1/19/2024 0 Comments Home depot leaf grabberPM : What other tools do you use and recommend for leaf collection and removal? B.D.: Like many people, I started off with a leaf blower, which is convenient for clearing sidewalks and other areas but of course only shifts the leaves to another location where you (or your neighbor) will eventually end up dealing with them. Features designed to help reduce back strain are also a big plus. That’s why I like lightweight rakes with adjustable handles. PM : In your experience, what feature can make or break a leaf rake? B.D.: If a rake is too heavy or unwieldy, it’s going to be very annoying and inconvenient to use-which means you will probably avoid using it. PM : What material do you prefer for rakes and why? B.D.: I tend to prefer plastic rakes with fiberglass handles because they seem to hold up better and are also generally lighter than wooden or metal options, which makes the plastic-fiberglass rakes easier to use. We kept an eye out for lightweight rakes with wide heads and durable tines so you can zip through your leaf clean-up without hassle. In making these selections, we consulted manufacturer listings for relevant specs related to materials, handle and head size, and weight. Her house sits on more than an acre of land that’s home to lots of trees, so she’s had plenty of hands-on time with many different types of leaf rakes. The original author of this piece, Bobbi Dempsey, drew upon her personal experience to select these rakes. Some rakes have adjustable handles that you can set at whatever height works best for you. As a good rule of thumb, the handle should reach at least chin height, and even better if it reaches your eyebrows or forehead. To avoid back strain, make sure the handle is long enough that you aren’t stooping over to use your rake. Rakes with small heads-narrower than 10 inches or so-are ideal for clearing hard-to-reach spots. They can also be heavier and require more effort to manage depending on their materials. Leaf rakes that are longer with a wider head allow you to clear big areas fast. Plastic options aren’t susceptible to rust but an all-plastic head may not be as durable as a metal or poly option. Rakes made from fiberglass or aluminum tend to weigh less, whereas steel models offer more long-term durability but may have you tired after an hour or so of raking. Leaf rakes are not meant to be used for branches, stones, or other heavy yard materials and for these tasks we recommend using a metal rake. Leaf rakes have long, skinny tines that sit in a triangular or fan-shaped arrangement-also called the head-specifically intended to gather up leaves and light materials. Best with Leaf Bag: Gardzen Leaf Rake with Dust Pan Bag.Best Wide Head: True Temper Poly Leaf Rake.Best Reinforced: Bully Tools Lawn / Leaf Rake with Fiberglass Handle.Best Budget: Ames Companies Poly Leaf Rake.Best Overall: Truper 30480 Steel Leaf Rake.Even if you have a fancy mower, a leaf rake will do smaller tasks fast and deserves a spot in your lawn care arsenal. A good leaf rake can help you finish this job quickly and ideally with minimal back strain. Leaf rakes are simple tools that haven’t much changed over time but their minor improvements in design and materials can make a big difference when it comes time to pile up and dispose of debris. A leaf blower can quickly remove debris from your yard but another tried and true option is a leaf rake. If those wet leaves freeze over come winter, you’ll be left with a slippery, tough-to-remove mess that you won’t be able to address until spring. Lawn care is therapeutic for some and a real pain for others, but either way-it has to get done.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |