If your house has a large backyard or garden, then you probably already have a rake. However, using the wrong rake can make raking tiresome and a real chore. So what exactly is a bow rake, and what is it used for? As the name suggests, a bow rake has a bow-shaped head that provides great stability and excellent spring action for heavy-duty tasks.
Unlike traditional rakes that are used for light garden tasks, bow rakes offer greater versatility and can be used to tackle heavy garden tasks, like leveling gravel and moving heavier loads. However, with so many options available today, choosing the best bow rake is no easy task. To help you find the rake to buy, we’ve reviewed some of the top models available today.



- Beautiful traditional look that offers strength
- Extremely durable, reliable, and strong
- Head and blade are securely attached



- Lightweight and incredibly strong rake
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
- Enables users to cover a larger area easily



- Extremely easy to use
- Metal construction resists rust
- Lightweight and comfortable to use



- Penetrates tough ground with minimum effort
- Ensures greater strength and a longer life
- Comes with a five-year warranty



- Rake is rust-resistant
- Head attaches to the handle securely
- Tines are a bit sharp at the end



- Provides excellent balance and control
- Protective sleeve prevents splintering
- Ideal for heavy-duty tasks



- Does not require any assembly
- Rake is corrosion-resistant
- Color and look of the head is incredibly beautiful
Types of bow rakes
With such a wide range of rakes available today, it can be incredibly difficult to determine the differences between them, which type is best for what, and which one you need. When it comes to lawn care and maintenance, there are three types of rakes you should consider.
Leaf rake
Arguably the most traditional rake, a leaf rake is used to gather and pick up fallen leaves. Its tines are long, thin, and spread out to pick up as many leaves as possible without causing any damage to the lawn itself.
Bow rake
A tougher and more robust rake, garden bow rakes have thick, short tines. The best-rated bow rake can easily handle soil, whether you need to spread and even it out or break it up and move it.
Shrub rake
This unit looks like a slender and more delicate leaf rake. While it is also used to gather leaves and light debris, its narrower frame enables it to be used in tighter areas, like beneath shrubbery.
#1 Bow Rake


Bully Tools 92309 12-Gauge 16-Inch Bow Rake
Top features:
- The rake is manufactured with thick 10 gauge steel
- The steel head has 16 tines
- It measures 58 inches in length
Pros
- Resists breakages and extremely low maintenance
- Offers more pulling power for moving soil
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
- Extremely comfortable to use
Cons
- Might be too heavy for small, domestic lawns
- Rubber grip can come off the handle
This 58-inch bow rake from Bully Tools is our number one pick. Unlike most steel heads that rust over time, this rake’s head won’t gather rust, ensuring outstanding performance for a long time. The blade features 16 teeth, making the rake capable of handling heavy tasks, like raking stones without bending.
The high-quality fiberglass handle is triple-layered to ensure durability and reliability. In simpler words, the handle is easy to use, extremely tough, and very difficult to break. The handle’s lightweight design further allows extended use without any pain. Moreover, the handle and head are designed with rubberized parts to absorb shock. This prevents stress and jarring on the back and shoulders, making the unit very comfortable to use.
Bow rake – Buying Guide
You might think a rake is only a rake, so what’s so special about highly recommended ones? The thatching rake found in big-box hardware superstores or local hardware shops are usually of poor quality, and will hardly last you more than two seasons. To ensure you don’t waste your money, there are some features and factors you should consider before you finalize your purchase. So, if you’re looking for the best bow rake to buy, make sure you take a look at these factors:
Handle
Handles are manufactured with several different materials. Wood handles are the most common and are fairly lightweight. If used with care, they can last an extremely long time. Just make sure you look out for any potential splinters, especially if the handle gets damaged.
Aluminum handles are commonly used as well. Often collapsible, they’re incredibly lightweight and can make the rake longer or shorter. A longer handle prevents tall people from hunching over while raking, making it comfortable to use. Unfortunately, an aluminum handle is not very sturdy, and can easily bend or dent if it hits a tough obstacle.
Fiberglass handles offer both strength and weight. They’re as lightweight as aluminum handles for ease of use, but much more durable and stronger. In other words, fiberglass handles are less likely to get damaged if you drop something heavy on the landscape rake, or hit a large rock.
Steel handles are the most durable, but they’re also a bit heavier than others. They’re able to withstand the harsh elements better and can be rust resistant, too. Their extra strength further allows for more leverage when you push and pull the soil around.
Handle’s grip
The best bow rakes are specially designed with ergonomic grips to reduce stress on the shoulders and back, making them invaluable for individuals with mobility issues. If you’re going to use your rake for a long time, then a cushioned grip will make raking more comfortable and will lessen the cramping of your hands.
Raking in poor weather can often lead to users losing their grip on the handle. While this won’t injure you, it’s still better to purchase a rake with a non-slip handle. This will enable you to use it with wet or damp hands, and you won’t have to worry about dropping the rake again.
Tines
Tines are the spikes or the teeth on the rake’s head and should be constructed with a strong metal, such as steel. Metal tines are strong enough to move rocks and other heavy debris and will last a long time if properly maintained. A curve design will further provide a springy feeling, making it easier to move large amounts of soil and debris.
The best garden rake is designed with a forged steel head, instead of hardened, cast, or stamped steel. This provides better edge and flexibility, which enhances the durability of the rake. A head that’s welded to the handle is also less likely to fall off and will provide you with more raking power. However, if the handle breaks, you’ll need to purchase a whole new rake instead of just buying a new handle.
Weight
The biggest contributor to a bow rake’s weight is its head, and heavier-gauge steel usually means a tougher and heavier rake. The heavier a bow rake is, the quicker you’ll become fatigued when using it. However, heavier heads are less likely to vibrate and bounce when gathering and picking up gravel or other coarse debris.
Length
The majority of bow rake handles are between 48 and 64 inches long. The best bow rake is designed with an adjustable handle, allowing users to alter the length according to different heights and jobs. Make sure you measure the other yard tools you have to determine the length of the handle that best suits your height.
The Best Bow Rake – Reviews
Don’t have time to go through the countless options to find a bow rake that best suits your needs? Don’t worry! To help you find the best bow rakes, we’ve reviewed the products we liked best. Check them out below!
The top best product [hide]
Ames Jackson Pony Bow Rake with 60" Handle


Bully Tools 92379 16" Bow Rake. 66". Fiberglass Handle


True Temper 1881600 14-Tine Bow Rake-1881600, 48 Inch


Bond Manufacturing LH006 Long-Handle Fiberglass 14-Tine Bow Rake, Red


WOLF-Garten Bow Rake 1647004


Truper 31380 Tru Pro 60-Inch 16 Teeth Forged Bow Rake, Fiberglass Handle, 10-Inch Grip


Gardena 3179 Combisystem 16-Inch Metal Bow Rake Head


Bow Rake: FAQ
What are bow rakes used for?
Are metal rakes better than plastic ones?
Can wet leaves be raked?
Does a fiberglass handle break easily?
How are curved and flat tines different?
Conclusion
There are countless bow rakes available today, and choosing one that best suits your needs can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Before you finalize your purchase, make sure you decide what you’re going to use the bow rake for. Also, remember to look at its construction to determine the rake’s durability. With the aforementioned reviews, you can easily compare the best bow rakes available today to decide which rake best suits your requirements.
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