Opinions needed

Hello,
I am an A-level student and I am aiming to make a universal garden tool, which would be able to have changeable heads to it. For example shovel, spade, fork, mattock but have the same shaft and handle to it. This would hopefully save space in someones shed and would come in a pack.
For my research i need to know people's opinions on things such as materials, size, function, costing and so on, whatever you can think of.
Thankyou

 

Hi Greg & welcome to Gardeners Corner.

I had a "Wolf" one but I found the button to change the heads kept jamming & eventually broke.

 

Welcome to Gardeners Corner Greg.
It's the stuff right at the back of the border,where I can't get to it without trampling on half a dozen "brittles" that bugs me. I can see a willow herb racing to become the star of the show and I can't reach it
Lots of members will be along to help you design that dream tool. Good luck,
Jenny namaste

 

Hi Greg.

Tool design isn't my thing, but one aspect I would say is vital is that the 'heads' should be easy to change, of a robust nature, but not too heavy. Indeed, the lighter the better

 

Ah yes, materials. I think that if someone invests in such a tool, they want it to last. IMO, stainless steel would be the best choice...

 

The Wolfgarten tools (such as hoes and rakes) are handy for the like of walking/cycling to an allotment with a handle and a bag of fittings for those who don't have sheds, or where they are prone to pilfering.

But I'd have reservations about whether heavy duty digging tools with removable handles would be strong enough to be up to the job, and wonder if the amount of engineering required would make them too heavy in use.

 

Hi Greg, if you pop into more upmarket garden centres, you will find numerous multi-tools available for sale, but they do concentrate on the "flimsier" tools,
whereas you seem to be concentrating on the more sturdier tools which by design are one piece for a reason. I do hope my comments do not put you off the project, as you could be onto a winner if you can do it economically.