The Art Of Bricklaying: 8 Essential Tools For The Modern Bricklayer

Bricklaying is a skilled trade that relies on precision, consistency, and the right equipment. Whether you’re working on a small extension or a large-scale build, having the correct bricklaying tools can make all the difference to your efficiency and finish. At CES Hire, we’ve spent over 40 years supporting tradespeople with reliable equipment and practical advice, so we know what really matters on site.

Below, we break down the essential bricklaying tools every modern bricklayer should have in their kit and why each one plays such an important role.

1. Bricklaying Trowel

No bricklayer’s toolkit is complete without a quality bricklaying trowel. This is your go-to tool for spreading mortar, buttering bricks, and achieving consistent bed joints. A well-balanced trowel with a comfortable handle helps reduce fatigue over long days. Look for a hardened steel blade that holds its edge and delivers clean, controlled mortar application. A high-quality trowel is essential for consistent mortar application and clean bed joints. We stock a range of professional trowels designed for durability and comfort on site. 

👉 Bricklaying Trowels – https://ces-hire.com/product-category/hand-tools/bricklaying-tools/

2. Spirit Level / Measuring Tools

Accuracy is everything in bricklaying. A spirit level ensures courses are laid straight, plumb, and level from start to finish. Most bricklayers carry at least two levels- a shorter one for checking individual bricks and a longer level for walls and courses. Reliable levels save time and prevent costly corrections later in the build. A reliable spirit level helps ensure every course is laid straight and plumb, reducing rework and maintaining professional standards throughout the build.

A durable, easy-to-read tape measure ensures accuracy at every stage of the job and helps avoid issues when coordinating with other trades.

👉 Hand Tools & Site Measuring Tools – https://ces-hire.com/product-category/hand-tools/

3. Brick Hammer

A brick hammer is essential for cutting and shaping bricks to size. Whether you’re trimming bricks for closures or tidying up edges, this tool allows for controlled, accurate adjustments. For tougher cuts, many bricklayers also use a club hammer alongside a bolster chisel to achieve clean breaks with minimal waste.

👉 Bricklaying Tools – https://ces-hire.com/product-category/hand-tools/bricklaying-tools/

4. Bolster Chisel

The bolster chisel is ideal for cutting bricks, blocks, and masonry units neatly. Used with a hammer, it provides a cleaner, more precise cut than striking bricks alone. High-quality bolsters with hardened blades and hand guards improve safety and durability, making them a long-term investment for any bricklayer.

5. Jointing Tool (or Jointer)

A jointing tool helps finish mortar joints to a consistent profile, improving both appearance and weather resistance. Whether you’re creating bucket-handle joints or flush finishes, this step is key to professional-looking brickwork. Properly finished joints also help shed water and extend the life of the masonry.

👉 Bricklaying Tools – https://ces-hire.com/product-category/hand-tools/bricklaying-tools/

6. Brick Line and Line Pins

Keeping courses straight is far easier with a brick line and line pins. This simple but essential setup provides a visual guide, ensuring bricks are laid in a straight, even line across each course. Strong, non-stretch line and secure pins help maintain accuracy, particularly on longer runs of brickwork.

7. Bucket

Buckets are a key tool for bricklayers, ideal for mixing small batches of mortar, plaster, or grout. They make it easy to transport materials around the site, keep mortar close at hand, and help maintain consistent mixes. Durable and easy to clean, buckets are a simple yet versatile tool that improves efficiency and workflow on any bricklaying project. We sell a range of different buckets both on our website and from our shop.

8. Hand Mortar Gun (Grout Pump)

The hand mortar gun (or grout pump) is perfect for precise pointing and injection work, such as brick slips, joints, cavities, and door frames. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to handle.

Its trigger-free push design delivers a smooth, continuous mortar flow, while the internal piston seal prevents backflow which is ideal for overhead work. No electricity is needed, and it works with mortars or grouts up to 4mm grain size.

Benefits at a glance:

• Lightweight and easy to use
• Smooth, continuous flow
• Suitable for overhead applications
• Multiple outlet options
• Easy to fill and clean

Why Quality Bricklaying Tools Matter

Using the right bricklaying tools doesn’t just improve speed, it improves quality, consistency, and confidence on site. Well-made tools last longer, perform better, and help reduce physical strain over time.

At CES Hire, we work closely with trusted manufacturers and suppliers to ensure our range of bricklaying tools meets the demands of modern construction. Whether you’re a sole trader or part of a growing team, we’re here to help you choose tools that work as hard as you do.

Final Thoughts

Bricklaying is both an art and a craft, and the tools you use play a major role in the final result. By investing in essential, high-quality bricklaying tools, you set yourself up for better finishes, smoother workflows, and more efficient projects.

If you’re looking to upgrade your toolkit or replace worn-out essentials, we’re here to help.

👉 Browse Our Essential Bricklaying Tools
https://ces-hire.com/product-category/hand-tools/bricklaying-tools/