Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 32 Section 2 Introduction to Masonry The type of rule used depends on the specific project being built and the layout requirements. Most masons have several types of rules for performing different ma- sonry layouts or when working with different sizes of joints and brick. A well-constructed rule made of qual- ity materials will have a long life and give dependable service. Retractable Steel Tapes Masons use retractable steel tapes to quickly measure long distances. Refer to Figure 3‑13. Some retractable tapes have a US customary measurement on one edge and a masonry measurement on the opposite edge of the blade. Masonry tapes can be purchased in either brick, modular, or Canadian spacing. Standard retract- able tapes vary in length from 10′ to 35′, but most masonry tapes are in 16′ in length with a 1″ wide blade. Tape Measures for Layout Layout tapes come in different styles and lengths depending on project being constructed. Tapes are made of metal, cloth and fiberglass. Tape lengths can be purchased from 50′ to 150′ or longer. The length will depend on the application and or the size of the project being laid out. See Figure 3‑15. Chalk Box and Chalk Figure 3‑16 shows a chalk box and chalk. A chalk box is used to mark lines on a concrete footing or similar areas to identify where the foundation walls or other structures are to be located. A chalk container is used to refill the chalk box once the chalk level gets low in the storage area of the box. Chalk can be purchased in a number of colors. Blue is a nonpermanent color, where black and red are considered permanent. 3.1.7 Steel Squares A steel square is made in the form of a right angle. See Figure 3‑17. The square has two arms (the body and the tongue) that form a 90° angle or right angle. The body of the square is 2″ wide and 24″ long. The tongue is 1 1/2″ wide and 16″ long. The outer and inner edges of the square are divided in inches and fractions of an inch for measuring purposes. A steel square has a mul- titude of uses, including laying out a 90° corner, draw- ing straight lines, cutting a straight line, or measuring distances less than 24″. 3.1.8 Levels and Cases A mason’s level, or plumb rule, is a level that is used to check a wall (or other structures) to ensure that it is Timothy L. Andera Figure 3‑15. Shows a tape measure that is 100′ in length with a metal tape that is 3/8″ wide. It has a built-in crank to rewind the tape once it is no longer needed in the layout process. Timothy L. Andera Figure 3‑16. Shows a chalk box and chalk. This chalk box has a 3 to 1 gear ratio to aid in quick retrieval of the line. Normal boxes have a 1 to 1 gear ratio. The chalk shown is a nonpermanent blue type. Johnson Level and Tool Manufacturing Company, Inc. Figure 3‑17. A steel square is used by masons for a number of applications. Measuring can be performed on the inside and outside edges of the square.