General Contractor Practice Exam

When using a mason's line to build a wall, what is the recommended distance of the string from the wall?

1. 1/8 inch

2. 1/4 inch

3. 1/16 inch

4. 1/2 inch

The correct answer is: 1/16 inch

The recommended distance for a mason's line from the wall being constructed is typically 1/4 inch. This distance allows for accurate alignment while still providing enough clearance for mortar and adjustments during the building process. Placing the line too close can result in it getting covered in mortar or being obscured, which can compromise the evenness of the wall. The other options do not provide the best distance for practical building purposes. For instance, a distance of 1/8 inch may be too close, making it difficult to see and measure accurately during construction. A distance of 1/16 inch is too minimal and does not allow for any margin of error or material thickness. Finally, a distance of 1/2 inch may create challenges in ensuring that the wall is laid out correctly, as it could lead to misalignment when setting the blocks or bricks. Using a string line set at 1/4 inch strikes a good balance between accuracy and practicality for most masonry projects.