Hi All,
We at J S Country Tools have been discussing which type of handle we should offer our clients on digging tools.
We used to offer a plastic ergonomic handle on some of our range of tools as our competitors do with a slight offset twist for ease of use. But lately we have been fazing this type of handle out and only offering our metal and timber option.
There are some features and benefits to swapping to a metal frame handle with timber grip. The main benefit is how the handle is secured to the tool's shaft via two steel bar's that pass through the entire shaft and then are riveted. We also feel that the longevity of the handle has increased.
So I was interested to know what the community thought as to which type of handle they prefer and why?
Metal / timber handle
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Replies
Personally I prefer YD handles
As per your picture but with a wooden shaft
It allows a variation of grip, which reduces fatigue / pain in the wrist / palm
Hi Geoffrey,
Do you mean a wooden shaft to the spade?
Out of the "ergonomic" plastic offset and this type of handle i would go for this as it more comfortable than the supposed ergonomic, as when you turn the tool over to use it back to front its in the wrong position. its also much more durable. My favourite is the full ash shaft t handle for spade work though, very quick to grab onto and flip over as needed.
Pyracantha branch.
I prefer the metal/timber like in the picture. Tools tends to get bashed around a lot so I prefer them to be as robust as possible.
I agree, we have moved our handle style due to supplying more Landscape professionals than the general public now. For some reason the general public tend to select a plastic handle over a metal. Hence asking the question on here, so I guess its down to the time spent actually using the product.
As for a timber shaft you all know we supply a longer metal shaft so am also very interested to know everyone's thoughts on that.
How long is the long shafts Simon ?. I currently have the bulldog spade & fork with the long ash handles & do like them. Also have a long b&q Irish style shovel with the plastic handle, & a long handled faithful no2 shovel, you can see I do like the longer handles.
Rob
Hi Rob,
1,220mm on the picked spade and 1,210mm on the straight garden spade. 1,275mm on the loading shovel and circa 1,130mm on the forks.
The plastic handles gave an extra 30mm in length, but I think the metal handle is better even though it shortens the length of the product.
Yes a wooden shaft to the blade, with a metal / wood YD handle.
I also prfer the strapped handles for extra strength but you don't seem to get them on modern tools, just plain sockets with a rivet to hold the handle
Geoffrey King said:
I could do with a new long handled shovel I broke mine the other week that's the problem with wood I suppose ! I do like a nice wooden handle though my spade I use most is probably 80-100 years old beautifull piece of work the only handle I have like the picture is on a bulldog cable laying shovel I use for digging out roots due to it having a metal shaft that wont break.
Hi Michael,
80 - 100 years old would be worth getting a replacement handle fitted.
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