Brick Trowel

Introduction

In the world of masonry, the brick trowel is an indispensable tool, a silent partner that can make or break the quality of your work. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, understanding the intricacies of this tool is essential. This comprehensive guide will delve into the anatomy of a brick trowel, explore the different types and their specific uses, and provide insights into the factors you should consider when choosing the perfect trowel. We'll also touch on the importance of proper maintenance to ensure your trowel's longevity and performance.

Understanding the Brick Trowel

A brick trowel is a crucial tool for masons, used for laying bricks and building walls. Its selection depends on factors like size, pattern, and handle material. The trowel consists of several parts: the blade, which carries the mortar; the handle for grip; the tang, an extension of the blade; the ferrule, a metal band for strength; the neck for balance; and the heel, which carries most of the mortar. Understanding these parts and their uses can help you choose the right trowel for your masonry project.

Types of Brick Trowels

The 'Pattern' of a Brick Trowel describes its blade shape. Two main patterns are London and Philadelphia. London Brick Trowels have a narrow blade profile, ideal for brickwork due to its rounded heel and forward mortar carry. Philadelphia Brick Trowels, on the other hand, have a wide blade profile designed to hold more mortar, making it easier to lay larger building materials like block and stone. The choice of pattern depends on the task and personal preference.

London Pattern Trowel

The 11-1/2" Narrow London blade is a popular choice for brick and general masonry projects. It carries mortar away from the handle, holding it towards the toe, making it ideal for veneering. The blade and shank are forged from a single piece of uniquely formulated carbon steel for extra toughness. The blade is heat tempered to ensure uniform hardness. The standard shank angle is balanced to reduce wrist fatigue. The 6" wood handle is air-seasoned, second-growth hardwood, contoured to fit your hand for a comfortable grip. The handle is fitted to the blade with a steel ferrule.

Philadelphia Pattern Trowel

The Philadelphia pattern trowel is a favorite among stonemasons and bricklayers due to its wide blade, ideal for transferring large volumes of mortar. It enables quick and precise finishing of stone work. Available in 10”, 11” and 12” lengths, these trowels feature a soft grip handle to minimize wrist/hand fatigue. Crafted from a single piece of carbon steel, the hand polished blades offer minimal flex, ensuring balanced carrying, controlled application, and expedient finishing. These trowels are perfect for transferring mortar, creating furrows, scraping away excess material, and smoothing edges.

Wide Heel Brick Trowel

The Broad Heel Brick Trowel is a high-quality tool that has garnered positive reviews from users. It's praised for its excellent balance, perfect grip, and lightweight design. The 10-inch broad heel carries the right amount of material, allowing for efficient work. The quality of the steel ensures its durability, lasting longer than many other trowels. The handle is not overly large, preventing cramps during use. The blade has a nice flex to it, and the trowel is not too heavy, making it comfortable for extended use. This trowel is highly recommended for its solid construction and user-friendly design.

Narrow London Brick Trowel

The 11-1/2" Narrow London Brick Trowel is a popular choice for brick and general masonry projects. Its blade carries mortar away from the handle and holds it towards the toe, making it ideal for veneering. The blade and shank are forged from a single piece of uniquely formulated carbon steel for extra toughness. Each blade is heat tempered and hand polished to keep mortar centered. The 6" wood handle is air-seasoned, second-growth hardwood, contoured for a comfortable grip. The handle is fitted to the blade with a steel ferrule. This trowel is proudly made with high-quality craftsmanship.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Brick Trowel

When choosing a brick trowel, consider its construction, pattern, size, and handle. The blade's quality and the handle's comfort are crucial. The blade, often made from high carbon steel, should be durable and flexible. The handle should provide comfort during long periods of use. The pattern of the trowel, such as London or Philadelphia, affects its suitability for specific tasks. Size is also important, with smaller trowels offering more control and larger ones carrying more mortar. These factors combined will help you choose the right brick trowel for your needs.

Size and Weight

The 7” Brick Weight Large Tang Pointing Trowel is a unique tool that combines the size of a pointing trowel with the weight of a small brick trowel, making it perfect for even small brick jobs. The 7" x3-3/8" pointed blade and tang are forged from a single piece of high-grade carbon steel, ensuring extra toughness. This tool is perfectly balanced, providing a comfortable weight for extended use. The size and weight of this trowel make it a versatile and essential tool for any brickwork.

Material and Durability

The blade of a brick trowel, acting as your work surface, is typically forged from a single piece of high carbon steel, ensuring durability, flexibility, and comfort. Avoid blades made by welding two pieces together as they have a weak point that can result in a snapped trowel. Handle materials vary, with options including wood, plastic, leather, soft-grip, and cork. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks concerning comfort, durability, and cost.

Handle Comfort

The Ergo Soft Brick Trowel is designed with user comfort in mind. It features a durable Ergo Soft handle that significantly reduces fatigue during use. This ergonomic design allows for maximum hand clearance, ensuring that users can work for extended periods without discomfort. The handle's high lift design further enhances its comfort, making it an excellent choice for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

Price and Quality

High-quality Brick Trowels are a reliable choice for masonry professionals. These trowels are made with excellent craftsmanship and durability. The manufacturers have a long-standing reputation for producing innovative construction tools and equipment. They offer quality tools at a competitive cost, making them a reliable choice for professionals. The manufacturers also offer several strong brands to keep you working with ease and efficiency.

Maintaining Your Brick Trowel

Maintaining your brick trowel is crucial for its longevity and performance. Clean your trowel immediately after every use to prevent mortar from hardening on it. Use a hose sprayer or a clean sponge with water. If concrete has hardened on your trowel, a concrete dissolver can be used. Remember to clean your trowel multiple times a day, depending on the job. The storage of your trowel is also important to prevent blade damage. Options include a trowel bag, hanging by the handle inside a builder’s bucket, or investing in a heavy-duty trowel case.

Cleaning

Cleaning your brick trowel is crucial to maintain its longevity and performance. Always clean your trowel immediately after use to prevent mortar from hardening on it. A hose sprayer or a clean sponge with water works well for this. If mortar has hardened on your trowel, a concrete dissolver can be used, but ensure to follow the instructions carefully. Remember to clean your trowel multiple times a day, depending on the job, and never let the concrete harden between jobs.

Storage

Proper storage of your brick trowel is crucial to prevent blade damage. Trowel bags are a common choice, offering durability, but they don't guarantee complete protection. Some professionals prefer hanging their trowels by the handle inside a builder's bucket, while others invest in heavy-duty trowel cases. The key is to store your trowel in a way that reduces the chance of the blades getting damaged.

Regular Inspection

Regular inspection of your brick trowel is crucial to ensure its longevity. If it's been a while since you've cleaned your trowels, you may need to use a concrete dissolver to remove any hardened concrete. Always read the dissolver directions carefully, wear protective gear, and try a small test spot first. If you need to use a grinder on your trowel to remove any hardened adhesive or mortar, use light pressure so you don’t damage the trowel edge. Remember to clean off your trowel multiple times a day, depending on the job, and don’t let the concrete harden between jobs.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect brick trowel is a combination of understanding its construction, knowing the tasks at hand, and personal preference. Whether it's the London or Philadelphia pattern, the size, the handle comfort, or the quality, each aspect plays a crucial role in the selection process. But the journey doesn't end at the purchase. Proper maintenance, including regular cleaning, appropriate storage, and routine inspection, is key to ensuring your trowel's longevity and optimal performance. Armed with this comprehensive guide, you're now ready to make an informed decision and select a brick trowel that will serve you well in your masonry projects.