A Victorian invention, “Ball Weeders” have a two pronged fork protruding from a 2 1/2-inch diameter knob at the base of a short handle. While effective at prying tap rooted weeds such as dandelions, they are also useful for removing weeds with spreading roots. The ball is an excellent fulcrum that gives you leverage even when the ground is soft or wet.

Weeders with narrow, strap-like fulcrums penetrate soft, wet surfaces and fail to give leverage. The one shortcoming of traditional ball weeders is their short handle. They give you a great fulcrum but not much of a lever. This version has a full 10 inch shaft and handle above the ball, giving a many fold increase in mechanical advantage. The forged head is strong enough and long enough to grab mature taproots by the shoulder and pop them out of the ground with ease.

About the maker : Hand forged in the Pacific Northwest in small batches by one of few remaining blacksmiths making these types of tools in the US, Red Pig Garden Tools. With a specialty in historical, often one-of-a-kind, tools that you will not find in other garden tool offerings, this collection is built to last.

Type of tool: Weeder, Specialty Tools

Function of tool: Weeding

• Width of knob (ball): 2.5”

• Total length: 14”

• Weight: 0.5 lbs

• Handle: Hickory

• Hand Forged Steel

• Made in the USA