Best Bricklaying Trowel 2020 – Comparison & Guide

In this guide we take a look at the best bricklaying trowel.

A brickmasons trowel, also known as a bricklaying trowel or a brick trowel is an essential item for any bricklayer or anyone who wants to start bricklaying.

It is often referred by these terms to not be confused with any different type of trowel such as a plastering trowel or a tile setting trowel.

A bricklaying trowel is used for laying bricks and blocks.

A good quality bricklaying trowel will last many years so it’s important to make the right choice as it’s a good investment.

Model	Image	Length	Blade	Handle	Parts	Design	Read Full Review	Score	Check Price
RAGNI R101-10P		10″	Steel	Rubber	1	Philadelphia	Read Full Review	9.6
Marshalltown 19/10d Trowel		10″	Steel	Durasoft	1	Philadelphia	Read Full Review	9.4
Spear & Jackson Tyzack 10712SF-08		12″	Solid Forged	Soft Feel	1	Philadelphia	Read Full Review	7.4
Marshalltown 3311D		11″	Steel	Durasoft	1	London	Read Full Review	6.0
Spear & Jackson Tyzack Canadian Trowel		11″	Solid Forged	Wooden	1	Philadelphia	Read Full Review	5.8

What are the different parts of a bricklaying trowel?

There are normally about 4 different parts to a bricklaying trowel.

These are:

• Handle
• Ferrule
• Shank
• Blade

Handle

The handle is the bit you hold when using a bricklaying trowel.
This can be made from nylon, rubber, wood, leather or plastic.

Ferrule

This is the metal ring that stops the handle from splitting.

Shank

The shank is the part that connects the handle to the blade. Cheap brick trowels will have this piece welded to the blade.
Most modern, high quality brick trowels don’t have this welded on, as they are an all in one piece.

Blade

The trowel blade is normally made from tempered steel if it’s a high quality brick trowel.
The point of the blade is called the toe and the back of the blade where it meets the shank is called the heel.

Best Bricklaying Trowel – Handle

Handles come in many differerent materials and there are many choices of handle in the market today.

Wooden handles have a metal band called a ferrule that stops the wooden handle from splitting.

A leather handle is just a wooden handle with leather rings.

A plastic handle has no ferrule. This makes them very durable.

A rubber handle or nylon handle are also a popular choice. Sometimes they have a finger guard and a bumper. The finger guard protects your fingers and the bumper absorbs the impact when tapping bricks.

The bumper weights the handle which makes the trowel feel lighter and it also protects the handle.

Best Bricklaying Trowel – Ferrule

A ferrule is a metal band that stops the wooden handle from splitting,

Best Bricklaying Trowel – Shank & Blade

If you want the best bricklaying trowel, then you want one that has the shank and blade as 1 piece, not 2.

If it is two pieces it would be the shank is welded to the blade and won’t last as long as a 1 piece trowel.

Generally 1 piece trowels are a much higher quality.

The length and angle of the shank to the handle determines it’s lift.

The higher the lift, the less chance of wrist ache.

You want to find a brick trowel that is made from thin steel.

This allows the blade to flex without bending.

Brick Trowel Patterns

There are generally 2 brick trowel patterns. These are London and Philadelphia.

The London pattern comes in 2 types, Narrow London and Wide London.

The Philadelphia pattern is normally a similar size to the Wide London pattern.

Narrow London & Wide London

This type of design has rounded/curved edges.

The Wide London holds more mortar than the Narrow London.

Philadelphia

This type of design has pointed edges. It tends to hold about the same amount of mortar as the Wide London.

Best Bricklaying Trowel – Size

The length of a trowel is measured from the toe of the blade to the heel of the blade.

Trowels are usually measured in 1/2″ increments and are normally about 11″

If you lay bricks then we would suggest using a smaller brick trowel than if you are laying blocks.

This is because it reduces the amount of excess mortar and stops spillage.

Best Bricklaying Trowel – Makes

There are many different brands and makes of brick trowels.

Here are some:

• Marshalltown
• W Rose
• Faithfull
• Ragni
• WHS

What to look for when buying a bricklaying trowel

Comfort

If you are using a brick trowel 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, then you will want to have a good one and one that is comfortable as it’s almost like an extension of your arm.

Balance

A good balance is essential when choosing a brick trowel.

Flex

A good flex is important in the blade.

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Ragni call the R101-10P the ultimate brick trowel. They have good reason. This particular model comes with a non slip handle, even with wet hands which is brilliant when on the job.

It comes with taper-ground hardened edges to cut bricks.

It has a great balance and a great flex.

 

Product Details

• 10 Inch Blade
• Solid Forged Steel Blade
• Dimensions: 46.2 x 12.9 x 10.3 cm
• Weighs 400g

Conclusion

The Ragni R101-10p is a solid trowel, which is great value for money and a sound investment for all brickies.

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The Marshalltown 19/10d is ground from heel to toe for excellent balance and excellent strength

It is forged from a single piece of high carbon steel, then heat treated for strength and durability.

 

 

Product Details

• Philedelphia pattern
• 10″ blade
• weighs 440 grams
• 39.2 x 12.4 x 11.3 cm

Conclusion

The Marshalltown 19/10d trowel is a great lightweight sturdy trowel that is fantastic for all skills.

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Next up is the Spear & Jackson Tyzack 10712SF-08 brick trowel.

This is another beauty, from Spear & Jackson.

Spear & Jackson were founded in 1760 so they have been making tools a long time.

They are a worldwide company with offices in England, France & even Australia.

This particular model of bricklaying trowel has a forged blade of 12 inches.

It really benefits from the extra balance the Philadelphia pattern provides.

 

Product Details

• Solid forged blade
• Made with a Philadelphia pattern
• Taper ground for progressive flexibility
• It comes with a soft feel handle with finger guard
• Also included is a plastic end cap for tapping down

Conclusion

The Spear & Jackson Tyzack 10712SF-08 is a really good brick trowel for everyday use. A sound investment that although the metal is lighter than a Marshalltown, it gives it a great flex.

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All brick trowels from Marshalltown are made from one piece of steel. They are also made with the latest forging equipment which means they are ultra modern. The impact area is strong which provides extra endurance. The blades are expertly ground. They also come with a great flex.

The Marshalltown 3311D has a London Pattern.

It comes with a rubber handle which also has a finger guard.

 

Product Details

• London Design
• Expertly ground blade
• 11 inch blade
• Dimensions: 43.2 x 10.8 x 12.7 cm

Conclusion

The marshalltown 3311D is an excellent bricklayers trowel and our favourite. It’s definetly a sound investment that will last for many years.

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This excellent trowel from Spear & Jackson has a lovely 11 inch blade. It has a solid forged blade.

It has a philedelphia design which adds balance. It is also taper ground for flexibility.

The handle is made from wood and has a leather insert for added comfort.

It also has a plastic cap for tapping down.

 

 

Product Details

• Comes with an 11 inch blade
• Solid Forged Blade
• 599 grams
• Dimensions: 54.8 x 16.6 x 9.8 cm

Conclusion

This is a great trowel that professional bricklayers love. Some even go as far to say it’s the best they have ever used.

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