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Thoughts please
James Cross
Posts: 13
Hi all I'm in my (cough) early (cough cough) 40s 
and I am looking for a well made, shovel/digging spade that's going to last me.
any ideas or thoughts?
thanks James
0
Posts
Hi don't really have a price range, and probably more digging than shovelling I think.
If you can afford them bulldog they are still hand made at the Clarington forge in the UK like all things buy the best quality you can afford.
I'm older than you and female - I use a border spade - slightly smaller blade than a standard spade which makes it easier to dig plants up and move them around in the border. I also use it on the veg plot.
I like a stainless steel spade with an ash shaft (then if the shaft does break it can be replaced) and a 'Y' shaped handle. Just my personal preference but it's what suits me. I've found Draper to be a good make.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
are you wanting one with a long handle?
In Lidl at the mo there are some nice tools long ish handled ones http://www.lidl.co.uk/en/our-offers-2491.htm?id=502
or very long handle spade http://www.standwelltools.co.uk./
or a trip to GC's or places like B&Q or Homebase
Hi all thanks for the suggestions, like the idea of a wooden handle it reminds me of the tools on my late grandads farm, they were nicely worn in and comfortable and not cold to the touch.
One other thing James always take the time to clean all your tools at the end of the day once cleaned.
I use and old rag with some 3in1 or WD40 but any oil will do and rub over all the metal work stops the rust.
If you have wooden handles a small amount of olive oil again on a rag well rubbed in once in a while helps to keep the timber from drying out.
I find this a good way to wind down after a hard day in the garden just half an hour sat cleaning looking out on a good days work and planning what next
So kind of you to offer to come and do my heavy digging for me Verdun - a real prince among men
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I agree with Dove. I can use a smaller spade/ fork all day long, and get more done, than using a "normal" sized spade/fork.
I did buy a long handled stainless steel spade from Lidl for £9.99 a few years ago. I have to say, I'm very impressed with it. Esp as at 6ft tall, I find most "normal" spades / forks a bit too short for me.
Hi, can i just add my bit James whilst its about spades? My partner has broken my 24yr old spade yesterday, great! The shaft of it has snapped inside the metal bit, he probably put all his 17stone weight on it whilst digging a shrub out, it has been well used though. It has been lovely to use just the right size for me. I thought of mending it, if there's a strong glue for sticking wood together but just seen some new replacement shafts/handles on internet but don't know if it would be a good fit, I can always shave a bit off it if too big. Does anyone know of any shops that sell replacement handles then I'll know if it fits? R I may buy a new spade that has a lifetime guarantee saw some on BQ website.