How to clean a brick trowel.

woody7777

Hi all.
I have been given an old brick trowel, but unfortunately it's covered in old, solid mortar. Does anyone know the best way to clean it all off. A friend suggested brick acid.

Jonboy_1984

I would try soaking it in white vinegar for a couple of days, then probably remember the last one I bought from toolstation was  about £5 and not worth investing in chemicals I don’t already own…

baser999

Tried banging it with a hammer? Does the mortar not break off? 

tacpot12

I'd hit the mortar with a small hammer to break it up. Be ready with some oil to stop it from going rusty once you have it clean. 

woody7777

Thanks, I will try with a hammer. I didn't know if it would damage it. Would brick acid help?

MikeJXE

Agreed yes hit it with a hammer and the bits you can't break off use a sander for the rest util it shines then oil it 

EssexExile

I'd just buy a new trowel, they're not dear.

MACKEM99

baser999 said:

Tried banging it with a hammer? Does the mortar not break off? 

When I did that the handle broke off😆

stuart45

Once it's clean, make sure you clean every time after use. Acid will clean it, but the next day it will be seriously rusted up.

plumb1_2

EssexExile said:

I'd just buy a new trowel, they're not dear.

You have to ware a trowel in, personally I cut the sharp end off with a grinder to make it rounded.

stuart45

What's a plumber doing with a brick trowel?😉