We may realise revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
resist in the garden cock section of a computer hardware computer storage and trying to choose a rake can be overpowering — there are so many different types and sizes from which to choose . The average gardener or DIY landscapist will likely need only two or three different types of rakes , at the most . The deception is knowing which yard rakes will belt along garden and lawn job , and which wo n’t be of much avail in your state of affairs . Ahead , read about rake parts and materials , and how to choose slant you ’ll actually use .
Parts of a Rake
As with any unspoilt dick , rake are made up of a few key part . Knowing these parts and the material they might be made from can help a DIYer choose which rake is best for their particular need and labor .
Some rakes may have extra parts , like levers for adjusting the breadth of the tine , foam grips , and more , but these three are moderately standard .
How to Choose a Rake
There are many unlike types of rakes , and choosing the good one is n’t always straightforward . In addition to regard the job the rake must execute , take into account the follow points when settle which puppet to sum to your aggregation .
Rake Materials
Rake grip are available in a wide stove of materials . Such choices admit wood , fibreglass , aluminum , brand , and even plastic in some cases . The best combination of strength and exercising weight will usually be fiberglass or aluminum , but wood and blade are also upright choices ( steel can be heavy ) .
Head and Tine Materials
When it occur to choosing a profligate , knowing which tine materials are best for the job are crucial .
Length
hold duration can be a consideration . For tall folks , longer handles like those in the 5- to 6 - foot range are ideal . For average - tiptop the great unwashed , 4- to 5 - feet will work . But , when it come to snow rakes , shoppers will find extension phone that snap together to hand higher . For rake project to make into tight blank space , it ’s certainly personal preference . Longer handles reach further , but shorter handles are easier to control .
There are three type of scan that everyone with a yard really should own :
With these three rake , DIYers can treat most outside project . specialness work like concrete or soil grading will need other slant , but these project are less common .
Photo: istockphoto.com
Lawn and Garden Rakes
1. Leaf Rake
well For : Raking leaves and ignite debris like twigs and locoweed clippingsOur Recommendation : Anvil Poly Leaf Rake at Home Depot for $ 13.98Anvil ’s Poly Leaf Rake features flexible credit card tine and a 47.25 - inch hardwood handgrip for general utilization .
If you ’re raking foliage , what you need is a leaf rakehell , also known as a lawn rip . sell in vary widths ( up to 30 inches ) , it has a long handle with tine that rooter out in a triangle . The tines of a foliage rake are generally made of metal , credit card , or bamboo . Metal is the most resilient ( and great forpine needles ) but perhaps not quite as effective as pliant tines when prompt large quantity of leave-taking , particularly if they ’re pixilated . Leaf rake tine that are made of bamboo are the most slight , of course , but are much gentle on plant if you are raking overground coversor garden beds .
2. Shrub Rake
well For : Working around trees , bush , and tight placesOur testimonial : Fiskars 8 - in Shrub Rake at The Home Depot for $ 14.99Fiskars ’ 8 - column inch bush rake features sturdy plastic tines with a farseeing aluminum handle for reaching between shrubs , bush , and plants .
A bush blood is built very much like a foliage rake . It has a smaller fan of tines , though , set aside it dependable accession to the ground beneath shrubbery , around fencing material , and in other tight area of your landscape . depend on your landscape and your penury , a bush rake may be a worthy addition to your shed , peculiarly weigh that even top - quality tools of this type sell for under $ 20 . When buying , pay special care to the length of the handle and note that some handles telescope in and out , a function that may be handy for reaching around shrubs .
3. Bow Rake
Best For : Leveling dirt , move crushed rock , and rake heavy materialsOur Recommendation : Husky 57 - in Bow Rake at The Home Depot for $ 29.98The Husky 57 - inch bowing Rake features 16 heavy - duty metal tine and a fibreglass handle that ’s stalwart enough for incite wakeless materials .
A bow rake is more often than not think homeowners ’ dependable bet for leveling dirt , sand , and other fabric that are lowering than leaves . The tine of a quality bowing roue are made of metal and are shorter and thicker than those of a foliage rake ( and spaced more wide ) . Basically , this type of roue is a workhorse — definitely something you require at your side , as prow rake use of goods and services admit spreading gravel in a gravel driveway or spread mulch if your yard charge routine includes seasonal mulching , or when doing any hardscaping projection .
4. Hand Rake
well For : rake around delicate blossom and plants , pick up piles of leaves , and clean out garden beds . Our good word : Fiskars Xact Hand Garden Rake at Amazon for $ 12.77
With tough but elastic stainless steel tines , the Fiskars Xact Hand Garden Rake is a great selection for working with delicate plants or picking up piles of leave of absence .
A hand rakehell is a smaller version of a shrub roue or stoop rake . It has a brusque handle and is more or less the same size as a garden trowel . A hired man rake is what you want to use in and around flower and diminished planting . The curt handle give you greater control in those tight space ; just be disposed to get down on your knee with it . Expect to pay around $ 10 for a model that can last for many geezerhood .
Photo: bobvila.com
The goop rake , an alternate type of hand rakehell , is design forpicking up leavesthat have already been raked into tons . Typically , hand scoop rakes come in Seth of two — one for each script — and they resemble giant hook for grabbing turgid amounts of leaves when fill lawn bags .
5. Thatch Rake
Best For : Removing heavyset mats of Gunter Grass trim , leave , and other debris from the soil surfaceOur good word : Ames 54 - inch Adjustable thatched roof Rake at The Home Depot for $ 60.58The Ames 54 - column inch Adjustable Thatch Rake is heavy tariff and provide users to select between different tine lengths for improving or reduce reach into the Blackbeard .
A thatch rake is not for raking leave of absence at all . It ’s for removing Blackbeard — a layer of organic material between your lawn and the soil surface . Unlike most other rip types , athatch rakefeatures sharp blades on both sides of its head . One side discover the thatch up ; the other side removes it .
Left in place , a thick level of thatch can keep air and sunlight from reaching the foundation of the grass blades , which can lead to lawn disease . Removing a heavy level of thatch ( 1/4 - inch thick or thicker ) will improve the health of the lawn and perk it up . A secure Teach pitch is an essential tool for this job .
Photo: The Home Depot Photo: Home Depot
6. Power Rake
Best For : speedily and flawlessly removing detritus from a dope surface . Our Recommendation : Greenworks 10 - A Dethatcher at Home Depot for $ 146.90The Greenworks 10 - amp dethatcher features a 14 - in - wide of the mark dethatching track and adjustable heights to allow this power rake to remove detritus that ’s packed down on the soil .
This rake rapidly removes debris on the lawn and can prod up Edward Thatch , which is a chore with a manual thatch slant . All you need to do is push it along — the engine does all the quietus . A powerfulness rip feature a rotating head with metal tine that come up deeply through the existing lawn to pry up dead leaf , minor twigs , and blockheaded layers of Edward Teach , allowing line circulation Sunday to attain the lowly part of the weed blade .
Some powerfulness rakes come with collection bag , while others stick the raked - up debris behind the machine , leaving the drug user to glance over it up with a leafage pitch or lawn vacuum . top executive rakes engage on either gasoline or electricity .
Photo: The Home Depot
7. Garden Rake
Best For : Removing debris from garden beds , turn and tilling soilOur Recommendation : Ames Floral Level Rake at The Home Depot for $ 39.99With a minute head that reach into tight infinite , undestroyable metal tine , and a 48 - inch hardwood handle , the flowered level roue from Ames is well - suited for garden and veg bed .
Also called a shite rake , the garden or soil rip is an essential tool for the seasonal vegetable or flower nurseryman . It has a long handle and a steel roue head with self-coloured steel tines set at about a 90 - degree slant to the rake point . These tine allow the drug user to break up dirt clods and tease the ground . The tines may be unbent or slightly curved under to help grab turgid poop oaf and other dust .
A dirt rake is used after tilling or turning the soil , and it is often the last step in garden layer planning before constitute . Because the tines are solid and non - flexible , a garden rake is not well - suited to crease up leaves as it can get stick in the Gunter Wilhelm Grass .
Photo: The Home Depot
8. Landscaping Rake
Best For : prompt piles of dirt , gravel , and territory and create degree gradesOur testimonial : Razor - Back Aluminum Landscape Rake at The Home Depot for $ 69.98Between its uncompromising aluminum head and lightweight handle , the Razor - Back landscape painting rake is a great choice for hard - duty work .
Looking a lot like a garden rake on steroids , a landscaping rake is used to smoothen out large section of soil or accomplish an accurate ground level on a yard . It ’s not meant for skim up leaves or break up dirt clods — it ’s much too all-inclusive for that . A landscaping rake features a 30- to 38 - column inch or broader forefront with brand tine set at a 90 - level slant to the handle .
This professional - character rake also features a farseeing , square handle , and the head is often made from Al due to its enduringness and minimum weight . Handles may be Grant Wood , aluminum , or fibreglass , but maneuvering this rake can be tough on the hands because the head is so large . For the most comfy use , count for a handle that comes with a padded clutch .
Photo: Amazon
9. Stone Rake
well For : Leveling stones , crushed rock , and pebble but also scandal and sand . Our passport : Razor - Back 24 - in Aluminum Rake at The Home Depot for $ 58.29The Razor - Back 24 - inch Aluminum Rake has a lightweight aluminum nous to prevent adding extra weight when moving gravid object .
Leveling out gravel , pebble , and mulch takes a strong rake that ’s broad enough to speed the undertaking while being lightweight enough to handle with ease . Very alike in figure to a landscape painting profligate , but with a narrower head of about 18 to 28 inches , the rock or stone rakehell ( they ’re also known as gravel rake ) features a sword or aluminum head that sits at a 90 - stage angle to the handgrip . They can also be used as mulch scan , if necessary .
The rake tine are solid metallic element , and the pitch follow with a longsighted aluminum or fiberglass grip . user can both force and pull the slant when raze out pebbles or gravel . For the most comfortable use , calculate for a non - slip rubber or silicone polymer hold .
Photo: The Home Depot Photo: Home Depot
10. Berry Rake
well For : take away Berry from bushes rapidly without damaging themOur Recommendation : VicBre Berry Picker at Amazon for $ 11.99The VicBre Berry Picker features an ergonomic figure that ’s prosperous to clean and cautiously removes berries without squishing them .
What could be sweeter than harvesting blackberries or raspberries without reach into a bramble of needle - keen spikelet ? A Chuck Berry blood , sometimes called a “ Charles Edward Berry chooser , ” is a hand rake with small , close - lay tine that the drug user mistake behind the berries and then pulls to free them from the shank . Depending on the type of berry rakehell , it may issue forth with an attached pail for collecting berries .
A berry roue not only saves digit from being poked , it also saves meter and prevent the berries from being inadvertently squished during picking .
Photo: Amazon
Other Types of Rakes
11. Roof Rake
intimately For : move out C. P. Snow from rooftop and overhangsOur Recommendation : genuine Temper Snow Rake at The Home Depot for $ 74.99The True Temper Roof Rake features a maximal range of 17 feet , allowing users to remove snow from overhangs and roofs before ice dams form .
While it may face clean and downlike , a few inch or more of snow assemblage on a roof not only puts undue weight unit on the ceiling deck and rafters , it can be grievous if it slue off and country on a homo or pet . The answer for many who know in snow-white climes is aroof rake . The head on this lightweight roue features a broad blade rather than tine , and it ’s specifically design to pull drifts of snow off a roof .
Most nose candy rakes are unco lightweight , more so than dirt rakes and landscape rakes , and there ’s a reason for that : The user has to lift the roue head and position it on the roof . The grip of a ceiling slant is extendable , usually by confiscate grip poles , up to 20 feet or retentive , and the integral weight is generally less than 6 to 8 Lebanese pound .
Photo: The Home Depot
12. Lake Rake
Best For : Removing debris and alga from lake and pondsOur good word : Midwest Rake Co. Lake Rake at Amazon for $ 139.99The Midwest Rake Company ’s Lake Rake features a 36 - inch wide top dog , a polyethylene float , and a two - piece handgrip for up to 11 feet of grasp .
Lakes and ponds are favorite summertime unpaid spots , but some tend to accumulate algae , moss , and even be adrift rubble that keeps potential swimmers on the shoring . clear a pool of algae or other unwanted dust is n’t anyone ’s idea of sport , but a lake rake will simplify and speed the chore .
A lake rake resemble a landscape rakehell , with a broad atomic number 13 head and hearty tine . It needs a way to stay planless , however , and that ’s unremarkably fulfil by confiscate a float to the backside . The head make out in various breadth , up to 36 inches all-inclusive or wider . Those in the market for a lake rake should search for one with a nonslip grip for bear onto the rake when it ’s wet .
Photo: The Home Depot
14. Concrete Rake
good For : Moving and leveling tight concrete mix while pouringOur Recommendation : Union Tools Razorback Concrete Rake on Amazon for $ 51.46The Union Tools Razorback Concrete Rake features a hardwood handle , a 20 - column inch blade principal , and a rebar hook to make concrete pouring an gentle job .
Concrete rakes are heavy - duty tools used to trail and level off large great deal of wet concrete mix . They ’re typically wooden - handled and sport heavy - duty steel heads . Some may even have a rebar hook designed to allow the user to lift the rebar grid so concrete can course underneath it .
This is really the only use for a concrete profligate , however , as they do n’t have tines so they wo n’t dig up into soil , gravel , or thatch . For that reason , some DIYers may choose to forgo a concrete rake and simply use a excavator . This is a slower summons , but does n’t ask investing in a tool they ’ll only use once .
Photo: The Home Depot Photo: Home Depot
15. Ash Rake
Best For : slay ash tree from grills and move charcoal around as neededOur Recommendation : Onlyfire Ash Tool at Amazon for $ 14.99The Onlyfire Ash Tools features all - alloy construction ( away from the wooden grip ) and can dispatch ash tree and move charcoal while keeping the user ’s handwriting 21 column inch from the high temperature .
An ash profligate is designed for removing charcoal ash tree from the bottom of a barbecue grill , keeping it from choking air stream and fell up onto the food . It can also move charcoal briquettes around while they ’re hot .
These rake do n’t have tine and are influence more like scoopers , but they can take out ash tree to the border or scoop into the catch can for quick and easy removal . Also , they ’re almost always alloy to prevent heat from unfreeze any of their parts . They come in depart sizes , so shopper should prefer one that fit their grillwork .
Photo: Amazon
16. Zen Garden Rake
Best For : rake slow down design into miniature or full - size dose gardensOur Recommendation : Supvox 3 - piece miniskirt roue coif at Amazon for $ 9.11Made of bamboo , these three rakes create variously shaped billet in zen garden sand . Each is about 5.5 column inch long .
Zen gardensare incredibly tranquillise ; folk who have these type of gardens expend peculiar wooden slant with unlike tine to create intricate form in the sand for relaxation . Options include rounded tines , triangular tines , and dependent tines . They come in large sizes for full - sizing Zen gardens but also little sizes for the miniature Zen gardens most folk are familiar with .
Traditional Zen garden rakes are made from bamboo . Bamboo is actually a tight - growing green goddess , and while this is the traditional choice , standard wooden tools in miniature size are more common today .
Photo: The Home Depot Photo: Home Depot
17. Fire Rake
intimately For : make firebreaks to preclude the spread of wildfiresOur Recommendation : FIREHUNTER McLeod fire rake at Amazon for $ 79.51The McLeod flaming rake feature a heavy - tariff C sword head with a hardwood handle .
Fire run down see a completely different character of use than most other rake . These blood are designed to be used by woodland firefighters and pinch personnel to stop fervency from growing and distribute . They typically have heavy - duty heads with deep , widely spaced tine . This admit the user to grab a fate of stuff quickly and drag it , forming what ’s known as a “ firebreak , ” or a filth trench devoid of inflammable materials .
Many attack rakes also sport a power shovel or hoe on the other side of the tine . This is have in mind for chopping and digging , help firefighters further murder inflammable cloth .
Photo: Amazon Photo: Amazon.com
Final Thoughts
Rakes arrive in all sizes and shapes , and their primary function is to help meet or scatter out textile . Most DIY landscapers and gardener can get by with just a few different types of rakes . For those undertake peculiar task , such as clearing moss from a pond or pick Chuck Berry , there ’s often a rip out there to facilitate .
Prices listed here are accurate as of July 10 , 2024 .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
Photo: Amazon
We ’ll help oneself you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few muckle on your patio , a promote bed , or an in - ground plot out back — and select the right plant for your soil and region .
Photo: Amazon
Photo: Amazon
Photo: Amazon
