Specialist tools

Cleaning, fixing, using, repairing, best and worst of your mechanical aids in the garden...

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Stephen
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Probably we all have a wide selection of tools.

There are the essential basics:- fork & spade, hand fork & trowel, rake, hoe. I doubt I am unusual in having several of each.

Then there are some which are useful because they perform special roles:- grass rake (I have no lawn so it only gets used for leaves), mattock. I might put secateurs in this category because one could garden without them (but I have 3 different ones - or is it four?) and certainly not every gardener needs shears.

But how much shed space do you allow for tools which only get used very rarely? One example might be an asparagus knife (I have one some where but other knives work too). Are tools which get 3 or 4 outings each year worth space in the shed?
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
Stephen
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On my mind at the moment is a draw fork
Image
which I would use very rarely but is exactly the right tool to get manure off the back of a trailer.
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
Westi
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My favourite is a grass rake I bought at Lidl's of all places! It was cheap but it extends the tines with the turn of a screw! I have had it 3yrs now! Nice closed tines for the wee stuff or getting in closer to rake the weeds I've dug, but wider for the leaves & grass clippings. I'm impressed with it but still amazed it was so cheap & still working fine!
Westi
sally wright
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Location: Cambridge

Dear Stephen,

Hand tools, if you use it every year, can afford it and it does not take up too much room then get it. Many of the rarer hand tools will be on sale at some point so keep an eye out for them and purchase accordingly. This will apply to most hand tools I think. Do remember to keep them oiled between uses or they will be rusty, blunt and useless when you go to use them next. Do not buy from the "tool merchants" at car boot sales - it only encourages thieves.

Small power tools such as drills and hedge trimmers; well if you know someone who is willing to allow you to borrow these then probably not. Do include replacement drill bits or other wearable parts if you can when you return the items. It should go without saying that you have your OWN ear defenders, goggles, gloves and dust masks.....

Larger power tools such as rotovators or log splitters etc can be hired quite easily but do read the instructions. Otherwise as above really.

Chainsaws - other than for cutting up bits on the ground - NO, NO and again NO. These are lethal and should not be in the hands of anyone without formal training. Get a professional in and let them take the risks.

With all these tools do remember to clean, oil and sharpen (if needed) before returning the item promptly when you have finished using it.

Oh and the GOLDEN RULE; if you borrow it and break it replace it !!!!! Ideally show up with the new one and explain. Do not leave it on the doorstep with a note. Especially if you plan to borrow more stuff from them.....

Regards Sally Wright.
Stephen
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Hi Sally
Thank you.
Except for a lightweight strimmer, I will hire garden power tools if I feel the need, which obviates the need for storage & maintenance.
Nothing is foolproof to a sufficiently talented fool.
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