Old Faithfulls.

Discussion in 'Tools And Equipment' started by Mike Allen, May 16, 2018.

  1. Mike Allen

    Mike Allen Total Gardener

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    Surely you must have some tool that once belonged to dad, or granddad. Brings to mind what might have been a sketch by the the two Ronnies. This hammer was my dads. It's had three new handles, (handles not candles) and four new heads. I really treasure it. So laughs and chuckles over.....no please no grimmaces, spoils your looks!!

    I still have all my dad's tools both general and gardening tools. Dad passed away aged 72 in the early 1960's. One tool that was in constant use by him and myself was an entrenching tool. entrenching tool ww1 - Google Search:

    Even today, I still use it. Initially it was for use by WW1 soldiers to dig in, to collectively engage in digging trenches. In the garden, on the plot. We used it to earth up the spuds. Using the thinner part. It would give a good drill for seed sowing. When it came to clearing larger areas of weeds, brambles etc. It was the miracle tool. So friends. What have you got in Pandoras box?
     
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    • Mike77

      Mike77 Gardener

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      I've not got anything like this but it's pretty cool that you're still using a WW1 entrenching tool in the garden.
       
    • shiney

      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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      I have a number of inherited tools. Some of them are over 100 years old. As I'm not very good at DIY they rarely get used :noidea:

      Some of the garden tools are old and inherited. I even have two wheelbarrow that were left by the previous owners. They said that one of them they bought in 1953 and the other was inherited by them and they don't know how old it is. That one is now falling apart!
       
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      • Clare G

        Clare G Super Gardener

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        Yes, I inherited and still like to use some gardening tools that originally belonged to my grandmother. There's a very serviceable hoe, a steel trowel with a wooden handle of just the right size for my hand, as well as hers, and a couple of big galvanised watering cans that sit permanently by the back door looking 'shabby chic' and getting a good amount of use too! She was a keen gardener and would love to think of me still using them I bet.

        My mother loved to garden too --my brother has her gardening tools, out at her house in France, but I enjoy using some that she gave me for my garden here, for instance a nice pair of Felco secateurs. Those must be over 30 years old now and again are going strong.
         
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        • Graham B

          Graham B Gardener

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          When I bought my place, I found this in the shed. It was very rusty and blunt, but a bit of TLC got it back into service. Very useful for brush cutting, with an inside edge on the hook and a small axe blade on the back. I've also got a sickle I found at a vintage fair, which is perfect for dealing with nettles. Both take an insane edge, so I've lost a bit of blood to them when I've been careless!
          15270734839210.jpg
           
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          • PetalsonthePavingSlabs

            PetalsonthePavingSlabs Gardener

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            It's not a tool, but I've just got hold of a landmine sign from the Falklands, as and when the minefields from 1982 are cleared you can make a donation and receive a sign from a cleared mine field. It has some paperwork with it to allow me to get it through customs, and I intend to put it in my garden somewhere when I get home next month. It'll be a little bit of history in my garden both from the war and from my own travels and might freak out the neighbour's kids if their football ever comes over the fence!
             
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            • PetalsonthePavingSlabs

              PetalsonthePavingSlabs Gardener

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              Is that the tool you refer to in your other thread @Graham B ? It's a beaut, well worth taking the time to get the handle sorted I think. Also, it could be very handy if there was ever a zombie apocalypse. Be prepared.
               
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              • Graham B

                Graham B Gardener

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                Yep, that's the one. Lethal bit of hardware. It's no good for anything too woody, but it goes through brush quite nicely.

                I've actually got that as my WhatsApp profile pic. A few people have said I've scared them when it came up. :)
                 
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                • CanadianLori

                  CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                  Blimey @Graham B , I just saw one of those at The Tower! What a weapon. :yikes: Thanks for sharing the pic :)

                  (Notice I've only been here 28 hours and already picked up some of the lingo? :rolleyespink::biggrin:)
                   
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                  • CanadianLori

                    CanadianLori Total Gardener

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                    I have a pair of garden shears that belonged to an old gent. I really should get them sharpened next time the tinker comes along our street. The old boy would be 115 if he was still with us. He had started the Horticulture Society in Oakville which my home town.
                     
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                    • shiney

                      shiney President, Grumpy Old Men's Club Staff Member

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                      When we moved in here46 years ago there was a bayonet in the loft! :hate-shocked: Fortunately no one was holding it. :heehee:
                       
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                      • Mike Allen

                        Mike Allen Total Gardener

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                        Great tool the bilhook. Comes in a variety of shapes. Yes! very easy to self inflict accidents with it until you get the balance of it. Fantastic when chopping/shaping stakes.

                        Tools of yesteryear are still being used. Compared to some of yesterday that have passed their use by date.
                         
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