# How to Make a Homemade Pond Rake Canonical URL: https://pondacademy.com/homemade-pond-rake Author: Tory Jon Published: 2019-08-05T08:00:00-05:00 Updated: 2026-09-21T22:06:37.158Z I made this pond rake with a landscape rake, a pool noodle, and zip ties. Below, I'll show you how I put it together. If you already have a rake, it's an inexpensive project. For a small ornamental pond with a liner, though, I'd stick with a pond net. A wide metal rake is awkward around rocks and plants, and its teeth can damage the liner. ## Is a Homemade Pond Rake Right for Your Pond? ![Finished landscape rake with a foam float secured across the rake head](https://pondacademy.com/images/handmade-pond-rake-final-2.jpg) The idea is simple: attach foam to the rake head to help it float, then use the handle to draw loose material toward the bank. Think leaves and loose clumps of string algae near the edge, rather than pulling up rooted [pond weeds](https://pondacademy.com/pond-weeds). An open bank gives you more room to use a wide rake. You can also attach a rope to pull it back from beyond the handle's reach. Keep to small amounts of loose debris rather than trying to haul out heavy, rooted weeds. Fine sludge slips between the rake's teeth, so you'll need a different tool for that job. Our [pond cleaning tools](https://pondacademy.com/pond-cleaner) guide covers nets, pond vacuums, and other options. Tip Do not drag metal rake tines across a [pond liner](https://pondacademy.com/pond-liners). Turning the rake over does not remove the risk of punctures or snags. ## What You'll Need - A landscape rake light enough to handle comfortably. - A pool noodle or similar closed-cell foam float. - Several outdoor-rated zip ties or reusable straps. - Scissors for cutting the foam. - A length of rope, if you want to reach farther into the pond. If you need to buy all the supplies, compare the total with a ready-made pond rake first. You'll save more by using a rake you already own. ### Step 1: Cut the Foam Float Cut the foam so it is roughly the same width as the rake head. Scissors will work for many pool noodles and similar foam floats. ![Cutting a foam pool noodle to match the width of the landscape rake head](https://pondacademy.com/images/handmade-pond-rake-cut-foam-noodle.jpg) I bought a float about twice the width of the rake head and cut it in half. Keep the spare piece. You can add some of it later if the head sits too low in the water. ![Two cut foam pieces ready for buoyancy adjustments on the pond rake](https://pondacademy.com/images/handmade-pond-rake-foam-noodle-cut.jpg) ### Step 2: Attach the Foam Float Lay the float across the top of the rake head and secure it in several places with zip ties or reusable straps. Give it a gentle tug to check that it can't slide off. ![Foam float secured across the top of the landscape rake head](https://pondacademy.com/images/handmade-pond-rake-final.jpg) Straps are handy if you want to move or remove the float. Zip ties are simple, but you'll need to cut them off to make changes. Trim the loose ends close so they don't catch your hands, and check for loose ties or crumbling foam before each use. ### Step 3: Attach a Rope (Optional) If you want more reach, attach a rope to the end of the handle. Some rakes have a hole through the handle for this; check that it goes through the handle itself, not just a removable cap. Otherwise, tie the rope securely around the handle and check that it cannot slip off. ![Rope attached to the end of the homemade pond rake handle](https://pondacademy.com/images/handmade-pond-rake-rope-attached.jpg) Give the rope a firm pull and check that the rake head, handle, and float are secure. Start close to shore with a small amount of loose debris before trying a longer throw. Stop if the rake snags instead of pulling harder. ### Step 4: Adjust the Float Hold the handle and lower the head into clear, shallow water beside the bank. See where it sits before trying to collect anything. If it sinks too far, add a little of the spare foam. If it sits too high or rolls over, move the foam or use a smaller piece. Once the head sits near the surface, try drawing a few leaves toward you. Keep the load small, and lift the rake out if it snags or becomes difficult to control. ## Using It Around the Pond Work from a firm, dry bank with plenty of room around you. Keep the teeth away from fish, pets, and people, and keep the handle clear of [overhead power lines](https://www.osha.gov/electrical/hazards/overhead-power-lines). Disconnect submerged electrical equipment as its instructions require before putting the rake in the water, then restore circulation when you're finished. If you're removing aquatic plants, identify them first and check local removal rules. Collect the fragments as you work. Keep them out of drains and other waterways, where they could spread; [USDA's prevention guidance](https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/prevention) explains safe disposal and other ways to avoid moving invasive species. For routine leaf cleanup in a small lined pond, I'd use a net. Use the rake for loose debris where you have room to work, and keep metal teeth off the liner. ## What About a Ready-Made Pond Rake? The Jenlis Razer Rake is one commercial option. [Jenlis describes it](https://vimeo.com/296950592) as a 36-inch rake made with galvanized steel and aluminum, weighing 5.4 pounds. It comes with floats and a rope, and its [product manual](https://www.thepondguy.com/content/pdp/docs/jenlis-razer-rake-product-manual-english.pdf) covers using it from shore and casting it out. Compare its price with your supply costs before deciding whether to build or buy. ## Sources - [USDA National Invasive Species Information Center: Prevention](https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/subject/prevention) - [Occupational Safety and Health Administration: Overhead Power Lines](https://www.osha.gov/electrical/hazards/overhead-power-lines) - [Jenlis, Inc.: Razer Rake Product Manual](https://www.thepondguy.com/content/pdp/docs/jenlis-razer-rake-product-manual-english.pdf) - [Jenlis Inc: Razer Rake](https://vimeo.com/296950592)