rake

A rake is a hand tool used for gathering debris and preparing soil. It consists of a long handle connected to a head with tines. Rakes are common in gardening, farming, and landscaping for collecting leaves, mulch, and grass clippings, as well as for loosening and leveling soil.

Common varieties include leaf rakes with fan-shaped, flexible tines; garden or bow rakes with straight tines for soil work; dethatching rakes with tighter, stiffer tines; and landscaping or gravel rakes designed for leveling or moving material on hard surfaces. Lawn rakes are sturdier for tougher debris.

Rakes have wooden, fiberglass, or metal handles and heads made of steel, aluminum, or durable plastic. Tines vary in length, spacing, and stiffness. Some models feature adjustable or detachable heads, curved or fan-shaped tines, and ergonomic grips to improve reach and control.

For leaves and mulch, use long, overlapping strokes to gather material into piles. For soil, apply gentle pressure to loosen the surface without disturbing deeper layers. Dethatching rakes remove thatch; gravel rakes move and level loose aggregates.

Rakes have ancient agricultural roots. Early versions were simple wooden implements with metal or bone tines. The word likely derives from Old English and Proto-Germanic terms for scraping or scratching.

Maintain by cleaning tines after use, drying to prevent rust, and checking for damage. Wear gloves and store rakes securely to prevent injury.