The Best Shepherd’s Hook - 2021
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Our Picks For The Top Shepherd's Hooks
Extra-Thick SteelThese two hooks measure half an inch in diameter, making them a sturdy option for your garden.
30-Pound Weight CapacityEach hook in this two-piece set can easily hold 30 pounds of weight, allowing you to hang heavier items like potted plants.
65-Inch HeightThis hook is 65 inches in height, making it a taller option.
Easy to StoreThese hooks come in four separate parts that you can disassemble and store when not in use.
Shepherds have long used long rods to help manage their herds. These are called shepherd’s crooks, and they’re named for the hook on the end that can be used to catch sheep. Shepherd’s crooks can also be used for self-defense, protecting both the shepherd and flocks against predators.
But the design of a shepherd’s crook has also inspired a trend in gardens across the world. Known as shepherd’s hooks, these stakes emulate the design of a shepherd’s crook to hold hanging baskets, bird feeders and decorative globes. There’s no limit to what these hooks can hold, as long as they don’t exceed the weight limit.
But if you’re investing in a hook that will spend most of its time outdoors, it’s important to make durability a top priority. Your shepherd’s hook will be exposed to the elements 24 hours a day. That means rain, snow, sleet and sun will be bearing down on it throughout the year. It will also be exposed to extreme wind conditions during storms, so it has to be able to anchor tightly into the ground without swaying. You’ll need a hook made from a material that can hold up to all that without showing signs of wear.
The Best Shepherd's Hooks
AshmanOnline 48-Inch Steel Shepard’s Hook, 2-Pack
You'll get two 48-inch-tall shepherd's hooks in this set, with a design that will add to your outdoor spaces. The material is extra-thick steel, powder coated to protect against wear. The half-inch diameter helps it hold up under years of use through turbulent weather conditions.
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BEAU JARDIN 48-Inch Rust Resistant Shepard’s Hook, 2-Pack
These shepherd's hooks have a glossy finish to protect them against damage from the elements. Each hook in this two-piece set is 48 inches tall and 2/5 of an inch in diameter. The black coating means it will blend easily with any outdoor space.
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Gray Bunny 65-Inch Double Sided Shepherd’s Hook
You'll get two double-sided hooks in this set, each in a single piece requiring no assembly. The material is rust resistant, heavy-duty solid steel, so you can be assured of durability. It has a dark finish to give it a classic look without taking away from the aesthetics of your outdoor areas.
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Vencer 63-Inch Metal Shepard’s Hook
If you're looking for a shepherd's hook that can be easily stored when you aren't using it, this set of two 63-inch hooks is worth considering. It comes in four parts that you simply slide together, which means you can split it up and store it if you want to only use it seasonally. The construction is high-quality iron, giving you a hook that will hold up through rain, snow and blazing heat without rusting or corroding.
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Our Shepherd's Hook Buying Guide
Shepherds have long used long rods to help manage their herds. These are called shepherd’s crooks, and they’re named for the hook on the end that can be used to catch sheep. Shepherd’s crooks can also be used for self-defense, protecting both the shepherd and flocks against predators.
But the design of a shepherd’s crook has also inspired a trend in gardens across the world. Known as shepherd’s hooks, these stakes emulate the design of a shepherd’s crook to hold hanging baskets, bird feeders and decorative globes. There’s no limit to what these hooks can hold, as long as they don’t exceed the weight limit.
But if you’re investing in a hook that will spend most of its time outdoors, it’s important to make durability a top priority. Your shepherd’s hook will be exposed to the elements 24 hours a day. That means rain, snow, sleet and sun will be bearing down on it throughout the year. It will also be exposed to extreme wind conditions during storms, so it has to be able to anchor tightly into the ground without swaying. You’ll need a hook made from a material that can hold up to all that without showing signs of wear.
DWYM Fun Fact
The Greek muse Thalia, the muse of comedy, is often depicted with a shepherd’s crook in in her right hand. It’s in keeping with today’s use of the shepherd’s crook in gardening since some historians believe that Thalia was also the muse of vegetation, pointing to the fact that the name Thalia comes from the Greek from “thalo,” which means “bloom.” The term has also made its way to the operating room, where the term “shepherd’s crook” is applied to a deformity that affects the femur.
The Shepherd's Hook Tips and Advice
- Before you start shopping for a shepherd’s hook, take a close look at the area where you’ll install it. Make sure the ground is strong enough to hold it upright, while still being pliable enough to insert the hook. Also consider the color and design that will look best for the space.
- Shepherd’s hooks have a wide variety of placement options, from your front yard garden to your patio area. It can even be a great way to enhance your pool or outdoor grill area.
- One top consideration for your shepherd’s hook is its weight capacity. Take a close look at how thick it is. This will give you an idea of how much it can hold if the capacity isn’t listed. A thicker hook will also be more durable.
- Rust and corrosion are also important considerations. If your shepherd’s hook isn’t made of a material that will hold up in wet weather conditions, look for one that has weatherproof coating applied.
- The build of the hook says quite a bit about how well it will hold up to the elements, particularly wind. You can’t go wrong with iron, but steel is also a good option.
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About The Author
Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She lives in a beautiful one-acre home in the suburbs on the outskirts of Nashville. Her home and garden work has appeared on popular home sites. She's a true homebody and loves looking at new houses for sale for inspiration on her own home remodeling projects.