Marshalltown 18 Inch Asphalt Squeegee Replacement Head, Straight, Asphalt, 18MS

Why I reached for this squeegee

I needed a straightforward, durable tool to spread driveway sealer without leaving ridges or wearing out halfway through the job. An 18-inch straight squeegee felt like the right balance—wide enough to move at a good pace, narrow enough to control around edges and tight spots. This replacement head checked the basic boxes: a rigid steel build for durability, a straight leading edge for even coats, and compatibility with a standard threaded broom handle I already had. After several sealing jobs and some general cleanup work, here’s how it’s held up.

Build and design

The head is simple and sturdy. The steel construction gives it a rigid, confidence-inspiring feel, and it doesn’t flex even when pushing a heavy bead of sealer. The straight edge is true; that matters more than it sounds. A crooked or wavy leading edge will telegraph directly into your finish, especially on smoother asphalt or sealed surfaces. This one lays down a consistent path without chatter when used correctly.

Since it’s a replacement head, you’ll need your own handle. It accepts a standard threaded broom handle. I paired it with a 60-inch fiberglass handle for stiffness and a bit of give; a wooden handle works, too. If your handle threads are loose or worn, add a wrap of thread tape to prevent the head from unthreading while you work.

At 18 inches wide, it’s a manageable size for most homeowners. You won’t blast through a long driveway as fast as you could with a wide contractor squeegee, but you’ll have better control near edging, drains, and transitions.

Setup and ergonomics

Installation is as simple as threading the handle in. Because the head is steel, it has enough mass to help it track flat without you bearing down, which keeps fatigue in check. I prefer working with the handle at roughly chest height; a 60–72 inch handle suits most users. If your surface is especially rough, consider a slightly longer handle for more leverage.

One practical note: because the head is rigid, the leading edge is unforgiving if you tilt it hard. Keep the head flat to avoid cutting grooves in fresh sealer.

Performance on driveway sealing

On a clean, dry surface, this squeegee spreads sealer evenly and predictably. My best results came from working in a shallow “pull” stroke, keeping a small wet wave of material in front of the edge and letting the squeegee meter it out. It leaves a consistent film and feathers edges well when you lower the angle slightly on the return pass.

On coarser asphalt with larger aggregate, technique matters. If you push too aggressively or let the blade run nearly dry, you can leave streaks or chatter marks. Two simple adjustments solved that for me:
- Keep a wet edge: Don’t overwork the material to the point where the squeegee is dragging a thin, sticky film.
- Crosshatch in tight areas: A light cross-pass evens out any faint ridges.

Coverage and speed were right in line with what I expect from an 18-inch straight squeegee. I wouldn’t call it slow, but if you’re tackling a very large driveway or small lot, a wider head (24–36 inches) would move things along faster. The tradeoff is control—this 18-inch size is much easier for one person to manage neatly around lawn borders and garage thresholds.

Moving materials and cleanup

Outside of sealing, the head does fine pushing standing water, damp debris, or light slurries after pressure washing. It’s not a dedicated water squeegee, so it won’t clear a surface bone-dry in one pass, but it moves water efficiently enough to speed dry times. For heavier jobs—wet sand or chips—its rigidity is actually a plus; it won’t fold over or snag easily.

Durability and maintenance

The steel construction is the standout here. The head shrugs off the kind of abuse that would bend or twist lighter designs. After multiple uses on coarse asphalt, the edge still tracks straight. That said, asphalt aggregate is abrasive, and any squeegee can pick up micro-nicks over time. If you notice faint lines in your finish, a quick pass with fine sandpaper to knock down raised burrs can help.

Sealer residue can build up on any blade. I avoid letting it dry on the edge. Between sections, I’ll set the head in a shallow pan of water if the product allows, or at least rinse it off before breaks. When I’m finished, I wash it immediately with a hose and a stiff brush. Letting sealer harden turns cleanup into a chore and shortens the useful life of the edge.

The threaded socket has held up without wobble. If you’re aggressive with leverage, check the threads periodically so you don’t develop play that can translate into uneven strokes.

Limitations and quirks

• Width: At 18 inches, you’re trading speed for control. For large, flat, open areas, a wider head is simply faster.
• Sticky mixes: Some sealers are tackier than others as they start to set. If you pull the squeegee too dry, it can drag and leave marks. Keeping a small bead ahead of the edge and working steadily avoids this.
• Rough surfaces: On very coarse or raveled asphalt, expect more touch-up passes. A crosshatch approach evens the film thickness, but it adds time.
• Replacement head only: It’s easy to overlook that there’s no handle in the box. Plan ahead and make sure your handle threads are in good shape.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they set expectations. With the right technique, the finish quality is excellent; if you fight the tool or the material, it will show.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners sealing driveways who want a durable, controllable head that lays down an even coat without learning a new tool.
• Small contractors or maintenance teams needing a tough, general-purpose asphalt squeegee for sealing, material movement, and wash-down tasks.
• Anyone who values a rigid, straight edge over a more flexible rubbery blade.

If you seal large areas routinely, it’s worth adding a wider squeegee to your kit for open runs and keeping the 18-inch head for detail work, edges, and cleanup.

Value

Given its steel construction and the lack of flex, the head feels appropriately priced for long-term service. You’re not paying for gimmicks—just a well-built, straightforward tool that does what it’s supposed to. Factor in that it accepts a standard handle you likely own, and the total cost of getting started stays reasonable.

Tips for best results

• Prep matters: Sweep and blow off grit. Pre-rinse if needed and let the surface dry fully.
• Load right: Pour manageable ribbons of sealer and maintain a small wet wave ahead of the squeegee.
• Angle and pressure: Keep the head flat with light pressure. Lift slightly to feather edges rather than pressing harder.
• Work the shade: On hot days, work shaded sections first so the mix doesn’t tack up too fast under the blade.
• Clean immediately: Rinse the head as you go, and wash thoroughly when finished. A clean edge equals a clean finish.
• Secure the handle: Use thread tape if there’s any looseness to prevent mid-pass unthreading.

Final recommendation

I recommend this 18-inch squeegee for driveway sealing and general asphalt tasks. It’s durable, tracks straight, and delivers a smooth, even coat when used with sound technique. The 18-inch width favors control and neatness over sheer speed, which makes sense for most residential work. Its few quirks—chiefly the potential for drag on tacky mixes and the slower pace on big expanses—are manageable with minor adjustments. If you need one reliable head that will hold up over multiple seasons and accept a standard handle, this is a solid pick. For very large jobs, pair it with a wider squeegee to cover ground faster and keep this one for edges and finish work.