outdoor fire pit, garden patio, or water feature can boost morale and add value to your property. Give us a call at 407.859.1300 to get started today.
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