Putty knives come in a variety of sizes, some much wider than this.
A putty knife can have many different uses around the house. Of course it can be used to spread putty. But it can also be used to scrape things such as old paint or glue. A putty knife can be used as a screwdriver when a screwdriver is not available. There is, of course, a proper way to use a putty knife for all these tasks that will ensure the best of results.
Instructions
1. Hold the putty knife with an overhand grip and at a 45-degree angle to any surface that needs scraping. Move the putty knife over the surface in short, forceful thrusts in order to remove dried paint, glue or other stuck-on debris.
2. Hold the putty knife in an overhand grip with the index finger on the back of the putty knife for spreading materials. When spreading putty or joint compound, hold the putty knife at approximately a 45-degree angle. To remove excess material from the surface, hold the putty knife at an angle closer to 90 degrees. Move the putty knife in a downward motion over the excess material.
3. To use the putty knife as a screwdriver, hold it toward the end of the blade and insert it into the slot on a flat-head screw. This will only work on a flat-head screw and not a Phillips-head screw. Twist the blade until the screw is removed.
4. This versatile device works as a prying tool, too. Insert the blade of the putty knife under the lip of a paint can lid and pry up. This will work for many things that need to be pried. The putty knife can even be used to pry up nails by getting the edge of the blade under the nail and rocking the putty knife blade from side to side.
