Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

An excellent Dethatcher, surprisingly effective for its size. I was at first a bit skeptical but then the Amzn reviews encouraged me to give it a try, I don't regret it a bit! Renting a dethatcher from HD will cost you $75, you have to pick it up, transport it and return it. I also had some unpleasant surprises with tool rentals: broken or not properly working = second trip. Secondly, I am lucky enough to have a smart neighbor: We share tools and bought this one together, hence the cost was a no brainer. Does it work? ABSO-LU-TELY!!! It does a great job, does not damage or chop the grass like some others, it's easy to push and the tines seems to resist use fairly well. - Update: after about 40,000 sqf of dethatching, the tines are in a much better shape that I would have imagined, see picture below. DO'S and DON'T * Don't pull back, only go forward * Remove rocks and branches * Don't use a tiny weeny extension cord, proper gauge is required. If you use 2 extension cord, place the smaller gauge (bigger cord) first. i.e. 12 on the outlet then 14 to the machine. * Cut and bag the clippings before dethaching: Overgrown grass doesn't help. * if you have the energy, will and time, use a 90 deg. criss-cross pattern: you'll be surprised how effective it is. * Don't apply a pre-emergent crabgrass control fertilizer before you dethach, *after* only. CHANGING THE TINES In order to change the tines, you'll need - 8mm socket, - Phillips Screwdriver (Cordless Drill recommended ;-) - Flat head screwdriver - Small mallet or hammer *be careful, the screws are not of the highest quality* if you need to change some of them, they are M5 X 22 or M5 X 25 22 being the length under the head. 1) Remove the screw(s) 2) Tap gently with a mallet to crack open the tine cartridge 3) With a flathead screwdriver, pry open until you can see the pin, **don't remove the tine cartridge out of the housing** 4) push out the pin and remove the tine 5) put a new tine in place 6) put the tine cartridge back in place, tap gently with a mallet