10 Best Leaf Rakes for Gardening to Buy In 2024
As a gardener, there are quite a number of simple tools that you will need. In the list of these tools is a light, easy to maneuver and long lasting leaf rake. Leaf rakes are perfect for getting simple cleaning tasks and chores complete with great ease. They are especially handy in cleaning up lawns and gardens covered in leaves and other debris including nuts and acorns.
Leaf rakes are simple, yes, but have some different variations and features that set them apart from each other. To land the best for yourself, you need to consider some factors and also read reviews to see what past users say about the unit you are considering to purchase.
Image | Product Name | Handle Material | Length | Weight | Rating | Current Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. Gardenite Garden Expanding Leaf Rake | Zinc Plated Steel | 63 in | 2.2 lbs | 4.7 | ||
2. Telescopic Heavy Duty Foldable Garden Rake | Metal | 62 in | 2.2 lbs | 4.6 | ||
3. Fiskars Leaf Rake | Aluminum | 67 in | 1.8 lbs | 4.5 | ||
4. Toysmith Kid's Metal Leaf Rake | Hardwood | 27 in | 13.1 oz | 4.2 | ||
5. True Temper KLRO Kids’ Poly Leaf Rake | Hardwood | 42 in | 3 lbs | 4.1 | ||
6. Bully Tools 92312 Leaf and Thatching Rake | Fiberglass | 66 in | 3.4 lbs | 3.9 | ||
7. True Temper 1922800 Poly Cushion Grip Leaf Rake | Hardwood | 68 in | 2.1 lbs | 3.8 | ||
8. Ames 2915600 22-Tine Steel Leaf Rake | Hardwood | 62 in | 2.52 lbs | 3.7 | ||
9. Corona RK 62061 Fixed Tine Leaf Rake | Aluminum | 63 in | 1.3 lbs | 4.2 | ||
10. Bond LH062 Contractor Grade Wide Springback Rake | Fiberglass | 62 in | 2.5 lbs | 4.2 |
You can also read other product reviews such as leaf blower, leaf mulcher, leaf vacuum.
10 Best Leaf Rakes - Reviews
#1. Gardenite Garden Expanding Leaf Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.7 / 5)
This leaf rake from Gardenite is a nifty tool. The unit has been designed with the end user in mind. The first thing you will notice advertised is the expandable head the rake features. This unit has the ability to go from a small width of only 7 inches to a whopping 22 inches. The 7 inches makes this unit perfect for cleaning up hard to reach spaces while the full 22-inch width ensures that you cover a larger space when working on ample space. The rake head has a total of 15 inches.
The unit measures 63 inches long while the handle is made from zinc plated steel to not only make the rake strong and durable but also protect it from corrosion and rust. You should however not that this unit is lightweight and is not able to handle heavy duty cleaning tasks like getting rid of heavy materials and rocks.
The handle can shrink to 49 inches. Speaking of which, the unit handle is made from plastic and features finger indentations for added comfort while raking away.
#2. Telescopic Heavy Duty Foldable Garden Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.6 / 5)
This Telescopic Rake is one of the best-priced units in the adjustable rake market. The quality is unmatched by any other rake. But this unit has more than a great price point to offer. The unit adjusts from 32 inches to a whopping 62 inches to help meet all of your raking needs. The rake has been designed complete with tough steel tines that adjust from about 7.5 inches to a whopping 19.5 inches wide. This helps you to reach tiny spaces and give you a wider raking range while on free space.
You can work with this unit perfectly under hedges and on flower beds. With such versatility, many have fallen in love with this unit. The head and the handle adjust with great ease and fast.
In addition to this, the rake itself is made from an aluminum alloy which gives the unit a lightweight feel yet still be strong enough to handle heavy-duty cleaning. This will come in handy when you have lots of leaves to rake from your lawn and garden. The handle is rubberized for improved comfort and for a great grip even when working with sweaty hands.
#3. Fiskars Leaf Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.5 / 5)
The design of this unit is straight forward and direct to the point. But even with the simplistic design, the unit has a lot to offer. To start with, the unit measures a whopping 67 inches. Being a lever, this length works to amplify the effort you apply when raking. The length will also have you stand straight without having to bend which can be pretty uncomfortable after a while.
The head measures 24 inches and is perfect for moving large quantities of leaves with a single pass. This enables you to get the job done fast and with great ease. To compliment the impressive width is a patented curved tine design. This design helps the tines to grab hold of the leaves without clogging up with every raking sweep.
The unit has been designed from aluminum which gives the unit a lightweight nature and is impressively durable. With the reduced weight, you will feel less pressure on your arms and wrist and will be able to work for longer not to mention have exceptional control and comfort.
#4. Toysmith Kid's Metal Leaf Rake with Hardwood Handle
Editor's Rating: (4.2 / 5)
Many of the leaf rakes available on the market are designed for use by adults. Kids can try and use them but they will only be fumbling around and not be doing much. This Toysmith rake, however, changes the game completely. The unit has been designed for use by kids aged 5 years and above. It allows kids to join in on the cleaning and also helps them to develop hand-eye coordination.
The rake is only 27 inches in length and is just the perfect size for a child to use effectively. The rake has been designed with a hardwood handle which makes the unit light enough for a child to handle and use. At the end of the handle is a loop that aids in storage. The unit can be hung using the loop when it is not in use. The design is perfect for use on the lawns.
You can consider this unit as a functional toy that helps to develop the creativity of your child. It comes in the color green which makes the unit all the more attractive to kids.
#5. True Temper KLRO Kids’ Poly Leaf Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.1 / 5)
This is yet another rake that has been designed to be used by the little helpers around the house. This True Temper rake gets the kids to join in on the fun and makes cleaning a family project. Kids are known to be clumsy and not so careful with their toys and equipment. For this, the company made this unit to be strong and durable as any adult sized unit available on the market.
In addition to this, the unit is small enough and perfect for the cute little hands. The handle of this unit is ergonomic enough to provide comfort and to be tender on the hands of your little one. Speaking of the handle, it measures 42 inches and is made from hardwood. The poly head measures 18 inches and is a strong enough to handle wear and tear.
As for the color and attractiveness, the unit comes in the color yellow which proves to be attractive for many kids.
#6. Bully Tools 92312 Leaf and Thatching Rake
Editor's Rating: (3.9 / 5)
Tools made to last a long time are identifiable from afar. This Bully Tools 92312 is one of such durable units. The rake has been designed and constructed from steel. The steel tines are completed with springs which help them to dig into the wet leaves without having them clog the rake. The spring tines are also able to pick up heavy duty debris and river rocks.
For the handle, the unit features reinforced fiberglass. This adds to the comfort of the unit as well as the grip. Very few units available on the market sports fiberglass on their construction. This makes the unit unique and highly functional.
The company goes ahead to provide the unit with a limited lifetime warranty testament to just how confident they are of the rake they have constructed.
#7. True Temper 1922800 Poly Cushion Grip Leaf Rake
Editor's Rating: (3.8 / 5)
This is yet another functional and highly durable unit from True Temper. The manufacturer evidently has gone all out to make the unit functional and effective. For starters, the unit has a head that measures 30 inches and that are made from polypropylene tines. There are, however, other rakes that come with varying length but sport the same features as this particular model. The variations are available to provide you with options and choice.
The rake features a large basket for gathering the big leaf piles and helps to make the work easier. With one sweep you will cover a wide area which helps you save time in the process as well as be effective. The handle measures 48 inches and is made from hardwood which provides the unit with increased durability and strength.
The handle is also cushioned which adds to the overall comfort as well as control of the unit. With the cushioned grip (yellow in color), you are bound to work for longer and not develop blisters. As for the weight, you will be pleased to note that the unit measures 2.1 pounds.
#8. Ames 2915600 22-Tine Steel Leaf Rake
Editor's Rating: (3.7 / 5)
The design of this Ames leaf rake is different from what you may be used to. The head is reinforced to provide better support and to be even more durable. The head is made from polypropylene and measures 26 inches. This width is more than enough to allow you to work fast regardless of the number of leaves you have to clean up.
The unit features a strong as well as a durable handle courtesy of the steel construction. The steel is coated with vinyl adding to the attractiveness of the unit. At the end of the unit is a grip that is cushioned to provide control and comfort. The handle measures a whopping 60 inches to provide maximum reach.
#9. Corona RK 62061 Fixed Tine Leaf Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.2 / 5)
Corona as a company is one of the leading brands in the rake industry. They make unique, feature packed and functional units that consumers cannot help but make a purchase. The Corona RK 62061 rake is no different. This particular rake has been made perfect for use one gardens as the rake will apply pressure but not enough to damage the plant feeder roots. The tines are fixed and 25 in total. The tines are extra wide and work with great perfection. You will also be pleased to note that the tines are curved which increases the efficiency of the unit.
The handle is constructed from lightweight aluminum and covered in anti-slip vinyl to increase the comfort of the unit even in extreme conditions. The rake head, on the other hand, is made from tempered spring steel for increased durability.
Last but not least, the unit comes with a limited lifetime warranty. With this warranty, you can confidently make a purchase of the rake.
#10. Bond LH062 Contractor Grade Wide Springback Rake
Editor's Rating: (4.2 / 5)
Just when you think there is nothing the top brands can do to make themselves better, you see a rake like this – the Bond LH062. This unit takes durability to a whole new level. The unit features steel that has been heat-treated and is thus stronger and even more durable than normal steel. The handle has been made complete with fiberglass handles which are even better for purposes of durability.
The fiberglass is cushioned which adds to the level of comfort and control of the rake. The handle, as if the above is not enough is reinforced with wood at its core thereby providing it with extra strength.
The head of this rake measures 24 inches wide and the tines feature a spring back effect for even greater performance and efficiency when raking lots of leaves. The rake measures 2.6 pounds which means you will not be getting tired fast.
What to Look For When Buying a Leaf Rake
#1. Durability
This is at the very top of the list of factors that you should consider. You do not want to spend your hard earned money on a unit that will break apart the first or even second time you put it to work. Most often than not, plastic leaf rakes are culprits of this falling apart. They are designed to be used for only a season and disposed of thereafter. Good thing they are not expensive.
But even then, when you consider that some of the top rakes available on the market can last for up to 5 years, buying a plastic rake suddenly feels like a raw deal.
#2. Comfort
Raking will without a doubt take up a lot of your energy. With regards to rakes, bigger is not always better. Come to think of it, the size of the rake does not matter. What is more important is the comfort of the rake and the ergonomic design. The handle plays a major role when it comes to providing comfort and a firm grip.
#3. Weight
Raking in itself is a daunting task. Now add to this having to pull and push leaves around with a heavy rake. Your muscles may crumble at the strain and pressure build up before you are done with your task. Lightweight units are forgiving on the wrist and arm allowing you to work for extended periods of time.
#4. Size of The Rake
Before you purchase a leaf rake, you should consider the size of lawn you intend to use it on as well as the amount of leaves you intend to rake with the unit. A great rake head width is between 20 and 24 inches. Anything larger than this and the rake becomes hard to wield and work. Any smaller than this and you will take ages to get work done on your garden and lawn, not unless of course, they are small in size.
#5. Tines
There are several aspects of the tine you will want your rake to have. First, the rake should have tines that are spaced closely and that are either straight or slightly curved at the ends. 90 degrees angled rakes are great for your garden but will just not cut it when cleaning up leaves. The tines should also be thick enough to support the straight that you subject them to.
Types of Leaf Rakes
Rakes, in general, come in difference forms and types. The Leaf rake is one for the types of the greater category of rakes. The leaf rakes are classified according to the material used in their manufacture. The material used, all factors held constant, greatly affect the performance and durability of the leaf rake.
#1. Plastic Rakes
Needless to say, these have been designed from plastic from the handle to the tines. Being made from plastic, they usually are the cheapest available. Many love them for this. But with the reduced prices comes reduces quality and durability as well. They tend to break and crack while under heavy pressure and upon prolonged exposure to the cold or sunlight. They are designed to be used for a single season and then replaced.
When thrown away, the plastic does not decay in the landfills. This contributes to the pollution of the environment.
#2. Bamboo Rakes
Bamboo is a highly flexible plant. It is used has increased in the recent past. Bamboo on leaf rakes provides a lightweight feature which is important in reducing the amount of pressure on the wrist and arm. Adding to this, bamboo is an environmentally friendly product.
The unit does not, however, handle wet leaves since it is highly flexible. When it is left out in the weather, the bamboo disintegrates. But when taking great care of this unit, bamboo leaf rakes can last for several years.
#3. Metal Rakes
Needless to say, metal rakes are the most expensive on the market. They are designed to be hardy and durable and can last for ages with proper maintenance. The head of most metal leaf rakes are made from steel which adds to the durability of the unit. Most metal units feature a spring to help them dig even deeper into the leaves.
They have the ability to pile up huge piles of wet leaves without giving into the pressure that follows.
Conclusion
Gardeners and homeowners who love to see the lush green grass shine through their grass will most definitely get a leaf rake. These have proven to an essential tool that will make the process of getting rid of the leaves a walk in the park. Consider the above choosing guide and reviews and you will without a doubt have the best unit available.
Last Updated on August 7, 2020 by