Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 26 Section 2 Introduction to Masonry the handle is called the “heel.” The blade is connected to the handle by the shank. Before purchasing a trowel, you will need to consider the weight, size, materials, construction, and angle of the handle to the blade. A good quality trowel should have a flexible blade of high-grade steel that will with- stand long and hard use. A trowel should be light in weight and well balanced. Trowels are available in lengths from about 3″ to 13″ and in widths from about 2″ to 7″. Mason’s trowels are produced with wide, sharp heels or narrow, rounded heels. See Figure 3‑1, which illustrates the difference in pattern and shape. Each of the trowel patterns was developed for spe- cific purposes. See Figure 3‑2. Philadelphia pattern trowels allow more mortar to be placed on the blade of the trowel, so they are best suited for applying mor- tar to block. London pattern trowels have the standard blade type for laying brick. Wide London pattern trow- els have a rounded heel, which places the mortar far- ther forward on the blade compared to the Philadelphia pattern trowel. A Wide London pattern trowel can be used for laying brick or block. Masons carry multiple types of trowels in order to have the appropriate trowel on hand to complete a particular project. In addition to the various types of blades, trow- els vary by type of handle. Trowel handles are made of wood, plastic, or other materials. See Figure 3‑3. Wood Philadelphia pattern London pattern Wide London pattern Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑1. The three major styles of trowels used by masons are the Philadelphia pattern trowel, the London pattern trowel, and the Wide London pattern trowel. Philadelphia pattern London pattern Wide London pattern Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑2. Study the different blade shapes of the three major styles of trowels. Leather handle Ferrule Plastic handle Wood handle Soft grip handle Marshalltown Company Figure 3‑3. Trowels can be purchased in many types of handle construction.