In the UK, bricklaying is a trade built on precision, speed, and consistency. The tools used are highly specialised, designed specifically to control mortar, maintain alignment, and ensure a professional finish that meets strict site standards.
This guide focuses purely on brick-specific tools, with practical references to real tools and systems available from Rhinobuild—particularly brick profiles and brick clamps, which are essential in modern UK bricklaying.
Brick Trowels (Primary Laying Tool)
The brick trowel is the most used tool in bricklaying and is responsible for nearly every stage of mortar application and brick placement.
Key Uses
- Spreading mortar beds
- Buttering perps (vertical joints)
- Tapping bricks into line
- Cutting and cleaning excess mortar
UK bricklayers typically use a London pattern trowel, which provides better control for face brickwork and tighter joints.
On professional sites, trowels are selected based on:
- Blade flexibility
- Balance in hand
- Ability to hold and release mortar cleanly
Pointing Trowels & Jointing Tools
Pointing trowels are used for precision work, while jointing tools shape and compress mortar joints after laying.
Jointing Tools (Including Dinger Jointers)
Jointing is critical in UK brickwork, where the bucket-handle finish is standard.
You can see examples of specialist finishing tools like jointers directly on the Rhinobuild store here:
👉 Browse jointing tools
Why Jointing Matters
- Compacts mortar, increasing durability
- Improves resistance to water penetration
- Creates a consistent, professional finish
Poor jointing is one of the most common reasons for failed inspections on UK housing sites.
Brick Cutting Tools
Brick Hammer
Used for:
- Splitting bricks
- Trimming edges
- Rough shaping
Example:
👉 View a typical brick hammer
A proper brick hammer includes a chisel edge for cutting and a striking face, allowing fast, controlled shaping on-site. ()
Bolster Chisel
Used alongside a hammer for:
- Straight, clean cuts
- Accurate shaping for visible work
This is essential when working with:
- Closers
- Returns
- Decorative or exposed brickwork
Line and Alignment Tools
Brick Line & Line Blocks
A brick line is stretched between two points to guide each course.
Function:
- Keeps courses perfectly straight
- Maintains alignment across long runs
- Reduces cumulative errors
Without a proper line system, even small inaccuracies quickly become visible.
Gauge Rod
A gauge rod is marked with brick course heights and ensures:
- Consistent vertical spacing
- Faster workflow without repeated measuring
Brick Profiles (Corner Profiles)
Brick profiles are one of the most important tools in modern UK bricklaying.
What They Are
Brick profiles are vertical aluminium or steel guides fixed at corners. They are used with a line to control the height and alignment of each course.
You can explore typical profile systems here:
👉 View brickwork profiles
Profiles are commonly made from lightweight aluminium box section, designed to be strong while easy to handle and set up. ()
How Brick Profiles Work
- Profiles are fixed at both ends of a wall
- A line is attached at the required course height
- Bricks are laid to the line
- The line is raised course by course
Why Profiles Are Essential
- Ensure perfectly straight walls
- Maintain consistent course heights
- Improve speed and efficiency
- Allow accurate solo working
Profiles are now standard across UK housing developments due to strict tolerances and finish requirements.
Brick Clamps (Handling & Setup Tools)
Brick clamps are critical for both material handling and profile setup.
External Brick Clamps
Used for securing profiles on external corners.
👉 View external brick clamp example
These clamps:
- Grip profiles securely
- Are sized to suit bricks or blocks
- Use threaded bars and thumbscrews for tight fixing ()
Internal Brick Clamps
Used on internal corners and returns.
They are designed to:
- Fit standard brick widths
- Secure directly to profiles
- Provide stable alignment during laying ()
Why Brick Clamps Matter
- Prevent profile movement
- Maintain accuracy across courses
- Improve speed by reducing adjustments
- Ensure compliance with site tolerances
High-quality clamps provide superior grip and stability, helping bricklayers work faster and more accurately. ()
Profile Accessories (Often Overlooked)
Modern bricklaying systems include additional components that improve efficiency.
Dori Blocks
Used to connect lines to profiles.
They:
- Attach securely to profiles
- Allow easy line adjustment
- Improve consistency across courses ()
Speed Pier Systems
Used for building brick piers accurately.
These systems:
- Hold two profiles in place
- Allow fast, accurate pier construction
- Reduce setup time significantly ()
Joint Raker
A joint raker is used for:
- Removing mortar for repointing
- Creating uniform joint depth
This is especially important in:
- Restoration work
- High-spec finishing
Final Thoughts (UK Trade Perspective)
Modern UK bricklaying is built around accuracy systems, not just hand skill. The most important tools today are:
- Brick trowels for control and speed
- Jointing tools (including jointers) for finish quality
- Line systems and gauge rods for alignment
- Brick profiles for structural accuracy
- Brick clamps and accessories for stability and efficiency
The biggest shift in the trade is the widespread use of profile and clamp systems, which allow bricklayers to work faster, more accurately, and often independently.
If you understand and use these tools properly, you don’t just lay bricks—you produce consistent, professional brickwork that meets modern UK standards.
