Toolbox: Trowels

Help Around the House : Episode ARH-226 -- More Projects »
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Figure A (click to enlarge)

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Figure B (click to enlarge)
If you're doing a brick or masonry work around the house you're going to need a trowel. Now there are many different types, but if you're going to buy only one trowel then you'll probably want a buttering trowel (figure A), which is used to butter bricks with mortar.

A margin trowel makes a good choice for your second trowel (figure B). It has a squared-off end that's useful for mixing and making small patch repairs. It's also handy for cleaning other tools. No matter what kind of trowel you use, make sure to clean it well and give it a light coat of oil when you're done so it stays clean , rust-free and ready to use the next time.