Description
Procat mason’s line is a braided builder’s line for marking a straight line and guiding surface height. The roll holds 50 metres of line, and it is available in two thicknesses, 1.0 mm and 1.7 mm, and four colours: red, pink, yellow and green.
The braided construction keeps the line round and dimensionally stable: the spiral braid spreads the tensile stress over the whole cross-section, so the line stretches less than twisted line and comes off the reel straight. A braided surface also does not fray at the ends the way twisted line does, so a cut end stays neat and threads through the hole of a line block or tensioner.
The thickness of the line affects both visibility and sag. 1.7 mm line is stiffer and clearly visible over a long span, but its own weight causes more sag. 1.0 mm line is lighter, sags less over short spans and guides tiling more precisely, because thin line sits closer to the marked line.
The bright colours stand out from grey concrete, brick and soil. The colour is chosen to suit the background: green and yellow stand out on soil and concrete, while pink and red stand out on light mortar and in snow. The line is tensioned between line blocks, corner blocks or nails. For transferring a marking line onto a surface, use the Kapro chalk line 214 30m, and for checking vertical lines the Tajima PZB400 plumb line 400g with plumb bob.
Intended use and suitability:
The mason’s line is tensioned between two fixed points, where it forms a visible straight line against which the structure is laid or set to level.
- Masonry: guiding the top or front edge of a brick or block course, tensioned between corner blocks or line blocks; each course is laid against the line at the same level.
- Tiling: guiding the straightness of tile rows and joint lines on large surfaces, where a straight board does not reach from edge to edge.
- Foundations and groundworks: marking the line of a trench, plinth or footing between wooden profile boards.
- Paving and kerbs: guiding the edge line and level of paving on long straight runs.
- Fences and posts: marking the line of posts before digging and erecting them.
- Crafts and hobbies: coloured braided line is also used for knotting and decorative work.
Package contents:
- 1 roll of braided mason’s line, 50 m, in the selected thickness and colour
Features:
- Braided construction: stays round, stretches little and comes off the reel straight.
- Two thicknesses: 1.0 mm for precise guidance and 1.7 mm for long spans.
- Four colours: red, pink, yellow and green for different backgrounds.
- 50-metre roll: enough for several spans without joining.
- Neat cut end: the braid does not unravel at the end as easily as twisted line.
- Synthetic material: does not absorb moisture the way natural fibre line does and does not rot.
Technical specifications:
- Length per roll: 50 m.
- Thicknesses: 1.0 mm and 1.7 mm.
- Colours: red (1.0 mm and 1.7 mm), pink (1.7 mm), yellow (1.7 mm), green (1.7 mm).
- Construction: braided.
- Application: marking lines and levels in masonry, tiling and groundworks.
Procat mason’s line instructions for use:
1. Setting the fixed points: Place line blocks, corner blocks or nails at the ends of the span. Before tensioning the line, make sure the fixing points are at the same level with a levelling instrument, a water level or a spirit level.
2. Attaching the line: Thread the line through the hole or hook of the fixing point and tie a locking knot. Leave some slack at both ends so the line can be retensioned without cutting.
3. Tensioning: Tension the line so that it does not sag visibly, but not so tight that the fixing point moves. Check the sag by looking along the line from the end of the span. On a long span, use an intermediate support in the middle.
4. Working: Leave a 2–3 mm gap between the line and the work, so the line does not move when the structure presses against it. Check the line tension after each course or section; moisture and temperature change the tension.
5. Cutting and storage: Cut the line with a sharp knife and seal the end by melting it lightly with a flame so the braid does not unravel. Wind the line back onto the roll and store it dry and out of direct sunlight.
Warnings:
- A tensioned line is hard to see and is a tripping and falling hazard; mark a tensioned line with a flag or tape on walkways.
- A tensioned line that snaps whips back and can hit an eye; do not tension the line beyond its strength and stay out of line with it while tensioning.
- Do not use the mason’s line for lifting, tying, towing or as a safety rope.
- Worn, abraded or sun-damaged line snaps unpredictably, so replace the line.
- A melted line end is hot; let it cool before handling.
- Keep out of the reach of children; thin line is a strangulation hazard.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ):
Which thickness should I choose, 1.0 mm or 1.7 mm? 1.7 mm takes higher tension and is visible over a long span; 1.0 mm sags less over short spans and guides tiling more precisely.
How long a span is the mason’s line good for? The practical limit comes from sag, not from the length of the line. On spans over 10 metres, support the line in the middle or split the span into shorter sections.
Why should the line be kept clear of the structure? If the line touches a freshly laid brick or tile, it moves and the line of the whole course is distorted. A 2–3 mm gap keeps the line free.
How do I stop the end of the line from unravelling? After cutting, melt the end lightly with a flame so that the braid bonds together.
Which colour should I choose? Choose the colour to suit the background: green and yellow stand out on concrete and soil, pink and red on light mortar and in snow.
Does mason’s line last long outdoors? Synthetic braided line does not rot, but constant sunlight makes it brittle. Store the roll in the shade and replace the line when the surface roughens or the colour fades.
Recycling instructions:
Discarded mason’s line is synthetic fibre and belongs in energy waste or mixed waste according to local instructions; it does not belong in textile collection. Cut the line into short pieces before disposal so that it does not wrap around waste handling equipment or endanger animals. Packaging to plastic collection.
