# TLDR Review: Ames 16-Tine Bow Rake

*Published: 2026-04-12 | Updated: 2026-04-12 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/ames-16-tine-bow-rake*

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## Product: Ames 16-Tine Bow Rake
**Brand:** The AMES Companies, Inc

## Pros
- Heavy duty and durable construction with quality steel and wood materials
- Well-made traditional design, avoiding cheap engineering shortcuts
- Lightweight enough for easy handling during gardening and yard work
- Ambidextrous design suitable for both left- 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, no-frills design that effectively serves its intended purpose

## Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty 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 friction-based 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 off-putting, 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.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Heavy duty and durable construction with quality steel and wood materials | Not suitable for heavy-duty use like moving dirt or rocks; tines can bend easily |
| Well-made traditional design, avoiding cheap engineering shortcuts | Wood handle lacks a proper finish, feels rough, and can cause splinters |
| Lightweight enough for easy handling during gardening and yard work | Rubberized handle grip tends to develop permanent black and green mold stains that are hard to clean |
| Ambidextrous design suitable for both left- and right-handed users | Over time, one tine may bend and the rake head can lean to one side |
| Long handle reaches under low bushes and is sturdy enough to lean on | After about a year, the rake head may detach due to friction-based design and moisture retention causing wood rot and splitting |
| Padded, rubberized grip offers comfort, especially when resting against the cheek | Overall durability is limited, typically lasting only about a year under normal use |
| Operates entirely on human power with no need for batteries, cords, or gas | Mold on the grip affects appearance and may be off-putting, though it does not impact functionality |
| Performs well for general raking tasks such as leaves and light debris | Foam handle offers some protection against splinters but is only on one hand |
| Simple, no-frills design that effectively serves its intended purpose |  |

## Current Prices

| Retailer | Price | Availability |
|----------|-------|-------------|
| My Store | $7.57  | Check |
| My Store | $7.57  | Check |
| hernamelike | $13.29  | Check |
| yydstools.com | $14.00  | Check |
| Max Warehouse | $16.94  | Check |
| Acme Tools | $18.99  | Check |
| Gilford Hardware | $19.99  | Check |
| Theisen's | $20.44  | Check |
| Shell Lumber and Hardware | $20.79  | Check |
| Opentip | $21.32  | Check |
| North 40 Outfitters | $21.99  | Check |
| Cable Ranch | $22.02  | Check |
| Instacart | $22.49  | Check |
| Ace Hardware | $22.99  | Check |
| forestry-suppliers.com | $23.95  | Check |
| SupplyHog | $23.95  | Check |
| Shell Lumber and Hardware | $24.06  | Check |
| The Home Depot | $24.98  | Check |
| C-A-L Ranch Stores | $24.99  | Check |
| shop.rplumber.com | $24.99  | Check |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*