The pendulum hoe - also commercially available under the name "weed weeder" - has been used for a very long time. The practical garden tool is widespread in Switzerland, but still almost unknown in this country. You can find out how to effectively remove weeds with a pendulum hoe and which models are particularly recommended by reading this guide.
The pendulum hoe makes weeding much easier
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Fiskars weeder, length: 167.5 cm, width: 13.5 cm, black/orange, stainless steel/plastic, Xact, 1027042
30.10 EUR To the product| materials sheet | stainless steel |
|---|---|
| material stem | hardened aluminum / plastic |
| stem length | 167.5 centimeters |
| sheet width | 13.5 centimeters |
| Weight | 760 grams |
| particularities | double-edged blade, soft grip |
The pendulum hoe, referred to here by the manufacturer as a "weeder", enables efficient destruction of weeds on paths and beds thanks to its movable, double-edged blade with teeth on the back. The long handle is made of hardened aluminum and has a comfortable soft grip. The handle design and the low weight enable powerful blows without having to exert too much effort.
In their product reviews, the majority of users are very satisfied, even if the weeder broke after some time for some customers. A replacement was delivered every time, and the device is not suitable for hard-rooted weeds.
our recommendation
Alba Krapf pendulum hoe with Original handle
36.00 EUR To the product| materials sheet | promat galvanized spring steel (stainless) |
|---|---|
| material stem | wood |
| stem length | 160 centimeters |
| sheet width | 12.5 centimeters |
| Weight | unknown |
| particularities | double-edged blade |
This proven pendulum hoe from the well-known manufacturer Alba Krapf removes weeds effectively and without much effort - simply pull or push the device flat through the soil surface. The sharp blade cuts off weeds and loosens the soil at the same time. The majority of users recommend the tool, and its use is described as uncomplicated and practical.
The only downside is that the wooden handle - the manufacturer does not specify the type of wood used - has probably broken for some users. However, a wooden handle can be quickly replaced with another made of more stable material, and the hoe is also available without a handle.
| materials sheet | stainless steel |
|---|---|
| material stem | ash wood |
| stem length | 160 centimeters |
| sheet width | 13 centimeters |
| Weight | unknown |
| particularities | double-sided blade, self-sharpening |
The garden tools from the English quality manufacturer Kent & Stowe are designed and manufactured according to traditional designs from the 1800s. The pendulum hoe also combines the advantages of old techniques and modern materials in a robust and practical garden tool. The high-quality tool head made of stainless steel has a double-sided, sharp blade with which you can pull and push weeds. The long handle made of stable ash wood allows back-friendly and fast work. The Kent & Stowe oscillating hoe is ideal for cultivating both grass and soil.
Purchase Criteria
materials and weight
So that the pendulum hoe does not become unusable after a short time, you should pay attention to high-quality material. The device head is made of stable and rustproof stainless steel, the swinging blade should be sharp and not too thin. Also make sure that both blades - both the front and the back - are sharpened and that the individual parts are firmly connected to each other. Heavier hoes are preferable, as experience has shown that they are more stable.
stalk
As with many other garden tools, the handle of a pendulum hoe is traditionally made of wood. Choose hardwood handles such as ash or beech, as these are sturdier and therefore more durable. Experience has shown that handles made of soft types of wood (e.g. pine or spruce) break quickly and are therefore unsuitable. In addition, some manufacturers (e.g. Fiskars) offer stable handles made of plastic or aluminum with special coatings for a better grip.
stem length
In addition to a robust material, the right length of the handle is also important when choosing the right pendulum hoe. This depends on your height, with most manufacturers offering handle lengths between 150 and 170 centimetres. For comfortable, back-friendly work, most people recommend handles with a length of 150 to a maximum of 160 centimetres. A telescopic handle allows the individual and user-dependent adjustment of the optimal handle length.
sheet width / size
With regard to the size or width of the pendulum head, there are not too serious differences between the individual models from the different manufacturers. As a rule, pendulum hoes are between 12 and 15 centimeters wide. A model with a narrower head is well suited for working between plants and rows of plants in beds, while tools with a wider head are used for working on paths and areas.
price
Last but not least, the price is a decisive purchase criterion. The old saying “buy cheap, buy twice” also applies (especially!) to frequently used gardening tools such as the pendulum hoe. So don't grab the cheapest model right away, but compare the different offers in terms of quality, material and workmanship. You won't enjoy a cheap swing hoe if it's bent or even broken after the first (or second…) use.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a pendulum hoe?
The pendulum hoe is a very old garden tool that has been around for several centuries and is used for easy weed removal. A movable tool head sits on a (usually) long handle, which has a double-sided sharp blade and can be both pushed and pulled.
What types of pendulum hoes are there?
The device head of a pendulum hoe is the same for all models, they differ only in their width and the materials used. Only the length of the handle can be varied, for example by using a short handle instead of the long one and thus making a large pendulum hoe and a more manageable format.
What can you do with a pendulum hoe?
Swing hoes are designed for easy weed removal. You pull or push the device back and forth on the area to be worked - this can be a bed, a gravel or lawn area or a path - just below the surface of the earth. The sharp blade cuts off weeds, which can then be left as mulch (€239.00).
Which manufacturers offer pendulum hoes?
Various manufacturers offer high-quality pendulum hoes. In addition to well-known brands such as Fiskars, Alba Krapf or Kent & Stowe, you will also find the traditional garden tool at Manufactum and other suppliers of garden tools. However, pendulum hoes are rarely found in conventional DIY or garden stores - unless you live in Switzerland.
What alternatives are there to the pendulum hoe?
As an alternative to the pendulum hoe, there is a so-called bow weeder and a shovel. These devices are used in much the same way, with shovels of different sizes and shapes. So you can choose the right model. The bow weeder, on the other hand, can also be used on hardened, heavy soils with woody weeds.
What are the advantages of the pendulum hoe?
Thanks to the upright posture when removing weeds, the pendulum hoe enables back-friendly and easy work. The oscillating movement of the sharp blades also simply cuts off the weeds, so you save energy and don't tire as quickly. The pendulum hoe is an environmentally friendly tool as it allows you to remove weeds without poison.
equipment
weeder
our recommendation
Fiskars Weeder 1m Length Stainless Steel Arms/Plastic Handle Black/Orange Xact 1020126
28.59 EUR To the productUnfortunately, not all weeds can be removed with a pendulum hoe. The root weeds in particular sit very deep in the earth and grow back again and again if the surface is cut off. With a handy weed puller you can also get rid of these annoying plants.
scavenger
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten - Krümmerjäter multi-star iE-M NEW 2022-2023", red 10x20x10 cm; 71AAA004650
16.10 EUR To the productA so-called elbow weeder combines two practical gardening tools in one: With the cultivator side you can loosen and aerate even heavier soil, then you simply turn the tool around and remove even stubborn weeds with the ironing side. The stirrup weeder works much like a pendulum hoe.
Short handle for working close to the ground
our recommendation
WOLF-Garten multi-star aluminum short handle ZM 04; 3944840
7.03 EUR To the productA pendulum hoe with a short handle is particularly practical when it comes to weeding beds that are closely overgrown: With this, you can remove weeds with pinpoint accuracy and not accidentally remove useful or ornamental plants in exuberance. With interchangeable handles - one long, one short - you can also use the pendulum hoe in a variety of ways.