What's the best way to get oxalis out from between patio stones? I'm ripping up my gloves and nails

I've been weeding the patio and drive of oxalis, and I'm finding I am ripping up my gloves and my nails which are already short.
I just pull the oxalis out with my fingers/thumb, but because the stalks go down into the gaps, I end up scraping and pinching against the stones to pull them out which does the damage. I sometimes use the knife pictured to hoick out the stems if they are deep down or cut them.
I'm also feeling I'm rather slow at it.
Is there a good tool or other recommendations for this job?

 

I'm afraid I'd just use a decent weedkiller for that sort of situation, if you don't want it seeding in and spreading.
You'll be scraping and poking at it forever otherwise.

If you don't want it re growing [which it will] it would also be worth re pointing all the paving. A dry mix brushed in is probably the easiest method.

 

I use a flame gun on it here. Gradually has reduced it from huge amounts to tiny bits which appear about now.

 

I think weedkiller is the only sensible way,even then it could take a few doses, oxalis is pretty persistent.

You would need to let it grow to a good leafy size before applying.

 

Many thanks for all the tips!
I'll think about weedkiller though I don't like using it.
I do have a flame gun so I'll try that next.

 

Sorry, but whatever you do it "will be back", if not it, then something else! I did wonder the other day if the 2 bits of oregano that have self-seeded are the answer i.e. spread herb seeds in the cracks as it is stopping any other weeds near it and the bees love it.

 

Nice idea, anything the bees love has to be good!

 

Whatever you decide to do, make sure you remove all the flowers. The seed pods explode and send the seeds all over the place. Also the roots have tiny tubers on them which if left in the soil will regrow.
This weed is now found on every continent by the way.

 

If you want to avoid using weedkiller @Pink678, a long handled wire brush/patio brush is a good way to remove the top growth. It won’t destroy the roots but if you keep using the brush when new growth appears the roots will be weakened. The weeds will return if favourable weather conditions encourage them. You’ll need to decide whether the occasional work out with a wire brush is preferable to using chemicals!

 

Yes it can be a real nuisance. We have it in our polytunnel. We didn't plant it but as others have said the spreading seeds came in from outside (also not planted). Here we can dig down and remove the whole plant but when it is amongst the plants we want then we have problems.

 

I have a tiny purple leaved oxalis that is growing in virtually all my pots in the garden, its impossible to eradicate.
I think it came in via some plants I bought.

 

Prayer?
There is a proper tool for getting weeds out from between slabs. I can’t recall what it’s called but if you Google patio weeding tool it should come up. Has a hook at the end which is good for getting under the roots

 

I never see it round here. If people have it, it must be quite well behaved. Never had it in any garden of my own either.