The production of a Diamond 24 tooth rake is a precise and carefully coordinated process that blends traditional metalworking techniques with modern manufacturing technology. This robust garden tool, known for its strength, durability, and ergonomic design, goes through a series of steps before it reaches the hands of landscapers, gardeners, and construction professionals around the world. From raw material selection to final packaging, each stage is vital to ensure the rake meets quality standards and brand expectations.
1. Raw Material Selection
The journey begins with choosing the right raw materials. High-carbon steel is typically selected for the rake head because it offers the perfect balance of strength and flexibility. The handle is commonly made from either hardwood (like ash or hickory) or fiberglass, depending on the model. Every batch of steel and wood is inspected for flaws such as cracks, impurities, or inconsistencies in grain structure to ensure product integrity.
2. Cutting and Shaping the Rake Head
Once the materials are approved, the steel is cut into rectangular blanks that will become the rake heads. Using a hydraulic press or CNC stamping machine, these blanks are then shaped into the general form of the rake. The stamping die imprints the base curve of the rake and positions the grooves where the 24 teeth will be inserted or formed.
In the case of forged rakes, a high-temperature furnace heats the steel blanks to make them malleable. Once heated, the blanks are placed in forging dies where they are hammered or pressed into the final shape. This process increases the tensile strength of the steel, making the tool more durable.
3. Forming the Teeth
Forming the 24 teeth is one of the most critical stages in the rake-making process. Each tooth must be evenly spaced and securely attached to the rake head. There are two common methods: individually welding the teeth into slots or extruding them from a single steel piece using a precision cutting and bending process.
After the teeth are shaped, they are ground and sharpened slightly to ensure they can penetrate soil, gravel, or debris easily. The spacing between teeth is carefully measured and inspected to maintain uniformity across all rakes produced.
4. Heat Treatment and Hardening
To enhance the durability of the rake, the entire metal head undergoes heat treatment. This involves reheating the steel to a specific temperature and then rapidly cooling it in oil or water. This process increases hardness and wear resistance, which is especially important for tools used in rough or rocky environments.
Following hardening, a tempering phase reduces brittleness. This involves reheating the steel to a lower temperature and allowing it to cool slowly. The result is a rake head that’s tough, resilient, and less prone to breaking under stress.
5. Surface Finishing
The rake head then goes through surface finishing to prevent rust and give it a sleek appearance. It may be sandblasted to remove any residue or roughness, then coated with a rust-resistant layer such as black oxide, powder coating, or industrial paint. Logos and part numbers may be stamped or laser-etched at this point.
6. Handle Attachment
Next, the handle is fitted to the rake head. If it’s a wooden handle, it is first kiln-dried and sanded for a smooth finish. A ferrule or collar is added to the top of the handle to reinforce the joint. The rake head is then riveted, bolted, or epoxied to the handle, depending on design specifications.
If a fiberglass handle is used, it may feature rubber grips or vibration-dampening coatings for user comfort. The attachment process ensures there is no wobble or play between the head and the handle, ensuring maximum durability.
7. Quality Control and Packaging
Each rake goes through final quality checks. Technicians inspect for alignment, strength, and finish. Any defective rakes are pulled from the line and either repaired or recycled.
Finally, the Diamond 24 tooth rake is packaged — often with cardboard sleeves or plastic caps to protect the teeth — and boxed for shipment. Labels, barcodes, and user instructions are included for retail or bulk sale.
