Stainless Steel Tools

[sandersj89]

Are stainless steel tools weaker than traditional? The reason I ask is at the weekend I managed to break both a digging fork and spade.

First the spade, as I was digging out a diseased Hebe, just using one hand to wiggle the spade under the root ball and it bent the blade.

Then the  fork, doing the same thing and one of the tines snapped clean of.

The fork was less than 2 years old and made by Spear & Jackson, the spade was less than 6 months old and by wilkinson sword. Both have 15 year guarantees  but as they were both gifts I don’t have any paper work to support this.

I then used an old steel spade and no problem removing the root ball and there were no stones or the like that could have caused a problem!

It could be interesting trying to get them replaced.

:-(

Jerry

[sandersj89]

[jennym]

Funny enough, I have a stainless steel fork, Wilkinsons Sword, and although I haven't managed to break it, I have severely bent the tines digging heavy clay.
Take it back to your local Homebase - they have replaced 2 of my spades that I bought, without question (and I didn't have the receipt).

[Gardenantics]

Yes take it back to homebase, say the present was bought there, they get it back from the makers I would think. If enough go back maybe they will start making better equipment.

Brian

[tim]

I've had many examples of that over decades. But always replaced. And worth the aggro!

[Curryandchips]

The quality of stainless steel used for tools is unlikely to be stronger than traditional forged carbon steel tools, but there will be a considerable variation in the quality of the finished product. However, the product should still be fit for use, and this is where an established name will normally uphold the integrity of their name. I have a cheap Wilko stainless spade which I am happy with, but have not bothered with their fork since my existing fork is excellent (Wilko again).

[Hyacinth]

But it was only a short time ago that Mimi (I think) was complaining about some Wilkinson Sword stuff bought at Focus....remember? Praps we should have directed her to Homebase for a quick replacement.

Do agree that stainless steel stuff seems really flimsy these days. Got a whole selection of mis-shapen trowels :o

[Paulines7]

It was Mimi.  She posted about some Wilkinson Swords stainless steel tools that she bought from Focus. 

Here is the thread: http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/joomla/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,57/topic,16664.0

[Curryandchips]

As I remember, the problem was with the handle, not the stainless part of the tool?

[sandersj89]

Thanks all

I will be trying to exchange them and will try Focus as have one close by. Do feel a little guilty though as I do not know where they were supplied from but as the maker bears the cost ultimately I am not too worried!

I will let you know how it goes!

Jerry

[sandersj89]

Well I have managed to replace the fork at Focus, they dont stock wilkinson sword products so have will have to remember where I bought the spade.

The first Focus branch would not replace it but tried the one near my office and they did not bat an eye lid.

Jerry

[redimp]

Someone from the first Focus must be a member of A4A  ;)

[Gardenantics]

I should try B&Q for the spade, I'm sure they stock Wilkinson Sword. Well done on the folk, and don't feel bad about doing it, they will have to make better tools!

Brian

[Mimi]

Just spotted this thread today...  It was me that had all the fuss from Focus >:(  >:(  I had bought a Wilkinson Sword ladies border spade which broke first time out.  The bottom of the handle (where it is actually into the head of the spade) broke through the head of the spade.  My problem was that it was a Christmas pressie and they would not exchange it because I hadn't kept the receipt.  Big fuss later got spade changed and its here waiting for daughter to pick it up on next visit.  I would say that over all I prefer the stainless steel ones, but don't think I would bother with expensive ones again...      Ive had some Asda ones that only cost me £14.99 for a border spade and fork and they are wonderful to work with.  Pays your money takes your chance  ;)

[Robert_Brenchley]

I have a cheapo Tesco's £3 spade which I've been using for about three years since its predecessor was nicked, and a Victorian one which is longer, in theory good for lifting deep-rooted veg like parsnips and scorzonera, but is extremely hard work to use. Maybe sharpening it would make a difference, but I take my hat off to people who could actually garden with tools like that. My only stainless tool is a trowel, which has survived unstolen and does sterling service.

[jennym]

Yes, I've got a lovely stainless steel trowel with a wooden handle, the trowel is lovely and deep, probably gets more use than most things I have, except the hoe.