Braided Nylon Mason???s Line: A Mason???s Friend

July 2010

Tools of the Trade

By Steve Cook

Braided Nylon Mason’s Line is a product used everyday by the professional brick mason. Also known as mason’s twine, it does not get the credit it deserves. When using mason’s line, you do not have to use leveling tools as often. This speeds the job and, if used correctly, can give you a straight line for accuracy when laying bricks or blocks.

Most bricklayers have experienced, at one time or another, sagging, unraveling or inferior mason’s line when laying bricks or blocks. Valuable time can be spent correcting problems caused by inferior or poor quality mason’s line. This can be prevented by using a higher quality bonded braided mason’s line.

Twisted line unravels

What makes a good mason’s line? Line used in laying bricks should be 100 percent nylon. Nylon will not mildew and is effected less by moisture and humidity. It should be abrasion- and alkali-resistant, so it is not easily damaged by trowels and other tools. Tight, consistent braiding will make a quality, easy-to-use line. Remember, the tighter the braid, the stronger the line.

W.Rose, a Kraft Tool Co. brand, produces one of the strongest bonded braided mason’s line available – 216-pound test. The highly visible mason’s line is available in five different colors: yellow, orange, florescent orange, camouflage, and the all-American red, white and blue.

When comparing braided mason’s line, look at the quality of the braid. A loose braid will allow the line to sag and unravel easily, making it more difficult to use. A tight braid allows it to be pulled taut between block and line holders. This adds additional strength and gives you the straight line you need for laying your bricks or blocks faster and more efficiently.

Braided line does not unravel

Consistent color is an important factor when using braided line. Mason’s line must be visible in many job conditions. W.Rose premium mason’s line uses only the highest quality nylon and is always bright and consistent. Nylon line that does not have consistent color throughout the roll is hard to see and difficult to use.

All of W.Rose line is bonded, which means the line goes through a special manufacturing process. Bonding not only helps prevent fraying, but also makes the line longer lasting and abrasion- and alkali-resistant, and allows the line to perform to the highest standards.

When choosing your next roll of mason’s line, remember it is not just another roll of string. Be sure to get the high quality you deserve to prevent those expensive mistakes.