Pocket rasps are very similar to pocket dry wall rasps, except they have a hardened steel blade that is designed for use on many types of material, not just plasterboard. They are, however, so well suited for shaping plasterboard that you will often see them advertised and sold as dry wall rasps.
As the name suggests, these rasps are small and designed to easily fit in your pocket.
The body of a pocket rasp also serves as the handle. Many pocket rasps will channel or collect the plaster shavings and dust within the body or handle. The handle is used to grip and hold the tool, and is made of plastic or cast metal.
The blade of many pocket rasps can be removed and turned around to allow the tool to remove material from a workpiece on either the push or pull stroke of the tool (see How to replace the blade of a dry wall rasp).
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Small size allows them to fit in a
pocket
Creates less mess as plaster dust is collected within the handle
Often brightly coloured to reduce
chances of loosing them
Blades can be fitted to allow material removal in either direction
Small size means it takes longer to trim the edge of plasterboard to size
Fine tooth blade design can clog with plaster dust more frequently than course toothed blades
