[scott87]

I snapped my spade today that's spade and fork snapped on one week!! Can anybody recommend a good spade?

Cheers scott

[snowdrops]

Please don't take this the wrong way but you might want to consider how to use your spade & fork,I know they do occasionally snap but it is quite unusual to break 2 in a week unless you are digging really solid soil. Don't try & take too big a 'spit' of soil or dig too deep to begin with,much better & you will  get much more done if you do smaller amounts at a time. Try watching some of the old timers on your site & see how they do it.

[Armleywhite]

I got one of these baby's http://www.chillingtontoolsonline.co.uk/trenching-hoe-complete-with-handle-p136  Made small work of the crappy hard end of my new plot.  Far easier than using a spade or fork. imo of course

[Headgardener22]

I got one of these baby's http://www.chillingtontoolsonline.co.uk/trenching-hoe-complete-with-handle-p136  Made small work of the crappy hard end of my new plot.  Far easier than using a spade or fork. imo of course

I've got one of these as well but I have two problems with it:

1. The angle of the head "feels wrong", when using it, it doesn't necessarily dig vertically into the soil; and
2. You have to stand on the dug soil and move forward down the allotment.

I like it, and use it quite a lot.

I bought a long handled Cornish shovel from B&Q and that's pretty good.

[scott87]

Please don't take this the wrong way but you might want to consider how to use your spade & fork,I know they do occasionally snap but it is quite unusual to break 2 in a week unless you are digging really solid soil. Don't try & take too big a 'spit' of soil or dig too deep to begin with,much better & you will  get much more done if you do smaller amounts at a time. Try watching some of the old timers on your site & see how they do it.

no offence taken, i know very well how to use a spade and a fork, ive not only dug a fare few 10mx3mx6ftdeep trenches when in the army and ive also done a college course in horticulture that included a fair amunt of digging.
they broke as they were b&q basic cheap dodo that couldnt hold together in a 5mph wind let alone double digging.
ive been looking at them bulldog spades the forged one piece ones they seem to have a good rep any ideas?

[snowdrops]

Ah not sure then,I've had mine for over 30 years,it's stainless steel so not cheap but is still going strong,it's also a border spade as being female I find I get on better with it. I inherited 1 of those back saver spades with my 2nd plot. Some of the chaps on the plots get on really well with theirs but I think I need it shortening as I'm only 5' 3".

[scott87]

i also have a height deficiency 5'6 

[snowdrops]

I'd still look up to you

[Armleywhite]

I got one of these baby's http://www.chillingtontoolsonline.co.uk/trenching-hoe-complete-with-handle-p136  Made small work of the crappy hard end of my new plot.  Far easier than using a spade or fork. imo of course

I've got one of these as well but I have two problems with it:

1. The angle of the head "feels wrong", when using it, it doesn't necessarily dig vertically into the soil; and
2. You have to stand on the dug soil and move forward down the allotment.

I like it, and use it quite a lot.

I bought a long handled Cornish shovel from B&Q and that's pretty good.

With regard to standing on the soil..  I started hoe'ing at the furthest point and worked backwards.  Am I doing it wrong?  With regards to the angle I know what you mean.  Although it does make me re-think digging in general and has made me try different angles of attack
It seems perfect for trenching though

[8doubles]

Bulldog spades and forks have a very good reputation amongst sea bait diggers and they test them to the full deep digging waterlogged sand and gravel !

[scott87]

Just been looking at wolf garten spades they are one piece forged just like bulldog. Anybody got one or know if they are anygood. They are on offer local for £25 each

[bravemurphy]

Just been looking at wolf garten spades they are one piece forged just like bulldog. Anybody got one or know if they are anygood. They are on offer local for £25 each

I got both and like the rest of their tools they are great.

[scott87]

Just been looking at wolf garten spades they are one piece forged just like bulldog. Anybody got one or know if they are anygood. They are on offer local for £25 each

I got both and like the rest of their tools they are great.

And which would you recommend or which do you prefer?

[bravemurphy]

I would recommend wolf because I got one.

But you probably find they are made by bull dog. (I don't know this but as in the post before very similar forged)

[dalemellor]

I've never been to a shop and purchased a new fork or spade, instead i have looked around boot fairs etc for the old fashioned strapped style spades/forks/shovels, that can always be re-handled at a length to suit the individual etc not always the easiest option but maybe worth keeping your eyes open.

happy hunting