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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Can I fix my metabo hedge trimmer myself?

I use an electric metabo hedge trimmer. Both hands need to be on separate switches for it to run. When I let go of both switches simultaneously, the blades stop immediately. However, when I only let go of one of the switches, the blades stop…
jshlke
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Bulldog Edging Knife Useless

I was all excited yesterday when I got home from work. I had received an email from Amazon saying my new Bulldog Edging Knife had been delivered. I opened up the box, unwrapped the tool, and was so disappointed. These are like one of the most…
J86
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Optimizing use of aerator sandals

I lust over one of these: This is the kind of aerator that is towed behind a lawn tractor, with some cinder blocks or other weights on the ledge to help the tines dig in. So far, I have not been able to justify the expense for something that will…
cobaltduck
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Garden tool handle shapes: the DTs

In this image (source: Spade (Wikipedia), creative commons), the spades have a T handle. On most modern spades there is a D handle. There is of course a third alternative of no cross piece at all, just as with long-handled spades. Forks and other…
Colin Beckingham
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Why are hoes manufactured with both inside and outside edge bevels?

Hoes are manufactured with both inside and outside edge bevels. The most authoritative guide I see on sharpening is from the US Forest Service and describes an inside bevel in all except one case. Intuitively, I see the bevel placed on the inside of…
Pekka
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No spark on a Craftsman line trimmer

I have a Craftsman Trimmer and I'm was not getting a spark when starting it. I tested it with a spark tester and had no spark. I next removed the ground wire from the magneto to isolate it from the starter circuit, but still had no spark. I…
Clint65
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How can I move large amounts of soil without a wheelbarrow?

We source compost/soil/mulch etc. in two forms: bulk and bagged. We typically use bagged when there is limited access to the areas to which we need to apply materials. I would love an efficient alternative for two reasons. First, the bagged material…
That Idiot
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How can I stop a walk-behind kubota lawn mower?

I "inherited" a lawn mower when I moved to a new house. It's a kubota walk-behind one. Unfortunately I have no idea how to stop the engine. There's no usual lever for stopping the fuel on the handle. There's only a choke/fast/slow/stop switch, which…
viraptor
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How does a bow-knife weed cutter compare with a string trimmer?

In hard-to-mow areas, I use a string trimmer to occasionally cut back the weeds. I recently found a tool for sale which could potentially be used in a similar fashion, but without any gas. It's called a Bow-Knife Weed Cutter. I found it here, but…
J. Musser
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What's the gardening term for the dish you put under under a planters holes?

What's the technical name for the dish you place under a planters holes that catches water from it? Googling 'dishes' when I look for a gardening water catching dish returns kitchen dishes, when I am looking instead for the gardening ones. I realize…
Mark Ripley
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How do string trimmer accessories compare to dedicated tools

I'm considering purchasing a gas powered string trimmer, after my previous electric one died. I've noticed that some offer accessories. I have also been thinking of getting a cultivator, and that's one of the accessories some offer. Example 1…
Tim
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What equipment to use for a large garden/lawn?

I've got a battle raging with about 1.5ha (4 acres) of grass. So far, the grass is winning. Scattered through the grounds there are a few old buildings, multiple fruit trees and many berry bushes. In days long past this used to be a part of a…
Vilx-
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Measuring leaf blower force

It seems that many manufacturers are moving from CFM/MPH claims to using newtons of force for comparisons. Does anyone know how they're measuring it - what tool/meter, from the motor or tube, etc.?
Alain Collins
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Digging a hole in ground for fitting stakes for fencing and play structure

I need to dig around 20 holes in my garden. Each hole needs to be 2.5 inch wide and 3-5 feet deep. Ground I am going to work on it not very soft and have some stones. I dont mind renting or buying equipment if it is in my budget. I can spend around…
vikrant
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What is the garden wire used for?

I noticed that the wire named Twist tie is also named Garden wire. But I can't find such wires used in gardening when searching "Garden wire" on Google images. What is the typical use for this kind of wire in gardening? For joining plants? Or for…
Fructibus
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