I was digging some holes with my graft the other day and it got me thinking about how I've altered many of the tools I use over the years.
When you work with tools regularly you soon learn what works for you and what doesn't. The graft in the photo above is the perfect example of this. When I purchased the spade it had two wings either side to give your foot complete support as you dug. The trouble was when digging tight post holes these "wings" got in the way. I think I'd had the thing for less than a few hours before they got chopped off with the grinder.
But this has been going on long before I started working properly, dad would always alter stuff and make tools from scratch for certain jobs (a slide hammer to take the tyres off tractor rims springs to mind).
And as I look round my workshop I can see that this has had a big affect on me as I have altered many things! For example most of my power tools have been altered as I hate having cables everywhere. I changed it so each has a small plug on it, then when working I can just have one cable under my feet instead of five.
Either that or is there a tool that constantly annoys you and you think you should alter it?
I don't modify tools, but often find items which I modify for the garden. Most of my tools belonged to my mother, they are sturdy, well made and will outlast me. The one item I don't use is her trowel, I keep it hanging in my shed, along with another trowel given to me from Win, our dear old next door neighbours. I try to get inspration from two very good female gardners.
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely to keep those two tools as a mark of respect and inspiration.
DeleteI have always called the narrow digging spade a 'Grafter'.
ReplyDeleteI cut down an old broken long shovel handle and used part of it to prop up my cold frame and use the short piece for a dibber for making planting holes for the leeks.
Similar then, I've always just called it a "graft" where the phrase a hard days graft comes from in my mind. I have many the same dibber from spades and forks that have failed me, or I them for my lack of care.
DeleteI think it's a good idea to modify tools to suit the need. Who knows, you may invent something good.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we've come up with a few over the years. I have some bent bits of metal I use when laying floors that are really handy, although I think most carpenters make their own.
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