How should rakes be stored?

Rakes are essential yard and garden tools used for gathering leaves, clearing debris, and preparing soil beds. Proper rake storage is important to keep them in good working order and prevent damage. There are several key factors to consider when deciding how to store rakes, including the rake type, storage location, positioning, and maintenance.

What are the different types of rakes?

There are three main types of rakes, each designed for different purposes:

Rake Type	Description	Uses
Leaf rake	Lightweight with tines made of plastic, bamboo or metal	Gathering leaves and light debris
Shrub rake	Stiff, short tines made of metal	Breaking up densely packed material and soil, clearing heavy debris
Landscape rake	Large metal head with long, sturdy tines	Loosening and leveling soil, removing rocks and large debris

Knowing the type of rake will inform how it should be stored. Leaf rakes are more delicate and require protected storage, while heavy-duty landscape rakes are more resilient.

Where should rakes be stored?

The best place to store rakes depends on the seasonal use and features of the storage location:

– Shed or garage: Protects rakes year-round from weather and yard debris. Hang rakes on a wall using hooks or nails. For extra protection, cover with a tarp or rake storage bag.

– Along house exterior: Rakes can be stored against the wall under an overhang or eve during the fall season when they are needed more frequently.

– Yard or garden storage bench: Benches with shelving or hooks allow for accessible outdoor storage during peak raking season. Provide padding for tines to prevent damage.

– Rake stand: Floor stands with slots neatly organize multiple rakes in the garage or shed. Keeps them upright and accessible while saving space.

No matter the storage spot, ensure it keeps rakes protected from moisture and provides ventilation to prevent rusting. Avoid leaning rakes directly on concrete or damp ground.

What is the best position for storing rakes?

Storing rakes with the tines facing down can cause them to get bent and misshapen over time. The best position is:

– Hanging rakes by the handle with tines facing up or sideways to keep them straight and evenly spaced. This prevents tines from getting tangled and scratched.

– Storing long-handled rakes vertically with the tines facing down only works if there is padding to protect the tines. Stand rakes on their handles instead of hanging them to provide support across the entire head.

– Laying rakes flat on a shelf or the ground can cause tines to get bent in one direction. If storing flat, rotate rakes periodically to opposite directions to keep tines straight.

– Placing rakes head-down with tines in a bucket or can protect the tines but takes up more space. This works well for delicate leaf rakes.

Proper positioning minimizes the risk of damage to rake tines that can impact performance.

How can rakes be maintained in storage?

Proper maintenance while in storage will extend the usable life of rakes:

– Wipe loose dirt off rake tines before storage to prevent scratching or tangling. Use a wire brush to remove caked-on debris.

– Apply a coating of linseed oil or lubricating spray to metal rake heads to prevent rusting, especially if storing in a damp location.

– Check for loose or damaged tines before storing and repair as needed with rake tine replacement kits.

– Pad rake tips with cut pieces of garden hose or old towels to prevent dulling and bending while in storage.

– Consider covering rakes with a ventilated rake storage bag or tarp to protect from dust, moisture and yard chemicals.

– For long-term storage, loosen any nuts and bolts to relieve tension on the head and prevent warped tines.

Taking time to clean and maintain rakes before placing them into storage will help preserve their condition and functionality for many seasons of use.

Choosing Storage Locations

When selecting rake storage locations, consider convenience of access, security, and exposure to elements:

Garage or Shed

Garages or sheds provide secure, covered storage ideal for long-term rake storage:

– Hang rakes on wall hooks spaced at least 12 inches apart to prevent tangling
– Install shelving with slots or hooks for orderly storage
– Use a wall-mounted rake organizer with protected slots
– Store upright in a five-gallon bucket packed with padding
– Lean handles against wall while providing padding underneath tines
– Cover rakes with ventilated storage bag if exposed to yard chemicals

Proper garage and shed storage protects rakes from weather damage, keeps them accessible, and frees up yard space.

Exterior Wall

Storing rakes against an exterior wall works well for seasonal access:

– Hang rakes from hooks under eave overhangs for shelter
– Install shelving under cover to lay rakes flat
– Use a freestanding rake rack placed along wall away from foot traffic
– Ensure padding protects tines from contact with siding
– Provide drainage slope so rakes don’t sit in puddles against foundation

Rakes stored outside need frequent inspection for rust and mold if exposed to rain and moisture.

Garden Storage Bench

Benches and storage chests conveniently keep rakes accessible in the yard:

– Use storage bench with dedicated rake hooks on backrest
– Lay rakes inside bench seat compartment lined with padding
– Store short-handled rakes upright in bench cubbies
– Position bench under tree canopy or awning to keep rakes dry
– Anchor bench so it doesn’t tip over if loaded with rakes

Rakes left outdoors require extra padding and weather protection to prevent damage.

Freestanding Rake Stand

Rake stands provide handy outdoor access without taking up wall space:

– Use stand with slots for 4-6 rakes to keep them organized
– Select stand made of durable powder-coated metal
– Include small trays in stand to hold gloves and debris scoop
– Position stand near garage or shed entry for easy access
– Ensure rakes are fully seated in slots to prevent tipping

Freestanding racks allow quick rake selection but provide minimal weather protection.

Storing Different Types of Rakes

Each rake type has optimal storage positions to maintain functionality:

Leaf Rakes

Lightweight leaf rakes require protected storage:

– Hang leaf rakes on wall hooks tines up or sideways to prevent bending
– Lay flat on padded shelving or in storage bench seats
– Stand upright in five-gallon bucket with padding at bottom
– Use ventilated storage bags to protect rakes over winter

Avoid leaning plastic-tined leaf rakes against walls or foundations where they can bend under pressure.

Shrub Rakes

Shrub rakes have stiff, short tines suitable for vertical storage:

– Hang shrub rakes on hooks in garage or shed with tines facing down
– Store in rake caddy or five-gallon bucket with tines down
– Stand upright in slot on rake rack stand
– Lay flat on shelf and rotate direction periodically

The sturdy metal tines of shrub rakes resist bending out of shape in vertical storage.

Landscape Rakes

The long, heavy-duty tines of landscape rakes require careful storage:

– Hang horizontally on wall hooks protected from bending forces
– Stand upright on rake stand or in bucket with padding
– Lay flat on ground or shelf with tines rotated down to avoid permanent bending
– Clean thoroughly before storage to avoid scratches from debris

Avoid hanging landscape rakes vertically for long periods as the weight can cause permanent damage over time.

Storage Location Maintenance

Proper maintenance of storage areas protects rakes and extends usable life:

Shelving

– Use smooth, wide boards when building shelves to avoid scratches
– Apply felt pads to shelf corners and edges to prevent tine damage
– Varnish wood shelves periodically to prevent warping from moisture

Wall Hooks

– Install wall hooks anchored into studs for maximum weight support
– Position hooks at least 1 foot apart to keep rake handles separated
– Place padding over hooks used for horizontal hanging to avoid tine scratches

Rake Stands

– Select stand made of durable, powder-coated metal for weather resistance
– Check fittings periodically for loose screws or joints
– Keep bottom trays free of standing water and debris
– Apply lubricant to movable parts annually to prevent rust

Storage Containers

– Use five-gallon buckets or bushel baskets with ventilation holes
– Line bottom with sand or padding to hold rakes upright
– Ensure containers have drainage holes and are not left standing in water
– Wash occasionally with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly

Proper care and maintenance of the storage location will help keep rakes usable for many seasons.

Positioning Rakes for Storage

How rakes are positioned in storage impacts the equipment health over both short and long-term:

Hanging

– Hang rakes by the handle on properly spaced hooks
– Face rake heads sideways or tines up to avoid bending
– Provide padding on hooks for rakes stored horizontally
– Ensure hooks are mounted into studs and rated for weight of rakes

Standing Vertically

– Use five-gallon bucket or stand with protective base padding
– Lean handle against wall with head upright and padded underneath
– Alternate which side faces wall each season to maintain tine straightness

Laying Flat

– Place rakes head-to-head on padded shelves or floor
– Rotate direction rakes point every month to avoid permanent bending of tines
– Lay rakes on their sides during winter storage to allow moisture drainage

Proper rake positioning reduces strain on tines to maximize longevity.

Maintaining Rakes in Storage

Implementing consistent maintenance routines while rakes are in storage prevents deterioration:

Cleaning

– Remove dirt and debris from rake heads before storage with brush or hose
– Use mild detergent and scrub brush on rakes with heavy soil buildup
– Wipe rake handles clean before storage to prevent dirt buildup

Lubricating

– Apply lightweight oil annually to lubricate rake joints
– Spray metal rake heads with lubricant or linseed oil to prevent rust
– Wipe excess oil off handles to avoid sticky buildup

Inspections

– Check for loose or missing tines before storage and replace as needed
– Ensure handle is securely fastened with no cracks or splitting
– Watch for signs of rust or mold and remove immediately

Proper cleaning, lubrication, and inspection maintains rake quality over years of use.

Protective Padding

– Cut sections of garden hose to slide over rake tine tips while stored
– Use old towel or pieces of foam under rake heads resting on ground or shelves
– Wrap rake heads in plastic bags or burlap as extra winter weather protection

Adding protective padding reduces chances of rake damage significantly.

Conclusion

Rakes perform best when properly cleaned, maintained, and positioned in storage between uses. Key tips include:

– Provide protection from weather and moisture by storing rakes in shed or garage
– Hang rakes on secured hooks or stand upright with padded base
– Maintain spacing of at least 12 inches between handles to prevent tangling
– Clean rake heads before storage and lubricate metal parts annually
– Lay rakes flat on padded surfaces and alternate direction monthly
– Inspect for damage, replace worn tines, and tighten hardware as needed

Following these rake storage best practices allows these essential tools to remain in quality condition for many seasons of clearing yards and gardens of debris. With proper storage and care, a high-quality rake should provide a lifetime of usefulness.