I've actually had a Fiskars Weed Puller for a couple of years now, and I can share my experience with it. I also struggled with dandelions and other deep-rooted weeds in my garden, especially in areas where using weed killers isn't ideal due to nearby plants or vegetables.
Firstly, I was really impressed with how easy it is to use. Its long handle design means you don't need to bend over, which is a huge plus for my back. The mechanism that grips and pulls out the entire root works quite effectively, especially for those pesky dandelions. I found that doing this early in the season, when the soil is slightly moist, yields the best results—it seems to grab the roots better that way.
Price-wise, it seemed a bit steep at first, but considering how much less strain it put on me physically and how well it works compared to smaller hand tools, I think it's a worthwhile investment. If you're dealing with a lot of weeds, it can definitely help save time and effort in the long run.
One tip I’d offer is to push the tool into the ground at a slight angle leaning towards the weed. This ensures that the "jaws" close around the root more securely. Also, take a moment to inspect the mechanism occasionally to ensure dirt hasn't built up, as that can impede its functionality over time.
I've seen others mention similar sentiments about how it eases the weeding process, though it's important to note it might not work as well in very compacted or dry soil conditions—loosening the soil a bit with a garden fork before using it can help in such cases.
If you're looking for additional reading, the RHS website often has great articles on non-chemical weed removal techniques. But overall, I'd say give it a try if you're frequently battling with weeds.
Have you tried any other tools or methods for dealing with your weeds? I'm curious how they have worked for you.