TILE INSTALLATION TOOLS

Tile Installation Tools

Choose tools for mixing and spreading tile mortar

A mixing paddle and a notched trowel solve different problems. Choose the paddle for your batch and drill, then choose the blade for the tile and mortar system.

Fit the paddle to the batch and drill

Check the paddle head width against the container and the shaft against the drill chuck. Follow the mortar manufacturer’s instructions for the equipment, speed, water and mixing sequence.

Choose a blade by notch and working space

Match the notch shape and dimensions called for by the tile and mortar instructions. Where fixtures restrict movement, compare the blade footprint with the available space before you buy.

Use the material instructions for the transition to spreading

The material instructions govern any rest, remix and working times. Keep the material-specific mixing and application sequence on hand as you move from the bucket to the tile.

Source documentation

Guide questions

Does the QEP 61210 include a drill?

It is the paddle only. Verify the drill and chuck are suitable for the material and paddle.

Does a U-notch measurement describe the blade width?

It describes the cutouts in the blade edge. Check the separately stated blade size for clearance.

Can I assume all mortar mixes use the same drill speed?

Use the specified speed and procedure for the mortar you are installing.

Which tool suits the job?

  1. The QEP 61210 is a drill paddle for small batches. The RTC TR1412U is a 1/4 by 1/2 inch U-notch spreader. Select them separately by batch and drill fit, then by the mortar and tile requirements.

    QEP 61210 16-inch mixing paddle for small grout and thinset batches ↗RTC TR1412U stainless 1/4-by-1/2-inch U-notch tile trowel ↗

  2. Compare the Marshalltown MT79 compact margin trowel with the RTC TR1412U when deciding which blade will fit around fixtures. They use different notch profiles. Keep the mortar’s specified profile in your decision alongside blade clearance.

    MARSHALLTOWN QLT MT79 compact V-notch margin trowel ↗RTC TR1412U stainless 1/4-by-1/2-inch U-notch tile trowel ↗

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