Tines

A tine (plural tines) is a slender, pointed prong on a fork, rake, comb, or similar tool. The term is used across several domains to describe projecting points that engage with material or surfaces.

In dining utensils, fork tines are the prongs that spear and lift food. Dinner forks typically have four tines, though two- or three-tine designs exist for specialized use, and some forks feature curved or differently shaped tines for specific foods or presentation.

In agriculture and industry, tines are long, durable spikes on tools such as rakes, harrows, and soil cultivators. These tines penetrate or comb through material—soil, litter, or debris—to loosen, aerate, or lift it. The arrangement, length, and spacing of tines affect performance for different tasks and terrains.

In zoology, tines refer to the branched points on antlers and other horn-like structures. The number and arrangement of tines can be characteristic of species and age and are often used in biological descriptions and depictions.

Other uses include the prongs on certain sieves, graters, or electrical components where multiple points extend outward. Across all uses, tines are defined by their function as projecting points designed to interact with other materials, whether in food handling, earth and material management, or natural anatomy.

Design considerations include material (such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or reinforced plastics), tip shape (sharp or rounded), tines’ length and thickness, and spacing, all of which influence durability, safety, and effectiveness. Regular cleaning and proper storage help prevent corrosion and dulling.