Core tools for the Mason trade

The Mason trade depends on a small set of tools used every day: trowels to spread and shape mortar, levels and plumb tools to keep work straight, and cutting/mixing equipment to handle brick, block, stone, and mortar efficiently. State CTE masonry equipment lists consistently include trowels, hammers, chisels, levels, plumb bobs, masonry saws, grinders, and mortar mixers as standard shop and field tools for masonry training and practice.

For real-world field work, the basics are simple: if a mason cannot place mortar cleanly, verify level and plumb, and cut material safely, the job slows down and the wall suffers. Industry tool guides and training materials repeatedly identify the brick trowel, pointing trowel, mason’s level, line, jointer, hammer, chisel, and mixer as the working kit that matters most.

Must-have hand tools

  • Brick trowel and pointing trowel for laying mortar and finishing joints.
  • Mason’s level, often 24 inches or longer, plus plumb-bob/line tools for checking level and vertical alignment.
  • Brick hammer or mason’s hammer for trimming, tapping, and light shaping.
  • Chisels and jointers for cutting, repair, and joint finishing.
  • Measuring tape, mason’s line, and square for layout and course control.

That hand-tool set is not optional. Masonry is measured in fractions of an inch, and the trade punishes sloppy layout immediately. If the line is off, every course below it is off too.

Power equipment that earns its keep

  • Masonry saws for accurate cutting of brick, block, stone, and pavers.
  • Grinders with masonry blades/discs for trimming, shaping, and cleanup work.
  • Mortar mixers or mixing drills for consistent mortar and grout.
  • Dust extraction and wet-cutting tools to control silica dust on cutting tasks.

These tools matter because masonry work is both physical and repetitive. Cutting and mixing by hand wastes time and increases strain; powered tools improve output and consistency, especially on block, veneer, repair, and restoration work.

Safety is part of the tool list

OSHA treats masonry work as a dust and exposure hazard job, especially where cutting or grinding concrete, brick, or stone creates respirable crystalline silica. OSHA’s construction standard requires exposure control for silica, along with methods such as wet cutting or local exhaust ventilation when feasible.[OSHA] Masonry crews also routinely need eye protection, gloves, hearing protection, and respiratory protection when dust control is not enough.[OSHA]

Why the trade still hires

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, brickmasons and blockmasons had a median annual wage of $58,360 in May 2024, with employment projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034 and about 7,300 openings per year on average.[BLS] That tells you the trade still rewards workers who can do clean, accurate work with the right tools.

For apprentices and new hires, the practical lesson is this: buy quality hand tools first, then add power tools that cut labor time and dust. A mason who owns a dependable trowel, a true level, and the right cutter or mixer is easier to train, faster to trust, and harder to replace.