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Blew out my trowel arm on a brick archway at Miller's Job Site
I was on a crew laying a big curved arch for a new bank lobby downtown last Tuesday and my left forearm just gave out halfway through the third course. My lead guy pulled me aside and showed me how to switch to a smaller pointing trowel for the tight curves and it saved my whole afternoon. Has anyone else had to change their tool size mid-job just to keep the joints clean?
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jamie_price5d ago
Not gonna lie, I think switching trowels mid-job is a crutch. You got a good lead showing you the easy way out, but if you're half a course in and your arm is giving out, that's a conditioning issue not a tool problem. I've locked in on brick arches for full days with a 10 inch pointing trowel and never had to downsize. Maybe try stretching before you pick up the mud next time.
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Oh man, I've been there... that forearm burn is no joke. Switching to a smaller trowel on tight curves is just smart, not a crutch. Your lead gave you good advice - save your energy for the finish work, not fighting the arch.
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