Tool Library

Invasive Plant Removal Tool Lending Library

Our lending library was made possible by a generous grant from the Comox Valley Community Foundation. Why is it important to remove and replace aggressive non-native plants? Invasives such blackberries, broom, holly, and ivy outcompete native plant species, decreasing habitat and biodiversity of native flora and fauna.

Local stewardship groups, including the team at MARS, put time and energy into removing invasive plants and replacing them with native species.

Volunteers removing invasive plants in a forested area

Tool Inventory

Extratigator Classic with BigFoot plate

Total weight: ~14 lbs

Height: 48″

Jaw capacity: 2″

Minimum pull ratio: 12:1 (eg. apply 10 lbs to end of handle, and 120 lbs of pulling force is applied to plant)

Quantity available: 4

This tool will remove most woody-stemmed plants from paper thin up to 2” in diameter. The BigFoot increases the platform foot print and leverage while resisting sinking into soil and adding stability. Great for sandy, rocky, or super-soft soil conditions.

Convenient features: automatic opening clog-free jaws, comfortable foam grip, ratcheting design.

Weed removal tool pulling an invasive plant from the soil

Compact weed removal tool pulling a small invasive plant

Extratigator Junior with BigFoot plate

Total weight: ~11 lbs

Height: 36.5″

Jaw capacity: 1.5″

Minimum pull ratio: 9:1 (eg. apply 10 lbs to end of handle, and 90 lbs of pulling force is applied to plant)

Quantity available: 3

The Junior shares the same profile as the Classic but is made from thinner material with a shorter handle. The jaws of the Junior open from a complete close to 1.5” and is recommended for plants under 1” in diameter. Comes with the BigFoot plate.

Convenient features: automatic opening clog free jaws, lightweight, comfortable foam grip, ratcheting design.

Root Slayer Shovel

Total weight: ~6 lbs

Height: 44.5″

Blade: 13″

Quantity available: 2

A multi-purpose shovel that is a compliment for the Extratigator. Think of it as a shovel, root hatchet, and root saw all in one tool. Helpful for blackberries, holly, and other deep rooted invaders.

Root cutting shovel with serrated blade for removing invasive plants

D-Handled Shovel

Total weight: 3.5 lbs

Height: 46″

Blade: 6″ wide tapering to 4.5″, 15″ tall

Quantity available: 3

Ergonomic handle, sharp blade, wide step plate make this a great tool for cutting down and around and through roots. Light weight, easy to handle, yet strong.

Fiscars PowerGear Super Pruner/Loppers

Weight: .9 lbs

Length: 15″

Blade type: Bypass

Maximum cutting capacity: 1-1/4″ diameter branches

Quantity available: 2

Smaller and lighter than other loppers, reducing strain on your hands, wrists and muscles. Gears multiply leverage.

Long-handled loppers cutting a thick branch

Fiscars Control Bypass Loppers

Weight: 1.8 lbs

Length: 24″

Blade type: Bypass

Maximum cutting capacity: 1-1/2″ diameter branches

Quantity available: 3

Designed for smooth, easy cuts. Lightweight, shorter handles makes it easy to maneuver when cutting at tough angles. Shock-absorbing bumpers help eliminate the jarring. Secure, comfortable grip.

Stihl Folding Pruning Saw

Weight: 6 oz

Length: 12″ open; 6″ blade

Blade type: 3-sided Japan teeth

Handle: rubber grip

Maximum cutting capacity: 6″ diameter branches

Quantity available: 3

Compact folding saw with a curved chrome-plated Japanese steel blade for cutting woody shrubs and trees. Cuts on the pull stroke. Lightweight, compact & comfortable.