Masonry Magazine July 2007 Page. 48
MASONRY
Handy Products for Masons and Laborers
From hand tools to handy products, this year's offerings for mason contractors and their crews look quite promising. Although some of the designs may seem quite basic to a certain degree, the forethought and research behind them have created tools that will successfully help you to add time and money back into your bottom line, while also cutting down on fatigue and possible injury among your masons, mason tenders and laborers.
Here are just a few of the amazing new products to hit masonry job sites this year.
Blocklayer.com
Wonga Beach, OLD, Australia
Blocklayer Online Calculators
Some of the best things in life are free, and this website is no exception. Brick and blocklayers can access this website online, or they can surf to the special website address made specifically to be viewed on Internet-capable cell phones, bringing the calculators right to your fingertips on job sites. From angles and arches to polygon construction, this website offers free English and metric calculations that will help make every job perfect. Also, the calculations help increase your ability to do it right the first time, increasing efficiency and decreasing re-cuts of materials. To view the website with a standard computer, visit www.blocklayer.com; for Internet-capable cell phones, visit www.blocklayer.mobi.
Bon Tool Co.
Gibsonia, Pa.
Brick Hammer with Stainless Steel Head
Bon's stainless steel, wide bit brick hammer is a premium masonry hammer with a striking head that is made from precision-formed stainless steel. The stainless steel head is stronger than those made of carbon steel, alloy steel and even titanium steel, and resists rust and corrosion. During the manufacturing process, the head of the hammer is triple heat treated, which adds more durability, helps the head absorb shock, and gives the hammer a tougher hitting surface. It is finished with a hickory handle that is sealed with three coats of patented UV finish to resist wear. The hammer weighs 20 ounces and features a 2-1/4-inch-wide bit blade. For more information, call (724) 443-7080, or visit www.bontool.com.
Accurate Color Coded Masonry Concepts
Norfolk, Mass.
QuikCourse Brick Spacing Tape
QuikCourse brick spacing tape is guaranteed to enable you to become a more accurate and productive bricklayer. This brick course layout tool will increase productivity by providing an accurate layout for brick spacing. Just apply QuikCourse tape directly to your work surface, story poles, straight edges, etc., and build off the tape's guide. QuikCourse tapes use the standard two to six brick-spacing scales, available in color-coded rolls for each of the five sizes. Rolls come in lengths of 105 feet and can be purchased in both one-inch and two-inch widths. For more information or samples, call Mike at (508) 520-3301, or visit www.accmc.com or www.quikcourse.com.
Belle Group Inc.
Roanoke, Va.
MiniDumper
Powered by a Honda 5.5-horsepower gasoline engine, the MiniDumper can accommodate all kinds of loads, on any terrain. Thanks to its robust design and tipping mechanism, the MiniDumper can easily handle loads of up to 661 pounds, combining speed and ease of use for maximum productivity. Furthermore, its low bucket height is suitable for direct unloading from many types of equipment. The MiniDumper is equipped with a gearbox offering four forward and one reverse gear, and it can be used in two- or four-wheel drive modes. It also has the option of a quick and easy change from skip to flat bed mode. For more information, call (866) 540-5090, or visit www.beilegroup.net.
C.H. Hanson
Naperville,
Pro150Turbo Chalk Line
The new Pro150Turbo is virtually indestructible, has a fast-retrieve reel and 150 feet of line for even the largest projects. The easy-to-use Pro150 Turbo has everything a mason could want in a chalk line. The new challk reel is made of high strength plastic, making it nearly impossible to break. Additionally, it has a soft-grip handle that is easy to hold, no matter what the conditions are. The reel has a three-to-one fast-retrieve system, so all you have to do is push a button and the line quickly rewinds by itself. CH Hanson's Pro150 Turbo comes with one eight-ounce screw-in bottle of chalk. It weighs one pound and retails for $36.99. For more information, please visit www.chhanson.com.
Cultured Clean-Cut
Olympia, Wash
Cultured Clean-Cut
The Cultured Clean-Cut is designed to cut all brands of imitation stone; this tool cuts quick, precise and dust free, without the need for gas or electricity. Cultured Clean-Cut is portable, but manufactured to withstand rigorous worksite use. The silent cutting machine can be used by a single laborer, or contractors can purchase several to sit next to each mason to increase productivity all the way down the line. This tool will increase your production, save you time, and make you more money! For more information, call (360) 459-4655, or visit www.culturedcleancut.com.