Trowel facts for kids
A trowel is a small, handheld tool that people use for many different jobs. It's like a mini-shovel or a flat spatula, designed to help you dig, spread, or smooth materials. You might see them used in gardening, building, or even by archaeologists!
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What is a Trowel?
A trowel is a tool with a handle and a flat or scoop-shaped blade. It's usually small enough to hold in one hand. The blade can be pointed, rounded, or rectangular, depending on what the trowel is made for.
Different Types of Trowels
There are many kinds of trowels, each designed for a specific task.
Gardening Trowels
Gardening trowels are one of the most common types. They usually have a pointed or scoop-shaped metal blade and a comfortable handle. Gardeners use them to:
- Dig small holes for planting flowers or vegetables.
- Move small amounts of soil.
- Weed around plants.
- Mix soil or compost.
Masonry Trowels
Masonry trowels are used in construction, especially when working with materials like cement, mortar, or plaster. They are often larger and have a flat, triangular, or rectangular blade.
- Brick trowels are triangular and used by bricklayers to spread mortar for bricks and blocks.
- Pointing trowels are smaller and used to fill in gaps between bricks or stones.
- Finishing trowels are flat and rectangular. Builders use them to smooth out freshly poured concrete or plaster surfaces.
Archaeological Trowels
Archaeologists use special trowels, often called "pointing trowels," for careful digging. These trowels are usually small, strong, and have a pointed blade. They help archaeologists gently remove soil without damaging old artifacts or bones. It's a very precise job!
How Trowels Are Used
Trowels are simple tools, but they are very useful.
- In a garden, a trowel helps you plant a small seedling carefully.
- On a construction site, a mason uses a trowel to spread mortar evenly, making sure bricks are laid straight and strong.
- An archaeologist uses a trowel to carefully scrape away layers of dirt, revealing clues about the past.
No matter the job, a trowel helps people work with small amounts of material with precision and ease.
Related Pages
Images for kids
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Masonry trowel
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US Navy personnel using float trowels to smooth freshly poured concrete
