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.
Choosing the Best Masonry Brush for the Job
April 2026

In masonry work, whether you are laying brick or block, installing stone veneer, or repairing mortar joints, cleaning up is a big part of the job. It’s easy to focus on the major tools like brick trowels, mixers, and mortar boards, but brushes are just as

Westminster Abbey Roof Repairs Race To Protect The Masonry Below
April 2026

Westminster Abbey is undergoing long-awaited repairs to its roof, and experts involved in the work say they have discovered hidden secrets along the way. For the masonry industry, the story is less about what's up top and more about what sits beneath it.

Building Stonework That Lasts Beyond the Surface
April 2026

How Today’s Systems Strengthen Traditional Masonry In masonry, longevity has always been the true measure of craftsmanship. Any wall can look impressive the day it’s finished, but the real test comes years later, after the first freeze-thaw cycle, after t

Mastering The Art Of Masonry Repair: The Dos and Don’ts
April 2026

Whether we specialize in repairs and restoration work or new construction, repairs are something that we all must do, at least from time to time. With ever-increasing competition from faster and cheaper building systems, the onus is on us as masonry profe