I keep breaking tools!!

[Demeter]

That's interesting - last year I bought a WS fork - the funny shape one with the centre tread that's meant to be more ergonomic. using it this year one of the tines bent ans then snapped off when I tried to straighten it. I went out and bought another one and as per my previous post, went and bent another tine on first use.

So, I wonder. I would have thought to be fit for purpose a fork should be able to handle most allotment digging tasks.

Ah I don't hold with funny shaped ones
Mine has been through heavy root-infested soil and has levered up bricks and things easy peasy.

[Fluorescent green]

Buy a JCB, lol, buying good tools is ok as long as they dont get pinched.

I bought the cheapest spade, not been pinched and I dont put my full weight into it.

FG

[TonyF]

I use WS stainless steel spade and fork and another s & f so old, haven't got a clue what make they are.

Sounds trite but usually, the better the name the better the tools. I have some Wolf tools that I bought on my old account with them back in the early 80s, still excellent. I also have a huge range of the newer interchangable Wolf tools, even better. Use only Felco secateurs.

And recently I've treated myself to some Sneerboer tools.

Good names usually win out and last longer.

[JimmerG]

Well, I've done it - I've 'forked out' (groan) on some have decent stuff. His and hers forks and spades. I've went for the name and got Spear and Jackson - Its got a 10 year guarantee, so long as I don't loose the receipt - I can't loose. Lovely polished stainless steel and composite shaft/handles -they seem nicely put together, and don't weigh too much either.

Time will tell if they're up to the job......we'll see.

J

[StephenH]

According to my book on garden tools, stainless steel is best. I intend to buy a set of stainless steel tools with wooden (instead of plastic, like my current, cheap tools) handles, when I've got more money to spare. I've got an old fork, the provenance of which I know not, but it's a high-quality one with a very strong attachment to the wooden shaft. I had to repair the D-type handle, but it's now good for a few more decades.

[Creemteez]

I have found that most tools will treat you well if you treat them well.(my dear old Dad's saying). Several of my lottie associates have broken tools and done themselves mischiefs buy trying to dig and turn too much soil at once. It's very tempting to try and get all the digging done as quickly as possible by trying to move huge chunks, but I have found that less is invariably more. Less pressure on tool, base of spine and generally a better result at the end of the row.
Having said that, there are some duff gardening tools out there! (No smuttiness please, Snohare!)

[Demeter]

I use WS stainless steel spade and fork and another s & f so old, haven't got a clue what make they are.

Sounds trite but usually, the better the name the better the tools. I have some Wolf tools that I bought on my old account with them back in the early 80s, still excellent. I also have a huge range of the newer interchangable Wolf tools, even better. Use only Felco secateurs.

And recently I've treated myself to some Sneerboer tools.

Good names usually win out and last longer.

Oh I like the Wolf interchangeable ones! I am not sure I would want to use them for heavy work but have got some hand tools from their range, I like that you can get the longer handle for hand tools, and sill get them fit in my tool bag when detached!

[gojiberry]

I have tried cheap and expensive over the years and found that both are prone to defects and breaking. I always keep the receipt and get them replaced at least once. My current fork is a B&Q one and it is the third one, first broke at the point at the bottom of the handle and the second had a tine break. Still I'm now into the third season and the latest has lasted at least 18 months. Don't use a spade very much.

Ian

[djhs196]

I would also recommend WS garden forks - I snapped the tines off one with a combination of heavy clay / stubborn bramble once but with a LifeTime guarantee I sent it back and got a new one sent to me and the postage refunded.

Great service!

[HeyWayne]

I've given my long handled spade and azada a bit of grief and both are as strong as anything.

Both bought from Get Digging.

Get Digging with Alternative Tools for the Allotment and Garden

Only use the fork (cheap non-descript one that I just seemed to have) for "light duties".