What Is a Brick Trowel?
A brick trowel is a specialized tool for handling bricks and mortar in plastering tasks. It resembles a spade shape and has a wide face for efficiently working with mortar.
This trowel is versatile, and suitable for scooping, applying, stirring, and flattening mortar. Its tip is handy for stirring material thoroughly in a bucket.
How to Use a Brick Trowel
To use a brick trowel effectively, hold the handle lightly with your dominant hand, like an egg, ensuring a small space between the handle and your palm. For bricklaying, scoop mortar onto the trowel’s back, then spread it in two rows matching the brick’s width before placing the bricks on the mortar. After use, clean and dry the trowel thoroughly.
How to Choose Brick Trowels
Selecting the right brick trowel involves considering its size and shape based on your specific needs. Here are key factors:
- Size
Brick trowels are available in sizes ranging from No. 1 (largest) to No. 5 (smallest). Choose a size based on the brick size and the amount of mortar required. - Shape of Trowel
Common shapes include spade-shaped and circular. The spade shape is ideal for even mortar application on larger bricks, while the circular shape is better for scooping large amounts of mortar and is gentle on containers.