In masonry work, as in any other kind of project, tools made specifically for the job will be required for certain operations. In other parts of the work, carpentry tools may be used, or perhaps even improvised tools, if you want to take the time and trouble to make them. It is possible to build most of the masonry shown in this book, and to get good results, by using only three or four basic tools, as many thousands of do-it-yourselfers have proved on similar undertakings. Other projects and some of the more ambitious designs in this book may require certain other tools.

The implements most needed are few: a good trowel, a mason's brick hammer, a good level, and a pointing trowel. With these tools you can make do in producing most kinds of masonry work. You will also find the following tools useful when you are able to add them to your collection: a mason's chisel for cutting bricks, a rule (either a folding one or a roll- up tapeline), a ball of mason's line or cord, and a steel framing square such as carpenters use. You will probably want to add a set of jointing tools and perhaps a scutch (a pointed hammer), a pointed mason's chisel, and probably a standard iron cold chisel 1 to l1/4 inches wide. If you are laying up a wall, you will need a plumb bob to make sure that the wall is kept vertical.

The trowels you'll need are of the two above mentioned types: a large one with a pointed, somewhat flexible blade about 10 to 12 inches long for use with mortar when you are laying bricks or blocks; and a smaller one called a pointing trowel with a 4- to 6-inch blade, which is most useful when pointing up joints in constricted space and for various other small jobs. Both should have the handle shank brazed to the trowel blade or made in one piece with the blade, the wooden handle being set firmly on the shank. Good blades are scientifically heat-treated to harden the steel and good handles are made of durable hardwood. (See the sketches of tools in this chapter for types.)