A tool for compressing and smoothing a bead of freshly applied fluent material in a joint at the intersection of two adjacent surfaces is provided. The tool includes a curved elongated handle comprising a front head, a friction section on an upper surface, a rear substantially vertical channel, a blade affixed to a front wall of the channel, and an extension projecting from the rear end; a flexible working member affixed to the head; and a flexible cap releasably secured onto the working member. Manipulation of the tool by hand by pressing the cap against a bead of freshly applied fluent material at the intersection of two adjacent surfaces while pulling causes the cap to flex to compress and smooth the bead.