The Weed Claw

Still sore from the season's first round of weeding, we came across a new device to aid in the effort: the Weed Claw. Consisting of a 22-inch steel rod with a crescent-shaped hook on one side, the tool plugs into almost any household drill. The idea: Pierce a weed with the wand, power the drill for a slight turn to catch on the hook and pull it out. Unfortunately, our weeds slip off the hook more often then they hold. When they do hang on, the stem breaks, leaving the root in place. Moist soil and slightly angled pole positioning improve the odds, but not enough to make us want to use it again. The included bulb drill attachment, for planting bulbs, is equally ineffective in all but the loosest soil. Sold online and at local hardware stores for $19.95

Amy Arnold: amyarnold@seattletimes.com