Using the right tool for each job in the garden will make short work of most yard chores. When shopping for garden tools you will usually find that the heavier the tool, the finer quality it is and the longer it will stand up to frequent use. Look for tools where the blade, shank and handle socket are made from forged steel, rather than those made of stamped steel components. With the proper care, tools made of heat-treated, one-piece steel construction should last a lifetime.
Power Hand Tools
The handles should be made of ash or hickory which provides strength and durability. Those made of pine or other soft woods will break easily and maybe only last the season.
Power Hand Tools
Garden tools should help you to accomplish two basic duties: cleaning, preparing and maintaining the soil; and setting and maintaining the plantings. Here are 11 of the best tools for the garden:
1. Hoe. The hoe is your best tool for weeding, clearing away undesirable plants, cultivating and closing furrows in seed beds.
2. Garden fork. Use your garden fork to loosen and prepare soil in beds and lift and move plants without damaging their roots. It can also be used to turn the compost pile, aerate the ground around plants, dig out root crops and divide perennials. Choose a garden fork with four spring-tempered tines.
3. Pruning saw. An indispensable tool. The blade of this saw won't clog up on green or soft wood like a regular hand saw will. This smaller saw is useful throughout the yard for thinning and small pruning jobs too tough for clippers and loppers.
4. Shovel/Spade. You can't beat a strong shovel to scoop, lift and moving piles of soil, sand, compost, etc. The hard, sharp edge of a spade will take the work out of digging large holes and turning soil.
5. Garden sprayer. An on-hose sprayer is a fast effective way to apply fertilizer, insecticide and other chemicals in yards and gardens. After setting a number on the mixer valve, the sprayer mixes the chemical with water and delivers it at the correct strength.
6. Weeder. The weeder, with its forked blade, hooks under the crown of the plant and, with the right amount of leveraged force, uproots the entire weed. Also effective in clearing grass and weeds from narrow crevices and paved walks.
7. Branch lopper. Bypass loppers handle branches up to 7/8 inch in diameter, giving precise cuts closer to the trunk than anvil types. Ratchet loppers deliver considerably more cutting power, but cost about twice as much. This type is ideal for taking out canes and branches too thick for clippers.
8. Utility trowel. Best for all small digging jobs, such as making starter holes for vegetable and bedding plants, and uprooting weeds in beds. Select a trowel constructed of one piece for durability.
9. Clipper/pruner. Bypass and anvil clippers are suited to small pruning chores in the landscape. Bypass (scissor-action) type will cut branches up to 1/2 inch in diameter. Anvil-style handle cuts up to 5/8 inch. As a general rule, if you can't cut a branch by squeezing the pruner with one hand, switch to a lopper or pruning saw.
10. Hedge shear. Designed for heading back and shaping hedges and trimming border shrubs, and not for pruning chores. Electric shears are more efficient and make difficult jobs, like creating and maintaining topiary, a breeze.
11. Straight rake. Essential for smoothing out soil, seed bed preparation and clean-up of debris. Other available styles are made for raking leaves and working around shrubs.
After use, you should always remove the dirt from your tools and store them in the shed or garage. Don't leave tools on the lawn where someone can trip over them or a mower can run over them. Also remember to use the tool for what it is intended for, don't try to dig a hole using your hoe; use the shovel.
Garden Tools - Essential Tools To Buy For Your Garden
Power Hand Tools
Dec 11, 2011 17:57:14
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>> Click here to update Christmas prices for Dremel SM20-02 120V Saw-Max Tool Kit <<
Christmas Sales Dremel SM20-02 120V Saw-Max Tool Kit Feature
- Versatile Cutting System for a variety of materials (wood, plastic, metal, tile, masonry)
- Power 6.0 Amp motor for tough applications
- Worm drive gearing for durability and power
- Dust extraction port for keeping the work place clean
- 2nd Wheel position for flush cutting
Christmas Sales Dremel SM20-02 120V Saw-Max Tool Kit Overview
The Dremel Saw-Max is reinventing cutting as you know it. It is powerful enough to cut through any material and versatile enough to make complex cuts yet ergonomically designed and lightweight to be able to control with one hand. The Dremel Saw-Max lets you cut with confidence because you know it will get the job done and get it done right.
Christmas Sales Dremel SM20-02 120V Saw-Max Tool Kit Specifications
Dremel’s SM20-02 120-volt Saw-Max tool kit combines the compact versatility of the Saw-Max handheld saw with a well-rounded set of accessories to allow users to tackle a wide variety of projects that involve quick but precise cutting—such as building bookshelves, installing wainscoting, cutting holes in flooring or drywall, fitting home gutters, and a plethora of other tasks. The Saw-Max is an ideal go-to cutting tool for do-it-yourselfers, hobbyists, crafters, and woodworkers who appreciate the ability to cut with confidence. The kit also includes cutting wheels, a cutting guide, and a dust port adapter.
 | SM20-02 120-Volt
Saw-Max Tool Kit
At a Glance:
- Makes quick and clean cuts in a variety of materials, from wood to metal to tile
- Ideal for straight cuts, flush cuts, and plunge cuts
- Speed of 17,000 rpm and 120V-60Hz voltage
- Backed by a two-year warranty
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The SM20-02 Saw-Max tool kit includes four cutting wheels, providing the flexibility to tackle a wide range of projects (view larger). |
Compact and ErgonomicDremel has specially designed the Saw-Max handheld saw to be small and easily handled when working on jobs in tight spaces. It’s one-third the size and weight of a typical circular power saw—making for convenient one-handed operation. But there’s no compromise on power here; the worm-drive gearing system provides greater power, optimal control, and extended tool life. The Saw-Max also features an optimized grip diameter and switch placement for additional user comfort.
Precise and Versatile
The Saw-Max allows for more depth of cut than a rotary tool and delivers three times the power of the highest-rated Dremel rotary tool. A better line of sight improves users’ ability to make precise, straight, and controlled cuts, and its diverse system of cutting wheels adds even more flexibility to tackle the project at hand. Quick and easy to change out thanks to a shaft lock button, the various cutting wheels included in this kit offer the ability to make straight, plunge, and flush cuts and are able to cut through wood, plastic, metal, tile, plastic, and laminates. Also included are a dust extraction port, trigger lock-out, and variable-depth guide.
About Dremel
Since inventing the high-speed rotary tool more than 75 years ago, Dremel has become the trusted name in high-speed rotary tool technology, providing creative solutions for hands-on professionals, homeowners, craftspeople, and artists alike. Today, Dremel continues to build upon this legacy with a full line of high-performance rotary tools and rotary tool attachments and accessories, specialty tools and an oscillating tool and oscillating accessories, delivering the perfect solution for almost any job. Regardless of what the task may be, users quickly realize they can depend on the Dremel brand to provide the satisfaction of a job well done.
What's in the Box
One Dremel SM20 Saw-Max tool, one SM842 two-by-four cutting guide, one TRSM810 dust port adapter, one SM500 multi-purpose carbide wheel, one SM510 metal cut-off wheel, one SM540 tile diamond wheel, one SM600 multi-purpose flush cut carbide wheel, one storage case, and one owner’s manual.
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| Dremel's Saw-Max handheld saw easily, quickly, and precisely cuts through a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and stone (click each to enlarge). |
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As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.
About Makita
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.
