Spades, forks and hoes - which?

butterfly72

I've got an allotment and need some equipment! All the books say buy the best you can as they'll last a lifetime. I been to the garden centre this afternoon to give them all a try! The most comfortable for me was the Wilkinson Sword Fiskars Lifestyle stainless steel border spade and fork... typically they were the most expensive at £30 a piece (with a lifetime guarantee)!

Would it really be false economy to buy cheaper ones or ones that aren't really that comfortable/too big or long/too heavey etc. I have a lot of work to do on this allotment it needs totally clearing.

thanks

Lotus-eater

This is what I think, not everyone agrees with me.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=20785315&highlight=#post20785315

I like the swoe btw, brilliant bit of kit, but again, I know people that hate it and swear by something else to hoe with.

Ephemera

Depends if you plan to leave them at the allotment or take them with you...

If leaving them there how secure is your storage?

Personally it might be worth scouring your local carboot and taking a look - a lot of people will be selling perfectly good tools at this time of year and buying new shiny ones... could save you a fortune.

If, however you are taking them home and intend to use them at home (or have secure storage at the allotnment) then by all means buy the best you can afford - and good luck with your allotment!!

Vibrant

A tool that feels comfortable is the most important thing. I always try them all for "feel" in the shop, although you can get some funny looks.
I also apply some force to forks, spades etc, to check the handles don't bend, twist etc.
A high price isn't always an indication of quality and a manufacturers range often only features, one, or two good tools.
Stainless steel tools, aren't always the best and can be a disadvantage for tools like dutch hoes, which need regular sharpening.
A border fork/spade is a good choice, much more comfortable to work with (imop).

I recently bought a new border fork and after looking around, found this nice one at Wilkinsons, for £10.99. So far it seems to be excellent.
http://www.wilkinsonplus.com/invt/0223434

brownfrog

Stainless steel is a lot easier to keep, and as above, I'd go for a border fork & spade. My favourite spade (very difficult to find, these) is a stainless steel one with a pointed end - bit like this, but without the hump in the middle: http://www.fiskars.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10001&langId=11151&catalogId=10251&categoryId=10879&productId=11241&page=products. Sooo much easier to dig with than a blunt end - can't work out why they're not more readily available.

strawberry_laces

I bought the cheap £4/£5 range at b&q because my plot was an overgrown dumping ground and if they got broke it's no big deal replacing them. They are left out on the plot in all weathers and have done excellent work since i bought them in September.

I also have a £80 stainless steel set bought of ebay for £5 and will use them when all the ground is free off metal and carpet.

So it depends on what state your plot is in and if you are leaving them at the plot.

nimbo

i have been bought some of the 2 for £10 jobbies from ASDA and they seem fine... they may turn out to be a fulse economy, but they seem to do the job, and are strong, and sturdy...

SAMHP_2

If you've got a huge amount to do, I would say it's important to get something that is not too heavy for you. Not sure what gender you are (!) but some manufacturers now do a ladies range and I find them very good.
The only disappointment I've had is that my Mum bought me a Spear & Jackson fork which I daresay was not cheap and was supposed to be guaranteed for a lifetime. When I managed to bend a tine I took a photo of it and sent it off to them to get a refund and they got very sniffy indeed - insisting I had to send it back to them and they would 'look into it' - not what I call a 'lifetime guarantee' then!
SAM

Dave101t

always best to buy anything with a 10 year guarantee or more.
i bought cheap and broke so went for a better one.