Have you noticed the different kinds of rakes used by a professional landscaper? They almost always have three rakes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rake_(tool)) – a garden rake, a leaf rake, and a gravel rake. So, what exactly is a gravel rake, and what is it used for? As the name suggests, a rake for rocks or a gravel rake is used to remove debris and rocks from gravel driveways. The heads of these rakes are usually constructed with thick, durable metal, and their teeth are widely and evenly spaced to ensure the efficient raking of rocks.
Rocks negatively affect root development, and raking them out of the soil can improve nutrient availability and promote uniform grass growth. To help you find the best rake for rocks, we’ve reviewed some of the best units available today.
- Bow design offers flexibility instead of bending or breaking
- Curved tines gather more soil per stroke
- Lightweight handle makes raking comfortable
- Provides a smooth, non-gouging action
- Double rib construction ensures head stability
- Non-slip vinyl grip enhances comfort
- Cushioned end grip allows comfortable use for longer periods of time
- Ideal for small landscaping
- 16 steel tines ensure durability, longevity, and reliability
- High quality construction ensures durability and reliability
- Steel ferrule keeps the handle firmly attached to the blade
- Steel tines are easy to sharp
- Adjustable tines make it easier to reach small spaces
- Handle is rust-resistant and durable
- Lightweight design ensures ease of use
- Manufactured in the USA
- Cushioned handle ensures a comfortable grip
- High quality construction ensures durability
- Ergonomic and lightweight design
- Extended handle reduces backache
- Smooth aluminum handle makes head adjustments easy
- Available in several different colors
- Rust-resistant metal ensures reliability and durability
- Does not damage roots and stalks
Types of rakes for rocks
Choosing the best rake for small rocks can make your job quicker and easier. However, with so many models available, it can be difficult to find a rake that best suits your needs. To make their uses clearer, here are some of the most common types:
Garden rakes
Garden rakes are also known as bow rakes, level heads, soil heads, and ground rakes. They’re designed with long, straight heads and rigid, short tines. They’re perfect for certain heavy jobs, including loosening hard soil and creating planting rows.
Landscape rakesÂ
Landscape rakes are designed with fairly wide, flat heads, and are ideal for spreading and leveling ground materials, including sand or soil.
Lawn rakes
Also known as spring tine rakes, leaf rakes, and fan rakes, they’re used to collect and rake leaves. They’re constructed with thin metal tines, which adds flexibility, allowing users to rake over uneven ground.
Tarmac rakes
The best type of rake for rocks, tarmac rakes are also called stone rakes, road rakes, asphalt rakes, gravel rakes, and roadstone rakes. They’re similar to a standard garden rake but are designed with a slightly wider head. They’re incredibly strong and can gather and spread heavier materials, making it the ideal rake for removing rocks from dirt.
#1 Rake for Rocks
ERGIE SYSTEMS ERG-BWRK16 ErgieShovel
For us, the 54-inch steel rake by ERGIESHOVEL is the best rake for removing rocks. Its long handle ensures landscapers do not suffer from back pain when raking rocks in the yard. Its quality D-grip also gives users full control, making raking easy. The added handle on the shaft further offers added leverage, reducing the pressure and strain on your back and shoulders.
The perfect rake for clearing rocks, this model is backed by the Sun Joe Customer Promise. This means you can get a full refund if the rake gets damaged within two years of purchase. It’s designed with high-quality steel tines, making it easier for landscapers to rake rocks and rougher debris.
The unit’s innovative 3-piece smart lock allows compact and easy storage. The steel tines are also easy to sharpen and are able to maintain a sharper cutting edge for a long period of time. Its long handle enables users to reach difficult-to-reach areas in their lawn or yard, which cannot be reached with shorter rakes. Lastly, the handle also keeps your hands safe from possible snack attacks while clearing rakes. All in all, it’s the best rakes for rocks in grass.
Top Features
- Manufactured with stainless steel
- Designed with 16 tines
- Has a weight of 6.3 pounds
- Measures 54-inch in length
Pros
- Reduces the strain and pressure on your back
- Extremely easy to clean
- High-end construction ensures durability
- Can be stored easily
Cons
- Is a bit heavy
- Quality control could be improved
Rake for Rocks – Buying Guide
Gravel rakes have certain features that make them suitable for raking rocks. They’re usually designed with short, tough wide-spaced teeth that help prevent them from digging into gravel or soil, enabling users to achieve a level, smooth finish.
There are several different things you need to consider before choosing the best rake for rocks. It’s advisable to get a lightweight unit, so your job isn’t back-breaking. Also, make sure that the material is rust-proof for longevity and durability. Some other features to look out for include:
Handle length
Make sure that the rake you select has a suitable length, so it’s easy to use while standing. A good way to check whether the unit has a comfortable length is to see whether it reaches your nose from the ground. It’s also advisable to keep some distance between your hands to achieve the correct balance.
Material
Handles are manufactured with different materials, and each has its pros and cons. Some of the most common materials include:
Wood: Wood, and particularly, hardwood is usually incredibly strong. However, high-end handles are a bit costly, and cheap ones bend and break easily.
Fiberglass: Although fiberglass is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material, it can become brittle if it’s exposed to natural elements for a long period of time. It’s also expensive.
Aluminum: This material is extremely lightweight and resistant to rust, but is weaker than steel. It also costs more than other models.
Overall, it’s advisable to choose a rake with an aluminum handle.
Weight
A good rake for rocks is heavy enough to perform the job efficiently and light enough for users to use comfortably. Since models constructed for heavy-duty tasks need to be strong, they are comparatively heavier. On the other hand, those designed for light garden jobs, like moving leaves, light debris, or grass clippings, are lighter. Generally, a lightweight rake can be easily used for extended periods of time.
The material of a rake will significantly affect its weight. As mentioned above, fiberglass is the most lightweight material. Wood and aluminum are also lightweight, while steel is quite heavy.
Most units have a head and handle constructed from different materials. If you’re choosing a rake for raking rocks, then it’s advisable to select a model with a lightweight handle, and a stronger, more durable head.
Sturdy, strong, and wide-gapped teeth
The last thing anybody wants is the rake’s teeth breaking or snapping off. Thus, it’s better to choose a model with carbon steel teeth, as they’re stronger, more reliable, and less likely to chip compared to other alternatives.
Secure head
Make sure that the model you choose has a head that’s reinforced with a brace so that it doesn’t come loose.
Flat striking edge
The best kind of rake for rocks features a head that has a flat side which can be inverted. This can then be used as a leveling tool, and this flexibility is essential and useful to have.
Rake head width
A rake’s width is incredibly important and can differ quite a lot. Before you decide the ideal width of a rake, make sure you consider the size of your yard or driveway, and how easy it will be to use the unit.
Blunt teeth
Sharp rake teeth wear down quickly and easily. They’re also difficult to rake rocks with as they gouge gravel everywhere.
Grip
The grip of a rake can help determine how comfortable it will be to use. Gravel driveways and rocks need to be raked frequently, so it’s better to choose a model that you’ll be comfortable with for extended periods of time.
Comfort
Good quality rakes are designed with appropriate dimensions that ensure the comfortability of users. It’s advisable to choose a rake that has a width between 18 to 24 inches for comfort and ease of use. However, the type of handle and width that best suit your needs depend on the terrain you’ll be raking on.
The Best Rake for Rocks
Short on time? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! To make the entire process of choosing the rake for rocks easier, we’ve reviewed some of the best models available today. Let’s take a look!
The top best product [hide]
A.M. Leonard Bow Rake for rocks
Unlike other T-head rakes, this model is designed with tines that have a slight curve. It is constructed with a 16-inch wide head, which is connected to the ash handle by a steel socket. This model is perfect for spreading topsoil, compost, and mulch. The tines can be used for spreading soil, and the rake itself can then be inverted to level it out. It can also be used for raking stones, trash, and other debris. Its narrow 16-inch head is able to reach tighter spaces, making the unit ideal for almost every job. The curved tines are also able to gather soil per stroke compared to conventional straight tines. Moreover, the 14-gauge socket is completely riveted through the unit’s handle, ensuring that the head is firmly attached, and will not break apart. Lastly, the ash handle is flexible, sturdy, and resists splintering.Midwest Aluminum Landscape Rake for rocks
This rake by Midwest is manufactured with aluminum, making it lightweight and durable. Its handle measures 36 inches in length, making it easy and comfortable to use for both tall and short individuals. The handle is further powder-coated to ensure reliability and longevity. Moreover, the model features a high-end non-slip grip that’s coated with vinyl. This quality grip protects your hands from blisters while ensuring comfort at the same time. Furthermore, the head is securely connected to the aluminum handle to prevent it from breaking apart and is rust-proof as well. The tines are rounded slightly, preventing gouging and spreading of underlying firmament and gravel. The model’s flat edge can also be used for leveling. However, the unit is a bit difficult to assemble.True Temper 16-Tine Steel Bow Rake for rocks
If you’re searching for a rake that you can completely rely on, then this True Temper model is the one for you! Manufactured with 100% steel, it is shaped and formed in the US. Its 16-inch handle is constructed with hardwood for enhanced strength and durability. It also features a cushioned grip to ensure comfort and ease of use. Periodically using this rake allows oxygen and water to penetrate into your garden, giving you the healthy garden you’ve always dreamed of. The model’s 16 tines help in mulching, evenly distributing the soil, and breaking hard soil. Designed for loosening and leveling soil quickly, the True Temper is the best bow rake for individuals with smaller landscaping.Razor-Back B15 Bow Rake for rocks
Durability and strength make the Razor-Back bow rake the ideal tool for professionals. It’s perfect for spreading mulch and other materials evenly, leveling areas before planting, and breaking up or loosening compacted soil. This model can also be used to rake and collect grass, leaves, hay, or other garden debris. The rake’s head is constructed with tempered steel, ensuring that it will last you a very long time. The unit is also designed with a steel ferrule for a stronger handle and blade connection. Its 14 tines are sharp and constructed with forged steel, making it ideal for raking rocks. Since the blade is straight, the unit can also be inverted and used for leveling soil. Lastly, the handle is constructed with white ash, making the unit lightweight and comfortable to use.Gardenite Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake for rocks
A quality easy-to-use and lightweight unit, the Gardenite leaf rake is one of the best models when it comes to versatility. Ideal for narrower and smaller areas that are more difficult for traditional rakes to reach, the model’s 15 flat tine head can be expanded from 7 inches to 22 inches.
Its long 63-inch handle enables users to rake larger areas quickly and easily. The 3/4 inch steel handle is further zinc-plated to make it resistant to rust. However, this unit is not ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Backed by a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee, Gardenite promises to fix any issue you might have with your unit over time. Since the rake is lightweight, it will not add any weight when you’re raking your garden, allowing you to work with it for longer periods of time. Lastly, along with being easy to use, the Gardenite also needs less space for storage.Bully Tools 12-Gauge Bow Rake rocks
The handle and head of this Bully Tools rake are welded together to ensure they don’t break apart. The handle is manufactured with triple wall fiberglass, making the rake lightweight, durable, and incredibly easy to use. It further ensures that it will last you a long time. The rake features 16 steel tines, making it ideal for raking every type of yard. The extremely thick 10-gauge steel further makes the unit stronger, tougher, and rust-resistant. Its long ergonomic handle also allows taller individuals to rake comfortably. Along with being firmly connected to the handle, the tines are also reliable and will not bend when performing heavy-duty tasks. This Bully Tools is sturdy and can easily push big rocks without breaking. With a perfect forward angle, it enables users to rake without bending forward, which reduces the strain and pressure on their back. For added control, the handle is coated with vinyl to ensure it doesn’t slip from your hands. Although it’s smaller than conventional gravel rakes, it’s the ideal unit if you don’t have a lot of storage space. The rake is also backed by a limited lifetime warranty, and is able to withstand heavy use. However, it is a bit expensive than other models.
Jardineer Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake for rocks
The long handle of the Jardineer garden leaf rake eliminates the need for bending down, reducing fatigue and allowing you to comfortably rake for a long time. The unit’s large head also picks up more debris per stroke efficiently. The width of the rake head can further be adjusted quickly and easily by simply turning the yellow lock. The rake’s strong aluminum handle keeps tines stable and collects leaves and rocks more efficiently. Compared to traditional steel handles, the aluminum handle is also unbendable and will last for years.
Moreover, this model has several different uses. It’s ideal for raking up leaves, loose garden debris, and lawn clippings without damaging the plants. The width of the rake can also be adjusted to 7”, allowing users to reach tight areas like between flower beds and under hedges with ease. However, the Jardineer is not ideal for heavy-duty tasks, such as raking rocks or other heavy materials.ORIENTOOLS Steel Leaf Rake for rocks Head
This ORIENTOOLS leaf rake head can be used for several different purposes. Measuring 8.66”, the steel shrub rake head can be used as a grip hand rake as well. It’s designed with a screw hole to ensure a tight and secure fitting. Furthermore, the unit is more durable and lasts longer than plastic models. It’s also the perfect rake for reaching the little nooks and crannies that cannot be accessed with larger units. It’s available in different colors, so you can pick one that you like best. The ORIENTOOLS is also perfect for removing twigs and needles off the roofs of houses. It fits perfectly on every handle and is ideal for raking under shrubs and bushes without damaging or digging out the stalks and roots. However, it is a bit expensive compared to other similar models.Rake for Rocks - FAQs
How should you rake a gravel driveway?
Can you use a garden rake to level rocks or gravel?
Why do you need to rake leaves?
Can you rake a wet lawn?
How frequently should you rake leaves?
Conclusion
With such a wide range of rakes for rocks available, choosing one that best suits your needs can be a time-consuming and difficult task. Make sure you choose a durable unit, so it doesn’t break or bend when picking up rocks. With the aforementioned reviews, you can easily compare each model and choose the one you like best.
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