Odds are you’ve done a little work around your house; but have you been using the right masonry tools for the job? Requisite tools don’t exactly fall under the realm of common knowledge. Fortunately, the experts at Hamilton Rental Center in Hamilton, Ohio have put together this handy beginner’s guide to bring you up to speed. 

5 Must-Have Masonry Tools for Your Tool Box

1. Trowel

The trowel is a flat, often diamond-shaped, shovel-style tool that’s used to load, spread, and scrape mortar over a surface before fitting a stone on top. Types can vary based on the work you’re looking to do — a garden vs. a bricklayer trowel, for instance — so check with a professional when in doubt.

2. Mason’s Hammer

A mason’s hammer closely resembles a traditional hammer in that one side of its head is flat and used for hammering nails. But unlike a traditional hammer, the other end of that head is sharp, pointed, and has a tempered steel construction. This tool is perfect for chiseling small stones that require jagged edges. 

3. Blocking Chisel

To produce clean edges when cutting stone, you’ll need to have a blocking chisel handy. Its weight, size, and steel construction make it ideal for controlled stone cutting. 

4. Mashing Hammer

To prevent steel splinters from flying back into your face, avoid striking your blocking chisel with a mason’s hammer. Instead, opt for a forged steel, mallet-like mashing hammer. It’s just the masonry tool you need for safe, clean cut chiseling,

5. Level

Indispensable, and often overlooked, the level is one of the most important tools in any mason’s box. As you lay the bricks or stones, place the level on top to ensure your structure is straight and set at the true horizontal (also known as the “horizon”). 

Before you take on that backyard brickwork, know what tools you need. Whether you’re looking to buy or rent, the knowledgeable team at Hamilton Rental Center will advise you about the best masonry tools to use and stock you with the right supplies. Call (513) 868-8665 today to learn about their equipment rental specials or visit their website to see their full line of tool rental options.