rakes through the years
Wasting anything bothers me. As I had my volunteer leaf rakers ask about rakes I had that they could use, I had to go down to the basement and look. I knew there were rakes in the bowels of my repository of tools and projects.
You may think I have hoarded broken rakes. I don't see it that way. These all have use left in them and, they are used. AND, three were used lately. At least one can be repaired. Besides, I have room for them and keep them in one place.
The metal rake on the right has a broken wooden handle that can be repaired, replaced. I think. The next rake, the little green one in the middle is small but very usable. The plastic on the left is snaggle-tooth. As I watched, someone misused it. That person laughed when it broke. That person never set foot in my yard again. The industrial rake, the one with the yellow handle is my pride and joy. I bought it about 15 years ago for something like $35. That was back when I could afford it. I want that to be the last rake I ever need to buy.
So, there they sit, rakes waiting on people to wield them. The rake with the broken handle may be a project. It is raining, so they need to be returned to shelter. The yellow one is on the porch.
I wonder how old the little metal ones are. My son is 46 and used the little ones. So I suppose the little ones are 46 years old, at least. We had them before he was born. They appeal to me like many old tools from my past do.
Your turn
Do you still have metal rakes like the two smaller ones? Do you get rid of rakes? Or, do you keep them as spares, knowing maybe more than one person will be using them? Maybe you have no need for rakes but have something you keep around when you buy a new one?
I have three rakes exactly like yours pictured, just no one to make use of them now. I believe I've kept EVERYTHING ever bought before buying another new one - when I couldn't find the 'already have one' item. Oh mercy, what angst my clutter gives me.
ReplyDeleteSissy,
DeleteWhat a surprise. These were never bought because I could not find the one I had. These have stayed in the same place since 1977. I am sorry your clutter gives you angst. My angst occurs when someone does not put them back or they all fall down! Thanks for the comment.
No rakes needed yet. In fact, I don't really remember ever raking leaves as a kid. My "job" was to pick up all the gazillions of gum balls before dad mowed.
ReplyDeleteAs for things I keep even after buying a new one.. um... well, not really a collection of anything unless kitchen appliances or clothes count. But even then, I eventually phase those things out. I might keep one spare around in the event of an "emergency", like my old flat iron or hair dryer. But never more than one.
tlc,
DeletePicking up gum balls was a big job. Did you ever spray them silver or gold for Christmas?
My curling iron and hair dryer don't work, so those are trash. I wish the old would work so I had a spare. Since these live in the basement, more than one is not a problem, otherwise I would be like you--never more than one. A huge basement is a boon and bane. Thanks for making me think.
Nope, never sprayed them. I HATED those blasted gum balls lol!
DeleteLOl, I suppose so. We loved them, but they were not a chore. They were in other people's yards.
DeleteOh yes. We have, and use very similar rakes. And the light plastic one is perfect for some jobs and just not up to others... And our clutter does give me some anxt. Some of it I would like to shift one, but a lot of it just needs to be 'ordered'. A dream.
ReplyDeleteEC,
DeleteUseful clutter out of sight does not bother me...lol. As long as this stuff stays in the basement, I am happy. When it is all over the yard, I get anxious. Yes, I have similar dreams, too.
I too, have a rake like your rusty one with a broken handle. Matter of fact, the handle is showing signs from the elements and one day, I'll have to repair or replace the handle. I save all my old/used handles, both wood and plastic. I use them around the yard and when one is needed for its intended purpose, I have one.
ReplyDeleteI don't call my collecting hoarding. I call it keeping serviceable supplies on hand. However, sometimes I save things that will never be used and I rely on the Spring cleaning events. Trouble is, which Spring will I clean?
Mike,
DeleteYes, I have not decided which Spring I will clean, either. I save the tool and all broken handles for stakes. I need to replace handles in rakes, hoes, and lots of things. I also buy tools minus handles.