Garden tool handles and maintenance guide

Garden tools are many and varied - essential both for weeding and loosening soil and when preparing soil for sowing.Choosing a garden tool handle is easy - there are three main selection criteria to keep in mind: material, length and joint type.Choose wisely on these three aspects, and you'll greatly enhance your working comfort and minimize blisters and lower back pain resulting from long hours of toil!

Wood

Wood has the definite advantage of lending a timeless look, as well as being versatile and typically low in cost. Different varieties (ash, beech, pine, boxwood, acacia, etc.) are suited to different uses.

Synthetic materials

Famed for their durability, antimicrobial properties, robustness and lightness. Can be divided into three groups: fibreglass, resin and polypropylene.Fibreglass and tri-material alloys

Lightweight, ultra shock-resistant. Fibreglass and tri-material alloys are perfect for striking and levering tools.

Resin

Very robust if the handle is solid, but in this case also quite heavy.

Polypropylene

Ultra-lightweight but less robust.

Aluminium

Lightweight, durable and suitable for connecting multi-purpose attachments.

Note that ergonomic handles are available in some materials to improve comfort and grip.

Obviously the length of the handle will depend on the type of tool.Choose a rake with a 90 rather than 150cm handle and your lower back will never forgive you!Thankfully, handles are generally sold for specific tools - so the lengths are fit for purpose.

...With the sap of a maple tree, extracted on the night of the full moon to imbue it with cosmic energy... If that doesn't work, you've got choice a of 4 standard fitting types.

Inverted self-locking fitting

For striking and digging tools. The profile of the handle is tapered from one end to the other, so that the tool head can be locked in position by mechanical resistance (i.e. on a hoe) or by the centrifugal force generated by wide swinging actions (i.e. on a pick).

Classic fitting

This type of fitting requires a fixing joint, since it lacks a specific means of locking.

Socket fitting

The socket acts as a female connector on the tool head, into which a conical-ended handle is inserted. With this type of fitting, don't forget to clamp the tool head down firmly on the handle.

Quick connectors

For certain types of multi-purpose handles only.Caution! The shape and diameter of the hole in the tool head must match the handle exactly.

Here we're talking additional features. For example, you'll find universal handle extensions, telescopic handles (up to 5m for tree pruners); hinged, waterproof (for watering inaccessible areas) and even ergonomic handles suitable for push / pull movements or enabling you to use trimming shears at ground level from a standing position.

Always make sure you choose a handle which is compatible with your tool head; fittings in particular may vary from one brand to another.

Remember that your choice of handle depends heavily on the nature of work you want to do, the durability you expect and your budget. To avoid disappointment, pay attention to fitting systems when combining heads and handles!

To maintain your garden tools in good working order, the best solution is simply to give them a decent bath now and again. This is exactly what a workshop cleaning machine does, when used with a suitable biodegradabledetergent, to remove dirt and grease.Sharpening cutting tools before winter storage will allow you to enjoy top performance for years to come.

To find out more about gardening tools, follow our editors' advice and check out their other guides:

• How to choose your tree pruner?

• How to choose your potting soil?

• How to choose your weeding tools?

• How to choose your hand gardening tools?

• How to choose your drip irrigation?

• How to choose your chalet or garden shed?

• How to design and decorate your garden?