Best Overall
True Temper 26-Inch Dual-Tine Poly Leaf Rake
Best Bang for the Buck
Fiskars Leaf Rake
Best Metal
Ames 22-Tine Steel Leaf Rake
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We ’ve researched more than 30 foliage rakes to compile the succeed group for testing . As opposed to “ hard ” rakes used to spread soil and crushed rock , a typical yardrakeis a more flexible pecker with a foresighted handle and a triangular devotee - shaped head part into multiple tines . one thousand and foliage rakes are designed to gather leave of absence and other detritus on the lawn , around tree and shrubs , and in flower beds .
We tested leaf rake after narrowing down our initial research and exploring the difference to help oneself you find a timber simulation to fit your needs . We care theTrue Temper 26 - Inch Dual - Tine Poly Leaf Rakefor its ergonomic design and resistance to leafage - clogging . out the detailed reviews of these models to chance the serious folio rake for your indigence .
Our Top Picks
Some find the outdoor labor of skim leaves calming , while others would rather do almost anything else . No matter what your posture is , take on to find out how each of these test rakes perform in our backyard trials and why we think them some of the salutary in their categories .
BEST OVERALL
ThisBob Vila Approvedproduct carry our brand name ’s highest level of passport .
Bob Vila Approvedrecognizes the household and DIY product that impressed us most in our substantial - world testing and that illustrate core values of the Bob Vila marque , including workmanship , design , and time value for the dollar mark . winner of this designation come recommended by our professional review squad and are in person approved by Bob Vila .
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Effectiveness4.4/5 ; Value4.3/5
Two of the bad aspect of leaf cleanup time of year are the metre commitment and strong-arm travail that raking requires . This dual - tine poly leaf rake by True Temper helps get the job done quickly and easily thanks to its lightweight , effective design . The profligate measures 27 inches extensive and 71 inches from the tip of the tine to the top of the grip , and it weigh a small-scale 2.75 pound . It have an efficient dual - tine figure with alternating straight and curving tine , which sharply pull in leaf and debris while resisting clogging .
We awarded the True Temper dual - tine poly foliage rake “ Best Overall ” because it works as advertised . In our tests , the dual tine really did collect more debris faster , let in difficult - to - reachpine needles , acorns , and weed thatch , reject the need to repeat rake . We care that the work edge where the tine conform to the ground is relatively bland because it take into account the rake to pick up more new stuff on each cam stroke disregarding of the user ’s height . However , the tine are quite sozzled , which make them less worthy for applications where “ digging in ” is less desirable .
Get the True Temper foliage rake atTractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , orAmazon .
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Our Ratings : Ergonomics5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Effectiveness3.8/5 ; Value4.7/5
This leafage rake by Fiskars maintains the company ’s brand report for comfortable , caliber performance at a budget - friendly price . It offers undestroyable , lightweight mental synthesis design for consolation without give performance . This Fiskars rake measures 24 column inch wide and 67 inches from tine tip to cover top , and it weighs just 1.5 pounds .
We liked the Fiskars folio blood ’s ellipse - profile handle . In addition to giving the tubular aluminum shaft a bit more resistance to bow , the shape set in our hands comfortably . The slant ’s pliable polyresin tine sport a hard downward curved shape and jolly level workings edge that reached among the grass brand to draw out settled debris without tearing up the sens . The soft tine material confine this rake to lightweight folio cleanup , but it excels in that persona . This blood is a good choice for little to medium yards but might not defend up to especially healthy acreage .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Fiskars foliage rakehell atMenards .
BEST METAL
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Effectiveness4.4/5 ; Value4.7/5
For its versatility , this old - fashioned springiness - tine rakehell has an enduring place in the yard . Ames ’ version of this classic tool is not only a big leaf rake , but it also works really well to plunk up modest offset , spread crushed rock and mulch , and prepare bare filth for planting as a diminished garden rakehell . The pitch measures 21.75 inches wide and 64.5 inches from the confidential information of the tine to the top of the grip , and it weighs 2 hammer . The flat workings edge makes it a nifty alternative for all types of yard cleanup project .
If we had to take only one yard cleansing tool , this rakehell would be it . It moves fall leaves at a relatively slower step than some of the other rakehell we test , but its compact shape and durable materials make it the well tool for year - round tasks like cleaning up after pruning or preparing a young garden bed . However , the Ames 22 - tine steel leaf rake has a smallish head , and its 21.75 - in width is n’t the most efficient for incite bulky dry folio . Yet its relatively idle exercising weight somewhat offsets the thick size and makes the work less physically demanding . user of smaller stature may find the rake ’s size of it to their advantage . This Ames folio rake could be an excellent chief rake for small to midsize yards or one used in combination with a leaf blower / vacuum and lawn mower .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Get the Ames leaf roue atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. , orThe Home Depot .
BEST PLASTIC
Bully Tools Lawn/Leaf Rake With Fiberglass Handle
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Effectiveness4.2/5 ; Value4.3/5
Heavy or wet parting and large M call for a big - duty leaf rake . The Bully Tools lawn and leaf rake not only has a rugged fiberglass handle that resists bending , fracture , or breaking , but its liquid surface is easy on user ’ hands . The rake measures 30 column inch all-inclusive and 68 inch from the tips of the tines to the top of the handle , plus it count a stout 3.25 Pound . The rakehell comes disassembled but is comfortable to put together : Simply insert the grip into the headland and secure it with a screw .
Our test bring out several interesting points about the Bully Tools leaf rake . With its blockheaded , solid handle and monolithic curving head , it can deplumate big , heavy piles of leaves . The tines feature curved tip that can even pull up saturated , matted debris . The deeply concave head and powerfully curved working bound make this pitch most practical when fleshy - duty efforts are necessary . However , in those condition , some users may favor a more or less smaller - headed rakehell . In medium or lightweight condition , the puppet is unnecessarily hard . This rake could make an idealistic secondary rakehell for those clock time or locations when the term are unfeignedly difficult .
Photo: Tractor Supply
Get the Bully Tools leaf rake atAmazonorBully Tools .
BEST HEAVY-DUTY
Razor-Back 51-Inch 24-Tine Steel Rake
Our rating : Ergonomics5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Effectiveness4/5 ; Value4.5/5
For all - day comfort and reliability year after year , select a heavy - duty professional - quality shaft like the Razor - Back steel tine rake . It features a replaceable one - man head with 24 steel tines that resist bow , interval , and clogging . The steel rake head and pliable coil spring give this leaf rake better enduringness and smoother rake action than plastic rakes for yard . The 51 - in fibreglass soften - grip hold reduces weight while enhancing durability .
We favor the Razor - Back leaf pitch over all others as an all - use landscape gardening rip because of its rugged ( but not too fleshy ) construction . Weighing just over 2.5 pounds , it was calorie-free enough to skim leaves for hours at a meter , but we also used it to skim gravel and garden stain with first-class results . The steel tines had the perfect balance of rigidity and spring to scavenge up the lawn without damaging the grass . It was not as loyal at leaf cleanup compared to some of the broad - channelise plastic models , but it might be the preferred choice for those who value multitask tools .
Photo: The Home Depot
Get the Razor - Back leaf rakehell atTractor Supply Co. ,The Home Depot , orA.M. Leonard .
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT
The Groundskeeper II Professional Landscape Rake
Our Ratings : Ergonomics3.5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Effectiveness3.5/5 ; Value4.5/5
A rake does not have to be great to operate hard : The Groundskeeper II is a professional - grade landscape gardening rake built to take on the cogency of folio remotion , dethatching , even out soil , spreadingmulch , and more . The 21 - inch - wide-cut copolymer headspring features 28 blade tines , each equipped with its own work up - in tortuosity outflow . Equipped with a lightweight fiberglass handle , the blood weighs just 1.8 pounds .
Unlike the flat tines on other steel leafage rakes , those on the Groundskeeper II have circular profile that admit them to dig up in without down pressure . They are angled so the drug user stands good while raking , which eliminate the back insistency mutual to raking . In addition to raking leaves , our tests betoken that this rip could be a good option for ecumenical - purpose lawn and garden criminal maintenance .
Photo: Amazon
The Groundskeeper II felt alone different from the other standard rakes for gardening in our exam due to its downward - trend tines . It was so lightweight that its aggressiveness was sort of a surprise . The tine poked right through the grass to the soil surface . For long leaf raking stroke , we had to use a very light touch . But fordethatching , just a little downward pressure was all it took . Dense sward - case Gunter Wilhelm Grass like Bermuda and propagate weeds like crabgrass made the going tougher because the tines gripped the ground - embrace horizontal stems .
Get the Groundskeeper II leaf rake atAmazon , The Home Depot , orA.M. Leonard .
BEST ADJUSTABLE
Bond 2060 Adjustable Steel Rake
Our evaluation : Ergonomics4/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Effectiveness3.6/5 ; Value4/5
This adjustable and collapsable folio rake from Bond fills the theatrical role of two tools : a conventional foliage rakehell and a shrub profligate . It ’s 22 inch wide when fully opened , has a 48 - column inch handle , and weighs 1.69 pounds . At just 7 inches wide when collapsed , it ’s one of the easygoing roue to stash away .
This was the first clock time we had used a collapsable profligate , and it was a revelation . The tine spread was easy to align , and the rake was easy to store . Overall , the Bond 2060 adjustable steel roue was astonishingly effective at taking on many of the same tasks that a spring - tine rake is used for . However , the wide spaced tine sometimes spear the leaves and became clotted , and the circular sword handle was too thin for comfortable extended use . For most exploiter , this would not be a groovy pick for regular class - round yard work . But for those with small one thousand and only a few seasonal folio to pick up , it does the job well and stays conveniently out of the mode when not in use .
Photo: Amazon
Get the adhesion leaf blood atAmazonorGreenhouse Megastore .
BEST LEAF SCOOP
Gardzen Large Leaf Scoop Hand Rakes
Our evaluation : Ergonomics4/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Value4/5
When the leaves are all piled up , they still must be loaded for administration . Using the Gardzen leaf scoop hand graze , you may seize more leave-taking than ever and make warm work of loading them into bags or bins . Each leaf liquid ecstasy measures 17 inches long by 13 inches full , and the distich count 2.42 pound . The scoops are made from wrought polyresin in an ergonomic figure that ’s just right for break up up oodles of dry leaves . In summation to the leaf scoops with removable wrist pad , the kit includes a pair of work gloves , protective hand padding , and a 72 - gallon reusable leaf bag .
We tested the Gardzen leaf exclusive hired man glance over on magnolia leafage soundly steep with chunky , dry - up magnolia yield . One of our testers wears humanity ’s supernumerary - heavy gloves , and the other wear char ’s medium — yet the scoops fit both testers dead . They were gentle to use , picked up nearly a bushel of leaves at a clock time , and do no articulatio radiocarpea or hand fatigue duty issue . However , look at where and how to store these item when not in enjoyment , as the pocket are single - task tools that will ordinarily be in storage . For those who spend a long meter picking up leave of absence after glance over , these script scoops could be a answer .
Photo: Tractor Supply
Get the Gardzen leaf glance over atAmazonorGardzen .
BEST HAND RAKE
Garden Depot Gardening Hand Rake
Our Ratings : Ergonomics5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Effectiveness5/5 ; Value4.7/5
A bridge player rake is useful when attending to details and cleaning up smaller blank space , and the Garden Depot gardening profligate feature a densely space circle of steel tines and an ergonomic handle for well-situated , efficient work . This hand rake measures 16.5 column inch long by 6.25 inches broad , and it weigh under a half pound .
In our tests , the Garden Depot hand rake reminded us of a great spring - tine blade rake . It utilize the same kind of steel tines , intimately spaced at about 0.5 inch apart , for a springy flexibleness that works as well at creating a smooth seedbed as it does at gently removing fall debris from a recently lop topiary . We also used it to collect the sess we pluck in a raised bed and to even out a mulch surface after weeding . However , although we like a lot about this rakehell , we did n’t love the handgrip . We liked its dimensions , but the surface grain was slippery when blind drunk . Still , this bridge player rake came in handy for a diverseness of up - skinny gardening tasks .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Garden Depot folio rake atAmazonorWalmart .
BEST SHRUB RAKE
Corona 8-Inch Fixed-Tine Shrub Rake
Our rating : Ergonomics5/5 ; Durability4/5 ; Effectiveness4.5/5 ; Value5/5
When rake up parting in tight quarter , a farsighted grip and a small head make all the difference . The Corona 8 - inch bush rake is equipped with 11 tempered - steel tines and a 54 - in wooden handle to easily rake at a lower place and between intimately space plants . The plane of the head is slightly curved , and the tine bend downward at the ends to furnish even pressure that pulls out the debris but does n’t interrupt shallow roots .
This peculiarity leaf rake is an ideal choice for hedge , foundation plants , shrub border , perennial garden , and shrub collections . We used it to remove old daylily foliation between individual flora within a mass planting and to pull fallen leave and spare mulch away from the stems of an azalea collection . The height was just right for both our tester , and the small head worked perfectly . We also considered rationalize off the handle for consumption in our elevated beds but have n’t yet done so . The build character was not as refined as a typical spring steel leaf blood , with a penny-pinching heather handle , crimped tines , and the straits riveted to the handgrip , but everything outfit tightly together , and it perform well all around .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Corona folio rip atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orDK computer hardware .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Leaf Rakes
It may seem a bit of a stretchiness to screen folio rakes in the heart of spring , but that ’s exactly what we did . Our testers had access to a monolithic windrow of dry out , matted , part broken - down leaves left from crepuscle ; bales of pine straw ; and a huge aggregation of southerly magnolia leaves that naturally drop down in spring . We used them to gather a test secret plan to try out each rake .
The testing surface area included a widely - candid grassy lawn space and a hedging with low , spreading branches . We spread 6 inch of leaves and rubble evenly across the area , then used a folio blower to push the pile under the hedge .
In addition to speed and efficiency , we mark the number of passes each rake need to reset the space as well as any perceive drug user irritation , such as bridge player , arm , or shoulder fatigue duty . Since collapsible rakes for lawns are more modified in use than fixed rakes , we paid special care to their effectiveness and durability . When reviewing hand run down , leaf scoops , and other specialty creature , we give them either a “ yes , they turn ” or a “ not worth the money ” evaluation .
Photo: Amazon
All the rakes on our last list perform according to our requisite . Any of the standard leaf profligate is a true pick for logical , extended consumption . The others should be considered beneficial pick for their intended design , which , in collapsable profligate , for example , means an occasional seasonal clearing of pocket-size area .
What to Consider When Choosing a Leaf Rake
While leaf rakes all serve a similar purpose , they vary widely in weight , duration , materials , and quality . The best leafage rakes allow you to well yet hard grip the handle while performing the repetitive rake motions necessary to gather dry leaves and other yard dust . To find the expert alternative , you ’ll also want to consider the intensity level and flexibility of the tine , whether the length of the grip is adjustable , and whether you ’d prefer a heavier or lighter rake .
Type
folio rakes are not the same asgarden rake , which have a stiff , broad head with short blade tines at a correct angle to the handle . Garden rakes can break up dirt ball anddethatch a lawn , but leaf rakes are not suited for that type of employment .
Tines
Most rakes have tines made of metal , credit card , rosin , or bamboo . Not only are the tines splayed , but each bends sharply down at its out end . These slew tines help grab the fallen leaves . Depending on the rake , the tines usually feature one or more crossbreed braces near where they ’re attached to the handle for stability .
The more cross energise a foliage rake has , the sturdier the tines and the less they will flex when raking . For raking laboured folio drop , a hardy rake head with at least two cross brace is suitable . Each tine fabric has its own benefits and drawback :
Ferrule
A foliage rake ’s ferrule — the part of the rake pass that attaches to the hold — is unremarkably made from the same material as the tines and has similar qualities . test the collet to ensure that the roue head is securely attached .
A profligate head may have a distaff screw - type ferrule that can connect to a standard virile nooky - type handgrip . count on the model , the ferrule also can have a bolt of lightning or two that secures it to the profligate ’s grip . In many case , a broken handle does n’t intend the entire rakehell must be replaced ; alternatively , just the handle can often be replaced .
Handle
Rake handles are unremarkably made of forest , steel , aluminum , or fiberglass . When selecting an appropriate hold , keep the following characteristic in mind .
A leaf rake ’s length determines its reach and how easy it is to use , and glance over handles depart from 36 to 67 inch long or more . When choosing a rakehell , factor in the user ’s height ; longer hold are usually better for marvelous exploiter .
Weight
Weight can be a critical ingredient when shopping for a foliage rake . Heavier rake can become inapt and difficult to use over a long daylight of raking , while a lightweight rake makes it well-off . However , lighter slant may not be as long-lived or as able-bodied to complete heavy - duty task .
A profligate can rank in weighting from less than a pound up to 5 pound or more . A heavier roue comes in handy for task such as spreading mulch . If yard study demand both tripping - duty and heavy - obligation tasks , you’re able to compromise by opting for a medium - exercising weight multipurpose rake of 2 to 3 hammering .
Additional Features
Rakes have various extra feature film that influence convenience and usability . If the tool will be used oftentimes , one or more of these features may be worth conceive .
FAQs
An yearly pastime in many communities after tree lose their leave-taking , rake can be a more enjoyable task . The ripe leaf rake speeds up the job and simplifies the work . Those new to choosing a leaf rake are likely to have some questions . Answers to some common questions about these instrument seem next .
While a few leaf here or there might not harm anything , a thick level of autumn leaves can become damp and doughy , block sun and air circulation from the lawn and increasing the risk of fungous diseases . Raking the leaveshelps slay excess coverage that could damage the grass .
Handheld leaf rakes ( for call down bed ) can be as light as 15 inch , while full - size leaf rakes may be 72 inches long or longer .
Photo: Amazon
Both metallic element and charge card rakes expedite leaf rake , but metal usually go longer . However , the new polyresin in many of today ’s credit card - type pitch is more perdurable than the charge plate of yesteryear .
Add raked leave-taking to acompost pileor layer them around the base of trees and other plants for a fleck of thermal protection during winter . Alternatively , pocket them and get hold of the local waste authority for curbside pickup .
One method is not “ good ” than the other ; it just reckon on your needs . keep your yard with a leaf electric fan for certain get hold of less time than rake leaves . However , raking is quieter ( some area have ordinances about using leaf blowers ) and more environmentally friendly .
Photo: Amazon
It ’s really better to rake leaves when they ’re teetotal — they’re lighter and easier to swipe , wo n’t stick around together , and wo n’t breed mold while sitting in piles .
fatigue a masquerade party while raking leave of absence will protect you from dust and mould spores . If you bear from seasonal allergies , a mask can help decrease the chances of your symptom being triggered .
To keep your roue in good condition , stack away it in a nerveless , dry place . It ’s best if you’re able to stow it indoors , hanging it above the priming .
Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila
Meet the Tester
With more than 20 years of experience in the baby’s room and landscaping industries , Mark Wolfe is a writer and product examiner who brush up all the latest outdoor major power equipment , manus tools , lawn - attention products , and other outdoor - living good .
extra research provide by Andreana Lefton and Glenda Taylor .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
We ’ll assist you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few pots on your patio , a elevate bed , or an in - ground plot out back — and choose the right-hand plants for your soil and region .
