Bricklaying Trowels

Choosing the Right Brick Trowel

When choosing a bricklayer’s trowel, consider the blade pattern alongside its length and width. A London brick trowel typically has a narrower profile and rounded heel, while a Philadelphia pattern has a broader blade that can carry more mortar. Options such as the 280mm London brick trowel and 250mm Philadelphia pattern trowel illustrate these different blade shapes. Both patterns can be used for brickwork; the choice depends on the masonry units, the amount of mortar you need to carry and how you prefer to work.

A larger blade can carry more mortar, but the extra load may be harder to control. A smaller blade carries less and may feel more manageable, particularly when learning. Compare handle shape and material too, as grip comfort and balance matter during repeated use.

Blade Materials and Trowel Care

Blade material is another consideration when comparing bricklaying trowels. Carbon steel needs careful cleaning and drying to help prevent rust, while stainless steel offers greater corrosion resistance but still requires regular care. Remove mortar before it hardens, clean the blade and handle, and dry the tool before storing it. Keeping the blade free from hardened mortar helps preserve a smooth working surface for the next job.

Gauging, Bucket and Margin Trowels

Different stages of masonry work call for different tools. A gauging trowel is useful for mixing and handling small quantities of mortar. A bucket trowel, such as the 180mm stainless steel bucket trowel, helps scoop mortar from a container. A margin trowel has a narrow rectangular blade for working in confined areas.

Check each product’s specifications before ordering to confirm its intended use, blade material and dimensions. To complete your toolkit, browse our brick lines and accessories for setting out courses, and pointing trowels and brick jointers for filling and finishing mortar joints.