(Part 3) Best gardening hand tools according to redditors

This kind is a lot more reasonably priced:

https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Weasel-Large-Nut-Gatherer/dp/B0096XZWNM/ref=pd_sbs_86_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0096XZWNM&pd_rd_r=JHSW08ZXDP3MY4TNJBH1&pd_rd_w=uwPyG&pd_rd_wg=Bb7na&psc=1&refRID=JHSW08ZXDP3MY4TNJBH1

NAYE Garden Grafting Tool,Pruner Kit with Rolls of Grafting Tapes and Rubber Bands,Plant Branch Twig Vine Fruit Tree Cutting Scissors Shear
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079M6W6WV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_q4-RCbF47A86M

Found this on Amazon. I think this is it!

Very achievable holy grail.

Nice! Go big or go home!

If you don't already own one, I recommend a moisture meter. It's really helped me from over-watering my plants.

Also, you do realize this is just the beginning, don't you, lol?

Fiskars
or Chikamasa.

Just make sure to keep them clean. For the Fiskars, after use place them in locking position to increase longevity of the spring’s tension.

You’re welcome! There are some nicer higher end scissors but I don’t know which brands are the really nice ones. THESE are the ones I recently bought and I love them.

My dear boy, therein lies the fallacy. No pot is too big, just the watering too frequent. Don't water your plants too frequently. Proper watering is a complete soak and then wait... Wait until the plant droops or the soil is near complete dryness. Here little Timmy, take this water meter and go forth and prosper.

Cold Steel makes something like that...

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Handed-Machete-Polypropylene/dp/B0030D9RFS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1317664973&sr=8-1

Just for your consideration. Zip ties are amazing in a final stage build!

If you ever plan on upgrading your PC though, I would avoid zip ties. Having to cut around all of your cables to add a sata power or an 8 pin connector for a new GPU is not only annoying, but potentially dangerous.

Go with twist ties, I use these ones. Just tie your stuff, snip the extra length off and move the twisted end to the rear of the cables.

https://www.amazon.com/NAYE-Garden-Grafting-Cutting-Scissors/dp/B079M6W6WV/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=grafting+shears&qid=1564081823&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/NAYE-Grafting-Blades-U-Cut-V-Cut/dp/B07PS5T6VK/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=grafting+shears&qid=1564081823&s=gateway&sr=8-6

Fiskars makes trimming scissors

I recommend you get a soil pH meter at a home & garden store. You shouldn't have to pay more than about $15.

Often times if the discoloration is confined to the lower leaves, that's a sign of a deficiency; the plant is stealing resources from its older leaves to nourish the more important new growth. But in your specific case, it looks like a pH issue.

In your case, I wouldn't add lime to raise the Ph. If you want to raise your Ph, I would use potassium. Your base saturation ratio is Ca-Mg-K-Na and they fight against each other and cause lock-out. Excessive phosphorus will hinder your micronutrient uptake like iron, Mn, and Zn. I find it hard to read a Mehlich 3 test w/o a saturated paste test because you just don't know what is being locked out. Here is what I use and the postage and lab fees are included: https://www.amazon.com/Soil-Savvy-Understand-Fertilizer-Recommendation/dp/B079GMTHFD/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia?keywords=soil+savvy&pd_rd_i=B079GMTHFD&pd_rd_r=811a5113-7887-4df8-b70f-702bd4155f6b&pd_rd_w=5Uyb1&pd_rd_wg=fd82g&pf_rd_p=a5491838-6a74-484e-8787-eb44c8f3b7ff&pf_rd_r=NMKM844FSY7YE2XDD1TX&psc=1&qid=1571521359

there's another type that gets reposted regularly - this is the one is for large nuts, but there's other sizes. currently thinking about getting it - https://smile.amazon.com/Garden-Weasel-Large-Nut-Gatherer/dp/B0096XZWNM/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Garden+Weasel+large+Nut+Gatherer&qid=1570386393&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-4

you should have a soil test done to determine what your current level of potassium and other macro and micro nutrients is, then move forward.

soil test can be bought here: https://www.amazon.com/Soil-Savvy-736736-Tester/dp/B079GMTHFD/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525977501&sr=8-1&keywords=soil+savvy

Or you can go to your local county extension office and they can provide you with instructions for testing.

6"? I'd reach for a cross cut handsaw before an axe. (Or a circular saw, or a sawzall, or a ...)

I don't own one of these, but I'd seriously consider one if the alternative was chopping (and didn't have any other suitable tool and I didn't have a desire for a bunch of wood chips).

https://www.amazon.com/Corona-RS-7160-Razor-Length/dp/B00221Q3GU/

Fiskars micro tip are the best I've used.

Fiskars Non-Stick Softgrip Micro-Tip Pruning Snip, 399211-1001 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MU8CP1W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Sei2BbDACJQES

Estwing Paleopick.

Bonsai Starter Kit! You get the seeds, soil, and instructions on how to grow your own Bonsai tree. Pretty cool.

The blades came just in time! I used to use a short box saw (seen here) to both harvest the tree and trim the roots. I now use an 18" Corona pruning saw which lasts for a while if I treat it with camellia oil. Last year I brought my reciprocating saw with a wood blade into the swamp and root pruning was a damned sight easier. My friend, Mitch, put me on to pruning blades and I ordered a 5-pack of Bosch blades.

Next year, I want the 21" Corona saw. So, anyone who wants to know what to get me for Christmas, that's it right there.

Tomorrow is SWAMP DAY! WHOO!

-----------

Note: "Just in time" is defined here as "remembering on Monday that I forgot to order the blades and now I need to pay for 2-day shipping".

Tropical plants generally love humidity but syngonium isn't as needy as some.

A moisture meter has made all the difference for me. This is the exact one i got but anything similar will do the trick https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XOIR206/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_ZJl5phBlHaylo

Gerber Back paxe is what i use.

I have a vintage version of this one which I like for its elegance and it's spring, but I think I want something with a little more leverage, maybe this one.

Whatever you choose, please don't toss them when they're sticky. Just put them in a jar with alcohol and clean when you're done or need fresh ones. It's pretty quick and is better for the environment.

Soil pH Meter, 3-in-1 Soil Test Kit For Moisture, Light & pH, A Must Have For Home And Garden

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J1HO6XY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FykFAb8M6NBZC

I have a few of these. They work really well
For the money.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D3OJD62?pc_redir=1398010597&robot_redir=1

They fluctuate a lot on amazon, currently there out of stock of the 28 incher and the 24 inch is a bit pricey. The highest price on Amazon is 50 but they are on sale about every week or two for 25 or so.

Council Tool 2.25 lb Boy's Axe, 24 inch Curved handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I0BK13Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_SuFrDbW48A0T7

Here's a pic of what it can do with some practice. I've gone up to about 2 foot diameter on pine but this was hard seasoned oak.
https://www.reddit.com/r/Axecraft/comments/clmxy9/im_about_three_months_in_to_learning_this_skill/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share

Yeah I would have the setup at least closer to being finished, but I've been busy and I really don't want to paint with a roller on the inside. I may just end up doing it tonight so I can finally bring the dresser in and fit/hang the lighting, get the foam tape strips on and see more of what's what. I have everything needed for veg minus a ppm meter and a ph tester. I picked [this] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006KY5OUG/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00) up in the hopes that it would prevent overwatering on my part. I can be a bit overzealous hah.

I've always heard them called twist ties.

Why this machete? Depending on what a person is planning on using it for in the woods it may or may not be a great selection, but for a zombie apocalypse it would force you to get really close due to lack of edge/point on the front. I don't think any benefit from the design of this blade for non-defensive purposes would outweigh the drawbacks of added zombie whacking complication. A latin style machete would give some nice reach, and a good Khukuri/Kukri can replace a hatchet pretty well as well as giving good hacking weight.

As a suggestion, I have the 15" Siru Special from Khukuri House and the thing is a beast. I've taken down small trees with it pretty quickly (though my hand was a bit numb afterward). I wouldn't want to swing it for hours in a jungle as it's heavy in comparison to a regular machete, but for camping and general household maintenance it has been awesome. Just be prepared for something like $30-$50 shipping charges as it's actually coming from Nepal.

That's good to hear.

I'm actually user a soil PH meter like this one, and from what I can tell calibration is not necessary but I'll make sure when I get home.

I asked my wife to check the soil in a few different area's and from what she is telling me, the soil along the outer area of my tote has a lower PH (2-3) while the middle is looking a little more promising (5). Looks like I need to mix the solution up a little better tonight.

If I can rule out the meter as the problem, where would you recommend starting to resolve the issue?

Get these, they are self adhesive zip-tie tie down points, but don't use zipties cause they are rather semi permanent and anytime you want to add wires or change positions etc. on your setup you'll have to cut the ziptie. Instead use twist ties so it's temporary and easy to add or remove cables. That should pretty much allow you to route anywhere on your table.

I linked amazon just for your reference but you should be able to see them in AliExpress too. They are fairly common items.

Check your auto parts store for a lug nut splitter, or harbor freight if you have one nearby.

Heavy Duty Nut Splitter Broken Damaged Corroded Stuck Screw Nut Removal Splitting Tools(#5) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FNNRVZT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7whtDbFT00WZR

:) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XH2ZDTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_dI3WCbD09WVQE

Here's what I'm looking at now:

Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe, 27 Inch https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001CZ9UY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ee.yDbKD8AFP2

Fiskars 378571-1002 X15 Chopping Axe 23.5", Yellow/Black https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000BX4SBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Je.yDb7PQS6XP

Council Tool 2.25 lb Boy's Axe, 24 inch Curved handle https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01I0BK13Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9e.yDbHVHD850

Right now I'm leaving slightly towards the Fiskars, since i live in such a dry climate. My current axe is about to come off the handle because the handle had shrunk so much.

I have used the older model of Fiskars 23.5" Splitting Axe (http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Yard-and-Garden/Axes-and-Striking/X17-Splitting-Axe-23.5) For the last 3 years and it has performed extremely well, it's light enough that I often backpack it in several miles to ADK lean-to's, and it does a very good job splitting just about all size deadfall I can find.

With regards to your hand saw - if you haven't checked out Corona , I would strongly consider it (http://www.amazon.com/Corona-Clipper-21-Inch-RS-7160/dp/B00221Q3GU/ref=sr_1_4?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1348063556&sr=1-4&keywords=corona+pruning+saw)

These two tools have significantly reduced my camping firewood anxiety.

In case anyone was wondering, this is the Gerber Gator Machete Pro.

Kind of looks like a Gerber Gator Machete Pro.

I had most of the volumes up till Dark Horse dropped it I think? This was years ago, so I never get to read the ending =\ There was an anime too, I've only seen 1 episode and the production value was pretty low.

Amazon seems to have it also, with marginally better translation

Oh, hey, if you want to take the guess work out of your soil moisture, pick up one of these https://www.amazon.com/COVERY-Moisture-acidity-Outdoor-Indicator/dp/B01M1CRG6R/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1525562114&sr=8-3&keywords=soil+moisture+meter

(It's light meter is basically useless for sucs, as they want ALL the light)

you should look into getting one of these. Lets you know exactly how much water your soil needs

How do you really use those? I bought this one from amazon and I compared it to putting my finger a little bit deeper in the soil (as in not just placing my finger on top) and it pretty much read that the moisture was in the middle for all of them, even when I just watered and even when they needed watering. It has good reviews though so I'm not sure if it's just the meter.

There you go:
https://www.amazon.com/100pcs-Plastic-twist-ties-Black/dp/B00YL13DO4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XH2ZDTM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these twist ties to keep my wires organized. Very simple and cheap, and 500 is basically a lifetime supply.

This is the only product I've used in the past, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I have had good luck with this product in recent years. Make sure the lawn is damp so it has something to adhere to the weeds.
> Also how do I test the Ph levels?

Something like this or these.

>Lastly, should I just try and dig up those big cabbage looking weeds?

Unless you get the root out along with the leaves, then I wouldn't bother as they'll just come back. Something like this tool will definitely help if you go this route. I would wait until late summer/early fall to even do that though as you will have trouble getting grass to root this late, and weeds will just come back.

hahaha I am TOTALLY being a helicopter parent with this plant. How odd, but I have no shame. :) Thank you for the encouragement! I do not have a moisture meter. Is this the type you are referring to?

​

https://www.amazon.com/Alotpower-Moisture-Hygrometer-Outdoor-Battery/dp/B06XC6QD3B/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=moisture+meter+for+plants&qid=1558549066&s=gateway&sr=8-4

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I will take suggestions for any type you think works best. Seems like a simple addition to the plant room!

Plastic ties. During shoots, it keeps my cables neat. For storage, i get to put everything back nice and tidy https://www.amazon.com/500pcs-Plastic-Black-Twist-Ties/dp/B00PVI5DAS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487559336&sr=8-1&keywords=plastic+twist+ties

Something that would be better at destroying brains. Baseball bats are too blunt force and need to crush skulls - requiring multiple hits per zombie. I want something that will pierce and destroy brains with single hits if possible.

I would start with a rock hammer because I have one on hand and it is light and compact enough that I can carry a spare if one gets stuck in a skull.

A rock pick would be on my scavenge list because it has a little more reach and can also serve extra functions: pry bar, digging, push off/hold back.

Both of those tools happen to be widely available near me. If they weren't, I'd start with claw hammers. A hardware store would probably have a FuBar, I would have Halligan tools on my scavenge list.

Any melee weapon I would add grip tape and have a backup.

I disagree with WindowShoppingMyLife, reach IS important. You're in trouble if zombies start grabbing you, so being able to kill zombies 24" before they can grab you (25" rock pick) is superior to being able to kill zombies 10" before they can grab you (12" hammer), especially if there is more than one zombie.

I had a similar issue with a house plant turns out once a week was to much water. I bought one of these 3 in 1 meters and i use it all the time to check my house plantsmoisture meter

These two are 1lb+ each:

• Gerber Back Paxe II
  
  
• Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet
  
  I have the former and found it insufficient. I got the Gerber Sport Axe II. It is 22oz and ~14" long. I find that much better.
  
  If you have the money, find a Wetterlings

A nut splitter is another good option on exhaust manifolds and many other uses. It will break the nut off the stud often without damage to the stud itself. I've had surprising luck using these.

https://www.amazon.com/Splitter-Damaged-Corroded-Removal-Splitting/dp/B07FNNRVZT/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=nut+splitter&qid=1563771544&s=gateway&sprefix=nut+spli&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-000912-Back-Paxe-Performance/dp/B004DT1YJA

I've got that one, and you'll need to by a sheeth for it.

For the most part latley, I've just been using big rocks instead of an axe.

i would use

Fiskars 399241-1002 Non-Stick Micro-Tip Pruning Snips

https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-399241-1002-Non-Stick-Micro-Tip-Pruning/dp/B07KCZSMLJ/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2Y2DXWJ9ICGHA&keywords=fiskars+pruning+shears&qid=1572018395&sprefix=fiskers%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzQzc5SkxONTBSUTkxJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDc4MTQ3M1VVQjk2NEM5WUgwOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDExNzE0N1lTSDBJMkVQWjdQJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

The right way to do it, and it's actually law, is do a soil test and follow their recommendation.

> Is the leaf curling an indication of too much water or not enough?

Yes.

Leaf curling seems to be the most common symptom for a wide range of issues with citrus plants. My leaves are curling inward, while retaining their green color, with very, very few deformations (I think only one or two leaves on mine looked clipped), which leads me to suspect water is my issue. But that doesn't narrow it down on its own. If the leaves respond to watering very quickly by opening up, then the plant was thirsty. If not then you need to let it dry off some of that water. Inside your pot there is something going on called a perched water table. It's basically the soil's capillary action countering the force of gravity to allow some water to sit in the planter despite good drainage. But if you're constantly watering the plant then more of the soil is saturated and your plant is sitting in a pool of water. Not good for it.

But if your leaves are curling erratically and/ or accompanied by yellowing or holes getting chewed out then you might have a fungal/ pest issue.

Every time I've posted on here I've asked for advice on watering or how healthy my plant looks but it seems there's not a lot of activity on this sub other than a quick circle-jerk with a few upvotes every time someone posts pics of their yield. It's starting to be a real disappointment because I really want my lime to thrive.

I think following a set schedule and altering your procedure as the plant responds is really the best you can do. Get yourself something like this meter, you might find it even cheaper at your local big box.

this or maybe one of these or one of these I like the last one best

Too expensive. I own one of these and it is my preferred zombie melee tool: Two handed kukri. Plus, for the price of that sword I could get dozens. Who cares if it breaks? Just grab another! Not to mention I have thoroughly abused mine and it just keeps taking it.

This is the kind of meter i was talking about: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006KY5OUG/ref=cm_sw_su_dp

I have no idea how work or what metals the probes are made of..

I was going to suggest a Garden Weasel, but you're probably looking for something bigger...

Yeah fair enough. In my case bought a 40$ starter axe and this is one of the few companies that makes a sheath for it.
Axe in question: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01I0BK13Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Jk1OCbYFDTQ78