Author Topic: Stainless digging spade  (Read 2332 times)

Pickle

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Stainless digging spade
« on: March 13, 2008, 15:51:28 »
 Hi folks :) ,
         I need to get myself a new digging spade so I thought about a stainless job , any thoughts on which make may be best. I want to spend about 30 quid and I want it to give me good service as my bulldog did[28 years] :(.
 
 Pickle. ;D
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markfield rover

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2008, 16:38:13 »
I like my Spear and Jackson, it might be worth seeing if' Gardening Which' has done a recent report.

Tee Gee

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2008, 17:30:34 »
Get one with a wooden handle/ shaft.

I bought one that had a hollow shaft and it gave up after a few years.

Quite often the shaft is mild steel coated with a pvc coating.

I found that the water got in around the ferrule into the tube and rotted the tube from within.

It finally gave way at the rivet joining the stainless steel part to the tube.

Luckily I was able to have a wooden handle fitted to the spade which was perfectly OK

tim

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #3 on: March 13, 2008, 17:43:18 »
I just LOVE my really oldie worldy Bentley tools.

http://www.josephbentley.co.uk/Tools1.html

Garden Centres stock them now.

Kea

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #4 on: March 13, 2008, 17:44:45 »
There was a review in one of the magazines recently but I can't remember which...though I have it I can't seem to find it and they recommended several. Some one else may have the magazine and be able to tell you which was recommended. The 'orange one' was favoured by the ladies but I can't remember what it was.

 

Kea

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #5 on: March 13, 2008, 17:45:33 »
Yes the Bentley ones were recommended.

tim

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #6 on: March 13, 2008, 17:48:31 »
Bentley was a Which Best Buy.

Their Apprentice line is great for the Girls.

Gazfoz

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #7 on: March 13, 2008, 20:32:50 »
Is it possible to spend 30 quid on a spade?

sheddie

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #8 on: March 13, 2008, 22:04:32 »
Spear and Jackson stainless steel spades are pretty good. You can get one on Ebay for just under 20 quid:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Spear-Jackson-Stainless-Steel-Garden-Spade_W0QQitemZ380006237518QQihZ025QQcategoryZ29516QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD10VQQcmdZViewItem?_trksid=p1638.m127

sheddie
When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant.

redimp

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2008, 23:25:12 »
I've got this S&J set:

from here:
http://www.cmsgardens.co.uk/tools.htm
I have bent one of my digging fork tines but apart from that, they are really good tools.  When I need to replace, I will get the same or the Bentley equivalents which I also really like the look and feel of.

Going to get my daughter the kid's Bentley ones which are exactly the same as the adult ones but smaller.

PS - where do I get my tine straightened out.  I am currently using an old S&J Carbon Steel one whilst my Stainless one is out of action.
Lotty @ Lincoln (Lat:53.24, Long:-0.52, HASL:30m)

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Pickle

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #10 on: March 14, 2008, 09:16:52 »

 Some great comments and I will look at all your suggestions before I buy. Im not sure about a girly spade, though my lady will dig as I do with a full size spade. As for repairing your fork tine redclanger I took mine into the local agricultural engineers and they sorted it out for me for just a drink to the guy who straightened it.
Will let you know later what I've spent my hard earned on.

        Cheers Pickle  ;D
Pickle:- usually in one !!

Mammoth Onion

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #11 on: March 14, 2008, 17:58:08 »
I've a B&Q  stainless spade and have used it quite abit without any problems! It cost alot less than £30 ;D

tim

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #12 on: March 14, 2008, 18:21:34 »
'Kid's' size, Clanger? Just great for the border &/or the aged!!
« Last Edit: March 14, 2008, 18:41:02 by tim »

redimp

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #13 on: March 14, 2008, 18:40:16 »
So my daughter can use them till she gets too big, then I can put them to one side for (just!! :() a couple of years before they come in handy again.  Sounds a bit like that joke about life being symmetrical. ;D
Lotty @ Lincoln (Lat:53.24, Long:-0.52, HASL:30m)

http://www.abicabeauty

Pickle

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Re: Stainless digging spade
« Reply #14 on: March 15, 2008, 11:11:38 »
Hi, ;)
     Well I've spent my dosh and bought a Vintage range stainless spade with a "D" ash handle.It seems well balanced and not over heavy,will know better as I use it ,with a ten year guarantee from Wyevale garden center.Cost £19.99 so I've saved a bit on my budget. :D
 Pickle. ;D
Pickle:- usually in one !!

 

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