Plaster applicator is drier around the rear end (6)
I believe the answer is:
trowel
'rear end' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'plaster applicator is drier around' is the wordplay.
'plaster applicator' becomes 'r' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'is drier' becomes 'towel' (I've seen this in another clue).
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'r' put inside 'towel' is 'TROWEL'.
'the' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for trowel that I've seen before include "Small hand tool for scooping" , "Mortar-spreading tool" , "Something to help gardener" , "Small garden tool for handling plants" , "Platsterer's tool" .)