I've gone through two recently...

I have a shovel made by WW Manufacturing. It's the most amazing shovel you've ever seen in your life. I also have a spade and a hard tined rake by them, and I swear by this company. Their stuff isn't cheap but you know what they say about paying for quality.

Their website is http://www.kingofspadesonline....

If they sold a pitch fork, I bet it's the best fork money can buy.

For garden tools that I want to last, I usually go to a ranch tools or farming tools site. I've purchased tools from this site and know that my great-great-great grand kids will still be using them.

http://www.barnyardproducts.co...

Smiles,
Lyn

Lyn, your comment made me smile...I still use my Grandpa's spade. Love it. I'll cry when if finally breaks. IF i can find something that has lasts that long, it will be a miracle! Thanks for the advice.

Yup... I am still using my Grand Dad's hoe.

Smiles,
Lyn

Prairie Girl,

If the fork always breaks when you're doing the same thing, maybe you can use a different tool for that particular task. Like a mattock or a pick. Or a length of rebar.

I go too far in that direction. I usually have 2,3 or even 4 tools handy when I'm working the soil. I spend too much time switching tools, but each swing is done with 'the best tool for the job.

I broke a steel rake by using it to pull at plants with big roots and drag too many rocks and pebbles around. Now I use a shovel or mattock (and pick) when digging out big roots. And a hoe or spade to drag rocks and pebbles around, if I have big piles.