Masonry History Integrity - National Center for Preservation ...

Chapter 1: What is Masonry?
The tools
Part 1: trowel and mason’s level
Trowel
A mason’s trowel has two parts: the part you hold (the handle), and the part that scoops and holds
mortar (the blade). The handle is made of wood or plastic, and it can be used for tapping brick,
block or stonework into place. Masons sometimes put a cap on the handle to prevent it from
wearing down. The blade is made of steel. It has a pointed tip called the toe and it’s connected to the
handle at the wider back called the heel. A trowel is used to spread mortar and at times to cut wire,
string, and even bricks.
A pointing trowel is smaller in size, with a blade about six inches long. The blade of the larger
bricklayer's trowel has a rounded edge. A pointing trowel is more triangular and used for filling
mortar in between bricks or stones.
The word trowel is from the Latin work truella, meaning a small ladle or a dipper.
A trowel is a well-balanced, highly designed tool of the craftsman. It should fit comfortably in your
hand and give off a long and loud ring when you tap the blade. After holding it for several hours a
day, it will feel like an extension of your body.
A trowel must never be used as a weapon. It is used only to build and repair, not to hurt or injure.
Take care of your trowel and it will take care of you.
The right and wrong way to hold a trowel
Look at the pictures below. Which do you think is the correct way to hold a trowel?
The photo ―B‖ on the right shows the correct way to hold a trowel. Putting your thumb on the top
of the handle lets you move it with ease. It also puts less strain on your wrist and arm.
Photo A - wrong
Photo B - correct
5