Forum home› Tools and techniques
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

spades

veronica.wallisveronica.wallis Posts: 4
in Tools and techniques

hi there, I am after buying a new spade. Any recommendations.  I would like one with a straight blade (not curved at the edges) if  that makes sense ...TIA

«1

Posts

  • JerryBoneJerryBone Posts: 91

    Id recommend finding a local boot sale! People sell them off there like they're nothing! I got a good quality flat bladed spade for £2.50 at my local boot sale and its lasted really well.

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,036

    Make sure it has a flat top to put your boot on when digging, not sharp shoulders. I like stainless steel as it slides through the earth better. And it needs a decent length of metal up the handle to strengthen it.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,888

    I'd say, don't buy online. Boot sales, as Jerry says are great for tools. I bought a very good stainless steel spade from Lidl, of all places. Wherever you buy it, try it for size, weight and comfort of use. 

    Some you might find too short/long or too heavy. We're all different, but I'd agree with Lizzie about a flat top to the blade, otherwise your boots will be ruined in no time.

    Devon.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,888

    tee hee pansy, as I said, " we're all different"

    I find, no matter what my soles are like, the flat bladed typed tend to leave me with a sore foot.

    Devon.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,142

    I find that, being a 'girl', I get on better using a Border spade rather than a full sized one.  It saves my back image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,888

    I'm happy to admit, even being a great big lump of a bloke, I use a border fork if I'm working on a big area.

    I can use one all day long, but a "normal" one leaves me aching in no time.

    I'm still hugely fond of my 75 + year old potato fork though.

    Devon.
  • veronica.wallisveronica.wallis Posts: 4

    thanks for all the advice, there is a car boot coming up in a couple of weeks near me, might have to wander over there,  Also thanks Dovefromabove did wonder whether a spade would be too heavy,,,,, might try a border spade image

     

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 24,036

    When digging heavy soil I find a fork easier.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Hostafan1Hostafan1 Posts: 34,888

    I always did with a fork. I only really use a spade if I'm digging something out of the ground.

    Devon.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,142

    I use a border fork as well image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





Sign In or Register to comment.