[balfie]

I have recently got my first allotment, and really need to get a decent garden fork as its quite a big plot and I have a lot of digging to do.  The fork I have at the moment is just a cheapy and its too small.

I want a good sized one, stainless steel (have been told these are the best as the soil doesnt stick to them), and I also want a long handled one as I am tall and prone to back ache.

Are there any brands you can recommend, or that arent so good?
I dont mind spending out on a good quality one as its an investment, but also I dont want to chuck money away.

I have seen these two on Amazon, is this a good brand?

http://tinyurl.com/dyl38jp

http://tinyurl.com/dyjz6zf

Does an "offset handle" mean the handle is at an angle to the fork?  Whats the reason for this?   I think the straight handle would be better?

[sowitgrowit]

I have the green Draper expert one you've linked to. It isn't full size (nor am I, I suppose!) so you may want one with wider 'tines.' I suppose it's more of a "border fork" though it made clearing my Allotment a breeze, really.

[Dopey113]

 £17.69

http://www.pvrdirect.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catref=56632&gclid=CJCt2cPjwK8CFQQMtAodvB9IyA

[richyrich7]

Yes off-set handle means just that, it's supposed to help with the digging action.
I have one wiith an off-set handle, one with a standard T handle, personally I don't mind either.

I mainly dig with a spade tho' , I use an "Irish shovel" type spade has a nice long handle makes digging easy. Plenty of leverage. mine came from B&Q 10yrs+ ago £30ish

There's a few Azada users on here they're supposed to be excellent at clearing/digging

[supernova9]

Just how tall are you? I'm 6' and recently bought some Spear and Jackson hand tools and I'm incredibly impressed.

Even more impressed by the fact that they were selling in Homebase for £29.99 each and I've found them for half that with Tesco online:

http://www.tesco.com/direct/spear-jackson-select-stainless-steel-border-fork/212-6341.prd?skuId=212-6341&pageLevel=

http://www.tesco.com/direct/spear-jackson-select-stainless-steel-digging-fork/212-8812.prd?skuId=212-8812&pageLevel=

One of those is the border fork, one the larger digging fork.  I really like the wider handle and general design of them.

[gremlin]

I had a stainless steel Wilkinson Sword fork where one tine just snapped off.  It seemed good quality otherwise.

I have now got al all steel Neverbend "builders" fork by Spear and Jackson which is heavy and cold in winter, but indestructible and what just what I need for winter digging.

For lightweight digging I my Grandad's featherweight ash-handled perfectly-balanced digging fork from the 1930s.  Beautiful, but I don't even let Mrs G. use it

[Kleftiwallah]

Bulldog's the fork for you.   Easy Peasy.   If you have access to a mains drill, battery drill and flap wheel,  removing the rough cast surface will improve the 'feel' of the fork. 

I should scour the charity shops and boot sales for a 'pre-loved' fork.     Cheers,     Tony.

[balfie]

I am 5' 9", so not as tall as some of you men 
Thanks for these suggestions, it would be great to find a 'pre-loved' fork, but I am rather keen to get one sooner rather than later.

I like the look of some of these, especially the Spear & Jackson digging fork.  Good to know that they are good quality but at a good price.  Thanks all!

[Ivor Backache]

I had a stainless steel Wilkinson Sword fork where one tine just snapped off.  It seemed good quality otherwise.

Stainless steel tools are nearly all welded and likely to fail.
I too prefer the steel forged tools. They do last a lifetime.





edit to clarify quote

[Plot74]

I bought j Bentley fork and spade both in stainless steel I have used the fork a lot more than the spade both good tools and well made.
John

[Totty]

I agree, Joseph Bentley tools are very well made and a joy to use

Totty

[smud6ie]

I agree, Joseph Bentley tools are very well made and a joy to use

Totty

The way the blade is attached to the socket looks similar to the wilko one.

http://reviews.diy.com/2191-en_gb/10767637/reviews.htm

[Rangerkris]

I agree, Joseph Bentley tools are very well made and a joy to use

Totty

I broke my one took it back and they replaced it with no problems, the guy in the shop said that they had never had one back before.  I was trying to get out a big bramble root with it but didnt tell them that hahahah.