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Tried a 4.5 inch trowel on a foundation pour last week after using a 5 inch for years. The smaller one was way faster and cleaner.
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kelly9681mo ago
The weight difference is real, but I actually find a 5 inch holds the right amount for a solid pass on a foundation wall. That extra half inch isn't just more mud, it's a longer flat surface to level with. A 4.5 can make you go back over spots more often to fill in low areas. It's about the stroke, not just the tool weight.
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wendy_hill2mo ago
Exactly, it's not just about speed. That extra half inch of steel holds more mud, which means more weight on your wrist all day. A smaller trowel gives you better control for finishing, you're not fighting the tool. It lets you work the cream instead of just moving a big pile around. I switched last year and my forearms don't ache like they used to. Sometimes less tool is more work done.
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