Masonry Trowels

A masonry trowel is a tool that is used to apply, spread, shape, or smooth mortar, plaster, concrete, or other materials on a surface. Masonry trowels can have different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the type and quality of the material and the effect desired by the user. Some common shapes are London, Philadelphia, margin, gauging, pointing, corner, and finishing. Some common sizes are measured by the length and width of the blade, ranging from 5 inches to 12 inches or more. Some common materials are steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, plastic, and wood. Masonry trowels can be used for various purposes, such as laying bricks or blocks, repairing or installing walls or floors, applying or smoothing stucco or plaster, and creating decorative effects. Masonry trowels need to be cleaned and stored properly after use to prevent corrosion and damage.

• Hold the trowel tightly onto a level surface with your non-dominant hand.
• Use your dominant hand to place the file on the edge of the blade at an angle between five and thirty degrees.
• Push the file downwards along the edge of the blade away from your body.
• Between each stroke lift the file from the tool and place it back at the starting point.
• Repeat the process all around the edge of the blade.
• Use a clean rag to rub on some vegetable or linseed oil.

• Start the procedure by dunking the trowel into the bucket of water. This loosens the dirt.
• Next, wipe off the trowel with the rag. If there is any dirt that does not come off with water and rag, then use the wire brush to scrape it off.
• Once the dirt is cleaned from the blade, you need to oil it to protect it from rust. It is suggested that you use oil that does not have petroleum in it like vegetable or linseed oil. Don’t forget to coat the handle if it is made of wood to preserve and waterproof it.
• To apply the oil, fill the bucket with sand and oil. Move the blade of the trowel up and down in the sand a few times to clean off any small pieces of dirt and lightly coat the blade in oil.
• Finally, dip the handle into the bucket and move the trowel up and down to clean it off, and coat it with oil.