Brick Lifters & Hods

About Brick Lifters & Hods

Brick lifters and hods are essential manual handling tools designed to make transporting and positioning bricks, blocks, kerbs and paving slabs safer and more efficient on construction sites. These simple yet effective tools significantly reduce physical strain on workers whilst improving productivity, allowing tradespeople to move multiple bricks at once or handle awkward materials that would otherwise require two people or mechanical assistance. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from trusted brands including Faithfull, Marshalltown, Draper and Sealey.

Brick lifters typically feature tong-style gripping mechanisms with adjustable jaws that accommodate various brick and block sizes, whilst brick hods are traditional V-shaped carriers with sturdy handles that allow bricklayers to transport multiple bricks up ladders and scaffolding. Modern versions incorporate ergonomic design features and durable materials ranging from hardwood to high-impact plastic and galvanised steel, ensuring longevity even in demanding site conditions.

Applications

Brick lifters and hods are used across various trades and industries:

• Bricklayers and blocklayers working on residential and commercial construction projects
• Landscape gardeners and groundworkers installing patios, driveways and retaining walls
• General builders requiring versatile handling equipment for masonry tasks
• Highways maintenance crews replacing or installing kerbstones and paving
• Stonemasons handling natural and manufactured stone products
• Scaffolders transporting materials to elevated working platforms
• DIY enthusiasts undertaking garden walls, barbecues and home improvement projects
• Groundwork contractors on civil engineering and infrastructure projects

Choosing The Right Brick Lifters & Hods

Selecting appropriate brick handling equipment depends on several factors. Consider the size and weight of materials you'll be working with most frequently – standard house bricks require different equipment to engineering blocks, kerbs or large format paving slabs. Check load capacity specifications and ensure there's adequate safety margin above your typical working weights.

Construction quality significantly affects durability. Steel tongs with galvanised or powder-coated finishes resist corrosion in wet conditions, whilst hardwood hod handles offer traditional strength with comfortable grip. Modern high-impact plastic hods provide excellent durability with lighter weight, making them ideal for repeated daily use.

Adjustability is key if you work with varying material sizes. The Marshalltown 88 Adjustable Brick Lifter Tongs and similar products available at MyToolShed.co.uk can handle different brick and block dimensions without tool changes, improving efficiency on mixed projects. Fixed-width models are more economical if you predominantly work with standard formats.

For working at height, traditional hods with extended handles remain the safest option for carrying bricks up ladders and onto scaffolding, keeping your hands free to maintain three points of contact. Consider capacity carefully – whilst larger hods reduce trips, overloading creates fatigue and safety risks.

Safety Information

Always adhere to HSE manual handling guidelines when using brick lifters and hods. Ensure brick tongs are properly engaged before lifting and test the grip with gentle upward pressure before committing to the full lift. Never exceed the manufacturer's stated load capacity.

Inspect equipment before each use, checking for damaged handles, worn gripping surfaces, cracked welds or bent components that could fail under load. Replace or repair damaged tools immediately. When working at height with hods, maintain proper balance whilst ascending ladders and never overload beyond specifications.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment including safety footwear, work gloves and high-visibility clothing on construction sites. Keep work areas clear of trip hazards and ensure stable footing before lifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between brick tongs and a brick hod?

Brick tongs are gripping tools that allow you to lift and position individual bricks, blocks or slabs with one hand, keeping the other free for trowel work or balance. A brick hod is a carrier that holds multiple bricks (typically 4-8) and is primarily used for transporting bricks around site or up ladders to elevated working positions. Many tradespeople use both tools for different aspects of their work.

Can I use standard brick lifters for paving slabs and kerbs?

Standard brick lifters are designed for house bricks and lightweight blocks, typically with maximum capacities around 15-20kg. For heavy paving slabs and kerbstones, you need specialist kerb and slab lifter tongs with reinforced construction, wider jaw opening and higher load ratings (often 40-50kg+). Using inadequate equipment risks tool failure and serious injury.

How many bricks can I safely carry in a hod?

Most standard brick hods accommodate 4-6 standard house bricks safely. Whilst some larger models can hold 8-10 bricks, the HSE recommends keeping loads manageable to maintain balance and prevent strain injuries – making more trips with lighter loads is safer and often more efficient than struggling with excessive weight.