trowel

A trowel is a small hand tool with a flat blade attached to a handle, designed to scoop, spread, and smooth soft materials. Trowels are used in masonry, plastering, and gardening to apply and shape substances such as mortar, plaster, concrete, and soil. The blade shape and size vary to suit specific tasks.

Masonry trowels include brick trowels, which have a rectangular blade with a pointed tip for spreading mortar on brickwork; pointing trowels, smaller and triangular for filling and finishing joints; and finishing trowels, used to smooth and level masonry surfaces. Plastering trowels have flexible blades for applying and refinishing plaster. Garden trowels, sometimes called hand trowels, have narrow, often pointed blades for digging, weeding, and transplanting in soil.

Blades are typically made of carbon steel or stainless steel, while handles may be wood, plastic, or fiberglass. The blade is usually fixed to a tang or shank and secured with rivets or a screw. Some trowels feature reinforced blades or ergonomic handles to reduce fatigue during extended use.

Common uses include spreading mortar or plaster, shaping joints and surfaces, and smoothing outputs in masonry and plastering. In gardening, the trowel is used for digging small holes, loosening soil, lifting plants, and weeding.

Care and maintenance involve cleaning after use to remove concrete or plaster residue, drying thoroughly to prevent rust, and storing in a dry place. Inspect blades for nicks or bending and replace worn or damaged trowels to maintain performance.