Skip Traditional Rakes: The Tool That Makes Cleaning Up Leaves Faster & Easier

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Raking autumn leaves is a task that everyone with trees on their property has to face, and while it's a job that doesn't take a lot of brawn, it does put demands on the muscles in the legs and lower back. That can be challenging for people with back problems, but even worse than actually raking the leaves is picking them up, especially for people with mobility issues. You might try to do this with a shovel or an inverted rake to avoid having to bend over, but until recently, no one had invented the right tool. 

The Yeelor Leaf Grabber Rake, which usually retails for $36 on Amazon, consists of a pair of 17-inch rakes with 36-inch handles joined together at the middle, and you use it much like you would a set of salad tongs. You can pick leaves off the ground and transfer them to a wheelbarrow or lawn waste bag while maintaining an upright position, making it a more accessible option for those with limited mobility. While primarily for leaves, this tool is also useful for picking up sticks, grass clippings, and other yard debris, as well as spreading mulch. 

While it isn't the only invention of its kind on the market, the Yeelor rake has some useful features that earn it a 4.7-star Amazon rating. At 3.3 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to manage, the handles are ergonomically designed, and the tines are looped and joined at the ends to prevent stray leaves from sticking the way they do to a standard rake.  

The two rakes of the Leaf Grabber are joined by a single bolt, and if you remove the bolt, you can use either of the rakes to do the actual raking. Once you've made a pile of leaves and debris, simply join the rakes back together and pick up the debris. This trick can help you make quick work of a small yard — or even a large yard if you use the technique of raking it in sections. It's also useful for clearing patios, decks, and walkways, especially when you need to do it quickly, such as when guests are expected at your property. 

Because the Leaf Grabber allows you to pick up debris without actually touching it, it's a perfect tool for wet leaves, compost, and contaminated waste. The rounded tines won't poke through contaminated materials as easily as those of a standard rake will. Got a problem with dogs leaving poop all over your yard? Use the Leaf Grabber to pick it up and dispose of it rather than bending over and picking up by hand. Even though it's made for leaves, the Leaf Grabber can also clear garden debris. 

Even if you separate the rakes, the Leaf Grabber won't take the place of a standard leaf rake. The handles are short and bent, and that would probably make using one to rake a large property tiring. When it comes to picking the leaves up, though, the Leaf Grabber comes into its own and can save a lot of back stress.