Trowel and Masonry Tool Collector Resource : Duck Bill Trowels and Coke Trowels

Please note

Because of the lack of published trowel and masonry tool histories, the information here is based on other sources that may be less reliable and certainly are incomplete. These include eBay and tools that I purchase myself that are the starting points for my research. I will write what I know as I learn it. If what you read here interests you, please check back often and look for revisions and corrections. Scanned catalogs are on Archive.org as pdf files. A few are links to other websites. Your photos and information are welcome. Please click on any picture to enlarge it. Comments are welcome, but any with links will be deleted as possible spam.

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Duck Bill Trowels and Coke Trowels

The duck bill trowel, also called a coke trowel or duckbill trowel, has a narrow taper with a round tip. A typical size is 10" x 2". Today, the duck bill trowel is used for finishing tight inside corners and curves, such as curb and gutter faces and other awkward spaces.

Coke trowels include the duck bill trowel and other shapes as shown in the 1939 Marshalltown catalog. The name originated from their use to seal coke ovens, according to Disston's 1932 catalog. Marshalltown makes 2 styles of coke trowels today, like the second and fourth from the top in the picture below. Marshalltown.com Coke Trowels