MASONRY
MASONRY & CONCRETE TOOLS
Masonry and concrete work covers everything from a brick repair to pouring a driveway slab — and most of it shares the same toolkit. The list below leans heavily on hand tools because masonry rewards finesse over force; the powered items at the end (mixer, plate compactor) are big enough to rent for a single weekend rather than buy. If you only spend money on three things, pick the brick trowel, jointer, and a good 4-ft level — those three handle every joint you'll ever set.
Links below are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Picks are based on what tradespeople and serious DIYers actually use.
ESSENTIALBrick trowel (10 or 11 in)
View on Amazon
The standard for spreading mortar beds and buttering ends. London or Philadelphia pattern is preference; the 10" trowel is forgiving for first-timers.
ESSENTIALMortar jointer
View on Amazon
Rounds the joint profile after the mortar firms up — concave is the standard residential look, V-jointer for tighter contemporary lines. A flat slicker covers raked or weather joints.
ESSENTIAL4-ft mason's level
View on Amazon
Levels every course as you set, plumbs the corners, and doubles as a screed for short pours. The yellow Stabila and red Empire are the two pro standards.
Mason's line + line blocks
View on Amazon
Strung between two corner blocks at exact course height — every brick in the field aligns to the line. The single fastest way to keep long walls true.
Magnesium bull float
View on Amazon
Smooths fresh concrete after the screed pass. The 36" or 48" mag float on a bull-float handle reaches the middle of slabs without walking on the pour.
Concrete edger + groover
View on Amazon
Edger rounds the slab perimeter; groover cuts the control joints that keep cracks where you want them (every 8-10 ft on a 4" slab). Both used at the same point in the finishing sequence.
Block trowel (wider than brick trowel)
View on Amazon
Sized for the wider face of CMU coursing — typically 12-14" with a longer heel. A brick trowel works in a pinch but burns extra trips for material.
Mortar mixing paddle + drill
View on Amazon
Mixes 60-80 lb bag at a time with a ½" corded drill. Faster and cleaner than hand-mixing in a wheelbarrow, and produces a more consistent batch.
Rubber paver mallet
View on Amazon
White or non-marking rubber face seats pavers into the bedding sand without chipping the edges. A regular hammer or dead-blow leaves marks you'll see.
Diamond cutoff blade (4½ in)
View on Amazon
Pairs with a 4½" angle grinder for cutting brick, block, paver, stone, and concrete. Wet-cutting with a hose feed cuts dust dramatically — silica is no joke.
Plate compactor (rental friendly)
View on Amazon
Compacts paver base in 2-inch lifts. Buying makes sense for repeat work; renting at $80/day is the right call for a single patio.
Pointing trowel (5 in)
View on Amazon
Narrow trowel for tuckpointing, repairs, and tight joint work where a full brick trowel won't fit. The flexible blade reaches into recessed joints without scraping the brick face.