Features
- 【DIY Necessities】: Essential hand tools for concrete mortar application at home
- 【Quality and Durability】: Stainless steel blade (thickness: 1 mm), ergonomically designed handle, no-rivets construction
- 【User Centered】: Polished stainless steel is rust-resistant, durable and easy to clean up; No-rivets construction provide finely finish to get smooth, clean application; Plastic and rubber handle offers lightweight, sturdy and comfortable grip that less fatiguing to work
- 【In the Package】: 6" Pointing trowel 1 PC ; 6" Gauging trowel 1 PC
This two-piece masonry trowel set includes a 6" pointing trowel and a 6" gauging trowel for applying and shaping concrete mortar, bricklaying, stucco, and cement flooring. Each trowel has a 1 mm polished stainless steel blade with no-rivet construction for corrosion resistance and easy cleaning, and a molded plastic-and-rubber ergonomic handle that provides a secure, lightweight grip.
DIXIANG Concrete Masonry Tools Set 6" Stainless Steel Pointing and Gauging Brick Laying Trowel Stucco Cement Flooring Kit Construction Hand Tool Review
A compact masonry duo that punches above its weight
I reached for this DIXIANG trowel set to repoint a brick step and patch a small stucco area around a door jamb—two jobs that call for different shapes and a steady hand. The set includes a 6-inch pointing trowel and a 6-inch gauging trowel, both with 1 mm stainless steel blades and molded plastic-and-rubber handles. After a few sessions mixing, carrying, and finishing mortar, I came away impressed by how capable they are for their size—and clear on where they fit best.
What’s in the box and how it’s built
- 6" pointing trowel: narrow, triangular profile for joint work and detail placement.
- 6" gauging trowel: rounded end with a wider surface for scooping, mixing, and spreading.
Both blades are polished stainless steel and joined to the handle without visible rivets. That smooth transition matters more than it might seem: without hardware protruding through the blade, mortar doesn’t snag as easily, cleaning is quicker, and you can achieve a cleaner finish against edges.
At 1 mm, the blades are on the thin side. That translates to a bit of flex—useful for feathering finishes—but also a cue that these are geared toward light to moderate duty rather than prying or heavy levering. The handles are a blend of plastic and rubber. They’re shaped with a gentle swell that fills the palm and a subtle texture that stays grippy when dusty or damp. I wore gloves for part of the work, and the handles remained comfortable, without hot spots.
Weight and balance are both on the light side. If you’re used to a heavier, full-size brick trowel, these will feel nimble and quick. The trade-off is capacity: you won’t be carrying heaping loads of mortar with either tool.
Setup and first impressions
Out of the package, the blades were true and flat, with edges smooth enough to work immediately. I didn’t need to file or dress anything. The polish on the stainless surface helps mortar release during cleanup. I did a quick wipe with a rag and a splash of water before the first mix to remove any factory residue, and everything was ready to go.
Performance in the field
For repointing, the pointing trowel shines. Its narrow profile slips into joints easily, and the 6-inch length gives enough reach without feeling unwieldy. I used it to lift small batches off a hawk and push mortar deep into vertical and horizontal joints. The slight flex helps with compaction—there’s just enough give to press material in without tearing it out. When it came time to strike and smooth, the blade’s smooth face left a clean line.
The gauging trowel handled mixing and distribution duties for a small batch in a pail. Its rounded end is great for scraping the sides of a bucket and scooping onto a hawk, and the wider blade helped me butter stones and spread a thin, even layer on a stucco patch. If you’re used to mixing with a margin trowel, this is a similar experience but with a bit more real estate and a nicer finishing face.
Where both tools surprise is on finish work. The polished stainless and no-rivet blade make it easier to glide over surfaces without leaving chatter marks or lines. On the stucco patch, I could feather edges quickly, then come back with a float to match texture. On brick joints, I could tighten up the edges where the mortar meets the brick face without scratching the surface—provided I kept the blade clean.
Ergonomics and fatigue
Light tools with good handle design cut down on fatigue. Over a couple of hours, I noticed less wrist strain than with heavier, thicker trowels. The handles have enough contour and a bit of give from the rubber to keep them comfortable. Hand clearance was adequate; I never rapped my knuckles on the work, even while working close to a wall. That said, if you prefer a very firm, wood-handled feel, these will read as more forgiving and less “connected” to the work.
Size and capacity: the main limitation
These are small trowels, and that’s both their strength and their ceiling. The 6-inch blades are ideal in tight corners, for masonry repair, or when you want precise control over the amount of mortar you’re moving. They are not substitutes for a full-size brick trowel or plastering trowel when you need to carry large volumes or cover big surfaces quickly. On a garden wall repointing or a handful of block repairs, the size is perfect. On a long run of bricklaying or full scratch and brown coats, you’ll want larger, heavier tools.
Durability and maintenance
Stainless steel is a smart choice for casual masonry work: it resists rust and cleans up quickly. After each session, I rinsed the blades before the mortar fully set and dried them with a towel. They look new after several uses, with only superficial scuffs you’d expect from contact with aggregate. The 1 mm thickness means you shouldn’t pry stones or chip hardened mortar; use a margin bar or chisel for that. The welds on the tang feel sufficient for the tool’s intended use, and there’s no wiggle between blade and handle.
The plastic-and-rubber handles survived being set on damp surfaces without absorbing water or swelling. They did pick up a little dust, but a wipe restored the grip. Long-term, I’d avoid leaving them in sun-baked conditions for days at a time, as UV can harden softer handle compounds.
Care tips that helped:
- Rinse and wipe the blades before material cures.
- Dry thoroughly to avoid water spots and preserve the polished surface.
- Store with blade guards or in a bag to prevent unnecessary scratching.
Fit and finish
The overall fit and finish are better than I expected at this price. The blade faces are flat and polished, the transitions are clean, and the handles line up square to the blade. The factory edges were consistent, which helps when you’re striking joints or feathering thin coats. I didn’t notice any wobble or looseness after use.
Who these are for
- DIYers tackling occasional repairs: brick repointing, paver edging, small stucco patches, and mortar touch-ups.
- Pros looking for a compact secondary set for tight spots or as a lightweight pair to keep in the bag for punch lists.
- Anyone who prioritizes light weight, clean finishing, and easy maintenance over brute-force durability.
Who should look elsewhere:
- Masons moving large volumes of mortar, or anyone who needs a trowel to double as a lever or scraper. For that, a heavier, thicker, full-size tool is the better bet.
- Plasterers doing full-room wall systems. You’ll want broader, longer trowels to carry and smooth larger passes.
Value
For a two-piece stainless set, the value is strong. You get two distinct shapes that cover most small masonry tasks, a rust-resistant finish, and ergonomics that keep your hands fresher longer. The limitations are clear—size and thickness—but within the intended scope, the performance-to-price ratio is excellent.
The bottom line
The DIXIANG trowel set is a nimble, easy-to-clean pair that excels at small to medium masonry tasks. The stainless steel blades leave a clean finish, the no-rivet construction makes cleanup simple, and the handles are genuinely comfortable. The thin, 1 mm blades do flex, which I like for finish work but wouldn’t trust for prying. And while the compact size is perfect in tight spaces, it limits how much material you can move at once.
Recommendation: I recommend this set for homeowners and tradespeople who need a capable, budget-friendly pair for repairs, detail work, and touch-ups. If your work regularly involves heavy loads, long runs, or demanding jobsite abuse, step up to larger, heavier-duty trowels—and keep this set as a lightweight complement for the finesse tasks where it truly shines.
Project Ideas
Business
Micro Repointing & Repair Service
Offer focused, low-overhead repointing and small masonry-repair jobs for homeowners and landlords (chimney touch-ups, patio edge repairs, garden walls). Market quick-turn, fixed-price packages (e.g., 1–3 hours) and use the pointing trowel for precise mortar replacement. Emphasize cleanliness (no-rivet stainless tools for neat finish) and fast scheduling to attract repeat local clients.
Small-Batch Concrete Décor Brand
Design a line of handmade concrete home goods (planters, trays, coasters, lamps) using the trowel set for finishing and detailing. Sell through Etsy, Instagram, and local boutiques. Differentiate with signature textures created by the gauging trowel and premium finishes (polished, pigmented, or exposed aggregate). Scale by batching pours and using the pointing trowel for consistent edgework and quality control.
Hands-on Workshops & Pop-up Classes
Host half-day workshops teaching basics of mixing, casting, and finishing concrete and stucco. Use the trowel set as the demonstration and student kit (sell kits as add-ons). Workshops can be run at studios, makerspaces, or paired with local nurseries/cafés for cross-promotion. Charge per seat and offer a take-home starter kit to create a secondary revenue stream.
On-demand Decorative Finish Installer
Specialize in installing decorative stucco, skim coats, or faux masonry finishes for small commercial clients (cafes, boutiques, salon interiors). Use the gauging trowel for larger surface work and the pointing trowel for crisp details around trim and fixtures. Offer maintenance contracts and quick touch-up services as upsells; position the business on speed, tidiness, and artisanal finishes.
Creative
Textured Stucco Wall Panels
Use the gauging trowel to apply small-batch stucco to plywood or fiber-cement board and the pointing trowel for carving fine details. Create repeating textures (swirls, wood-grain, basketweave) and embed mica, shells, or metal insets while the stucco is damp. Finish by sanding and sealing or painting to make decorative wall panels for interiors, headboards, or accent walls. The polished stainless blades and no-rivet construction make cleanup fast between texture passes.
Terrazzo-style Concrete Tabletops
Cast small coffee or side-table tops with mixed-in chips (glass, marble, ceramics). Use the gauging trowel to spread and level the concrete in the mold and the pointing trowel for detailed edge work and exposing chips after initial set. The ergonomic handles reduce fatigue during repetitive smoothing, enabling a consistently polished edge and uniform surface before grinding and polishing.
Handmade Concrete Planters & Candle Holders
Make a line of small planters and candle holders using silicone or DIY molds. Use the gauging trowel to feed and compact concrete into tight corners and the pointing trowel to clean seams, shape drainage holes, and create exposed aggregate or smoothed finishes. Add pigments or stamps for a signature look—great for gift markets and craft fairs.
Restored Brick Feature & Faux Repointing Art
Create a faux-aged brick panel or restore a salvaged brick accent. Use the pointing trowel for detailed mortar application and controlled repointing, and the gauging trowel for blending and smoothing larger mortar areas. You can build small, framed faux brick artworks for interiors by applying thin brick veneers and hand-tooling the joints for an antique appearance.