Line Pins

About Line Pins

Line pins are essential bricklaying tools used to hold a builder's line taut between two points, creating a perfectly straight and level guide for laying bricks, blocks, and stone. These hardened steel pins are driven into mortar joints at either end of a course, allowing tradespeople to maintain accurate alignment throughout the bricklaying process. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of line pins from trusted brands including FootPrint, Draper, Faithfull, and Spear and Jackson, ensuring professional bricklayers and DIY enthusiasts have access to reliable tools for precision masonry work.

Available in various designs including traditional flat-blade pins and corner pins, these tools are manufactured from forged or drop-forged steel for maximum durability and resistance to bending under tension. Many sets come complete with builder's line, providing everything needed for accurate course setting in one convenient package.

Applications

• Bricklayers and stonemasons – maintaining level courses during wall construction
• Blocklayers – ensuring accurate alignment when building with concrete blocks
• General builders – setting out straight lines for various masonry projects
• Landscaping professionals – constructing garden walls, raised beds, and retaining walls
• DIY enthusiasts – tackling home improvement projects involving brickwork
• Restoration specialists – maintaining historical accuracy in heritage masonry work
• Construction training – teaching proper bricklaying techniques to apprentices

Choosing The Right Line Pins

When selecting line pins at MyToolShed.co.uk, consider the blade width and length – wider blades provide better grip in mortar joints, whilst longer pins offer greater versatility for different joint depths. Look for drop-forged or forge steel construction, which provides superior strength and longevity compared to pressed steel alternatives.

Consider whether you need flat-blade pins for straight runs or corner pins for turning corners without repositioning. Sets that include builder's line offer excellent value and convenience, eliminating the need for separate purchases. The pin tip design is also important – sharp, tapered points penetrate mortar joints more easily whilst maintaining secure hold under line tension.

Brand reputation matters when choosing line pins, as quality construction directly affects durability and performance. FootPrint, Faithfull, Draper, and Spear and Jackson all manufacture reliable tools that withstand the rigours of professional use whilst remaining affordable for occasional DIY projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you use brick line pins correctly?

Insert the first pin into a mortar joint at one end of your course, ensuring it's firmly seated. Stretch the builder's line taut to the opposite end and secure it to the second pin before inserting into the joint. The line should sit just touching the face of the bricks at the desired course height, providing a visual guide for consistent laying.

Can line pins be used on corners?

Standard flat-blade pins work well for straight runs, but corner pins or L-shaped pins are specifically designed for turning corners. Alternatively, you can use profile clamps or corner blocks in conjunction with line pins for complex layouts.

How do I maintain my line pins?

Clean mortar residue from line pins after each use to prevent corrosion and ensure smooth insertion. Store in a dry location and occasionally wipe with an oily cloth to protect the steel from rust, extending their working life considerably.