Spade advice

[Frana]

Hi all,

I am thinking to treat myself to a new spade (I do lead such a rock and roll lifestyle!).

I usually just go for a middle of the road Wilko or B&Q number, but am toying with going a tiny bit more upmarket.

Any suggestions on make or design folks?... I am thinking about the style that runs to a point instead of flat on the bottom (Sorry....Don't know what that type is called!).

Cheers

[Jay-ell]

I've always always called that style an Irish spade - although they tend to have a straight long handle.

Make sure that the handle length is comfortable to work with. My first spade way too short and increased the work instead of making it easier.

[Muddy_Boots]

I've gone for stainless steel everything spade, fork, hoe, rake makes for easy cleaning and doesn't rust. Just make sure the handles long or short enough depending on your height, else it makes digging hard and/or will give you a sore back.

[DannyK]

Go for a "Digging Spade" as opposed to garden one. Many are treaded, which means you don't have to wear heavy footwear when digging.

Try a visit to a large builders merchant like Wickes, who sell tools to people who do a lot of digging rather than a garden centre who sell pretty tools at pretty prices.

[Bigmallly]

You mentioned Wilk0's, have you looked at their Ergonomic range of tools?........pretty good for the price.

[Snoop Puss]

That looks good Bigmally. I like the D handle at the top. Looks nice and easy on the hands. Though I have to say I like a treaded spade for foot comfort, as DannyK says.

[bearded bloke]

Ere we go foot plates, D handle & pointed blade



Info page with store locator ... http://www.fiskars.co.uk/products/ga...ointed-1001568

[ESBkevin]

Stainless steel is a harder metal so lasts longer, but there are grades of it like everything. Homebaze have some plastic handled stainless spades at good prices atm. Weight also can make a difference, if you add the weight of the spade to the soil you lift a few hundred times it all adds up.

I like muddyboots reply.

[donksey]

I'm thinking about buying an irish shovel, really good on stoney ground and easier on the back.
I only buy stainless steel with wooden handles.

[MarkPelican]

I have two comments.

1. A difficulty with stainless steel is that it doesn't sharpen with use so you'll always have a blunt spade. (The comment about rusting, plunge it into a bucket of oily sand after use it cleans and protects).

2. I find a pointed spade twists as you use it and is more difficult to use as a shovel.

Do make sure its long enough. The handle should be at chest height when the blade is on the ground.

[Ryleh]

Personally I use a Bulldog spade with wooden D handle, comfortable to use and feels really well constructed.