Putty Knives & Spreaders
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About Putty Knives & Spreaders
Putty knives and spreaders are essential hand tools for applying, smoothing, and spreading various materials across surfaces. From filling small cracks to applying adhesives over large areas, these versatile tools are indispensable for decorators, plasterers, tilers, and general tradespeople. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of putty knives and adhesive spreaders designed to handle everything from delicate filler work to heavy-duty tile adhesive application.
Whether you're working with wood filler, plaster, sealant, or tile adhesive, the right knife or spreader ensures smooth, professional results. Available in various blade widths, flexibilities, and materials, these tools cater to both precision detail work and broad coverage tasks. MyToolShed offers quality options suitable for professional tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Applications
Putty knives and spreaders are used across numerous trades and applications:
- Decorators and painters: Filling nail holes, cracks, and imperfections before painting
- Plasterers: Applying filler, smoothing plaster, and finishing work
- Tilers: Spreading tile adhesive and grout across floors and walls
- Carpenters and joiners: Applying wood filler and smoothing joints
- Window fitters: Glazing putty application and removal
- General maintenance: Scraping, cleaning, and surface preparation
- DIY enthusiasts: Home repairs, decorating projects, and renovation work
Choosing The Right Putty Knives & Spreaders
Selecting the appropriate tool depends on your specific application:
- Blade width: Narrow blades (25-50mm) suit detailed filling work, whilst wider blades (75-150mm) cover larger areas efficiently
- Blade flexibility: Flexible blades conform to surfaces and spread materials smoothly; rigid blades provide better control for scraping and heavy compounds
- Handle comfort: Ergonomic handles reduce fatigue during extended use—essential for professional tradespeople
- Material quality: Stainless steel blades resist corrosion and clean easily; carbon steel offers durability for heavy-duty applications
- Notched spreaders: Essential for tile adhesive application, with different notch sizes controlling adhesive depth
- Purpose-specific tools: Dedicated adhesive spreaders from MyToolShed.co.uk ensure proper coverage for tiling projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a putty knife and a filling knife?
The terms are often used interchangeably in the UK. Both feature flat, flexible blades for applying filler and putty. Filling knives typically have slightly more flexible blades suited to smoothing compounds, whilst putty knives may be slightly stiffer for traditional glazing putty work.
Can I use a putty knife to spread tile adhesive?
Whilst possible for small repairs, proper notched adhesive spreaders are recommended for tiling projects. The notches create consistent ridges that ensure adequate adhesive coverage and proper tile adhesion, which flat putty knives cannot achieve.
How do I maintain my putty knives and spreaders?
Clean tools immediately after use before materials dry. Remove stubborn residue with appropriate solvents, then wash with soapy water. Dry thoroughly to prevent rust on carbon steel blades, and store in a dry location to maintain blade integrity.