putty knife

Flexible spreading tool

A putty knife is a hand tool with a flat, flexible metal blade and a handle, used for spreading putty, spackle, or similar compounds.

It scrapes paint, applies filler to holes and cracks, and removes old caulk.

The blade is typically two to four inches wide, broader than a palette knife but narrower than a drywall knife.

application

spreading

Extending over space

smoothingReducing irregularities systematically
joint compoundDrywall finishing paste
spacklePaste for patching walls

filler · caulk · plaster · drywall mud · patching · taping · leveling · puttying · silicone · acrylic

tool

scraper

Tool for removing buildup

spreaderTool for distribution
chiselEdged carving implement
trowelFlat blade for spreading

handle · tang · carbon steel · stainless steel · ergonomic grip · handyman · toolkit

removal

scraping

Rubbing away material

paint removalEliminating applied coatings
wallpaper removalEliminating adhesive wall covering
residueMatter left behind

peeling · stripping · chipping · lifting · prying · cleaning · surface prep · rust removal

Categories

surface preprust remover, priming, paint remover, spackling, wire brush
knivesjackknife, penknife, stiletto, meat cleaver, cleaver
DIY fixesduct tape, duct tape fix, caulking, patching, zip ties
hand toolsscrewdriver, wrench, hammer, pliers, saw
kits and toolsscrewdriver, hammer, wrench, pliers, drill
toolsscrewdriver, wrench, pliers, hammer, saw

Opposites

tool function

putty knifecutting knife

Bladed tool for severing

utility knife · razor blade · box cutter · X-Acto knife · craft knife

material interaction

putty knifehole punch

Device for piercing paper

drill bit · awl · nail · auger · bore

function: application vs. removal

putty knifescraper

Tool for removing buildup

paint scraper · chisel · gouge · wire brush · sandpaper

Family

knife, knives, putty, putties, puttied

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G