If your garden is looking a little scruffy, a bow rake might be just the tool you need to clean it up. A bow rake can spread mulch, rake leaves, remove wood, tamp the soil, remove roots and rocks, and break up soil clods.
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose a durable, easy-to-use rake. That’s why we’ve spent hours researching real customer reviews and expert advice to put together a list of the seven best bow rakes.
Sit back and relax. We’ve done the hard work for you. Keep reading to find your garden companion, whether you need something heavy-duty, budget-friendly, or extra lightweight.
- Commercial grade steel
- Durable fiberglass handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Carbon steel construction
- Reliable long handle
- Double-sided head for versatile use
- Great for cultivation
- Sharpened tines for easy digging
- Slightly flexible which increases durability
- Built for heavy use
- Stainless steel handle
- Easy assembly
- Cushioned handle for comfort
- Loosens & levels soil
- 16 steel tines
- Razor sharp blades
- Heavy-duty design
- 60 to 72 inch handle
- Two handles for better control
- Smart lock assembly and disassembly
- Good for rough debris
Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, our comprehensive analysis and assessment of the best bow rakes on the market is designed to instill trust in our readers. Our experienced professionals diligently research, test, and compare various bow rakes based on criteria such as performance, durability, design, and user experience. We provide hands-on evaluations, quantitative measurements, and first-hand evidence to showcase our expertise and aid in your decision-making process. In our review, we identify key factors such as tine strength, handle length, and overall ergonomics, which set each product apart from its competitors. By examining design choices and their effects on users, we rank and score each bow rake, ensuring that you receive accurate and reliable information to find the perfect tool for your needs.
The Best Bow Rakes of 2023
Are you ready to transform your yard work routine with a bow rake? We’ve put together a list of the best bow rakes based on hours of research into dozens of products, expert advice, and genuine customer reviews. We studied each product’s material, construction, weight, and handle features, so there’s something for everyone on this list.
Get cleaning with a bow rake today!
Bully Tools Bow Rake
Most Durable
This bow rake is priced a little higher, but it’s worth every penny, thanks to its durability and limited lifetime warranty.
When you choose this Bully Tools rake, you’re choosing something that’s going to last. It’s an extra-thick, commercial-grade, bow rake that can handle repeated use in heavy-duty conditions without breaking or crumbling under the pressure.
What We Like
Commercial Grade Steel
This rake is made from extra thick commercial-grade steel, which can stand the test of time. You can be assured that no matter what job you use it for, it remains reliable and sturdy.
Durable Fiberglass Handle
As mentioned earlier, fiberglass is one of the most durable materials for a bow rake handle. It resists breakage while still being nice and lightweight. This rake only weighs 3.45 pounds which is super manageable.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
If the product wears or breaks during normal use during its lifetime, it will be replaced or repaired for free. This gives you total peace of mind so you can enjoy the rake without worries.
Thick and Wide Tines
The 16-inch head includes 16 thick and wide tines, which are fantastic for picking up and collecting large debris. If you have pebbles or stones that you want to filter out of soil, this is the rake for you.
What We Don't Like
Tines Could Be Sharper
Some customers found that the tines were a little dull, which meant it took longer for certain jobs. In some cases, the rake couldn’t turn stubborn or compacted soil. Also, due to the increased pressure applied in these situations, a few customers reported the tines broke off.
Not for Taller People
Anyone over 5’10” might struggle with this one, as the handle is maximum 58 inches. It won’t extend any further.
Product Specs
| Material | Fiberglass and steel |
| Number of Tines / Head Width | 16 (16 inches) |
| Weight | 3.45 pounds |
| Handle Length | 58 inches |
| Handle Features | None |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Hooyman Landscape Metal Bow Rake
Best Heavy Duty Bow Rake
If you’re going to be putting your bow rake to the test with various types of work, then this is the one for you. It’s a well-built, durable, and heavy-duty option.
It’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty, so you can trust that you’re getting your money’s worth.
What We Like
Carbon Steel Construction
Carbon steel is a long-lasting material. This means that with this carbon-steel rake, you can enjoy many years of heavy-duty use without any adverse effects.
Reliable and Long Handle
We think you’ll love the handle on this rake. Not only is it 65 inches long — perfect for taller people — but it has a non-slip grip. When it’s raining out, the material becomes tacky to provide a secure grip even in bad weather.
Double-Sided Head for Versatile Use
Thanks to the double-sided head, you can do so many different jobs with this rake. Of course, it has a teeth side which you can use for breaking up ground or spreading materials. The flat side is perfect for leveling jobs.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
We love to see a good warranty! This one comes with a limited lifetime warranty, so you can have peace of mind over your product, especially because it’s a more expensive option.
What We Don't Like
Too Heavy for Some Customers
Weighing nearly five pounds, this is on the heavier side for some people. While five pounds doesn’t sound like a lot, it can make maneuverability a bit difficult.
Double the Average Price
This bow rake might not fit into everyone’s budget. It’s roughly double the price of the average bow rake. But keep in mind, it’s high-quality and has a limited lifetime warranty.
Product Specs
| Material | Forged 1050 high-carbon steel |
| Number of Tines / Head Width | 16 (16 inches) |
| Weight | 4.6 pounds |
| Handle Length | 65 inches |
| Handle Features | Ergonomic, non-slip |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Ashman Heavy Duty Bow Rake
Best Tines
This Ashman bow rake has really awesome tines. So if you have a variety of yard work you need to do, we think you’ll enjoy the curved tines. They are designed to pick up more in every stroke.
The tines are razor-sharp L-shaped carbon steel blades that can get through stubborn and compacted grounds, but they also last for ages due to the durable materials.
What We Like
Great for Cultivation
This is the ultimate tool for cultivation. The blade and shaft work well together to dig and uproot super deep soil. If you want to plant some new crops, this is the perfect rake to prep your soil.
Sharpened Tines for Easy Digging
The razor-sharp tines have been designed to dig into any kind of soil. Besides that, these tines are rust-proof and chip resistant, so they will serve you well for a long time.
Slightly Flexible — Increases Durability
When you hit an object, don’t anticipate any breaking. This bow rake has a bit of flexibility to it, so it reacts slightly to hard objects instead of breaking, bending, or snapping.
Tackle All Gardening Jobs
This bow rake is designed to tackle all kinds of gardening jobs. Put this to the test for spreading topsoil, breaking up compacted soil, composting, filtering out trash and stones, mulching leaves, and much more.
What We Don't Like
Super Lightweight and Thin
The rake is only 2.9 pounds which is very lightweight for some customers. It doesn’t have that classic, heavy-duty feeling, though it is still very durable. It’s also a very thin handle which is annoying for some users with larger hands.
Product Specs
| Material | Fiberglass and carbon steel |
| Number of Tines / Head Width | 16 (14 inches) |
| Weight | 2.9 pounds |
| Handle Length | 60 inches |
| Handle Features | Rubber grip for comfort |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Coconut Level Head Bow Rake
Best Budget-Friendly Bow Rake
Stick to your budget with this bow rake from COCONUT. It’s very affordable, cheaper than many other options, but still a well-loved bow rake amongst happy customers.
You’ll love that it has an adjustable handle that spans from 45 inches all the way to 60 inches. This gives you an extra 15 inches depending on your height.
It’s also a great way to get the kids involved since it won’t be too long for them.
What We Like
Built for Heavy-Duty Use
This rake won’t shy away from heavy-duty tasks. The blade and shaft are sturdy and screwed tightly together so they won’t come apart. I recommend using this for digging and uprooting soil, as well as other such yard work.
Stainless Steel Handle
Whenever we see stainless steel, we get a little excited. Stainless steel is durable, weather-resistant, and rust-resistant. It will take a lot to break a wooden handle, meaning this is a very durable option.
Easy Assembly
It’s easy to get this up and running once it arrives. It’s broken down into four pieces, and the rake head. You can easily screw everything together, which keeps everything secure, as well as disassemble it if you need to transport it.
Adjustable Handle
Get the entire family involved with yard work. You can customize this to suit any family member, as it spans from 45 to 60 inches.
What We Don't Like
No Handle Cushioning
The lack of cushioning on the handle means that after a while, this may grow uncomfortable to use. You can always add your own, but it’s an extra step and cost.
Handle Comes Loose From Rake
The handle needs to be tighter. After a few uses, it comes loose, and you will need to keep screwing it back up.
Product Specs
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Number of Tines / Head Width | 14 (14 inches) |
| Weight | 3.3 pounds |
| Handle Length | 45-60 inches |
| Handle Features | Adjustable |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
True Temper 16-Tine Bow Rake
Best Lightweight Bow Rake
You may be looking for something lighter and easier to transport and maneuver.
This True Temper bow rake only weighs 3.1 pounds, so it’s on the lighter side without being flimsy.
It’s made of a hardwood handle — which makes it lightweight — but with steel tines for durability and reliability.
What We Like
Cushioned Handle for Comfort
The 57-inch handle has a cushioned handle at the tip. As you go about your work, this provides comfort so your hand doesn’t tire out when raking for long periods of time.
Great for Loosening and Levelling Soil
This bow rake was specifically made for these two jobs: loosening and leveling soil. Put it to the test for other jobs, but this is what it’s best for. If that’s what you’re looking to do, then you can’t go wrong with this rake.
16 Steel Tines
The 16 welded steel tines are heavy-duty. They can do a fantastic job at breaking up stubborn compacted materials and spreading them around evenly.
Weighs 3.1 Pounds
This is one of the lightest bow rakes we have found. Weighing 3.1 pounds, it’s a fantastic solution for people who want to do yardwork without supplementing their chores with a gym membership!
What We Don't Like
Handle Breaks More Easily
Wooden handles break more easily than fiberglass or metal handles. This isn’t a problem for many customers, but the odd few did experience the handle breaking after a few months.
Don’t leave it outside where it can succumb to the elements. Always store it in a cool, dry spot.
Not for Large or Commercial Jobs
If you have a large yard with various types of yard work, or you need something for your commercial business, then this isn’t going to cut it. It’s not durable enough, nor is it designed for much other than loosening and leveling soil.
Product Specs
| Material | Hardwood handle and steel tines |
| Number of Tines / Head Width | 16 (16 inches) |
| Weight | 3.1 pounds |
| Handle Length | 57 inches |
| Handle Features | Cushioned grip |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Miya Bow Rake
Longest Bow Rake
This handle goes much longer than some of the average bow rakes on the market. It spans to a generous 72 inches long!
You can even adjust the length for other members of the family who don’t want to take advantage of the full six feet.
This length is great for taller people and getting into hard-to-reach spots.
What We Like
Razor Sharp Blades
The blades on this rake are razor-sharp. This makes it super easy to dig into any kind of soil with no problems. You’ll love this for digging, weeding, and loosening soil.
Warning
Keep this away from pets and children, as the sharpness can cause injury.
Heavy-Duty Design
The exact materials of this rake’s blade aren’t specified, but customers find that it’s well-built. Perhaps, it may be because of its stainless steel handle. You can do heavy-duty work in the yard without worrying about breakage.
60 to 72 Inches
The handle spans from 60 to 72 inches long. This is great when various family members need to use the rake. Since it goes down to 60 inches, you can even get the kids involved. Just be careful with the blades, though.
Very Versatile Garden Tool
You can use this tool for piercing through any kind of soil. You can dig, loosen, ad mix soil, as well as rake up leaves. This is a fantastic garden companion — and at a reasonable price.
What We Don't Like
Handle Too Long for Some
While it shortens to 60 inches, that’s still too long for some people. If you have young children or are particularly short, this may be too long for you.
Difficult To Manuever
This rake has some unfortunate design flaws. It’s hard to hold because the connection points get in the way of where one would naturally place their hands. The connection points are also quite loose, so the handle can spin on itself when you’re doing your yard work.
Product Specs
| Material | Stainless steel handle |
| Number of Tines / Head Width | 14 (14 inches) |
| Weight | 3.7 pounds |
| Handle Length | 60-72 inches |
| Handle Features | Adjustable length |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Ergieshovel Strain Reducing Bow Rake
Best Ergonomic Handle
This bow rake goes the extra mile by providing a great ergonomic handle.
Not only that, but it has an extra handle for added control and comfort. This reduces the strain while you work, so you can go longer between breaks.
It also adds leverage to make it easier to do heavy-duty work throughout larger yards.
What We Like
Two Handles for Better Control
This includes a D-grip handle halfway down the rake, ensuring that you have better control over your yard work. Besides the second handle, it’s worth noting that the main handle has a soft grip to provide you with the best comfort while you work.
Smart Lock Assembly and Disassembly
The rake easily breaks apart into four smaller pieces, so you can store it without any problems. Even if you have minimal storage space, this shouldn’t be hard to find a space for.
Good for Rough Debris
Thanks to the 16 steel shaft tines, this rake is great for moving around rough debris and mulch. It’s a sturdy and reliable rake head that will impress you every time.
Minimizes Back Pain
If you dread going outside to do yard work, this rake might save the day. Because of the design, especially the added handle, customers have reported that this has minimized or even eliminated their back pain.
What We Don't Like
6.3 Pounds
This is heavier than average. Many customers found that this rake was far too heavy for comfortable use. If you’re not very strong, you may want to opt for a lighter option.
Loose Connection Points
A few customers reported that the connection points aren’t 100 percent solid, so you might experience a little wobbling when raking.
Product Specs
| Material | Steel |
| Number of Tines / Head Width | 16 (16 inches) |
| Weight | 6.3 pounds |
| Handle Length | 54 inches |
| Handle Features | Extra handle |
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
| Product | Best | Material | No. of Tines ( Head Width) | Weight | Handle Length | Handle Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bully Tools Bow Rake | Durable | Fiberglass & steel | 16 (16″) | 3.45 lbs | 58″ | None |
| Hooyman Landscape Bow Rake | Heavy Duty Bow Rake | High carbon steel | 16 (16″) | 4.6 lbs | 65″ | Ergonomic, non-slip |
| Ashman Heavy Duty Bow Rake | Tines | Fiberglass & carbon steel | 16 (14″) | 2.9 lbs | 60″ | Rubber grip for comfort |
| Coconut Level Head Bow Rake | Budget-Friendly Bow Rake | Stainless steel | 14 (14″) | 3.3 lbs | 45-60″ | Adjustable |
| True Temper 16-Tine Bow Rake | Lightweight Bow Rake | Hardwood handle & steel tines | 16 (16″) | 3.1 lbs | 57″ | Cushioned grip |
| Miya Bow Rake | Longest Bow Rake | Stainless steel handle | 14 (14″) | 3.7 lbs | 60-72″ | Adjustable length |
| Ergieshovel Bow Rake | Ergonomic Handle | Steel | 16 (16″) | 6.3 lbs | 54″ | Extra handle |
How To Choose the Best Bow Rakes
Each bow rake is unique in some way or another, so there’s no one size that fits all. To choose the best bow rake for you, consider all of these important details.
Material
Consider the handle and blade material. The stronger the material, the more sturdy and durable the rake will be.
Different handle materials include wood, steel, fiberglass, and plastic. Steel (or other metals) and fiberglass are the most durable.
As for the blade heads, metal is best. Look out for other features such as rust- and corrosion-resistance, making the rake more durable.
Number of Tines / Head Width
Check out the head measurement, which tends to be around 16 inches. If it’s smaller, it will take longer to rake leaves, but if it’s longer, it’ll make the job quicker.
Also, look at the number of tines (or blades). On average, bow rakes will have 14 or 16 tines. More tines mean you can clean large areas quicker and pick up more debris per stroke.
Weight
Check out the weight of the bow rake. The heavier it is, the more sturdy, but possibly more difficult to manage if you aren’t very strong. On average, you’ll find bow rakes between about two and five pounds.
Length
Handle lengths vary by bow rake, too. The majority are between 50 and 70 inches.
The longer it is, the higher it will be, which is easier for taller people. If you’re tall, definitely look for something at least 60 inches.
Top Tip
You can also find adjustable handles. This is ideal if you’re splitting the yard work up within the family. If everyone is of different heights, just adjust the handle length as needed.
Handle
Take a look at the different features of a handle. You can maximize your comfort by looking for an ergonomic handle, one with a non-slip coating or one with an extra handle.
Budget
Last but not least, what’s your budget? Bow rakes usually fall between $20 and $50, with the majority being around $27. Not a huge price tag, but you can go cheaper and still get fantastic quality.
Bow Rakes FAQs
What Can I Use Instead of a Rake?
The best alternative to a bow rake is a shovel for moving debris and digging or turning soil.
Is It Ok To Mow Leaves Instead of Raking?
If you have a very thin layer of leaves, and your mower manufacturer allows it, you can use a mower instead of a rake.
What’s Better — A Plastic or Metal Rake?
Plastic is cheaper, but metal is more durable, sturdier, and possibly even rust- and corrosion-resistant. I definitely recommend metal over plastic.
Why Is It Called a Bow Rake?
A bow rake gets its name from its shape. It has wide tines (blades) set parallel to each other, giving it maximum strength to rake heavy items in the garden.
Can You Dethatch With a Bow Rake?
You can dethatch with a bow rake, but you would be better off using a dedicated thatching rake. A bow rake could damage your lawn and only pull out a small percentage of the thatch.
Why Does My Back Hurt After Raking?
Your back hurts after raking because you are using the wrong raking stance. Applying excess pressure to the lower back causes it to curve, creating strain.
