A Scratcher Trowel is a handheld tool that is widely used in the field of
masonry. It is designed to scratch, score and roughen up hard surfaces like concrete, brick or stone to improve the adhesion of coatings, plaster, and renderings. The trowel's blade has a series of jagged teeth that can be used to carve lines and patterns into hard surfaces. The base material for a Scratcher Trowel is typically carbon steel, stainless steel, or hardened steel, which is then mounted onto a wooden, rubber or plastic handle for ease of use.
In
masonry, scratcher trowels are commonly used for creating textured finishes by scratching the surface of the
masonry with the jagged teeth of the trowel. These textured finishes provide better adhesion for the following coatings or renderings and double as decorative finishes that hide cracks, flaws, and imperfections of the underlying surface. To use the Scratcher Trowel, the
mason holds the tool at a 30-45 degree angle to the
masonry surface and then forcefully scrapes the teeth of the tool along the surface to create a rough, textured finish.
Advantages of using a Scratcher Trowel for
masonry applications are quite notable, one of which is that the tool is quite easy to learn and use, it can be manipulated with one or two hands, and this makes it ideal for use even for an inexperienced
mason. The trowel's durable blade made of steel resists wear and tear over time, while the smooth handle provides a comfortable grip for the user during extended use. Additionally, Scratcher Trowels come in various sizes to accommodate jobs of different scales and surface areas.
In summary, a Scratcher Trowel is an essential tool in
masonry applications used for scratch, score, and roughening up surfaces for improved adhesion. Its unique jagged teeth can be used to create decorative and textured finishes, helping to hide cracks and flaws on the underlying surface. The ease of use, durability, and versatility of the Scratcher Trowel make it an indispensable tool for
masons, builders, and DIY enthusiasts.