Best Putty Knives for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: June 20th, 2024

🔧Putty knives are those little lifesavers that often make home improvement and painting projects way less stressful. Whether you're patching up holes, smoothing out drywall, scraping off old paint, or even removing wallpaper, a good putty knife can be your best friend.

We've spent some time digging into the latest offerings to bring you a list of top-notch putty knives for all sorts of needs.

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Overall Best: Husky 2-Inch Putty Knife With Stainless Steel Blade

Our top choice is the Husky 2-Inch Putty Knife With Stainless Steel Blade, standing out for its exceptional blend of quality and comfort. Featuring an ergonomic rubberized handle, this knife ensures excellent control for precise application and scraping jobs. The high-quality stainless steel blade is both durable and versatile, perfect for tasks ranging from scraping off old paint to applying a smooth layer of spackle. According to user feedback, this tool offers a premium feel without the premium price, making it a fantastic all-around option for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$7.98 at Amazon

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Runner-up: Faithfull Professional Putty Knife

Faithfull FAISGPKME Soft-Grip Putty Knife

As the runner-up, the Faithfull Professional Putty Knife impresses with its adaptability for various uses. Its flexible blade excels in reaching tight corners and smoothing uneven surfaces. The sturdy wooden handle offers a strong and reliable grip, while the full-tang construction adds to its durability. Detailed work is where this knife truly shines, making it an essential tool for precision jobs. It's also versatile enough for garden tasks like weeding or cleaning between paving stones, adding further value to its robust design.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$21.05 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Faithfull Putty Knife? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What are the main features of the Faithfull FAISGPKME Soft-Grip Putty Knife?
The Faithfull FAISGPKME Soft-Grip Putty Knife is all about combining durability, comfort, and versatility. What makes it stand out, according to the manufacturer's product description, is its stainless steel blade. Stainless steel is great because it fights off rust and corrosion, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if it gets wet or exposed to other elements. This means it'll stick around in your toolbox for a while. The handle is another highlight. It’s got a soft-grip design that’s all about being comfy and ergonomic. If you've ever used a putty knife for a long stretch, you know a comfortable handle can save your hands from feeling like they've just run a marathon. The soft grip helps ease hand fatigue, which is nice if you're planning to use it a lot. There’s also a neat feature with the metal end cap on the handle. It’s not just for looks—it can help with tapping back nails or bumps, so you don't need to reach for another tool. It's little touches like this that make the knife more versatile. And don't forget about the blade design. It has a 'clipt point' blade with a curved side and an angled edge. This isn’t just a design choice; it really helps with applying putty or filler precisely, especially in those hard-to-reach nooks or tight corners. The 38 mm blade width also gives you enough room to work effectively without being too bulky. So, if you’re diving into a DIY project or need something reliable for professional work, this putty knife has a lot to offer. With its combination of performance and user-friendly features, it's a solid pick for any toolkit.

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Budget Pick: Amazon Basics 2" Flex Nylon Handle Putty Knife

Amazon Basics 2" Flex Nylon Handle Putty Knife 2" Flex Putty Knife

For those on a budget, the Amazon Basics 2" Flex Nylon Handle Putty Knife is an economical yet effective choice. Despite its affordability, it doesn't compromise on comfort or control. The flexible blade is perfect for lightweight applications such as spreading putty or scraping soft materials. The nylon handle is designed for easy gripping, and the overall tool is simple to clean. Ideal for occasional users or DIY enthusiasts, this putty knife delivers reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$6.15 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the "Amazon Basics Putty Knife"? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What is the Amazon Basics 2" Flex Putty Knife best used for?
If you're getting into some home improvement or construction work, the Amazon Basics 2" Flex Putty Knife could be a handy tool. It's mainly for tasks like spreading spackle, scraping paint, or peeling off wallpaper. The manufacturer describes it as having a flexible blade made of taper-ground, mirror-polished carbon steel, which is supposed to help spread materials smoothly for a nice finish. It also has a nylon handle designed for a solid grip, with a full-length tang held in place by sturdy rivets. So, it's made of 55% carbon steel and 45% nylon, offering durability with some flexibility. Our research shows that folks find it affordable and good for general DIY tasks like filling cracks or scraping off old paint. But, some people did mention that it can rust if it's not dried properly after use, especially in moist conditions, so that's something to watch out for. A few others pointed out that the blade isn't as flexible as they'd hoped, saying it acts more like a stiff putty knife. So if you need something with more flex, especially for detailed work, you might want to check out other options, maybe those made from stainless steel which are less likely to rust. If you have any issues beyond normal wear and tear, it's nice to know there's a one-year limited warranty from Amazon Basics. Whether this knife is right for you depends on the type of projects you're doing and how you usually take care of your tools. It's worth checking out if you're looking for a budget-friendly, general-purpose putty knife.
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How flexible is the Amazon Basics 2" Flex Nylon Handle Putty Knife?
If you're thinking about using the Amazon Basics 2" Flex Nylon Handle Putty Knife for your project, here's what we've found. It's generally well-liked for tackling various home improvement tasks, thanks in part to its flexible carbon steel blade. This blade is pretty good for spreading spackle and adapting to different surfaces, which can be helpful if you need to feather plaster or get a smooth finish. Our research shows it's effective for filling cracks and applying putty, handling both small repairs and bigger jobs well. The flexibility is a big plus, though some folks hoped it would be even more pliable. So if you're aiming for ultra-thin spackle layers, it might take a bit more effort. Besides the blade, the knife has a nylon handle designed for a solid, classic grip, as the manufacturer describes. This makes it comfortable for longer use, which is a big help during extended DIY tasks. On top of that, many find it to be cost-effective. It's seen as a budget-friendly pick that offers a good balance between affordability and decent quality. Ideal for basic spackling and minor repair work, it won't bust your budget. Overall, the Amazon Basics 2" Flex Nylon Handle Putty Knife seems pretty reliable for various home fix-ups. While there are some thoughts about its flexibility, most feedback highlights its performance, grip, and cost. So, if you have some DIY repairs lined up, this could be the right tool for you.

Best Light Duty: Warner 1-1/2" ProGrip Flex Putty Knife, Stainless Steel

Warner 1-1/2" ProGrip Flex Putty Knife, Stainless Steel with Hammer Cap, 90660 1-1/2" Flex, Stainless Steel

The Warner 1-1/2" ProGrip Flex Putty Knife is our top recommendation for light-duty applications. It boasts a stainless steel blade that offers excellent flexibility, making it ideal for feathering edges and spreading light compounds. With its ergonomic handle, this knife ensures a secure grip and reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use. This tool is perfect for delicate tasks requiring a gentle touch, such as embedding tape and working in confined spaces.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$5.40 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Warner ProGrip Flex Putty Knife 1-1/2"? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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Is the Warner 1-1/2' ProGrip Flex Putty Knife actually made of stainless steel?
Yeah, according to the manufacturer, the Warner 1-1/2" ProGrip Flex Putty Knife is made of stainless steel. That usually means it should be pretty tough and resist rust, which is handy for tools like this that can get wet or used on different materials. The manufacturer's description highlights its flexible stainless steel blade, which makes it versatile for various tasks where you need some precision. This can be really useful for spreading putty or working on detailed projects. But, here's something interesting from our research: some folks have noticed that the rust resistance might not be all it's cracked up to be. Even though a lot of people like how flexible and solid the blade is for things like applying lightweight spackles or even refinishing guitars, there have been some complaints. A few people noticed rust showing up earlier than expected, even when kept dry. There are also mentions of a strong magnetic pull, which sometimes hints that it might not be the highest-grade stainless steel, since those are generally less magnetic. On the upside, most feedback we found points to its great functionality and comfort, especially for DIY projects and some professional work. If you're really worried about rust, particularly in humid areas, it's worth considering these mixed reviews. People suggest drying it well after use to help prevent rust. So overall, the Warner ProGrip Flex Putty Knife seems to be a solid pick for many users. Just keep in mind the rust issue some folks have pointed out, and maybe have a look at other options or maintenance tips if that’s something you’re concerned about.
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How flexible is the Warner 1-1/2' ProGrip Flex Putty Knife?
The Warner 1-1/2" ProGrip Flex Putty Knife is pretty well-regarded for its flexibility. It's something a lot of pros and DIY folks find handy. It's not just your run-of-the-mill putty knife either—it's got a hammer cap that's really useful when you need a bit more force for tough jobs or tight spots, and you don't have to worry about messing up the tool itself. The manufacturer's description highlights its durability, and our research backs that up with a lot of positive feedback. The stainless steel blade is designed to be flexible, which is super handy for precise work like spreading putty. It also works great for other jobs like scraping or even popping 3D prints off their base. The knife has a good balance of strength and flexibility, making it versatile for all sorts of tasks. From what we've found, many people appreciate that it's designed to give you good control when applying force—whether you're smoothing things out or tackling more stubborn materials. Plus, the handle is ergonomic, so you can use it for long stretches without your hand getting too tired. That's a nice bonus if you're in the middle of a big project. Overall, the hammer cap adds a lot of functionality to the Warner ProGrip Flex Putty Knife, letting it do more than what you might expect from a standard putty knife. It seems to be a solid, reliable tool that fits well into any tool kit, especially if you need something flexible and durable.

Best Heavy Duty: GUYUE Best Putty Knives Stainless Steel Putty Knives 6 in 1 Scraper Tool

For tackling more demanding tasks, the GUYUE Best Putty Knives 6 in 1 Scraper Tool is the heavy-duty champion. Built to withstand tough scraping jobs like removing stubborn adhesives or old paint, this versatile multi-tool includes functionalities such as a paint scraper, putty knife, and even a bottle opener. It’s a robust addition to any tool kit, ideal for professional contractors and dedicated DIYers who need a reliable and durable tool for rigorous use.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon
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