Top 20 Masonry Tools Every Builder Needs: From Basics to Advanced Gear

Philadelphia’s masonry is unforgiving. Brick, stone, block, concrete, and mortar all behave differently in our city’s harsh freeze–thaw cycles.

Homes shift. Foundations settle. Original joints crumble after decades of weather. The right tools, the professional masonry tools, are what determine how long repairs or new construction actually hold up.

This article isn’t a DIY guide, rather, it’s a look behind the scenes so you understand how APS Masonry Contracting uses advanced masonry tools, 2026 technology, and proven craftsmanship to protect your home.

Not sure what your masonry needs? APS is here to help with honest guidance and zero pressure. Just reach out and we’ll walk you through your options.

Masonry Tools APS Uses to Protect Your Home

Every tool below affects the life, safety, and durability of your masonry. These descriptions are for homeowners, to show why APS invests in tools that guarantee long-term results. No shortcuts. No cheap equipment. No excuses.

1. Tape Measures & Digital Laser Measuring Tools

Before any brick or stone is set, accurate measurements determine structural safety. APS uses lasers designed for precision because Philadelphia walls rarely run perfect lines. Accurate measurement reduces future cracking, misalignment, and costly repairs.

2. Bubble Levels & 2026 Smart Laser Levels

A level ensures walls sit straight, but smart 2026 versions self-correct and project lines over long distances. This improves the ease and accuracy of aligning brick, block, and stone, which is critical for the durability of homes that have shifted over time.

3. Masonry Square

Straight corners aren’t just aesthetic. They control load distribution. APS uses heavy-duty squares designed for professional use so every angle supports your structure properly.

4. Plumb Bob & Digital Vertical Alignment Tools

Vertical accuracy keeps walls strong. APS blends old-world plumb bobs with digital systems to ensure perfect vertical alignment, especially important in older rowhomes where settling is common.

5. Mason line

A must-have mason line keeps long stretches of brick perfectly straight. Cheap lines stretch or sag. APS uses professional-grade nylon lines that stay taut, ensuring precise shaping and clean alignment from the first brick to the last.

6. Stonemason’s Hammer

Philadelphia’s local stone, especially Wissahickon schist, requires exact shaping. APS uses balanced, professional stonemason hammers that create clean cuts without weakening the stone.

7. Power Saws With Diamond Blades (2026 Dustless Cutting Standard)

Brick, block, and concrete must be cut cleanly to prevent weak spots. APS uses high-performance saws with diamond blades and dustless technology, a 2026 requirement that protects workers and homes from silica dust.

8. Blocking Chisel

Used for detail work, block trimming, and precise adjustments. APS relies on hardened steel chisels that maintain their edge, allowing clean application and ensuring every piece fits securely.

9. Combi Hammer

This tool drills and chisels with power. APS uses it for anchor points, selective demolition, and removing old mortar cleanly, all tasks that require professional equipment to avoid structural damage.

10. Brick Hammer

A brick hammer is essential for splitting and trimming without shattering older masonry. APS uses hammers built for long performance, ensuring controlled, accurate work.

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Professional Masonry Tools: How APS Ensures Strength, Beauty & Long-Term Performance

11. Masonry Trowels (Multiple Sizes for Multiple Purposes)

APS uses masonry trowels in different sizes to control mortar placement, bond strength, and final finish. Professional trowels provide better balance and precision, which improves the lifespan of the mortar joints holding your wall together.

12. Floats (Updated 2026 Anti-Stick Technology)

Floats smooth wet concrete and grout, creating uniform surfaces that resist cracking. Anti-stick designs introduced for 2026 help APS create cleaner, stronger finishes with less drag.

13. Masonry Brush

Used for cleaning joints, dusting surfaces, and prepping old brick before repair. APS uses stiff-bristle brushes designed to remove debris without damaging historic materials.

14. Mortar Pan & Mixing Accessories

Consistent mortar = strong masonry. APS uses commercial mixing pans engineered for better durability and temperature stability, essential in Philadelphia’s fluctuating weather.

15. Jointers (Different Sizes for Different Joint Styles)

Jointers shape mortar joints, which affects water resistance and overall appearance. APS uses professional jointers to create tight, uniform styles that prevent water infiltration and protect against freeze–thaw damage.

16. Concrete Mixer (High-Performance)

Machine-mixed concrete prevents weak spots. APS uses high-efficiency mixers that ensure every batch is consistent, critical for slabs, footings, and walkways.

17. Concrete Planer

Used to level uneven surfaces. This ensures new application bonds properly and lasts longer, especially on older Philadelphia foundations.

18. Straight Edge

A straight edge keeps mortar beds, stone courses, and concrete surfaces even. APS uses heavy-duty aluminum versions that hold true over time.

19. Wire Brush

This tool removes hardened mortar, rust, and debris from surfaces before repair, creating strong bonding conditions. APS uses wire brushes that provide controlled cleaning for delicate historic materials.

20. Clamps & Scaffold Accessories (Safer, Lighter 2026 Systems)

Professional scaffolding improves stability, worker safety, and installation accuracy. APS uses advanced aluminum scaffold and clamps designed for both safety and performance across multi-story Philadelphia job sites.

Ready for masonry work that’s built to last? APS uses the right tools, proven techniques, and years of Philadelphia experience to protect your home. Request a quote today.

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2026 Masonry Trends Every Philadelphia Homeowner Should Know

• Dustless cutting tools now mandatory for safer work

• Battery-powered systems replacing outdated corded tools

• High-strength mortar blends built for freeze–thaw climates

• AI-assisted layout tools improving accuracy on uneven homes

• Stone veneer styles rising in residential neighborhoods

• Increased demand for repointing & structural restoration in aging rowhomes

APS stays ahead of these trends to ensure your project meets modern safety, environmental, and performance standards.

Why APS Masonry Contracting Uses Professional Tools 

Using the right tools isn’t about convenience, it’s about protecting the structural integrity, appearance, and long-term value of your property. APS invests in professional masonry tools because your home deserves work that stands up to weather, age, and time.

• Better alignment means fewer cracks

• Better mortar application means stronger walls

• Better cutting tools mean cleaner, safer installation

• Better scaffolding means safer, faster, more accurate results

Everything we use is designed for performance, precision, durability, and safety, so your masonry lasts decades.

Don’t gamble with your masonry. APS Masonry Contracting delivers expert brick, stone, block, and concrete work backed by the right tools and the right experience. Contact us now or call 215 559-4582 for a professional estimate and get quality that lasts.

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