Best Garden Rakes Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
When looking into buying garden rakes, you should consider whether you intend to use the tools for the short- or long-term. Plastic rakes are cheap and often meant to be used for a short period of time before they are disposed of. Breaking within a season is common among plastic rakes. Therefore, if you want a rake that will help you clean up the mess in your garden within a season, then a plastic rake will serve that purpose. In contrast, if you want a rake that will serve you for decades, then you might want to consider a metal rake.
A good metal rake deserves a hardwood handle to last as long as the metal tines. Placing a strong, hardwood handle on a short-lived plastic rake that will not last beyond a season can be a waste of valuable hardwood. Therefore, it is important to match the quality of the rake head with that of the handle so that the tool can serve you for the duration in which you will need it.
Steel is the most durable material that any rake can be made from. If kept away from the moisture they can last for a very long period of time. However, covering or coating helps to prevent moisture from causing rust and shortening the lifespan of the rake. Similarly, the aluminum material is fairly tough and can perform heavy duty tasks. It is also rust resistant if kept away from moisture. However, extremely heavy duty tasks can cause aluminum to dent or even bend. On the other hand, fiberglass is also durable and would require little to no maintenance.
Weight
A good rake should be light enough to feel comfortable in the hand, but heavy enough to accomplish the task at hand. Often, rakes meant to perform light duties are generally more lightweight while heavy rakes can effectively perform heavy-duty raking. Apparently, manufacturers of rakes make strong heavy rakes to prepare them for the heavy-duty task ahead. On the other hand, light rakes are lightweight-designed to remove light leaves, grass clippings, and debris. Therefore, they do not need to be as strong as metal rakes.
Comfort
Raking is a high-intensity physical activity that can put a lot of strain on the muscles. Most other gardening activities require the use of muscles to accomplish. When it comes to garden rakes, the heavier the rake the more taxing it will be on the muscles. In addition, bigger does not always mean better. A lightweight rake may do a better job than a heavy one. Therefore, it is better to go for a rake with the right dimensions to ensure you can work for longer hours without feeling fatigued. In this regard, it is advisable to consider a rake with a comfortable handle and grip to enable you to do some raking in your garden for long before developing sore hands. In fact, each individual should have his or her own rake with dimensions that suit him or her.
If you find yourself left with blisters after a long day’s work in the garden, then perhaps you need a rake with soft grips to help protect your hands from soring. Raking is a taxing job, and working with sore hands does not make it any easier. On the other hand, people suffering from chronic physical health issues such as back pain should consider ergonomically designed rakes with an angled handle or head to minimize bending and straining their back. They may also want to consider a rake with an extra grip handle that will make them more comfortable when raking their garden. If you intend to use the rake of a prolonged period of time, then comfort is paramount.
10 Best Garden Rakes
1. Gardenite 63 Inch
The Gardenite 63 inch rake is an adjustable leaf rake with an adjustable folding head that can move from 7 inches to 22 inches. It is ideal for camping enthusiasts. This gardening helper is designed to fit into small areas with a limited spacing of 7 inches, as ordinary or conventional rakes may not reach these areas. The rake reaches 22 inches when fully expanded.
Adjustable Steel Rake
The rake is perfect for working in limited spaces because it can be adjusted to fit smaller spaces of 7 inches and expanded in wider spaces to reach 22 inches.
Easy Storage
You can easily store the rake in limited spaces because the head is fully adjustable. The large head can be easily reduced during storage to take up less space than the traditional rake.
Cost and Value
The rake is very affordable. In addition, it is lightweight and extremely easy to use. It will also fit into smaller spaces during cleaning and storage.
2. Corona RK 62060
The Corona company has been in existence since the 1920s and is a market leader when it comes to manufacturing of consumer tools for gardening and landscaping. The company has proven its expertise in the design, manufacturing, and marketing of consumer tools. Their tools are preferred by most gardeners, contractors, landscapers, and lawnmowers.
Tempered Steel
The fixed-tine rake features tempered steel, with lightweight aluminum to ensure durability. The tines work by applying slight pressure to get rid of debris, and the curved bow provides equal pressure to the tines for optimum raking efficiency.
Highly Efficient
Its curved bow helps to distribute pressure equally across the 11 tines. This increases the level of efficiency.
Cost and Value
The tool allows for quick rake up of leaves and clippings in the garden. The wide tines get rid of debris while leaving plants unharmed. It is quite affordable.
3. Black + Decker BD1537
This fan rake can change a small planting project into a fun day out. This utility tool features comfort grip handle to allow you to get rid of debris in gardens and planting beds. The all-steel construction tines are strong enough to plow the land and yet suited for close quarter digging projects without causing harm to tender growth.
Coated to Prevent Rusting
The rake’s powder coated finish helps to prevent rusting and maintain the tool for longer. It also prevents the buildup of soil as you work on your gardening project.
Comfort Grip Handle
The tool provides the gardener with a comfortable grip to help get rid of debris in gardens with so much ease. It can be handheld for long hours.
Cost and Value
For just a few dollars, the gardener can transform a small planting project on a fun day out using this handheld rake. It is comfortable to grip.
4. Telescopic Rake
The Telescopic rake is an all-purpose high-quality rake on the market and adjusts two ways. It derives its name from its ability to telescope from 37” to 68” inches to accommodate all of your raking needs. In addition, it has tough steel tines that can adjust from 7 1/2 inches to 21 3/4 inches wide to accomplish a given task.
Adjustable Fan Head
The fan head has the ability to adjust easily from about 7 to 21 inches to handle your raking needs. The small head can gain access to hard-to-reach areas and rake even in between perennials without causing harm to the plants.
Telescoping Handle
This is one of the most useful telescoping handle rakes on the market. The handle telescopes from 37” to 68” to perform raking tasks.
Cost and Value
This tool comes with an adjustable handle to suit every gardener’s raking needs. The rake head is also adjustable to reach smaller spaces.
5. Truper 30465
The Truper 30465 48-inch rake is tough and designed for shrubs. With a lacquered wooden handle, the shrub rake has added strength and durability. In addition, its 8-inch wide head is designed for quick cleanup and the poly head is very easy to clean using your garden hose. Just spray clean with your garden hose, then you can begin coating with silicone spray before storing for future use.
Strong and Durable
The lacquered wooden demonstrates extra strength and durability. This tool will outlast most other rakes.
Easy to Clean
The rake is also easy to clean after use. You can use your standard garden hose to spray with lots of water before coating with silicone spray and keeping for later use.
Cost and Value
For an unbeatable price, this tool will provide everything a committed handyman expects. It is tough and has been selling on the market for a long time.
6. Bully Tools 92159
Bully Tools 92159 represents the company’s great innovation works. With a 7-inch level head, the hand rake is all steel. Bully Tools focused on making its gardening tools to match high-quality standards that the market demands. In fact, they are all steel construction, from small to large tools. They are designed to step up to the challenges presented by heavy duty work.
Heavy Duty
Bully Tools rakes are designed to handle all of the heavy duty gardening work around the home. They are made to endure intensive labor without bending or breaking.
Long Lasting
These tools are meant to last forever and can be passed from one generation to the next. Bully Tools have completely re-engineered the classic designs of rakes for more efficiency and durability.
Cost and Value
Bully Tools rake will ensure several hours of hard labor every day for several years without breaking. In fact, you can use and pass them from your generation to the next, and they are affordable.
7. The AMES 2915712
The AMES Companies, Inc. yet again demonstrated their ability to spearhead innovation by making this 30-inch poly-leaf rake. The rake head is 30 inches wide for maximum garden raking capacity. The hardwood handle ensures that the rake is strong, durable and can withstand raking duties for longer periods. In addition, the cushion end grip ensures maximum comfort and control.
Maximum Raking Capacity
The large 30-inch polyester leaf head delivers maximum raking capacity. The gardener can cover a large area within a small period of time, thanks to the large poly head.
Cushioned End Grip
The raking job can be tedious and tiring. Holding the handle for long while performing gardening tasks can put intense pressure on the hands. However, the tool’s cushioned end grip provides sufficient comfort and enhances control to allow raking for longer periods.
Cost and Value
For just a few dollars, you can add this poly leaf rake to your collection of gardening tools. The cushioned end grip will ensure you remain comfortable throughout your raking sessions.
8. TRG Groundskeeper
The TRG Groundskeeper is a tool you can depend on to perform a number of gardening duties. Stiff round tines help you clear out the mess in your yard or on your grounds, and they work differently than flat and flexible tines that other rakes have. This rake helps remove leaves from bushes by allowing green stems to pass between the tines without harming them and it can move sticks, twigs, grinder chips, bark, mulch, and even gravel
Strong Rake Head
The round steel tines can bust open new ground with ease, move dirt and rake rocks in a hurry. In addition, the tines are heavy duty and precision sharpened to make the raking work much easier.
Durability Can Last a Lifetime
The tool comprises a strong head designed to do tedious heavy-duty tasks and last a lifetime. This is a rake any professional gardener can depend on.
Cost and Value
For a modest price, the gardener can cut a new trail, move dirt, and even fight fires. Indeed, the tool is designed to make all the heavy-duty work look easy.
9. Seymour BR-90
With a 48-inch handle and 14-tine head, the Seymour BR-90 rake quickly accomplishes all the raking tasks in the garden. It boasts a contoured handle with high-quality lacquer finish. The 48-inch handle is also durable because it is made of hardwood.
Durable Hardwood Handle
The tool features a strongly contoured handle to perform difficult raking tasks. The clear lacquer finish only serves to strengthen the handle. Its 48-inch hardwood handle is durable.
Strong Steel Head
With 14 welded tines, the rake features strong tines that can collect debris within the garden. The rake can also perform some light duty digging.
Cost and Price
For a modest price of a few dollars, the rake delivers on its promise. It has a sturdy handle to last long. The handle is also long enough to reach hidden areas.
10. Truper 31392
This ash handle rake is ideal for tight, close-up garden spaces and would make a perfect gift for a loved one. Buy this to gift the female gardening enthusiast in the family and she will definitely love it. It delivers exactly what a gardener would expect from a reliable, long-lasting raking tool. It is one of Truper’s best-selling gardening items.
Designed for the Typical Lady Gardener
It is smaller and lightweight to make it easy to hold and work on small gardening projects. Any lady gardener would love to work with this lightweight rake.
Works in Tight Spaces
It is ideal for accomplishing tasks in tight, close-up spaces. It is the perfect raking tool for the person who loves to work with light tools in the garden.
Cost and Value
This is a lighter rake that guarantees efficiency and convenience in quick raking. Since it is made of lightweight material, it may not last and is less durable.