Wide vs. narrow blade trowels? It's like big spatula vs. small spatula-both flip pancakes, but one's for stacks, the other for silver dollars. Let's start with wide blades-usually 5 to 6 inches across.
This is your workhorse. Layin' standard bricks in a straight line? Buildin' a big exterior wall? Wide blade's your guy. Holds more mortar, so you don't run to the bucket every 2 seconds. Spreads an even layer, too-no lumps, no thin spots.
I use mine for patios or big walls-jobs where I need to move fast and cover lots of ground. It's sturdy, too-won't bend if you press hard on a brick.
Now narrow blades-3 to 4 inches across. This is the detail guy. Workin' between two walls? Fixin' a loose brick in a historic fireplace? Narrow blade's perfect. That slim blade gets into gaps a wide one can't touch-no more mortar all over the surrounding bricks.
It's lighter, too-so if you're doin' overhead work, your arm won't get tired. I fixed a brick on my porch last month-barely any space between the ceiling and the brick, but the narrow blade fit right in. Got mortar exactly where it needed to be, no mess.
Another thing: weight. Wide blades are a little heavier, but that helps when you're spreadin' thick mortar. Narrow ones are light, but don't press as hard. I keep both in my toolbox-wide for big jobs, narrow for small. Once you use both, you'll know which one to grab before you even pick up a brick. It's like second nature.
