Best Crack Weeders of 2024

Best Crack Weeders: A Buying Guide

Crack weeders are different from most outdoor gardening and weeding tools. They let you work on small, tight, and hard-to-reach spots where grasses and weeds take root and grow after they’re dispersed by wind and rain. They are worth investing in because they are better than most alternative weeders you’ll find on the market. They are special-purpose weeders and are indispensable if you have a brick driveway, stone walkways, or an open garden.

If you’ve read through the reviews, then you’ve noticed that not all crack weeders are created equal. Some are stronger than others, and not all of them share a similar design. There is a great deal of variety in the marketplace and virtually hundreds of great products to choose from. In this section, we’ll be showing you how to parse through all your options and find the perfect crack weeder for your needs.

What Are the Different Types of Crack Weeders?

The average crack weeder shares a ton of functionalities and features with other gardening tools with similar designs. Here are a few of some of the most common variations of types of crack weeders.

Hoe dag

While technically, the hoe dag looks like the stereotypical crack weeder, it has notable features that make it pass as a convincing hoe. It has a round and stumpy L-shaped blade. It is strong enough to reach plants with deep roots, and it features a thin metal blade. The hoe dag is very rigid, and it is available in both right and left-handed options.

Hori Hori or Japanese farmer’s knife

The Hori Hori is an honorary mention and only vaguely classified as a crack weeder. It is a 7-inch blade with one serrated edge for digging out roots and hard weeding, and a cutting edge for stabbing and cutting down smaller weeds. It has all sorts of uses, and if you have an overgrown walkway, it will be suitable for some light crack weeding. However, since the Hori Hori is not a specialized tool, it might not get into tricky cracks and tiny crevices. You should look elsewhere for something more reliable if you have a lot of weeding to do.

Traditional crack weeder

This is the most common and effective type of crack weeder for clearing out outgrowth on concrete and brick pavements, driveways, sidewalks, etc. It features a long L-shape blade with an edge on either side. Some manufacturers fit a serrated edge on the inner blade for better reach and efficiency and also add a longer handle for people who prefer to work on their feet. The traditional crack weeder also features an ergonomic handle made from wood or reliable plastic—though wood handles typically outlast plastic. 

The best crack weeders on the market are strong enough to handle light garden weeding as well as crack weeding. 

Traditional short-handled crack weeders are typically 10 -12 inches long, depending on the length of the blade and the handle. 

Japanese sidewalk crack weeders

Similar to regular crack weeders only in functionality, the Japanese sidewalk crack weeder is a small weeder with a simple metal comb and a wooden handle. It is typically sized under 4 inches- less than ½ of the size of a regular weeder, yet it sometimes performs just as well, if not better. The tiny combs reach down and cut through the roots of plants and weeds nestled deep in the crevices and cracks around your driveway or sidewalk.

Ironically, the biggest strength of the Japanese sidewalk crack weeder also happens to be its biggest weakness. It is unsuited to individuals with smaller hands and will be difficult to use if you find it hard to get down on your hands and knees while you work.

What Are the Factors To Consider When Buying a Crack Weeder?

There are several factors you should consider before you can find the best crack weeder for you.

Length, handle, and comfort

Weeding is not a quick or painless activity. If you’re going to spend thirty minutes to an hour weeding, you will need something ergonomic, comfortable, and durable.

The length of the crack weeder and the material of the handle more or less determines your weeding experience. There are mostly no good or bad lengths or handles, and it is often about personal preference. 

What handle and height feel best when you’re working long-term? Are you uncomfortable or experiencing pain? These are all questions you should ask as you shop.

Reach and the blade shape

The size, shape, and length of the blade of a crack weeder determine how good it is at pulling weeds from the roots. Before you go out and make a purchase, you need to know what types of weeds you’re dealing with. Are they regular or tap-root weeds that reach deep? If you miss even a single piece, they might come back faster and tougher than last time. 

Review your needs and the surfaces you’re dealing with, and purchase with those considerations in mind.

Material quality and durability

The quality of the materials used in the crack weeder matters as much as reach and comfort. The crack weeder you purchase should be made from thin, durable stainless steel that is rust-resistant and able to hold its edge for months on end. You also want the handle, whether wood or plastic, to be strong.

Maintenance

Even the best crack weeders fall apart if poorly maintained. To get the most out of your purchase, you want to select a high-quality product at checkout. Great products are easier to sharpen, lubricate and clean, and can last you years of use.

Why You Should Look For Overlaps

When you can, you want to prioritize crack weeders with great feature overlaps. You’ll be getting a weeder that is not only great at its job but can also clear out your garden, make mulch, and help you with planting. Push for feature overlaps as long as it does not affect the product’s primary use.

How Are Crack Weeders Priced?

Crack weeders are priced as you might expect: higher quality materials and a well-recognized brand equal a steeper price, while cheaper, barebones weeders are priced lower. Shop as your wallet and needs dictate.