After a long day of mowing, it’s tempting to grab the garden hose and spray down your mower to get rid of all that caked-on grass, dirt, and debris. It seems like a quick and easy solution, especially when the mess is stubborn or baked on from the sun. But is it actually safe to hose down a lawn mower? The short answer is: sometimes yes, but with caution—and there are better ways to keep your mower clean and running well without risking damage. In this post, we’ll look at the pros and cons of hosing down your mower, the parts you need to avoid getting wet, and safer cleaning alternatives to help keep your equipment in top condition. Why Cleaning Your Lawn Mower Matters First, let’s talk about why it’s important to clean your mower regularly. A build-up of grass clippings and dust can affect cutting performance, clog air filters, and trap moisture around metal components, which can lead to rust. Excess grass around the deck also interferes with airflow, reducing efficiency and placing more strain on the engine. Keeping the mower clean can extend its lifespan, reduce maintenance costs, and make sure it performs well every time you use it. But while cleaning is necessary, how you clean it makes a big difference. Risks of Hosing Down a Lawn Mower Spraying your mower with a hose might remove the muck, but it also carries some real risks—especially for petrol-powered machines. 1. Water and Engines Don’t Mix Water getting into the air filter, spark plug area, or fuel tank can lead to starting issues or engine failure. Even a splash can cause misfires or poor performance if it makes its way into the ignition system. 2. Electrical Components Can Be Damaged Modern mowers often have electrical connections, especially battery-powered models. Soaking these components can lead to shorts, corrosion, or total failure. Even petrol mowers can have electric starts, battery compartments, or kill switches that aren’t waterproof. 3. Rust Formation Spraying water directly onto metal parts—particularly underneath the deck—can lead to rust if not properly dried. Blades, bolts, and deck walls are all vulnerable, especially if moisture sits there after washing. 4. Grease and Lubricant Wash-Off Water can wash away essential lubricants from joints and bearings. Without proper greasing afterwards, this may lead to squeaks, stiffness, or premature wear. When (and How) It’s Okay to Use a Hose Hosing is not completely off-limits—it’s just about how and where you do it. 1. Use Low Pressure If you’re going to use a hose, make sure the pressure is low. Never use a pressure washer or high-pressure nozzle, as it can force water into areas that aren’t sealed against moisture. 2. Avoid the Engine and Electricals Be very careful around the engine block, air filter cover, spark plug area, battery pack (if it has one), and any switches or control panels. Cover these with a plastic bag if needed to prevent accidental splashes. 3. Tip It Carefully If you’re cleaning the underside of the mower deck, make sure you tip it the right way. For petrol mowers, always tip the machine with the spark plug facing up to prevent fuel or oil from leaking into the air filter or carburettor. 4. Dry Immediately Use a cloth or air blower to remove excess moisture as soon as you finish. Let the mower sit in the sun for a bit, or wipe down metal parts with a dry rag. Re-lubricate any points that require it (like the wheels or pivot points) to prevent squeaks or corrosion. A Safer Way to Clean Your Lawn Mower There are better methods than hosing, and they don’t take much longer. 1. Use a Brush or Scraper A stiff-bristled brush or plastic scraper is your best friend when it comes to clearing clumps of grass and debris, especially from the underside of the deck. This avoids water altogether and keeps everything dry. 2. Compressed Air If you’ve got access to an air compressor, it’s great for blasting away dry grass, leaves, and dust from engine fins, control panels, and other crevices. It’s also safe for the electricals. 3. Damp Cloth and Soapy Water A simple damp cloth with some soapy water is safe to use on the mower housing, handles, and non-electrical surfaces. Wipe, don’t soak. Follow up with a dry towel. 4. Deck Wash Port (If Available) Some mowers come with a wash port—usually a hose fitting on top of the deck. When the hose is connected and the blades are spinning, water helps rinse the inside of the deck. This is safer than spraying the whole mower, since it directs water exactly where needed while the engine is running and heating up, reducing the risk of water sitting and causing corrosion. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Battery-Powered Mowers: Special Considerations Battery-powered mowers are more sensitive to moisture. Never hose them down. Instead, use a dry brush or a vacuum with a nozzle to clean out clippings. If you do use a damp cloth, avoid the battery compartment entirely and make sure the machine is powered off and the battery is removed. What Do Manufacturers Recommend? Most lawn mower manufacturers discourage using water directly on the engine or battery. Always check the owner’s manual for cleaning advice. If the manual says not to hose it, it’s best to listen. Regular cleaning is part of proper maintenance and may even be a condition for warranty coverage in some cases, but it has to be done right. So, Should You Hose Down a Lawn Mower? Your lawn mower is a valuable bit of gear, and with the right care, it’ll last for years. A bit of effort after each use can go a long way toward preventing breakdowns, keeping the engine running smooth, and making your job easier next time you mow. If in doubt, treat it like any other engine-driven tool: keep the water away from sensitive components, dry thoroughly, and service it regularly. That’s

Robot mowers have swiftly gained popularity as convenient, efficient, and eco-friendly solutions for lawn maintenance. These innovative machines are engineered to autonomously maintain a well-manicured lawn with minimal intervention. Robot mowers are compact, battery-powered machines designed to autonomously maintain lawns by regularly trimming grass without requiring hands-on guidance. Robot Mowers work through a combination of built-in sensors, programmed boundaries, GPS, and intelligent software that enables them to navigate a designated area, avoid obstacles, and maintain consistent grass height. But how exactly do robot mowers work, and what makes them such a valuable tool for garden enthusiasts and property owners alike? Let’s dive into the inner workings of robot mowers, explore their essential features, and consider how they might revolutionise lawn care for you. Basics of Robot Mowers Robot mowers operate autonomously, trimming grass within a defined area without manual assistance. They rely on advanced sensors, boundary wires, GPS technology, and powerful blades to cut grass evenly across the lawn. Automowers work by consistent, frequent trimming – robot mowers only remove a small portion of grass at a time, contributing to a lush, healthy lawn without large clippings that need to be gathered. So you don’t get that overgrown look like you do when mowing required on you getting out there! Core Components of a Robot Mower To understand how robot mowers work, it helps to break down their primary components: How Robot Mowers Cut Grass Robot mowers are designed to make short and frequent cuts, taking off just a small bit of grass with each pass. By cutting just a little at a time, robot mowers maintain a consistently low grass height, creating a tidy appearance without the need to remove large clippings. Most mowers operate on a random or semi-random pattern, ensuring every part of the lawn is covered evenly, avoiding those unsightly stripes or overgrown patches. Benefits of Micro-Cutting The fine clippings left behind by robot mowers act as a natural fertiliser, decomposing and returning nutrients back to the soil. This mulching effect reduces the need for synthetic fertilisers and promotes a healthier lawn with less intervention. Can Robot Mowers Cut Long Grass? Robot mowers are best suited for regular maintenance and may struggle with very long grass if left untrimmed for an extended period. When starting with long grass, it’s recommended to manually mow the lawn to a shorter length first. After that, the robot mower can maintain a consistent, even height through frequent trimming. Certain models have adjustable cutting heights, allowing them to start higher if needed, but they work most effectively on lawns that are already regularly maintained. How Do Robot Lawn Mowers Collect Grass? Robot mowers differ from traditional mowers in that they don’t collect grass clippings. Instead, they use small, sharp blades that make tiny cuts, creating fine clippings that fall directly back onto the lawn. This process, known as mulching, allows the clippings to decompose quickly and return essential nutrients to the soil, reducing the need for synthetic fertilisers. This consistent trimming approach avoids clumping, which is common with traditional mowers, and leaves no need for a collection bag. How Often Should a Robot Mower Cut Grass? Robot mowers are designed for frequent mowing, ideally running every day or every few days, depending on the lawn’s growth rate and user preferences. Regular trimming keeps the grass at a consistent height and prevents large growth spurts that can stress the lawn. Many users find that cutting every 2–3 days maintains a perfect look, especially during peak growing seasons. Frequent mowing also reduces wear on the mower by avoiding the need to tackle long, thick grass. Do Robot Mowers Cut Edges? Robot mowers typically cut within the defined boundary, leaving a narrow strip around the edges untouched. This edge often requires trimming with a separate tool, especially along fences or garden beds. Some advanced models, like certain Husqvarna Automower® models, come with close-edge cutting features, reducing the amount of trimming needed. However, a perfectly sharp edge may still need manual touch-ups. How Do Robot Mowers Know Where to Cut? Robot mowers use perimeter wires or GPS mapping to define their cutting area. Boundary wires are installed around the lawn’s perimeter, emitting a signal that keeps the mower within its designated area. GPS-enabled models create digital maps for even more efficient pathfinding and obstacle avoidance. Husqvarna’s higher-end models, such as those in the Automower® series, combine GPS with boundary wire guidance for precise coverage, ensuring every part of the lawn is mowed without crossing into restricted zones. Programming and Customisation One of the greatest features of robot mowers is their programmability. You can set mowing schedules, adjust cutting height, and specify areas to avoid. For instance, many mowers come with mobile apps that allow for customisation and remote control, so you can start, stop, or schedule mowing sessions directly from your smartphone. Some models even allow zone mapping, where you can instruct the mower to spend extra time on particular parts of the lawn. This level of customisation makes robot mowers versatile for different lawn layouts and seasonal needs. How do robot lawn mowers avoid obstacles? Safety is a top priority for manufacturers, and modern robot mowers are equipped with several safety features: ✔️Collision Detection: Sensors on the mower detect nearby objects and change direction to avoid them. This ensures the mower doesn’t damage garden furniture, toys, or other obstacles on the lawn. ✔️Tilt and Lift Sensors: These sensors immediately stop the blades if the mower is tilted or lifted, preventing accidents if a pet or child tries to pick it up. ✔️Rain Sensors: Some robot mowers are equipped with rain sensors that guide them back to the charging dock during rain, preventing damage and protecting your lawn from compaction. What happens if my kids leave toys on lawn? If your children leave toys or other small items on the lawn, most robot mowers will detect and avoid them using built-in obstacle sensors. However, smaller or softer objects may slip past the sensors. In

Gardening is a rewarding way to spend time outdoors, grow fresh food, and connect with nature. But if you’ve ever finished a day in the garden with a sore back or aching knees, you’re not alone. Gardening can involve a surprising amount of physical effort—digging, bending, lifting, and reaching. Over time, this can take a toll on your body, especially if you’re using poor posture or the wrong tools for the job. The good news is that there are plenty of practical ways to reduce strain and make gardening more comfortable, whether you’re working in a small backyard plot or managing a larger setup. With the right tools and techniques, you can stay active in the garden without putting your body at risk. Understanding Common Garden Strains Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand where strain tends to occur during gardening. The most common trouble spots include: By being aware of these pressure points, you can take simple steps to protect them with better positioning, movements, and equipment. Tools That Help Reduce Strain The right tool can make all the difference. Here are some types of tools designed to ease pressure on your joints and muscles. 1. Long-Handled Tools Long-handled versions of hoes, cultivators, weeders, shovels and trowels let you work from a standing position, reducing the need to bend. Look for tools with ergonomic grips and adjustable lengths where possible. These are especially helpful for people with limited mobility or balance issues. 2. Ergonomic Hand Tools Hand tools with padded, angled or larger grips are easier on your wrists and fingers. Tools that allow a more neutral wrist position help reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Some are even designed specifically for people with arthritis. 3. Garden Kneelers and Pads A thick kneeling pad or foldable garden kneeler with handles can relieve knee pressure and make it easier to get up and down. Some models double as a seat, giving your back a break when it’s time to prune or plant low-growing crops. 4. Raised Garden Beds Technically not a tool, but still one of the best upgrades for reducing strain. Raised beds eliminate the need to bend as far, and they’re ideal for people who want to sit or stand while working. Taller beds can be customised to suit your height, and they’re great for creating a more accessible garden. 5. Garden Carts, Trolleys and Wheelbarrows Instead of carrying heavy pots or bags of soil, use a cart or wheelbarrow to move them like these ones we have from Moss Wheelbarrows. This reduces back strain and the risk of injury, especially when lifting repeatedly. Carts with larger wheels are easier to manoeuvre over uneven ground. 6. Self-Watering Planters and Hose Attachments Dragging hoses around the garden or constantly refilling watering cans can wear you out. Look into lightweight hose attachments, such as spray wands with triggers, and consider installing self-watering systems or drip irrigation to reduce the physical workload. Techniques to Reduce Physical Stress Even with the right tools, poor technique can still lead to strain. Here are some practical ways to protect your body during garden work. 1. Use Proper Lifting Technique When lifting pots, bags of compost or tools, bend your knees—not your back. Keep the item close to your body and use your legs to power the movement. Avoid twisting while lifting, as this puts unnecessary strain on your spine. 2. Switch Tasks Frequently Instead of weeding for hours at a time, mix it up. Spend 20 minutes pulling weeds, then switch to pruning, watering or planting. Changing activities helps use different muscles and reduces the risk of overworking one area of your body. 3. Pace Yourself Take short breaks every 30 minutes or so to rest, hydrate, and assess how your body’s feeling. It’s easy to lose track of time in the garden, but regular pauses can help prevent fatigue and overuse injuries. 4. Warm Up Beforehand Just like any physical activity, a short warm-up can prepare your body for work. Gentle stretches for your back, shoulders, arms, and legs can improve circulation and flexibility. Even a brisk walk around the yard before you start can help. 5. Use Both Hands When Possible Avoid favouring your dominant side for every task. Using both hands evenly can help balance muscle use and prevent strain on your wrist, shoulder, or elbow. It might feel awkward at first, but it pays off in the long run. 6. Adjust Your Work Area If you’re potting plants or transplanting seedlings, set up a surface at waist height to avoid hunching over. This could be a table, bench, or even a sturdy crate. Bringing the work to you is far easier than working low to the ground. Gardening with Health in Mind The goal isn’t to avoid exertion altogether—gardening can be great exercise—but to make that exertion more sustainable. It should help your body, not wear it out. If you’re gardening regularly and feeling sore, it’s a sign that something needs adjusting, whether it’s your posture, technique, or tools. “Many people don’t realise how physically demanding gardening can be until they start feeling it in their back or knees,” says Mia Lawson, a wellness coach at Vidar Australia. “It’s not about doing less—it’s about moving smarter and making small changes that let you keep going without injury.” As you get older or deal with injuries, it’s especially important to listen to your body. There’s no shame in making modifications to continue doing something you enjoy. Gardening should be relaxing and satisfying, not painful. When to Seek Help or Support If you’re recovering from surgery or have chronic conditions such as arthritis, it’s worth talking to a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. They can recommend tools or modifications that suit your specific needs. Community groups and gardening clubs may also have resources or events focused on accessible gardening. Gardening doesn’t have to be a pain—literally. With the right combination of ergonomic tools, thoughtful techniques, and a bit of planning,

When it comes to maintaining a well-kept lawn, the tools you choose are just as crucial as your dedication to the task. Among the plethora of garden maintenance equipment, the zero-turn mower has been a topic of much debate. Is it truly a worthy investment? Investing in a Zero-Turn Mower is a smart move for those with large lawns, providing unparalleled efficiency and maneuverability. It streamlines lawn care, transforming it into a quicker, more effortless task, proving its worth as a significant but valuable investment for the right spaces. In this article, we delve into the value of zero-turn mowers, their cost comparison with traditional ride-on mowers, and their life expectancy to help you make an informed decision. Is a Zero-Turn Worth the Money? Zero-turn mowers, recognised for their agility and speed, are a popular choice for those with sizable lawns to maintain. Unlike traditional lawn mowers, these machines can pivot 180 degrees, ensuring no patch of grass is left uncut and eliminating the need for additional trimming. This precision and efficiency can significantly reduce the time spent on lawn care, turning hours of work into a task of mere minutes. The initial investment in a zero-turn mower can be substantial, and whether this cost is justified depends on your specific needs. For homeowners with large, open properties, the time savings and uniformity of cut make a compelling case. The reduced physical exertion and improved manoeuvrability can also be a boon for those who find lawn maintenance physically challenging. However, for those with smaller properties or lawns with numerous obstacles, the advantages of a zero-turn mower might not be as pronounced. The cost-benefit analysis in such cases may tilt in favour of more traditional, less expensive options. Are Zero Turns More Expensive Than Traditional Ride On Mowers? Zero-Turn Mowers, while typically more expensive than traditional ride-ons, span a variety of sizes and price points, offering flexibility in choice. Interestingly, a smaller Zero-Turn Mower, such as the Z242E, can actually be more cost-effective than a larger traditional ride-on like the TS 248TXD. This suggests that for certain buyers, a Zero-Turn could offer a more attractive price-to-performance ratio. When considering what ride on mowers is best for you, it’s important to weigh not just the size of the mower’s deck but also the benefits it provides. A smaller Zero-Turn might have a price tag similar to a traditional ride-on with a larger deck, yet it brings superior maneuverability and efficiency in mowing, especially useful in lawns with intricate landscaping or numerous obstacles. The compact design of smaller Zero-Turn Mowers, such as the Z242E, compared to larger traditional ride-ons like the TS 248TXD, can also translate into significant storage benefits. Zero-Turn Mowers often feature a more streamlined build, which can make them easier to store in sheds or garages where space is at a premium. This is particularly advantageous for homeowners who want to minimise the space taken up in their garage or shed while still owning a powerful lawn maintenance tool. Why Are Zero Turns More Expensive Than Traditional Ride-On Mowers? Zero-turn mowers usually cost more than traditional ride-ons of the same size—and for good reason. They’re built with advanced features that boost performance and efficiency. Most notably, they can pivot on the spot, allowing you to zip around obstacles and reach tricky corners with ease. This precision comes from a dual hydraulic steering system, which includes two separate pumps and motors—one for each rear wheel. Unlike the simple steering setup in standard ride-ons, this system gives you full independent control over each wheel, enabling zero-degree turns. That unique maneuverability is a major selling point and part of what drives up the cost. Zero-turns also tend to come with larger, more powerful engines, which help you cover more ground in less time. You spend less time mowing and more time enjoying your yard. While the upfront cost may be higher, you’re investing in a faster, more efficient mowing experience—especially valuable for larger or more complex lawns. What Is the Life Expectancy of a Zero-Turn Mower? A zero-turn mower’s lifespan depends on usage frequency, terrain, and maintenance. With proper care, residential models typically last 1,500–2,500 hours—translating to 30–50 years for a homeowner using it around 50 hours per year. Commercial models may have different lifespans due to heavier use. Regular maintenance is key to longevity. This includes oil changes, filter and blade replacements, and checking the hydraulic system. Neglect can cause early wear.If you need a lawn mower service or repair, we can come and pick up your ride on and deliver it back (T&Cs apply), just get in touch. Though zero-turn mowers are built to last, they may require professional servicing over time. This should be factored into the total cost of ownership. These mowers are ideal for large, open lawns due to their speed and efficiency. For smaller yards with many obstacles, the investment may not be as beneficial. Ultimately, a well-maintained zero-turn mower can be a valuable long-term investment in both your property and time. With the right care, it transforms lawn work into an easier, more enjoyable task. Want more lawn care tips? Check out: Or browse our wide range of Canberra Diamond Blade’s collection of ride-on mowers to find your perfect match.

Zero turn mowers have revolutionised the way we approach lawn maintenance, offering precision, efficiency, and, notably, speed. This advantage is particularly evident when comparing them to traditional lawn mowers. But do zero turn mowers truly mow faster, and if so, by how much? Zero turn mowers mow faster due to their tight turning circles and dual hydrostatic transmission system. They also generally have wider cutting decks. These features combine to make a mower that is able to cut grass more efficiently and reduce mowing time compared to traditional mowers. In this exploration, we dissect various facets of zero turn mowers, including their speed, cutting capabilities, and overall time savings, concluding with insights into the most reliable brand for these machines. Do Zero Turn Mowers Cut Faster? Zero Turn Mowers cut faster as they have a zero-degree turning radius, which allows them to manoeuvre around obstacles with ease and reduce the time spent on reversing or making wide turns. This capability significantly cuts down mowing time, especially in lawns with intricate landscaping, trees, or paths. The key to their speed lies in the dual hydrostatic transmission system. Each rear wheel has an independent motor, allowing for precise control, swift turns, and the ability to navigate complex terrains quickly. This setup not only improves the mower’s speed but enhances its cutting efficiency as well, leading to a faster and cleaner cut. Zero turn mowers typically come with wider cutting decks than their traditional counterparts. This means they can cover more ground in a single pass, further increasing their efficiency and reducing the total time spent mowing. Whether you’re dealing with a small residential lawn or a sprawling commercial property, the speed advantage of zero turn mowers is undeniable. How Fast Can You Cut Grass with Zero Turn? The cutting speed of a zero-turn mower depends on your lawn size, grass type, and mower model. On average, these machines reach speeds around 10.5 km/h, compared to 8.4 km/h for standard ride-on mowers. However, speed alone doesn’t guarantee quality—mowing too fast can lead to uneven results or turf damage. Using the Canberra Diamond Blade Mower Calculator,you can estimate time savings. For example, if it takes you an hour with a standard ride-on, a zero-turn mower could cut that time significantly, especially with a wider deck and higher speed. To get the best results, balance speed with lawn conditions to ensure an even, healthy cut. Why Do Zero-Turn Mowers Cut Faster? Zero-turn mowers cut faster thanks to two key features: Together, these features make zero-turn mowers not just fast—but highly efficient for large or complex lawns. Moreover, zero-turn mowers often come equipped with wider cutting decks compared to traditional mowers. A broader cutting deck means that a larger area of grass is cut with each pass, significantly reducing the number of passes required to mow the entire lawn. This feature, combined with the machine’s agility, allows zero-turn mowers to cover more ground in less time, effectively cutting down the overall mowing duration without compromising the quality of the cut. In essence, the faster cutting speed of zero-turn mowers is a result of their advanced maneuverability, efficient power distribution, and broader cutting decks. These features collectively enable these mowers to tackle complex landscapes and larger areas with ease, making them a preferred choice for both residential and commercial lawn maintenance tasks. How Fast Can a Zero Turn Cut? The cutting speed of a zero turn mower is influenced by its design and specifications, including engine power and deck size. On average, a zero turn mower can handle large areas more efficiently, cutting the mowing time by as much as 50% compared to traditional models. This efficiency is particularly noticeable in lawns that require complex navigation, where the agility of a zero turn mower can be fully utilised. Do Zero Turn Blades Turn Faster? The blades on a zero turn mower do not necessarily turn faster than those on traditional mowers. The speed of the blades is more a function of the mower’s engine power and design rather than its type. However, the efficiency and speed of zero turn mowers come from their maneuverability and the ability to maintain optimal cutting speeds over different terrains, not just from blade speed. The speed at which a zero turn mower can cut grass depends on various factors, including the size and layout of the lawn, the type of grass, and the specific model of the mower. Generally speaking, zero turn mowers average speeds around 10.5 km/h, significantly outpacing traditional lawn tractors that max out at about 8.4 km/h. However, the real measure of a zero turn mower’s efficiency isn’t just its top speed but how quickly and effectively it can cut grass without compromising on quality. Factors such as the mower’s cutting deck width and the operator’s skill play crucial roles in optimizing mowing speed. For instance, a larger cutting deck can cover more ground in a single pass, effectively reducing the overall mowing time. Additionally, navigating the mower at a speed that allows for an even and thorough cut, adapting to the lawn’s condition and terrain, ensures both efficiency and a high-quality finish. Ultimately, while zero turn mowers are capable of cutting grass at a faster rate, achieving the best results requires a balance between speed and the attentiveness to the lawn’s unique characteristics. How Much Time Does a Zero Turn Save? The time savings achieved with a zero turn mower can be quite significant, varying based on the lawn’s characteristics and the efficiency of the mower itself. Zero turn mowers are designed for speed and agility, with their ability to navigate quickly around obstacles and cover more ground in less time compared to traditional mowers. Specifically, the precise maneuvering and wider cutting decks mean less time spent on backtracking and more area covered per pass. In practical terms, a lawn that might take an hour to mow with a standard riding mower could see a reduction in mowing time by a considerable margin when using a

When’s the last time you thought about your brick trowel? “It’s been a long day… sitting on the line laying brick after brick.  I’m used to it now, been doing it for years. But after a big day… I still feel it. You know, in my wrists and hands all the way up through my shoulders…” Acting as the backbone for any brickie, a reliable brick trowel is as good as a man’s hands. So why do you pay it so little thought? It’s easy to get attached to the masonry trowel type you started with as an apprentice. But did you know that if you have the wrong trowel your body could pay for it in the long term? It is often good to switch it up and try something new. You never know there might be a better match out there for you. Can It Be Better? Of course! Brick trowels have a long history and a great deal of innovation behind them. There’s something to be said about the most useful bricklaying tools. Immensely helpful yet deceptively simple. So come with me with your bucket of tools, it’s time to think about your trowel… London Trowel vs Philadelphia Trowel Some brickies don’t know what the different brick trowel types are called – they just know there are straight heel ones or the round ones… and really that’s ok. But have you ever wondered WHY? Brick trowels have a long history and a great deal of thought behind them. There are reasons for these different blade shapes. Each of them handles mortar differently. There used to be a much wider range on the market. But here in Australia, you can narrow it down to the Philadelphia, London, and Wide London. So what’s the low-down? The sharp angle of the London’s heel, forces the mud to be loaded further forward on the trowel making it great for laying bricks. The angle of the Philadelphia’s heel is flatter. This means there’s more room for mud, so masons prefer it for blockwork. But wouldn’t the bigger always be better? A bigger blade must move mud faster? Maybe in the short term, but not when you’re working day in and day out…. A study in 2002 conducted in America by the Construction Safety Association of Ontario found that bigger isn’t always better or faster. If a trowel is too heavy for you it puts strain on your wrist. This will slow you down, and you’re more likely to get injured. And we all know, life is too short for preventable aches and pains. Standard Shank Trowel or Low lift Shank? The difference between a high lift trowel and a low lift trowel is just the length of the shank. Shank lift changes the feel of the trowel and can be also used to prevent wrist fatigue and injury. The lift that’s best for you is one that keeps your wrist straight. The most common shank lift in Australia is the ‘standard’ high lift shank. This is best when you are working at a height below your shoulders. It also does a good job of keeping your fingers out of the mortar. A low lift trowel is usually best when you are working at a height above your shoulders. While many brands don’t give an option in shank length, WRose from the USA still gives you the choice. Welded vs Solid Forged Steel Brick Trowel No matter the shape of your blade, you want to make sure that from the handle to the toe there’s a solid piece of steel. Cheaper trowels have a spot weld at the heel they won’t last nearly as long as a well-made solid forged trowel. If you want to test the durability of your brick trowel, wack the base of your handle against something hard. The metal of your trowel will ring… and the longer the ring, the better the steel. Beautifully Balanced Trowel Blade Did you know that it is easy to test the balance of your blade? Just hold your blade by one finger in the middle of the shank with the handle pointing up. A well-balanced trowel will hang vertically. Most brickies prefer a blade that gets thinner towards the point of the trowel. The tapering of the blade sets the balance of the trowel to near the handle. A light tipped trowel, feels lighter to use than one that is front heavy. There are exceptions to this rule. Thereare some brands across the globe that actually make custom Right Hander and Left Hander trowels. Durability when Cutting Bricks with your Trowel It’s becoming a common complaint that trowels don’t last as long as they used to. If this is a problem for you, it could be a couple of things. Blades are designed now with FLEXIBILITY in mind.  And it’s important because it’s also designed to reduce tension on your wrist and give you the feeling of more control. BUT increase flex has its downside too… Trowels with more flex wear faster and can get ‘dings’ when cutting bricks. The other thing to think about is that not all steel is equal. Trowels in Australia are made from carbon steel, and while a trowel can say high grade- there can be quite a variance. Trowels from different brands and countries of origin will have variances in their steel composition, how they are made and their degree of flex. Brands like the WRose give brickies two options of flex. The ‘Standard’ or ‘Limber Brick’ Trowel. Standard flex trowels have a thicker trowel blade than a Limber flex trowel. Other leading brands like Marshalltown brick trowels only make type of blade. It’s a flexible blade and has been likened to the Limber flex blade of the WRose. What works for you, might not work for the bloke working next to you. But there is one thing that is pretty much guaranteed… The better quality trowel you begin with, the fewer worries you’ll have down