7 Best Leaf Rakes of 2024 [Reviews]

Best Overall

Dewalt DXLHA2608

Overall Fourth

Razor-Back 2915200

Runner Up

Craftsman 30” Clog Free Lawn Rake

Overall Third

Kings County Tools Adjustable Leaf Rake

Large piles of leaves are fun to play in but not a joy to clean. The best leaf rakes simplify seasonal cleanups, so you spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying life. 

We researched leaf rakes from America’s leading lawn care retailers—Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. To find the top models, we ranked each on comfort, durability, performance, and cost. Our article includes in-depth reviews of the best leaf rakes and a handy leaf rake buying guide.

Our Top Picks

Best Heavy-Duty Leaf Rakes
1. Dewalt DXLHA2608
2. Razor-Back 2915200
Best Standard Leaf Rakes
1. Craftsman 30” Clog Free Lawn Rake
2. Bully Tools 94730
3. Ames 2915800
Best Telescopic Leaf Rakes
1. Kings County Tools Adjustable Leaf Rake
2. Jardineer 73″ Adjustable Rake

Top 2 Heavy-Duty Leaf Rakes – Reviews

1. Dewalt DXLHA2608

Best Overall Dewalt DXLHA2608

Dewalt DXLHA2608

Tackle tough lawn jobs with the 46 in. Fiberglass Handle 24-Tine Leaf Rake, featuring durable steel tines and ergonomic design.

The best leaf rake for heavy-duty jobs is the Dewalt DXLHA2608. It’s sturdy, efficient, and easy to maneuver, making it a great garden tool for groundskeepers and homeowners alike. Expect this steel rake to stand against the test of time, even when faced with tough jobs and harsh weather. Dewalt backs its quality with a lifetime warranty. 

Rake Head: It has a heavy-duty one-piece steel head with 24 coated tines. The head is durable and practical. It quickly cleans leaves, pine straw, and thatch in your lawn

Handle: It has a 53-inch fiberglass handle. The long handle is lightweight with two comfy over-mold grips. It’s easy to control, even after extended use. It’s weather-resistant and has a hole for hanging. 

Specifications

  • Handle length: 53 in.
  • Handle material: Fiberglass
  • Number of tines: 24
  • Tine material: Coated steel
  • Warranty: Lifetime 
  • Weight: 2.64 lb.
  • Width: 23.62 in.

Pros and Cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Ergonomic 
✓ Durable
✓ Great for leaves, pine straw, and thatch
✓ Hanging hole for storage
✗ Overkill for light-duty leaf removal

2. Razor-Back 2915200

Overall Fourth Razor-Back 2915200

Razor-Back 2915200

Durable and efficient, this rake features a one-piece steel head, flexible coil spring, and comfortable grip.

Pro landscapers have trusted Razor-Back tools for over 80 years. The brand is synonymous with quality, and the Razor-Back 2915200 doesn’t disappoint. It’s durable and ergonomic, making it a handy helper for homeowners with heavy-duty yard work. 

Rake Head: It has a one-piece steel head with 24 coated tines. The heavy-duty metal tines have a flexible coil spring that makes raking easier. It works well on leaves, pine straw, and thatch. 

Handle: It has a 51-inch fiberglass handle that’s lightweight and weather resistant. The handle’s comfortable to control, with a 9-inch-long padded grip.

The Razor-Back 2915200 and Dewalt DXLHA2608 are very simular. There are just a few differences:

  • Handle-height: Razor-Back’s handle is 2 inches shorter than Dewalt’s. 
  • Width: Razor-Back’s head is about 1/2 inch wider than Dewalt’s. 
  • Cushioned Grips: The Razbor-Back rake has one cushioned grip and Dewalt’s has two. 
  • Springiness: Razorback’s tines have a bit more spring in their step.
  • Storage: The Razorback rake doesn’t have a handle hole for hanging storage. 

However, the rakes cost the same and are both backed by lifetime warranties.

Specifications

  • Handle length: 51 in.
  • Handle material: Fiberglass
  • Number of tines: 24
  • Tine material: Coated steel
  • Warranty: Lifetime
  • Weight: 2.52 lb.
  • Width: 24 in.

Pros and Cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Ergonomic 
✓ Durable
✓ Great for leaves, pine straw, and thatch
✓ Flexible tines
✗ Overkill for light-duty leaf removal 

Top 3 Standard Leaf Rakes – Reviews

1. Craftsman 30” Clog Free Lawn Rake

Runner Up Craftsman 30” Clog Free Lawn Rake

Craftsman 30” Clog Free Lawn Rake

Efficiently handle large leaf raking tasks with the 30-Inch Wood Handle Leaf Rake, featuring clog-free teeth and a durable hardwood handle.

Our favorite standard leaf rake is the Craftsman 30” Clog Free Lawn Rake. It efficiently cleans lawn debris, even if your yard is wet or soiled by pine trees. Overall, it makes raking leaves easier. 

Rake Head: It has a 30-inch ploy head with Craftsman’s signature clog-free teeth. Because it’s designed to prevent clogging, it works great on wet leaves and pine straw. It even picks up pine cones. The wide head covers much ground at once, making cleanups quicker. 

Handle: It has a 48-inch hardwood handle with a comfortable cushioned grip. 

Specifications

  • Handle length: 48 in.
  • Handle material: Wood
  • Number of tines: 30
  • Tine material: Plastic
  • Warranty: 15 years
  • Weight: 2.5 lb.
  • Width: 30 in.

Pros and Cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Great for wet leaves, dry leaves, and pine straw
✓ Clears a lot of leaves at once
✓ Stable
✓ Made in the USA
✗ Hardwood isn’t as durable as fiberglass or metal

2. Bully Tools 94730

Bully Tools 94730

Bully Tools 94730

Proudly made in the USA, this commercial-grade rake boasts durable poly tines, reinforced ends, and a robust fiberglass handle.

The Bully Tools 94730 is one of the best rakes for leaf removal. It’s highly capable and dauntingly durable. Its quality is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Rake Head: It has a curved 30-inch head with 32 poly tines. The perfectly angled tines have dual-sided ridges, making the head durable and easy to use. It clears massive amounts of leaves at once.

Handle: The rake features a 47-inch fiberglass handle. The handle’s coated for comfort and durability. It also has a non-slip rubber grip.

Specifications

  • Handle length: 47 in.
  • Handle material: Fiberglass
  • Number of tines: 32
  • Tine material: Plastic
  • Warranty: Lifetime 
  • Weight: 3.25 lb.
  • Width: 30 in.

Pros and Cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Clears a lot of leaves at once
✓ Durable
✓ Made in the USA
✗ Heavy

3. Ames 2915800

Ames 2915800

Ames 2915800

The Ames Collector Series leaf rake is perfect for large yards, efficiently collecting leaves with its innovative design and comfortable features.

The most affordable leaf rake on our list is the Ames 2915800. Ames has been making coveted tools since the 18th century. They used their expertise to engineer an inexpensive, high-quality lawn rake. It even has extended reach to help homeowners rake hard-to-reach spaces.

Rake Head: It has a 26.5-inch plastic head with closely spaced tines that effortlessly pick up leaves and pine needles. 

Handle: It has an extra-long, 60-inch vinyl-coated steel handle. The handle’s durable and comfortable, with a cushioned grip. 

Specifications

  • Handle length: 60 in.
  • Handle material: Steel
  • Number of tines: 36
  • Tine material: Plastic
  • Warranty: 15 years
  • Weight: 2.32 lb.
  • Width: 26.5 in.

Pros and Cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Affordable
✓ Lightweight
✓ Comfortable
✓ Great for leaves and pine straw
✗ The long handle may be cumbersome to petite users

Top 2 Telescopic Leaf Rakes – Reviews

1. Kings County Tools Adjustable Leaf Rake

Overall Third Kings County Tools Adjustable Leaf Rake

Kings County Tools Adjustable Leaf Rake

Conquer tight spots with this versatile rake! The steel tines compress to 7″ or expand to 22″ for efficient yard work.

The best telescopic rake is Kings County Tools Adjustable Leaf Rake. Based out of Brooklyn, Kings County Tools has manufactured high-quality tools for over 25 years.

Their leaf rake adjusts in both height and width. It’s comfortable for users of various sizes and can fit in tight spots. It’s a handy garden tool that helps homeowners manage leaves on the lawn and around landscaping, like flower beds and shrubs.

Rake Head: Its alloy steel head adjusts from 7 to 22 inches. It’s easy to use on areas as large as a typical front lawn and as small as a flower bed. 

Handle: Its durable alloy steel handle adjusts from 36 to 60 inches. It simply twists to lock in place.

Specifications

  • Handle length: 36 – 60 in.
  • Handle material: Alloy steel
  • Number of tines: 15
  • Tine material: Alloy steel
  • Warranty: none
  • Weight: 1.7 lb.
  • Width: 7 – 22 in.

Pros and Cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Adjustable height
✓ Adjustable width
✓ Lightweight
✓ Sturdy
✓ Easy to adjust
✗ Isn’t suitable for very large areas

2. Jardineer 73″ Adjustable Rake

Jardineer 73" Adjustable Rake

Jardineer 73″ Adjustable Rake

The 73″ garden leaf rake minimizes bending, features a 30″ larger head for efficient debris collection, and sturdy construction.

The Jardineer 73″ Adjustable Rake is our second favorite telescopic rake. It’s lightweight and versatile, with adjustable height and width.

Rake Head: The rake’s steel head adjusts between 10 and 30 inches to rake around plants without damaging them. It works well on lawns, shrubs, and landscaping. 

Handle: The aluminum handle easily adjusts, so the total height of the rake ranges between 40.4 and 73 inches. It’s comfortable for various user heights, but very tall people may strain. 

Specifications

  • Handle material: Aluminum 
  • Number of tines: 18
  • Product Height: 40.4 – 73 in.
  • Tine material: Steel
  • Warranty: none
  • Weight: 1.75 lb.
  • Width: 10 – 30 in.

Pros and Cons

What we liked What we didn’t like
✓ Adjustable height
✓ Adjustable width
✓ Lightweight
✓ Opens wide
✗ Not great for tall users

Buyer’s Guide

Before you make that impulse buy, take a moment to consider the following:

Your Yard

Before buying a rake, consider your yard’s characteristics:

  • Yard size: Homeowners with large yards prefer rakes with a wide head because they finish the job quicker.
  • Tender lawns: Plastic heads are gentler on grass than metal rake heads.
  • Landscaping: Rakes with adjustable head-width can clear leaves around flower beds, shrubs, and other landscaping. 
  • Thatch: Metal lawn rakes can remove thatch from your lawn, but plastic ones can’t. 
  • Hard-to-reach spaces: Telescopic rakes and rakes with long handles help you reach tough spots. Rakes with a narrow or adjustable head-width can fit in tight spaces. 
  • Leaf size: Rakes with closely spaced tines are better at catching smaller leaves.

Telescopic vs. Non-Telescopic

Non-telescopic rakes have a straight shaft that doesn’t adjust. In contrast, telescopic handles have several segments that slide in or out, adjusting the handle’s height. 

The table below shows average specs for telescoping vs non-telescoping leaf rakes.

TelescopicNon-Telescopic
Number of Tines1725
Head Width23 in.25 in.
Weight1.8 lb.2.4 lb.
Price$25$30

Telescopic Rakes’ Pros and Cons

ProsCons
✓ Easy to store
✓ Adjustable handle
✓ Reaches tight spaces
✓ Lightweight
✗ Weaker handles
✗ Less durable
✗ Tines are further apart 

Non-Telescopic Rakes’ Pros and Cons

ProsCons
✓ Best for heavy-duty work
✓ Durable
✓ Long lifespan
✓ Collects more leaves per pass
✗ Handle doesn’t adjusts
✗ Heavy

Handle Material

Most leaf rake handles are made of one of the following materials:

  • Wood handles are shock absorbent and easy to replace. They have a traditional look that’s easy on the eyes. But they aren’t as durable as fiberglass and metal handles. Wood’s susceptible to rust, water damage, and breakage.
  • Fiberglass handles are lightweight and shock-absorbent. They’re more durable than wood but less durable than metal rakes. However, fiberglass rakes don’t rust or receive water damage. 
  • Aluminum handles are the lightest. They’re more durable than fiberglass and wood, but weaker than steel. Aluminum’s rust-resistant, but doesn’t absorb shock. 
  • Steel handles have the best durability, but are also the heaviest. They don’t absorb shock, and some types of steel rust. Stainless steel doesn’t rust, but carbon steel does. 

Grips: Keep your eyes open for leaf rakes with ergonomic, cushioned/non-slip grips. A gripped handle enhances user comfort and minimizes wrist strain. 

Tine Material

Most rake head’s tines (also called teeth) are made of one of the following materials:

  • Plastic tines are the weakest, but are often the most affordable. Plastic heads are gentler on grass than steel, so homeowners with tender lawns prefer plastic rakes.
  • Resin is stronger than plastic but not as strong as metal. 
  • Steel tines are the most sturdy, so rakes with steel heads are ideal for heavy-duty work. 

Rake Head Width

Most rake heads are between 21 and 28 inches wide. The wider the rake head, the larger the area you can cover in a single pass. So, wide models finish fall cleanups faster. But wide rakes are more cumbersome to carry. Some leaf rakes have an expandable head-width that adjusts to suit the job.

Average Leaf Rake Width25 in.
Typical Range21 – 28 in.
Extreme Low18 in.
Extreme High32. in.

Number of Tines

Most leaf rakes have 20 – 28 tines. Wider rakes tend to have more tines.

Average Number of Tines23
Typical Range20 – 28
Extreme Low11
Extreme High43

A typical leaf rake has 1 tine per inch of head width. Closer tines gather more leaves with each pass and are less likely to leave small leaves behind. 

Average Number of Tines / Inch 
Typical Range.8 – 1.15 
Extreme Low.4 
Extreme High1.65 

Weight

Heavy rakes are hardier to handle but often better suited for tough jobs. 

Average Leaf Rake Weight2.3 lb.
Typical Range1.8 – 2.8 lb.
Extreme Low1 lb.
Extreme High3.5 lb.

Price

Most leaf rakes cost $20 – $40, but prices vary by material and handle type.

Average Leaf Rake Price$28
Typical Range$20 – $40
Extreme Low$5
Extreme High$75

The table below shows that rakes with wooden handles are typically the most affordable, and fiberglass rakes are the most costly.

Handle MaterialAverage PriceTypical Range
Wood $22$15 – $35
Aluminum $25$20 – $30
Steal$26$20 – $30
Fiberglass$35$25 – $40

Telescopic leaf rakes are typically more expensive than non-telescoping models, as shown in the table below.

Handle TypeAverage CostTypical Range
Telescopic$25$20 – $30
Non-telescopic$30$20 – $40

FAQ About Leaf Rakes

What are the different types of rakes?

There many types of rakes, including the following:

  • Leaf rakes have long, thin, springy tines attached to a v-shaped head. They’re gentle on grass, so often called “lawn rakes.”  
  • Garden rakes have short, thick tines attached to a horizontal head. Also known as a “bow rake,” they help spread mulch and loosen garden soil. The best garden rakes are ergonomic and efficient. 
  • Shrub rakes look like mini leaf rakes. They remove debris from shrubs, fence lines, and flower beds. Leaf rakes with adjustable head width can often double as a shrub rake.
  • Thatch rakes help homeowners dethatch the lawn. Some heavy-duty metal leaf rakes can double as a thatch rake.
  • Landscape rakes are similar to garden rakes, but they’re more heavy-duty and mostly used by pros.
  • Hand rakes are handy for removing weeds and tilling soil. 

How do I quickly collect leaves?

Here are a few ways to speed up leaf removal:

  • Rake your leaves on a large tarp. You can then drag the tarp to a compost pile or other areas of the yard. 
  • Leaf vacuums are a speedy option for homeowners who bag their leaves, and many of the best leaf vacuums are affordable. 

How much does leaf removal cost?

Most leaf removal services cost between $165 and $485, depending on the yard’s size, amount of debris, and location. 

When to Call a Pro for Leaf Removal 

Even with the best leaf rake, yard cleanups are a chore. However, it’s a chore you don’t have to do. LawnStarter connects you with local leaf removal pros who are qualified and affordable. In addition to removing leaves, we can help you find pros for over 30 outdoor services. You can get a free quote online and manage the entire service using our user-friendly app.  

LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Michelle Selzer

Michelle Selzer

Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.