Bricklayer word for the piece cut, ground or selected to finish a course where full shapes no longer fit, usually at the end of a wall course or the top of a ring. Good closers are cut square on a wet saw and fitted tight; a sloppy closer with thick mortar becomes the weak spot where slag and metal get in. On rings, the closer is often followed by driven keys.
Cut me a closer at 3 and an eighth, and square it up, no feathered ends.
Also heard as
- closure
- cut brick
Related terms
Key
The last brick driven into an arch or ring to lock it tight, or a shape that tapers in width for turning circles.
Split
Brick of standard length and width but reduced thickness, used to adjust course heights.
Soap
Brick of standard length and thickness but half the width, such as 9 by 2.25 by 2.5 inches.
Brickie
Shop name for a refractory bricklayer, especially in Britain, Australia and steel plant crews.