What does a brick trowel primarily assist with during masonry work?

A brick trowel is an essential tool in masonry work, primarily designed for laying and leveling mortar. Its flat, triangular blade allows masons to scoop up mortar from a mortar bed, apply it to brick or block surfaces, and then level it off to create a smooth, even layer that holds the masonry units in place.

When laying bricks or blocks, achieving an even bed of mortar is crucial for structural integrity and aesthetic appearance. The trowel's shape also aids in allowing the mason to create a slight incline in the mortar, which can help direct water away from the structure.

While measuring mortar quantities, mixing mortar, and holding mortar are important aspects of the masonry process, they are not the primary functions of a brick trowel. Other tools and equipment, such as mixing buckets or mixers, are better suited for mixing, and measuring tools can provide more accurate measurements than what a trowel would allow. Thus, the primary role of the brick trowel is indeed to assist in laying and leveling mortar effectively.