Showerthought: the choice between a 10-inch or 12-inch knife for a big ceiling job

Had to do a vaulted ceiling in a new build last week, and I was stuck between my old reliable 10-inch and a wider 12-inch knife. I went with the 12-inch to cover more area per pass, and it actually made the second coat way faster... but my wrist was feeling it by the end of the day. Anyone have a trick for handling the bigger blades on overhead work without getting so sore?

2 comments

2 Comments

jenny_jackson3d ago

Honestly, have you checked the weight of the two knives? I bet that extra two inches of steel adds more heft than you realize, and that's what kills your wrist fighting gravity all day. Maybe you could try a lighter-weight 12-inch, like one with a composite or thinner metal handle. It's not just the size, it's the whole package you're holding up there.

lisa_hill232d ago

Jenny's point about weight is good, but what about the balance? A lighter knife might still be front-heavy if the blade is big. Maybe the trick is how you hold it. Do you choke up on the handle more with the 12-inch to get better control, or do you keep the same grip? Changing my grip helped a bit, but then my fingers got tired instead.