Click to Skip Ad
Closing in...

Best Putty Knife

Published Jul 7th, 2020 11:58AM EDT

If you buy through a BGR link, we may earn an affiliate commission, helping support our expert product labs.

If you’ve ever lived in an apartment, you know how important getting your security deposit back is. As long as you haven’t completely destroyed your place, you should be able to get back some portion of it. Those last few days before you move out are full of packing, straightening, and cleaning. You want it to be in the best shape possible for when your landlord comes to do the check to see what damages may have been inflicted. If you hung anything up on your walls, you likely will have to repair those holes, no matter how minuscule. That’s where a putty knife can come in handy. The flexible blade will help you spread the putty and spackle into those holes, covering them up and hopefully saving you from having to pay anything. For those who are moving out shortly and are in need of some help, we’ve highlighted five of the best putty knives around to help you patch up those holes.

Durability is key for home repairs

Most Durable

Working in the house to spread putty around can be accomplished efficiently with the Red Devil 2IN Flex. This one has a 2″ blade but you can choose the blade that you prefer. It features a shatterproof polypropylene handle and high carbon steel blades that is rust-resistant. The handle is also solvent-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about it warping or breaking while you’re using it. The blade itself is flexible, allowing you to work from many different angles applying putty and spackle. It has a solid steel nail setting head that is designed for maximum safety and dependability. The precision-ground blade works to ensure your job is completed.

Key Features:

  • Shatterproof polypropylene handle
  • Flexible blade made from high carbon steel
  • Solid steel nail setting head
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon

Flexible blades for easier tasks

Most Flexible

Take care of the holes with the Warner 90127A ProGrip Full Flex Putty Knife. You can choose between 1.25″ and 6″ in terms of blade size and we are focusing on the 1.5″ option. This is made with a high-quality carbon steel blade that is fully flexible. You can pick between flex and fully flex options, depending on the level of work you are doing. On the handle, there is a large hang hole, so you can keep this up in your workshop to know exactly where it is at all times. It will also free up space in your toolbox. It is designed to fit in your hand and reduce fatigue.

Key Features:

  • Fully flex blade
  • Large hang hole
  • Designed to fit in your hand and reduce fatigue
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon

Cover all of your bases with this set

Best Large Set

Rather than buying putty knives individually in the size you may need, pick up the WORKPRO Putty Knife Set. You’ll have four knives at your fingertips with this, including ones that measure 1.5″, 3″, 4″, and 6″. The blades range between flexible and stiff for multiple purposes. They are all constructed of stainless steel that is durable and smooth. All are rust-resistant and mirror polished to last a long time. The ergonomic handles are made from PP&TPR material and have finger guide rails for a softer grip.

Key Features:

  • Four knives that range between flexible and stiff
  • Constructed of stainless steel
  • Ergonomic handles
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon

Take care of the small hole quickly

Best Small Hole Repair Kit

Providing you all that you’ll need, the 3M SHR High Strength Small Hole Repair Kit is a smart investment. You’ll come out with a professional repair when you’re done using this. It is ideal for hole repairs up to 3″ in diameter. It includes an 8 fl. oz. tub of primer enhanced spackling compound, a 4″ self-adhesive patch and a 3″ putty knife and sanding pad. There won’t be any shrinking, cracking, or sagging and it will come out smooth. The spackle is easy to sand when you’re done.

Key Features:

  • Small hole repair kit
  • Putty knife, sanding pad, self-adhesive patch, and spackling compound included
  • Won’t be any shrinking, cracking, or sagging
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon

Get more bang for your buck

Best Value

The Red Devil 4718 3-Piece Plastic Knife Set provides you with tremendous value. This includes a 1.5″ putty knife, a 3″ spreader, and a 6″ taping knife. Made from quality plastic construction, it provides strength and flexibility when you’re working. This is an excellent alternative to metal and is most cost-efficient. If you don’t want to reuse them, you can dispose of them once you’re done.

Key Features:

  • Three knives in the set
  • Made from quality plastic construction
  • Disposable
Amazon Logo Available on Amazon
Chris Hachey Commerce Editor

Chris Hachey is Senior Commerce Editor for BGR. With over a decade of editing and journalism experience, plus thousands of hours of product testing and research, he has helped millions of consumers find the best products and deals to fit their lifestyles.

When he's not searching for top deals, he's likely watching his favorite sports teams or walking around his hometown with his wife and his dog.