For most bricklayers, a trowel’s more than just a tool. Once it’s worn in, it fits your hand, your pace, your style. You know how it handles without thinking. But no matter how well it’s served you, even the best trowel doesn’t last forever.

Replacing a trowel at the right time means less hassle, fewer mistakes, and a better finish on every job.

When to Replace a Trowel: 5 Key Signs to Watch For

There’s no exact expiry date on a trowel, but if you’re using it day in, day out, wear and tear creeps in faster than you think. Knowing the early warning signs can help you avoid sloppy finishes, slowdowns, or even injuries on site. Here’s what to watch for:

• Blade Worn Thin: Over time, constant use grinds the blade down. If it’s gone razor-thin or starts flexing when you spread, it’ll lack the stiffness you need for clean, controlled work, especially on heavier blocks or awkward angles.
• Bent or Misshaped: A trowel that’s been dropped, thrown in the van, or just overused can lose its shape. Even a small bend can throw off your buttering, leaving you fighting the tool instead of working with it.
• Loose Handle: If the handle starts to wobble, split, or feel like it might come off, it’s not just frustrating, it’s a safety risk. It also ruins the precision you’ve built up from muscle memory.
• Decreased Efficiency: If you’re struggling to get a clean spread, wasting time cleaning up edges, or needing to go over your work more than usual, your trowel might be dragging your speed and quality down.
• Rust or Pitting: A rusty or pitted blade can catch on mortar, throw off your spread, and be a pain to clean, especially after wet or muddy days on site.

Does Brand Matter When Choosing a Bricklaying Trowel?

Short answer: yes, but not in the way you might think.

A quality brand like Marshalltown or Ragni often lasts longer, holds its shape better, and feels more balanced. But even the best tools wear out eventually. Cheap trowels may save you a few quid upfront, but they’ll lose their edge faster and may not be worth repairing or reshaping.

If you’re laying brick day in, day out, invest in a tool that can keep pace. In the long run, it pays off.

How to Look After Your Trowel: 4 Simple Care Tips

Want to get the most out of your trowel? A bit of care goes a long way and it’s often the difference between a tool that lasts a few months and one that serves you well for years. Bricklayers rely on feel, balance, and precision, and a well-maintained trowel delivers all three. The good news? It doesn’t take much. Just a few simple habits at the end of each shift can keep your blade sharp, your handle solid, and your workflow smooth.

• Clean It Daily: Don’t let mortar dry on the blade. A quick scrape and rinse at the end of each day saves hassle later.
• Sharpen Occasionally: If you use your trowel for cutting bricks or blocks, give the edges a once-over with a sharpening stone or file now and then.
• Dry It Properly: Tossing your trowel into a damp toolbox or leaving it outside overnight will shorten its life fast. Make sure it’s dry before storing, and if you’re on site in wet weather, wrap it or keep it in a dry area of the van.
• Oil the Blade Occasionally – A light coat of oil now and again (especially if you’re storing it for a while) helps prevent rust and keeps the steel in good nick. Linseed oil or WD-40 both do the trick – just remember to wipe it clean before using again.

Final Word: Know When to Upgrade Your Trowel

Sticking with the same trowel for years might feel like a badge of honour, but there comes a point where holding on can start holding you back. Upgrading your kit isn’t about giving in, it’s about working smarter. A well-balanced, reliable trowel helps you work faster, lay neater, and finish stronger. It’s part of keeping your standards high and your work consistent. And if your current one’s more bend than blade, maybe it’s time to treat yourself to a fresh one.