Swapped my 10 inch trowel for a 14 inch and my back thanks me

Honestly, I used a 10 inch Philadelphia trowel for almost 8 years because that's what the old timers taught me when I started. Last fall I was doing a big retaining wall in Columbus and my shoulder started locking up by noon every day. One of the guys on site let me try his 14 inch Marshalltown and the difference was night and day. The longer blade covers more surface with each sweep so you're not reaching and twisting as much. My pours are cleaner too because the mortar stays on the trowel better with the extra length. Has anyone else made the switch to a bigger trowel or am I late to the party?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_stella10d ago

Your shoulder started locking up by noon every day" is a hell of a sign to ignore for 8 years. I'm curious though, did you have to adjust your grip or wrist angle at all with the bigger trowel, or did it feel natural right away?

leep3310d ago

Did you notice any difference in how the mortar slung off the bigger trowel? I tried a 14 once and it threw mud everywhere until I got used to the weight.