Trowel and Masonry Tool Collector Resource : Gutter Tools

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.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Gutter Tools

Gutter tool, maker unknown

The gutter tool is for shaping concrete gutters for streets, sidewalks, driveways, and floors in factories, institutions, and farm structures. The traditional gutter tool is the size of an edger or groover, with a dished bottom which rises to a lip on 3 sides and square on one end. They were cast iron or bronze, with wooden handles.

The gutter tool was developed when the use of concrete increased dramatically in the late 1800s and early 1900s, replacing brick, gravel, or dirt surfaces. The first concrete street in the United States was laid in 1891, the 100 block of Main St. in Bellefontaine, Ohio. In 1893 the 100 block of East Court Ave., a block away, was paved, and this original pavement is preserved.