No, it's not a "McCloud." Yes, we will give you extra points for saying the name with a Scottish accent during our workdays. The McLeod was originally intended as a fire fighting tool for raking fire lines. Now, it is a common tool for trail and restoration work in mountainous areas in the American West. It is a heavy duty rake with large metal teeth on one end of the head, and a hoe-like edge on the other.

When do we use it? All. The. Time. Commonly referred to as a "grubbing" tool, we use it for decompacting soil, smoothly out tread, and raking debris. It is also super useful for tamping and compacting soil. Some think it's an awkward tool to transport. However, our love of this multi-purpose tool has overridden any complaints of its transit issues. Just remember to NOT carry it on your shoulder. Keep it at hip level, tines down all the time.

So, what's with the name?! It is named after Malcolm McLeod, a US Forest Service ranger for the Sierra National Forest, who invented it in the early 1900s. Around the same time, Edward C. Pulaski is credited with inventing another significant fire fighting tool, the pulaski.