overall
Marshalltown 45 Philadelphia Brick Trowel
9.5
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Find the perfect brick trowel for your masonry projects. We've tested top-rated models from leading brands to help you choose.
| # | Product | Best for | Best For | Type | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marshalltown 45 Philadelphia Brick Trowel | overall | Philadelphia pattern | DuraSoft handle | Premium | Check Price |
| 2 | Kraft Tool 5 x 12 Brick Trowel with DuraSoft Handle | professional | Philadelphia pattern | DuraSoft handle | Premium | Check Price |
| 3 | WHS 5 x 12 Brick Trowel with Wood Handle | traditional | Philadelphia pattern | Wood handle | Mid-range | Check Price |
| 4 | Marshalltown 46 London Brick Trowel | london pattern | London pattern | DuraSoft handle | Premium | Check Price |
| 5 | OX Tools Pro 5 x 12 Brick Trowel | ergonomic | Philadelphia pattern | Soft grip handle | Mid-range | Check Price |
| 6 | Rigid 5 x 12 Brick Trowel | budget | Philadelphia pattern | Cushion grip handle | Budget | Check Price |
| 7 | Marshalltown 44 Brick Trowel with Wood Handle | value wood handle | Philadelphia pattern | Wood handle | Mid-range | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The Marshalltown 45 is the gold standard for brick trowels. Its high carbon steel blade holds an edge exceptionally well. The DuraSoft handle reduces fatigue during long days. Professional masons trust this trowel for its perfect balance and durability.
Professional masons and serious DIYers who want the best performance.
Occasional users on a tight budget.
Key specs: Philadelphia pattern - 5 inch width - 11 inch length - DuraSoft handle - High carbon steel
Why we picked it: Kraft Tool's brick trowel offers excellent craftsmanship at a slightly lower price than Marshalltown. The forged steel blade is sturdy and holds an edge. The DuraSoft handle provides a secure, comfortable grip. It's a favorite among masons for its reliability.
Professionals seeking a high-quality alternative to Marshalltown.
Those who prefer a lighter trowel.
Key specs: Philadelphia pattern - 5 inch width - 12 inch length - DuraSoft handle - Forged steel
Why we picked it: The WHS brick trowel features a classic wood handle that many traditionalists prefer. The high carbon steel blade is durable and easy to sharpen. It offers good balance and a comfortable feel. This trowel is a solid choice for those who appreciate traditional tools.
Masons who prefer traditional wood handles and good value.
Those wanting a modern ergonomic grip.
Key specs: Philadelphia pattern - 5 inch width - 12 inch length - Wood handle - High carbon steel
Why we picked it: The London pattern has a narrower blade, ideal for precise brickwork. Marshalltown's version is forged from high-quality steel. The DuraSoft handle offers comfort and control. It's perfect for detailed masonry where accuracy matters.
Masons focused on detailed brickwork and tight joints.
Those needing a general-purpose trowel for large areas.
Key specs: London pattern - 4.5 inch width - 11 inch length - DuraSoft handle - Forged steel
Why we picked it: OX Tools Pro brick trowel features a soft grip handle that reduces hand fatigue. The high carbon steel blade is durable and holds an edge. It offers good balance and is priced competitively. This trowel is a great option for those who prioritize comfort.
DIYers and professionals who want comfort without breaking the bank.
Those seeking the absolute best durability.
Key specs: Philadelphia pattern - 5 inch width - 12 inch length - Soft grip handle - High carbon steel
Why we picked it: Rigid offers a budget-friendly brick trowel without sacrificing too much quality. The stainless steel blade resists rust. The cushion grip handle provides decent comfort. It's a good entry-level trowel for occasional use.
DIYers on a budget or those needing a spare trowel.
Professionals requiring daily use and longevity.
Key specs: Philadelphia pattern - 5 inch width - 12 inch length - Cushion grip handle - Stainless steel
Why we picked it: This Marshalltown model offers a traditional wood handle at a lower price than the DuraSoft version. The tempered steel blade is reliable. It's a good choice for those who want Marshalltown quality but prefer wood. The balance is still excellent.
Traditionalists who want Marshalltown quality on a budget.
Those who need maximum comfort and durability.
Key specs: Philadelphia pattern - 5 inch width - 11 inch length - Wood handle - Tempered steel
Most masons use a 5x12 inch trowel for general bricklaying. Smaller sizes (4.5x11) are better for detailed work or tight spaces. Choose based on the scale of your projects.
Philadelphia pattern has a wider, rounded blade for spreading mortar. London pattern is narrower and more pointed for precise placement. Philadelphia is more common for general bricklaying.
For professionals, yes. Premium trowels have better steel, balance, and handles that reduce fatigue. For occasional DIY, a mid-range trowel is sufficient.
Clean after each use, dry thoroughly, and oil the blade to prevent rust. Sharpen periodically with a file. Store in a dry place.
High carbon steel holds an edge best but can rust. Stainless steel resists rust but may not stay sharp as long. Forged steel is durable and preferred by pros.
Philadelphia pattern is versatile for most brickwork. London pattern offers precision for detailed joints. Select based on your typical tasks.
DuraSoft or cushioned grips reduce fatigue during long use. Wood handles offer traditional feel but may be less comfortable. Try to hold the trowel before buying if possible.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | High carbon steel or forged steel provide durability and edge retention. Stainless steel is rust-resistant but less sharp. Choose based on your maintenance preference. |
| Handle Type | Ergonomic handles like DuraSoft reduce hand strain. Wood handles are classic but can crack. Plastic handles are budget-friendly but less comfortable. |
| Trowel Pattern | Philadelphia pattern is the most common and versatile. London pattern offers better control for detailed work. Your choice should match your masonry style. |
| Balance and Weight | A well-balanced trowel reduces fatigue and improves accuracy. Heavier trowels can be tiring but may provide more momentum. Test the balance if possible. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.