I can not find these canes sold anymore. Id like to try to locate one on Ebay or something like that. But what were they called? I want to fill them with a strong Roundup mix to stab and kill burdock plants.
It was nice that it only killed the weed that was stabbed and not the plants around it. I also think it’s safer for the environment because you don’t have to use as much herbicide because only the weed that you stab gets the chemical. I find it strange that stores don’t sell these more often, especially since the environment is always important.
They were called “Killer Kanes” and I havent seen one in years. I was just a kid then so I have no idea what the herbicide was. My parents made me dig the dandelions by hand for $0. 15 per bucket. I dreamed of owning one of those canes.
thanks for the link. I see they use 2,4d, came out about 1955 (I guess), but cannot find any place selling them. If anyone finds a place, let us know.
These are sill freely available in Australia. They are designed to use with glyphosate. See:http://www.yates.com.au/Products/WeedControl/GardensPathsDriveways/Zer oWeedingBrush.asp
For those with memories of tidy suburban lawns in the 1950s-1970s, the Killer Cane likely rings a bell. This classic weed killing tool allowed precise, targeted application of herbicides. With its vintage design and effectiveness the Killer Cane brings back nostalgia for some gardeners. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the ingenious weed killer stick that is the Killer Cane.
A Blast from the Past
The Killer Cane first emerged in the 1950s and was sold into the 1970s and 80s, It consisted of a 3 foot long tube made of plastic in a distinctive bright green color, At the tip was a brass point about 1 inch long This tip contained a spring-loaded valve to dispense liquid herbicide when pressed down on a weed
To use the Killer Cane gardeners would add concentrated herbicide and water into the tube. Then they would walk around prodding weeds to inject a dose of chemicals right at the root. The Killer Cane allowed precise, no-drift weed control. Homeowners loved how it avoided accidentally killing lawn grass or garden plants near unwanted weeds.
While Killer Canes aren’t sold today, some gardeners recall them fondly and even search for vintage tools online. Modern targeted weed applicators carry on the mission, but with a different look. Let’s explore why the vintage Killer Cane tool had such appeal.
Precise Weed Targeting
The key benefit of the Killer Cane was precision. When you stabbed the cane’s tip into a weed, it delivered a dose of herbicide just to that plant. This avoided any spray drift onto nearby grass and ornamentals. The valve mechanism prevented leakage between applications.
Modern sprayers can certainly target weeds accurately. But they have a greater risk of overspray if used carelessly. The Killer Cane essentially eliminated this problem with its pointed tip dispensing droplets right at the weed’s base. For gardeners passionate about neat, weed-free lawns, this precision was excellent.
Ease of Use
In addition to accuracy, the Killer Cane was incredibly easy to use. After filling with a herbicide mixture, you simply walked around poking weeds. The spring-loaded tip made dispensing a breeze – just push down on the cane.
The design required no pumping, triggers, or complex mechanics. The tall tube allowed an upright posture for treating weeds. These attributes made the Killer Cane accessible for gardeners of all ages and mobility levels. Even children could contribute to lawn care using this classic tool.
Low-Tech Reliability
Modern chemical applicators employ various pumps, wands, batteries, and precision tips. The Killer Cane was marvelously low-tech by comparison. Yet its simple design proved reliable season after season.
The valve tip had minimal parts that rarely malfunctioned. Keeping it clean and unclogged was straightforward. With basic care, a Killer Cane lasted for years of faithful service in the war against weeds. This simplicity and durability surely contributed to its popularity.
Vintage Nostalgia
For those who remember the Killer Cane from childhood lawn care, it stirs up nostalgia. The bright green tube and hand-stabbed herbicide application create strong sense memories. Using a Killer Cane feels like a trip back to simpler times.
While modern tools are undeniably effective, they lack the vintage vibe. For some gardeners, the nostalgia factor of the old-school Killer Cane makes it appealing. It represents lawn care in the days before battery packs and precision spray nozzles.
Seeking Out Vintage Killer Canes
Given the fond memories surrounding the classic Killer Cane, some gardeners seek them out online or at garage sales. Vintage tools in good condition can still serve well. However, it’s smart to retrofit them with fresh seals and a modern herbicide formula.
If you come across an original Killer Cane, examine it closely before purchase. Check for cracks and leaks, especially around the tip. Make sure the spring valve still functions properly. Replacing worn out seals may be necessary to restore leak-proof performance.
Take proper safety precautions when handling old herbicides and containers. But a cleaned, reconditioned Killer Cane can be a wonderful blast from the past in your garden shed.
Modern Targeted Weed Appliers
While genuine vintage Killer Canes are uncommon, there are plenty of current tools aimed at precision weed control. Many mimic the stabbing, targeted application of the classic cane.
Weed Wands
Weed wands allow close targeting of unwanted plants. They have a long wand tipped with a metal point to pierce weeds. When pressed down, the tip releases a preset dose of herbicide. Weed wands provide excellent accuracy with less risk of drift.
Popular options include the Weed Wand Magic and the Sideswipe Weed Wand. Both offer aim-and-stab weed control reminiscent of the vintage Killer Cane.
Brush Applicators
Using a brush to “paint” herbicide only where it’s needed is an easy way to avoid overspray. Brush-on weed control tools allow close targeting of weeds while safeguarding surrounding plants.
The Hudson Weeding Brush is a popular applicator with high-quality bristles and comfortable handle. DIY versions can be created using a rope wick and PVC pipe.
Sponge Daubers
Sponge daubers offer precise, no-drift application of herbicides. They consist of a stick handle with an absorbent sponge tip. Dip the sponge in herbicide and daub weeds for spot treatment.
The Red Weeder and Green Dauber daubers provide excellent accuracy. Their dense sponge tips hold liquid well for numerous applications per dip.
The Legacy of the Killer Cane
While the classic Killer Cane has faded into history, its ingenious mode of operation lives on. Modern wand, brush, and dauber tools carry on the mission of precision, no-drift weed control. They ensure herbicides only touch targeted plants, avoiding collateral damage.
The Killer Cane enjoys cult status among some gardeners who recall it fondly from earlier decades. It represents a simpler time of lawn care before high-tech gadgets took over.
Yet as much as we romanticize the past, newer tools improve on comfort, ergonomics, and capacity. Our arsenal for weed wars is better than ever, thanks to the pioneering example of vintage tools like the Killer Cane.
So while genuine Killer Canes are uncommon relics today, their pioneering precision application sparked an ongoing evolution. Next time you selectively eliminate weeds with a modern wand or dauber, tip your hat to the Killer Cane that started it all.