TLDR Review: Ames 16-Tine Bow Rake
Pros
- •Heavy duty and durable construction with quality steel and wood materials
- •Welade traditional design, avoiding cheap engineering shortcuts
- •Lightweight enough for easy handling during gardening and yard work
- •Ambidextrous design suitable for both lef and right-handed users
- •Long handle reaches under low bushes and is sturdy enough to lean on
- •Padded, rubberized grip offers comfort, especially when resting against the cheek
- •Operates entirely on human power with no need for batteries, cords, or gas
- •Performs well for general raking tasks such as leaves and light debris
- •Simple, nrills design that effectively serves its intended purpose
Cons
- •Not suitable for heavuty use like moving dirt or rocks; tines can bend easily
- •Wood handle lacks a proper finish, feels rough, and can cause splinters
- •Rubberized handle grip tends to develop permanent black and green mold stains that are hard to clean
- •Over time, one tine may bend and the rake head can lean to one side
- •After about a year, the rake head may detach due to frictioased design and moisture retention causing wood rot and splitting
- •Overall durability is limited, typically lasting only about a year under normal use
- •Mold on the grip affects appearance and may be ofutting, though it does not impact functionality
- •Foam handle offers some protection against splinters but is only on one hand
Bottom Line
The Ames 16-Tine Welded Bow Rake is a solid choice for light yard work and general gardening, combining a quality traditional build with user comfort features like a padded grip and a long handle. However, if you need a rake for heavy-duty tasks or longer-lasting durability, this one may disappoint with its tendency to bend, rot, or detach over time. The handle’s rough wood and persistent mold on the grip are minor annoyances but worth noting for those sensitive to feel or appearance. For a more durable option tailored to heavier raking jobs, you might want to explore alternatives specifically designed with reinforced tines and moisture-resistant handles.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from 26 retailers to give you the short version.
Where to Buy
Download ShopSavvy App
Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more
Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension
Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.
Footer 1
Get ShopSavvy
Subscribe for Updates
Get the latest news, and updates on ShopSavvy. You'll be glad you did!