ABSTRACT
A bricklayer’s varied kit of tools and equipment must be used correctly and safely, and must be well maintained, in order to produce high-quality brickwork without wasting time and effort. Proprietary irons are obtainable for forming half-round tooled joints and are preferable, but a piece of pipe or hose of suitable diameter, a piece of wood or even a portion of a discarded bucket handle are sometimes used, but beware, a black rubber hose may cause staining of mortars. Soft brushes are suitable for removing ‘crumbs’ of mortar after pointing or jointing. Building sites are dangerous places, and bricklayers’ bodies can be seriously injured. Before starting any piece of work, assess the risks and decide on a method for how the work will be completed. The bricklayer should consciously ‘train his eye’ to estimate bed joint thickness, level and plumb accurately to minimise the adjustment needed upon checking with gauge rod and level.
