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

Words: Steve Cook/Public/News/20101213060000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Braided nylon mason’s line." />
SBraided nylon mason’s line.
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.

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.

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.
Five Truths About Final Brick Cleandown
May 2026

Not all truths are self-evident. Sometimes they’re easy to forget or clouded with misunderstanding. The good news is these truths of final cleandown are not hard to implement on your next project to ensure successfully cleaned and beautiful new brick.

Jake Boyer
MAP Partner
Read More
Shelf Angles and Their Impact on Wall Performance
May 2026

Shelf angles have long been a standard component in masonry construction. Installed at the slab edge, they provide support for brick veneer and are often treated as a routine detail. However, as building performance requirements evolve, particularly aroun

Erica Oliveraz
MAP Partner
Read More
The Mason’s Mark: Defining the Craft Through the Trowel
May 2026

Walk onto any job site, from a custom residential chimney to a sprawling commercial block wall, and you will hear it before you see it: the distinctive ring of high-carbon steel striking masonry. The trowel is more than just a mortar scoop; it is the cond

Mark Maleski
Technical Talks
Read More
Registration Now Open for the 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting in San Antonio, Texas
May 2026

The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the highly anticipated 2026 MCAA Midyear Meeting, set to take place in San Antonio, Texas. This exciting event is scheduled from September 13th-1

Industry News
Read More