I just became aware that Black & Decker makes a whole series of telescoping lawn and garden tools. These tools, like the trowel or mini shovel shown here, have “lightweight steel handles” that extend out from 25″ to 37″. Most if not all of the tools look to have 5 year warranties.
On one hand, extendable tools help to save space. They might also be easier to use when you’re working closer to the ground and could benefit from a tool sized between handheld and full-size ones.
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But on the other hand, I have had terrible experiences with extendable and telescoping tools. I tend to bend or break extendable tools fairly quickly, regardless of whether the handles are made of plastic or metal. There are exceptions to this. My Voile avalanche shovel has lasted 4 winter seasons now as my portable auto shovel, with no signs of frailty in the handle.
Black & Decker’s telescoping garden tools, which includes a trowel, small fan rake, combination “culti-hoe,” angled cultivator, and a 5-tine cultivator, sound really good on paper. The tools all feature rust resistant powder coating, steel construction, and comfort grip handles.
That these have “lightweight steel” handles makes me think they’re made of hollow thin-walled tubing, which is something that doesn’t usually work well with extendable tools. A few reviews are positive, others seem be negative, with complaints focusing on the telescoping handles. A lot of the reviews I’ve seen are from unverified buyers, which is just something to keep in mind.
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A quick search shows that there are actually a number of brands besides Black & Decker that make telescoping garden tools. If you’ve tried these tools, or any other brands’, would you recommend them? Or are my concerns about the handles being weak and light duty valid?
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fred
I think that these may be made by Bond Mfg. (Dorcy International) with the Black & Decker name applied under a licensing agreement. My wife uses the rake and seems to like it for light-duty jobs.
Michael
I’m not a huge fan of anything that telescopes. They just aren’t as strong and durable as solid wood or a single piece of welded steel. Telescoping tools might be good for light users, though.
Jason
The only telescoping tool that I could see as even being remotely useful would be a shovel and that would be for storage in a vehicle and to only be used during emergencies. Sure it wouldn’t have the strength of a normal handled tool, but it might be enough to get you out of a situation.
Kent
I don’t see any reason for telescoping handles, other than to put them in the car to get home from the store.
I own a house, so I also have a shed and a truck. No need to make things more complicated that they need to be – like a shovel with moving parts.
Mike
If it telescopes, it breaks. No exceptions.
Come to think of it, most any tool designed to do more than one thing is crap. If you need a short shovel, buy a short shovel.
Paul
I have a Winged Weeder WW800 Junior with Telescoping Handle that I use all the time. I have regular gardens and a few raised beds. It’s nice to adjust the handle to work in the raised beds.
The key is to remember which way to turn the handle to loosen it. I keep turning it the wrong way and getting it so tight I have to use a strap wrench to loosen it 🙂
T Krusling
I have used a folding army shovel for ten years. Not really telescoping, but compact. Moved at least two full size truck beds full in that amount of time with that little guy.
Stihl telescoping pole pruner is nice, never had any issues with it.
Peter Leone
I have has bad experience with these telescoping shovels. I have purchased two of them and both have gone bad. No problem with the telescopic feature but the shovel end bends under the slightest force against it. Once it is bent and bent back to its original position the metal is stressed and will break off.
Garry
I have used some telescoping tools in the past. wold never expect to replace a full size shovel or rake. However I found they worked well in looose sold midseason and when trying to get into areas under bushes between house abd boughs.