When it comes to masonry projects, brick tongs are among the most essential tools. They are used to protect the mason’s hands from the heat generated by cutting and shaping of the bricks. Brick tongs also provide a secure grip on the bricks, allowing them to be maneuvered safely and accurately. As such, having a pair of quality brick tongs is an invaluable asset to any masonry project.
What are Brick Tongs?
Brick tongs are metal tools designed to safely grasp and move bricks. They typically consist of two arms connected by a hinge, with a handle at one end. The arms are made of curved metal, and have a grip along the inside edge. This helps to securely hold onto the brick without damaging its surface. The tongs also have an adjustable handle, which allows the user to adjust the size of the opening for a better fit.
Benefits of Using Brick Tongs
Using brick tongs has numerous benefits for any masonry project. Firstly, they provide a secure grip on the bricks, allowing them to be maneuvered safely and accurately. This reduces the risk of damaging the brick or cutting yourself on its sharp edges. Secondly, the tongs help to protect the mason’s hands from the heat generated by cutting and shaping of the bricks. This is especially important when working with bricks that have been heated for bending or shaping. Lastly, using brick tongs helps to reduce the strain on the mason’s hands and arms, which can help to reduce the risk of injury.
Types of Brick Tongs
When it comes to choosing the right brick tongs for the job, there are several different types to choose from. The most common type of brick tongs is the “V” style, which is designed to fit a wide variety of brick sizes. This type of tongs is easy to use and can be adjusted to fit the size of the brick.
Another type of brick tongs is the “U” style, which is designed to fit smaller bricks. This type of tongs is ideal for small masonry projects, as it is more precise and provides a better grip on the brick.
Finally, there is the “L” style brick tongs. This type of tongs is designed to fit larger bricks, and is typically used on large construction projects. This type of tongs is more expensive, but provides a stronger grip on larger bricks.
Using Brick Tongs Safely
When using brick tongs, it is important to follow safety guidelines to ensure that the mason does not injure themselves or damage the brick. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the tongs are properly adjusted to fit the size of the brick. This will help to ensure that the grip is secure and will prevent the brick from slipping out of the tongs.
It is also important to wear protective gloves when using brick tongs, as the metal can become very hot when exposed to the heat generated by cutting and shaping of the bricks. Lastly, it is important to use the tongs as intended, and not to use them as a substitute for other tools such as hammers or chisels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, brick tongs are an essential tool for any masonry project. They provide a secure grip on the bricks, protect the mason’s hands from the heat generated by cutting and shaping of the bricks, and reduce the strain on the mason’s hands and arms. There are several different types of brick tongs, depending on the size of the brick, and it is important to use them safely to ensure that the mason does not injure themselves or damage the brick.
