Frequently Asked Questions
What is covered in your product guarantee?
Our products are guaranteed to be free from defects in material and workmanship under domestic gardening use only. If your product has a guarantee on the packaging it is valid for the amount of time stated. Click here to register your guarantee.
What do I do if my tool is faulty?
If you find your tool is faulty, please contact our customer service team providing images, full postal address as well as your receipt or guarantee.
Email - customerservice@westland.com
Phone – Call +44 (0)1480 443789 anytime between 10am and 4pm (Mon to Fri).
Post – Write to: Customer Services, Westland Horticulture Ltd, Alconbury Hill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 4HY, United Kingdom
What is the difference between Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel?
Stainless Steel
Strength - Stainless steel is made of an alloy containing iron, carbon, and chromium. Although strong, it is less robust than carbon steel, but has high resistance to corrosion, so these tools are more robust if exposure to moisture is a concern. For most jobs stainless steel tools will be up to the task.
Rust Resistance - This material has superb corrosion resistance due to the chromium which forms a layer on the steel surface, shielding it from moisture and oxidation. For gardeners that prefer low maintenance tools, stainless steel is ideal.
Maintenance - Stainless steel is easy to wipe down and soil doesn't adhere to it, while its corrosion resistance eliminates constant cleaning and oiling. Gardeners looking for hassle- free tools often choose this material.
If you would rather choose low maintenance tools that are rust resistance, then stainless steel is the better choice for you.
Guarantee - Kent & Stowe stainless steel tools all come with a 15 year guarantee.
Carbon Steel
Strength - Carbon steel is tough and robust. High carbon content makes it stronger and tougher than stainless steel and is great for tougher gardening jobs such as digging and slicing through roots.
Rust Resistance - It can be prone to corrosion if exposed to moisture or kept in damp conditions. Gardeners who choose these tools will need to prevent rust forming to maintain the strength of the carbon steel and keep their tool looking its best.
Maintenance - Carbon steel tools need attention if they are to remain in good condition. Soil should be brushed or washed from blades after use, and tools dried with an old towel before storing. Occasional oiling also helps prevent rust.
If you are looking for strong, sharp tools for tough gardening tasks and don't mind a little extra maintenance then carbon steel tools are a great choice.
Guarantee - Kent & Stowe carbon steel tools all come with a 10 year guarantee.
How do I take care of my tools?
It is very important to take proper care of your tools so that they continue to perform at their best. Do not leave your tools outside, always store them away after use in a dry environment. Even in dry weather conditions your tools, if left outside, are exposed to moisture from wet grass and dew.
Cleaning and drying your garden tools will keep them in good working order. Always remove all of the soil and debris from your tools after each use by washing the dirt off. Never put your tools away wet. Allow them to dry completely before storing to prevent rusting and handle rot.
For all wooden handled tools apply a light coating of boiled linseed oil to help prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. If a wooden handle is very dirty, remove as much of the soil as possible with a stiff brush. If you need to use water, gently wet the handle with a damp cloth, making sure that you don’t soak the wood, as this may cause the grain to lift and the handle to swell.
If tools have been exposed to fertilisers or other chemicals, ensure you clean them thoroughly as they could rapidly corrode the metal.
How do I clean and replace the blades, anvils or handles in my Eversharp or SureCut secateurs?
For replacement blades, anvils, or springs please contact customer services.
Click here for step by step instructions on how to replace and clean.
Email - customerservice@westland.com
Phone – Call +44 (0)1480 443789 anytime between 10am and 4pm (Mon to Fri).
Post – Write to: Customer Services, Westland Horticulture Ltd, Alconbury Hill, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 4HY, United Kingdom
What is the difference between a bypass and anvil cutting tool?
Anvil cutting tools have one blade that closes like a knife onto a cutting block. They are ideal for thicker stems and woody pruning. An anvil cut is more powerful than a bypass cut with minimal effort required. These tools are ideal for the powerful pruning of dead wood as they crush the wood with ease. For this reason, we advise not to use anvil cutting tools to prune live stems as it can crush the stem and stunt growth.
Bypass cutting tools have two sharpened blades that pass over each other to make a clean and precise healthy cut in a scissor action. These tools are ideal for cutting more delicate stems because the bypass action is less likely to cause bruising and damage to growth. They are more of an all purpose secateur as they can be used for many pruning tasks.
The design of the blades on secateurs should make it easy to use them in small gaps and to prune side branches flush with main stems. Never use your bypass secateurs to cut through stems thicker than the recommended cutting diameter; we always recommend you keep your packaging to refer to, to prevent damage to tools, and plants!
If you have thicker branches to chop through, loppers or a pruning saw are better alternatives, because choosing the right tools will make the job easier and achieve a professional finish.
What size gardening gloves do I need?
Place a tape measure around your palm, just below your four fingers, and use the table below to find your size:
|
Measurement (mm) |
Measurement (Inches) |
KS Glove Size |
|
152 – 178 |
6 – 7 |
Ladies Small |
|
179 – 203 |
7 – 8 |
Ladies Medium |
|
204 – 229 |
8 – 9 |
Men’s Medium |
|
230 – 254 |
9 – 10 |
Men’s Large |
Can I wash my gardening gloves?
If your gloves become wet during gardening, it's best to air dry them naturally and gently brush off any dirt or debris. Please note that all our gloves are designed for wipe cleaning only to avoid shrinking
What is the difference between a spade and a shovel?
Although they look similar, spades and shovels have different purposes. Both are versatile tools for digging and moving soil, but each is suited to certain tasks.
A spade has a flat blade with straight edges, making it ideal for cutting through tough and compacted soil or creating neat edges. In contrast, a shovel has a broader, curved blade with a rounded or pointed tip, which is better for scooping and moving large amounts of soil and gravel. The angle of a spade is usually in line with the handle for an upright stance, providing leverage when pushing through compacted soil. On the other hand, a shovel is slightly angled forward compared to the handle to make scooping up material more efficient.
Use a spade for digging deep holes, breaking ground, edging lawns and borders, as well as planting trees and shrubs. Use a shovel for moving loose materials and filling trenches.
How do I choose the right size of tool handles?
Comfort: Choose handles that feel comfortable and provide a good grip. All our hand tools and long-handled tools feature contoured grips for added comfort in use.
Length: Longer handles offer better leverage for digging tools, making them ideal for heavy duty tasks. While shorter handles provide better control for precision tasks.
If you have mobility issues or find it difficult to work on the ground for extended periods, consider our long-handled versions of hand tools like trowels, forks, and cultivators. For extra reach, especially when working at the back of borders, our midi-size tools are ideal. For a lighter and more compact option, our Garden Life tools are a great choice, being 40% lighter than our standard stainless steel tools.