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Advancements in technology, materials, and techniques have helped masons work smarter, faster, and more comfortably. Today, a new generation of innovative tools has emerged, designed not just to get the job done, but to make your work easier and more efficient.
If you haven’t refreshed your toolbox in a while, now’s the time. Here are the latest masonry tools that deserve a place in your lineup.
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, like the MARSHALLTOWN Gatorback® Mortar Boards. There are four features that make these boards stand out as a top choice.
Handling Heavy Loads: These reinforced, heavy-duty boards can support up to 150 pounds with little flex — a major benefit for tough jobs. Plus, they are durable enough to withstand the wear and tear from trowels, shovels, and hammers.
UV- and Water-Resistant: 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.
Integrated, Ergonomic Handle: This allows 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, like the MARSHALLTOWN Refillable Mason’s Line Winder.
This tool 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 the Refillable 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. The new MARSHALLTOWN DustPro 360™ stands out for several reasons.
Suction Vents: The DustPro 360™ has 8 suction vents ensuring 360-degrees of dust capture for a cleaner, safer jobsite.
Dust Port: This allows for compatibility with most standard shop vacuums.
Tapered Bottom: The DustPro 360™ fits most standard 5-gallon buckets
Oversized Opening: With an oversized opening, mixing and pouringjust got easier and more efficient.
The quality MARSHALLTOWN DustPro 360™ 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. MARSHALLTOWN’s Bricklayer’s Apprentice Tool Kit is designed to equip you with the essential tools needed for a professional finish on any masonry project.
Brick Trowel: An essential tool used for spreading mortar and setting bricks or blocks.
Pointing Trowel: This tool comes in handy for filling small cavities and repairing crumbing mortar joints.
Margin Trowel: A useful for detailed work around windows, doors, and in tight corners.
Brick Jointer: Smooths and compresses joints for added durability and visual appeal.
Wood Line Blocks & Mason’s Line Winder: Essential tools for keeping rows straight and level, which is absolutely required with any quality masonry job.
Joint Raker: Helps you neatly clean out mortar joints, especially in restoration projects.
Masonry Brush: A great tool ideal for cleaning joints helping to achieve that finished look.
Our Bricklayer’s Apprentice Tool Kit comes with a convenient tool bag, 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 & Branding
Now comes the fun part: customizable masonry tools. At MARSHALLTOWN, we 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.
