Gardening and Landscaping Stack Exchange
Gardening and Landscaping Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [tools]

For questions about the maintenance, usage, techniques, evaluating, and storage of gardening handheld tools. For questions about larger equipment or machines use the [equipment] tag.

For questions about gardening and tools and equipment that are handheld: maintenance, usage, techniques, evaluating, and storage. This applies to everything from trowels to walk-behind power tillers. Questions about the "best brand" or "where to buy" are off-topic and will be closed.

For larger machines and equipment use the tag.

110 questions
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What sort of hose nozzle should I look for such that it won't spring a leak after just one frosty night?

I bought a hose nozzle that looked robust (though made mainly of plastic) last year and let it sit out over the winter (temperatures get down to -30 ºC). This spring, naturally, the nozzle was leaking from all its seams. I bought another one of…
Om Patange
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What to look for in a good electric chainsaw?

I will need it for clearing large tree limbs and small trees, mostly for storm cleanup in a medium sized yard surrounded by mature, healthy trees. I am looking for recommendations for safety and convenience features, as well as advice on how to…
RI Swamp Yankee
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What to look for in a robotic lawnmower?

The idea of a robotic lawn mower is appealing, but it seems that most of the robotic lawn mowers currently on sale are overpromising their delivery somewhat. Amazon reviews are in many cases a mixed bag, and it seems the effectiveness and use of…
Mathieu Dhondt
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Taming the jungle, power heads vs old fashioned "weed eater"

I have a back yard I need to tame. Lots of Kudzu and small brush (< 1/2" diameter). Growing up we always used the old fashioned string trimmers. However going to shop now I see very, very few "string trimmers" and lots of "power heads" which you…
Russell Steen
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Which style of weeding tool for small, densely planted flower beds and raised gardens?

I bought a house with beautiful landscaping: small flowerbeds and decorative shrubs and trees, tucked away in various corners of a hilly, rocky lot. The flower beds are very densely planted. There are a lot of hand-hoes, cultivators and weeders out…
RI Swamp Yankee
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Are cordless electric string trimmers "good enough" for a medium sized yard?

I recognize that gas trimmers will be less expensive and won't have the battery life issues cordless electric trimmers have (and corded is impractical - too many obstacles in the yard.) BUT! I would prefer to avoid the noise, smell and maintenance…
RI Swamp Yankee
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Can anyone identify producer of this rotary sieve?

I am trying to find the producer of this rotary sieve (image found on now defunct hotbin blog). It is mentioned that it is a Belgian, but not more than that. I'd be also happy with pointers to similar devices available in Europe. Thanks in advance!
user37509
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What is the difference between a spade and a shovel?

I was just reading this article, When would I prefer a shovel with a rounded blade over one with a pointed blade?. The answers said something like, "That's a spade not a shovel". So what is the difference between a spade and a shovel?
Coomie
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Is shovel made of spring steel really worth it?

A local shop offers a shovel made of spring steel (specifically - steel used for leaf springs) which is like twice as expensive as a regular one. The implication is that using special steel makes a more durable and reliable shovel. Is such shovel…
sharptooth
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Identify a doughnut-shaped free-spinning mower part

I serviced my mower this morning and gave it a clean with a hose with a moderate level of water pressure. It appears that I have blown a part off the lawn mower though I am not sure how. I can't figure out where the part came from and am hoping…
radman
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What tool(s) for cutting ivy stems on trees and walls?

I have some trees and walls which have decades' worth of ivy growth. Some trees in particular have ivy stems as thick as my forearm, and the tree is almost invisible. I plan to start by chopping the stems so the ivy will die back. But I'm not sure…
Mr. Boy
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How do I free a stuck ball bearing on a garden hose quick connecter?

I never had this happen but one of the 3 ball bearings on the female end of a Nelson quick connect is stuck. I have tried soaking it in vinegar, and lubricating it with oil. Any tricks or tips to freeing it?
gorav
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Best tool for underground lawn sprinkler system head removal?

My lawn has an underground sprinkler system. Many of the heads are old, leaking, and hard to adjust. So I've been swapping them with Rainbird 5000 series heads. They look like this: Here's the thing. These things are impossible to dig up by hand. I…
Haney
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Should I trim my conifer hedge with shears or an electric trimmer?

Are there reasons to select hedge shears vs electric trimmers when trimming a conifer hedge? I have about 30 meters to trim, and haven't purchased either of these yet. Which option would you choose for this situation?
drake035
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What could cause a weak or no spark from a string trimmer's spark plug?

I got a free string trimmer from a buddy who couldn't get it to start. I did a compression check by pulling the pull starter and the compression seemed good. Next I pulled the spark plug, put it back on the boot, grounded it to something metal. I…
mikeazo
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