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Step 1
Determine your limitations when it comes to yard work. If you have had surgery or arthritis that will affect how you complete your outdoor chores, buy an ergonomic rake that you can use without pain.
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Step 2
Set a budget for your leaf rake purchase. Specialty rakes can be fairly expensive. However, inexpensive rakes are more likely to fall apart and need more frequent replacement.
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Step 3
Choose a rake with a comfortable grip or invest in some solid work gloves. Raking involves repetitive motion, so you want to make sure you don't get a blister or raw hands while you're making leaf piles.
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Step 4
Buy a rake with steel fingers. While bamboo-fingered rakes are cheaper, they break more easily if improperly stored. If you don't have the money for a metal rake, but want a rake that will last, buy a rake with plastic fingers.
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Step 5
Make sure your rake is 24 inches wide. A smaller rake will make the job last a lot longer, while a larger rake will strain your body unnecessarily.
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Step 6
Pick a rake that has features that meet your needs. For example, if you have back problems, choose a pivot rake. A pivot rake has a movable head that allows you to make leaf piles without a lot of motion.









