What are the parts of a plasterer’s scratcher?
What are the parts of a plasterer’s scratcher? |
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| Scratchers are hand-held tools with two basic components: the handle and the tines or prongs. | ||||
Plasterer’s scratcher handle |
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Scratcher handles are simple, usually with a slight curve to improve ergonomics. On some scratchers the prongs are fixed straight to the handle, it having been moulded to house them during manufacturing. | |||
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Plasterer’s scratcher backer plate |
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On some models, usually scarifiers, there is a backer plate between the handle and the tines. This gives additional support to the tines when working. | |||
Plasterer’s scratcher tines or prongs |
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A scratcher usually comes with round wire prongs, which measure around 105mm. There are seven prongs on the most widely available scratchers.
The tines on a scarifier are slightly different in that they are flat. They are around 6.0mm (1/4 ” wide) and approximately 75mm (3″ ) in length. Scarifiers are available in varying widths between 200-350mm (8″-14″), therefore the number of tines is usually dependent on width. |
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Plasterer’s scratcher prongs or tines – Which are better? |
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Prongs will produce a slightly cleaner cut than tines. This is because the tines will shift more of the product (leaving a bumpier texture), which in turn creates a larger space for keying.
It is a personal preference whether you want a cleaner cut or a larger key, however the difference is minimal. |
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