What Is the Difference Between a London and Philadelphia Trowel?

By Alice Nichols

If you are a bricklayer or a DIY enthusiast, you might have heard of London and Philadelphia trowels. While they look similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two that make them suited for different tasks. In this article, we will explore the differences between London and Philadelphia trowels to help you decide which one is best for your needs.

What is a Trowel?

Before we dive into the differences between the two types of trowels, let’s define what a trowel is. A trowel is a handheld tool used by masons, bricklayers, and other construction professionals to spread, smooth, and shape mortar or concrete. It consists of a flat metal blade with one pointed end and one rounded end attached to a handle.

London Trowel

The London trowel is named after its place of origin, London. It is sometimes called a pointing trowel because it is commonly used for pointing or finishing mortar joints.

The blade of a London trowel is typically longer and thinner than that of a Philadelphia trowel. It also has a slight upward curve towards the end.

One benefit of using a London trowel is that it allows for more precise control over the placement of mortar or concrete due to its longer blade and curved design. This makes it ideal for tasks like filling in small gaps or corners.

Philadelphia Trowel

The Philadelphia trowel, on the other hand, originated in Philadelphia and has a broader blade than the London trowel. It also has a more pronounced curve towards the end compared to the London trowel. The broader blade provides more surface area for smoothing out larger areas of mortar or concrete.

The Philadelphia trowel excels at spreading mortar quickly due to its wider blade and curved design. This makes it well-suited for tasks like laying bricks or blocks.

Conclusion

In summary, both London and Philadelphia trowels are useful tools for bricklayers, masons, and other construction professionals. The main differences between the two lie in their blade size and curvature.

If you need more precision in your work, a London trowel might be the better choice. If you need to cover larger areas quickly, a Philadelphia trowel may be more suitable.

Regardless of which type of trowel you choose, remember to use it properly and maintain it regularly to ensure its longevity. A well-maintained trowel can last for years and help you create beautiful, long-lasting structures.