When it comes to masonry work, having the right tools is essential, and the brick trowel is at the heart of it all. Among bricklayers, Marshalltown is often considered the gold standard. However, is it truly the best trowel out there?
For seasoned professionals, the choice of trowel often comes down to personal preference, but if you’re an apprentice or someone new to masonry, choosing your first trowel can be daunting. This guide will help you understand the key factors to consider and compare some of the most popular trowel brands.
Best Trowels for Masonry Work – Overview
Several trowels are highly regarded for their quality, durability, and performance. Here are some of the top contenders:
- Marshalltown (The Premier Line) – USA
- W. Rose (USA) – USA
- Ox (Professional) – Australia
- Ragni (The Crowd Line) – Italy
- Faithful (Forged One Piece) – UK
- WHS (WHS Tyzack) – UK
- Bon (Stainless Steel Range) – USA
- CK Tools (Professional Soft Grip) – Germany
- Goldblatt (One Piece Forged Steel) – USA
Which Brand Should You Choose?
In many cases, your local hardware store may have a limited selection of trowels. If that’s the case, consider purchasing online for a broader variety. Not all trowels are created equally, so you want to avoid settling for an inferior product, especially for your first purchase.
To give you an idea of what to expect, we’ve asked a group of bricklayers to score trowels based on key factors: balance, durability, comfort, flexibility, and value for money. The combined scores will help you determine which brands are worth your investment.
Key Factors to Consider
- Balance: A well-balanced trowel allows for easier control. Most bricklayers prefer a trowel whose balance point is close to the shaft, avoiding a front-heavy design. If balance is achieved by making the handle too heavy, the trowel can become tiring to use over time.
- Durability: The quality of steel and the forging process greatly affect a trowel’s durability. A simple test is to hit the trowel against a hard surface— the longer the ring, the higher the quality of the steel. Welded trowels tend to have weak points, and even the handle can loosen over time.
- Comfort: The handle’s design plays a big role in comfort. Factors like handle thickness, length, and the angle (or “set”) can all affect how comfortable the trowel feels during long working sessions. Badly designed finger guards can also be a nuisance.
- Flexibility: A trowel that flexes slightly during use is generally easier on the wrist and provides better feedback when laying bricks or blocks. It can also help spread mortar more efficiently.
- Value for Money: While the price may not always be the most important factor, it’s worth considering, especially if you’re on a budget. We’ve scored each trowel based on its performance in the previous four categories relative to its price.
The Results
- Marshalltown
- Balance: 9
- Durability: 9
- Comfort: 8
- Flexibility: 10
- Value: 7
- Overall Score: 86
Marshalltown trowels are known for their high quality and great balance. They are a favorite among both professionals and beginners, making them an excellent choice for any bricklayer.
- W. Rose
- Balance: 9
- Durability: 10
- Comfort: 8
- Flexibility: 8
- Value: 7
- Overall Score: 84
W. Rose trowels are built to last, offering superior durability with a balanced feel. They are perfect for those looking for a trowel that can withstand years of heavy use.
- Ox (Professional)
- Balance: 8
- Durability: 6
- Comfort: 8
- Flexibility: 8
- Value: 9
- Overall Score: 78
Ox trowels are known for their value for money. Although they may not be as durable as some competitors, they offer good performance at a lower price point.
- Ragni
- Balance: 8
- Durability: 8
- Comfort: 8
- Flexibility: 7
- Value: 6
- Overall Score: 74
Ragni trowels offer solid performance but may not stand out in any one area. They are a good choice for those who need a dependable tool without breaking the bank.
- Faithful
- Balance: 8
- Durability: 5
- Comfort: 7
- Flexibility: 7
- Value: 8
- Overall Score: 70
Faithful trowels are budget-friendly, making them a good option for beginners. However, they may not last as long as more expensive brands.
- WHS
- Balance: 6
- Durability: 7
- Comfort: 7
- Flexibility: 7
- Value: 7
- Overall Score: 68
WHS trowels are solid mid-range options but may not be as comfortable or flexible as higher-end brands.
- Bon
- Balance: 7
- Durability: 8
- Comfort: 6
- Flexibility: 6
- Value: 6
- Overall Score: 66
Bon trowels are durable, but they may not be as comfortable to use over long periods.
- CK Tools
- Balance: 4
- Durability: 5
- Comfort: 3
- Flexibility: 6
- Value: 7
- Overall Score: 50
CK Tool’s trowels are affordable but lack the balance and comfort needed for serious masonry work.
- Goldblatt
- Balance: 4
- Durability: 4
- Comfort: 3
- Flexibility: 6
- Value: 7
- Overall Score: 48
Goldblatt trowels are among the cheapest, but they may not offer the durability or comfort required for regular use.
Conclusion
For those just starting, it’s important to choose a trowel that offers a good balance of comfort, durability, and flexibility. Marshalltown and W. Rose are the top contenders in this space, providing high-quality tools that are worth the investment. However, if you’re looking for something more affordable, brands like Ox and Faithful offer good alternatives without sacrificing too much in terms of performance. Whatever your choice, having the right trowel can make all the difference in your masonry work.
Post time: 9月-19-2024
