Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 36 Section 2 Introduction to Masonry Line Blocks and Twigs Line blocks are used in combination with a mason line and line pins. After the line is attached and stretched between the pins, the line is fed into the slot of each line block. The blocks are then hooked on the outside of each corner to create a line stretched from corner to corner. The line blocks are hooked on each corner to aid the mason in laying bricks or concrete blocks at the correct height. See Figure 3‑26. Twigs are used to hold the mason line at the appro- priate location and height when laying masonry units between the corners. The line is fed between the legs of the twigs (metal twig) or snapped into the connection on the twigs (plastic twig). Two twigs are used in com- bination, one at each corner lead. Each twig is set on top of the masonry course to string a line between cor- ners to give the mason a guideline to follow when lay- ing masonry units between the two corner leads. A brick or similar weight is set on the top of the twig to ensure that the twig and line do not move from the cor- rect location on the lead. 3.1.11 Brushes and Sponges Brushes and sponges are produced in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures, Figure 3‑27. They are used for the following purposes: Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑25. Line pins are made of hardened steel. Notches are cut into the pins to aid in attaching mason line. Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑26. Line blocks are made of plastic with grooves to receive the mason line. Twigs are made of plastic and can be purchased as part of a package of line blocks and twigs. Other types are made of metal and can be purchased separately. A B C Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑27. Masonry brushes have bristles with various degrees of stiffness or softness, depending on their purpose. The brushes can be used for cleaning brick or wetting down masonry materials. A—Long-handled acid brush for general cleaning of brick and other surfaces. This brush works well with a plastic bucket containing acid water solution for cleaning walls. B—Short-handled acid brush for cleaning brick and other products. C—Masonry brush for general cleaning, wetting surfaces, or other uses.