Fiskars 79786931J vs Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97

Two trowels from opposite ends of the price and material spectrum meet here: the Fiskars 79786931J brings an aluminum blade with a composite handle at $3.50, while the Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 offers a carbon steel blade and a classic wood handle at $7.99. Both sit in the masonry and concrete tools category, and the decision between them comes down to blade material, tool size, and how intensively you plan to put them to work.

Quick winner

The Fiskars 79786931J leads on price and buyer demand (2,000 bought last month, $3.50), while the Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 rates higher at 4.6 stars and delivers carbon steel construction with a wood handle for those who want more durable, traditional masonry tooling at $7.99.

Key differences, measured

  • The Fiskars 79786931J is 56% cheaper ($3.50 vs $7.99).
  • Amazon buyers rate the Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 0.2 stars higher across 2,384 combined reviews.

Side-by-side specs

Spec Fiskars 79786931J Masonry Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 Masonry
Price $3.50 $7.99
Rating 4.4 (1,728) 4.6 (656)
Material Aluminum Carbon Steel
Handle Composite Wood
Weight 9.07 g 4.8 ounces
Dimensions 18 x 7.25 x 2.75 inches 10 x 2 x 4 inches

The two contenders

Fiskars 79786931J Masonry

Fiskars 79786931J masonry

The Fiskars 79786931J is priced at $3.50 and rated 4.4 stars across 1,728 reviews, with 2,000 purchases last month making it the higher-demand option in this matchup. The listed specs show an aluminum blade and composite handle with overall dimensions of 18 x 7.25 x 2.75 inches, placing it in a notably larger size class. The listed item weight is 9.07 g. Owners report it as a practical budget choice for light-duty spreading and general masonry tasks where cost is the main priority.

Buy this if: Budget-focused buyers who need a large aluminum trowel for occasional or light-duty masonry work. At $3.50, the Fiskars 79786931J is hard to beat when cost is the deciding factor.

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Read the full Fiskars review →

Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 Masonry

Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 masonry

The Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 is priced at $7.99 and carries a 4.6-star rating from 656 reviews, with 1,000 bought last month. Its specs show a carbon steel blade and wood handle, a 5-inch length, overall dimensions of 10 x 2 x 4 inches, and a listed weight of 4.8 ounces. Marshalltown has a long-standing reputation in professional masonry, and based on specs and verified owner reviews, this compact trowel consistently draws praise for blade durability and the familiar feel of a wood handle grip.

Buy this if: DIYers and tradespeople who prefer carbon steel durability and a traditional wood handle over bare-minimum budget tooling. The Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 at $7.99 suits anyone who wants a compact, well-built trowel with a proven material combination.

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Frequently asked questions

Which trowel is better suited for concrete finishing?

The Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 uses a carbon steel blade, which is the standard material for concrete finishing and heavier masonry applications. The Fiskars 79786931J has an aluminum blade, which is lighter but generally less suited to demanding concrete work.

How do the two trowels compare in size?

The Fiskars 79786931J is the larger tool, with listed dimensions of 18 x 7.25 x 2.75 inches. The Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 is more compact, with a 5-inch length and overall dimensions of 10 x 2 x 4 inches, making it easier to handle in tighter or more detailed work.

Is the Fiskars 79786931J worth buying at $3.50?

Based on specs and 1,728 verified reviews at 4.4 stars, with 2,000 units bought last month, the Fiskars 79786931J offers solid value for light-duty use at $3.50. Its aluminum blade and composite handle keep it lightweight and affordable for straightforward spreading tasks.

Which has stronger buyer ratings?

The Marshalltown Marshalltown - 97 rates higher at 4.6 stars, compared to 4.4 stars for the Fiskars 79786931J. The Fiskars has a larger review base (1,728 reviews vs 656), so both data points are worth weighing. For more specific questions, reach the ToolHandle team at [email protected].

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