Craftsman  Spading Fork w/Fiberglass Handle

this is about the 3 or 4th craftsman pitchfork I've had in the last ten years - i use it twice annually (spring and fall) to turn over my 15 by 15 garden. It usually lasts one season - 50-50 on two seasons 0% on three seasons. I've been waiting at Sears for the last hour trying to exchange it.

This is the most disappointing garden tool I have ever owned. In fact, I only used it twice before it was rendered completely useless to me. It was the only available replacement for a Craftsman digging fork that I had for probably 15 yrs with a wooden handle. The head became dislodged and I could not get it to stay wedged into the handle. Other than that, it was in perfect condition. Tines were perfectly aligned, not the first split in the wooden handle. After the first use of this supposed "improved design", the tines were bent like a fork that went thru a garbage disposal. The second use, the fiberglass handle split up both sides. I'm a 52yo, 165lb woman! What would have happened to this tool if a big strapping man got hold of it? I'll probably replace it again, but only because it's free to do so, but I will definitely not let it be the only one I have to depend on. It is truly an embarrassment to the Craftsman name.

I owned a yellow handled Craftsman fork for six years before the fiberglass handled cracked.  I received this as a replacement... and what a poor replacement it has been.  Many of the replacements I have gotten have failed within the first dig.  As mentioned before, the handle seperating from the fork is a common problem (I'm not sure how one can give 4 stars to a product that doesn't stay together).  One of the replacements broke where the handle and fork meet.  My most recent one seperated as soon as it first went into the ground.  I paid for a fork that would last me a lifetime... I think I will buy another one some place else instead of getting #7.

The fiberglass handle makes this tool very easy to handle for everyone.  the well made construction allows it to be put to heavy duty use without issues.

I've owned four or five since the switch to fiberglass. If I don't soak the ground well the night before, I am sure to break the tool. Even then there is risk. Is Hickory really in that short of supply?

i remember when i first got my pitch fork it was my grandpa's i was about 12 years old and i was shown how to use it the right way and ive always had it as again being in a chair it made it just a little hard for me to use it so my kids and wife use when planting and turning over the garden but over time the wooden handle got very weak and it broke so i replaced it with this one the fiberglass handle is very strong and you can really put pressure to it when turning over a garden if you have a small or large garden here is the perfect and right pitchfork to have and use i stand by it after all these years it hasnt let me down and i feel it will never let me or you down if you dont have this pitchfork your missing out on the best these is in pitchforks ......steve

Bought the fork because it appeared to be more robust than forks at other home supply stores and because of the Craftsman warranty. Good thing it is a Craftsman tool. I had to return it after about an hour of use. The black plastic grip cracked during what I would consider normal use. Bought this tool to preserve my Dad's 50 yr old Craftsman fork. Ended up finishing the job with the antique !

I was on a mulching job and forgot my essential tool needed. I of course could count on Sears Hardware to come through. I was so impressed with the design and sturdiness, that I purchased two of them. The price was also right. I used them on my job and they were easy to use, very durable and also have comfort grips. The sturdiness of the fiberglass handle is magnificant. Thanks SEARS for providing good quality tools to use that are backed with your great Craftsman Warrenty.

Had less than a year and used quite extensivley. The shaft simply slide out of the fork. The shaft is made with a wood core and a fiberglass shell maybe an 1/8" thick. I have to admit I used it to pry rocks loose form the ground. I used a lot of force to pry them. Might last longer witlh a bit more care.

I bought one of these about five years ago. As others have commented, first time you use it the handle will split along the handle. Every year I swap it out on the Craftsman warranty (I never make a special trip). Never changes! On a more positive note, the paint on the forks DOES last for the entire 3 to 5 minutes it takes for the handle to break!