Bosmere G409 Duo Fix Screw Socket, Large

Looks OK still yet to try it

My old screw socket had worn threads and proved impossible to insert into the soil. This product was just right. It's sturdy, looks and feels well made. Screwing into the ground was easy by hand initially and then using the metal rod (bar) supplied. A few turns later, it was deep enough, stable and angled correctly into the soil. The airer fitted perfectly. I will recommend this product.

Always a bit dubious with these sort of things buying online but this was robust and worked well. It was screwed into a dry hard baked lawn and now holds up a rotary dryer. Despite some wet weather and windy days it’s still rock solid. It’s long enough to stay anchored even in light soils and will take different shaft diameters.

The Bosmere G409 Duo fix arrived promptly but that is where the good part ends. On opening the box I found a large black plastic screw with no metal anywhere except for the metal lever bar, the packing was poor, but probably didn't matter as the contents were all plastic. The shiny silver bit that looks like metal in the picture is also plastic. As many people have said the red bit is huge, but I didn't realize quite how big until I saw it in the box. This would be good for making it easily visible in long grass, but is excessive especially given the next issue. At this point we chose a place in the garden for the item. Being on clay my husband predrilled a pilot hole to give a vertical start and ensure there were no stones in the way, he went down the full depth of the screw socket. We then started to wind the socket into the ground, using the bar. When only half way down and still turning without too much effort the bar bent, we kept going. On reaching the silver part, about 6" above ground, the plastic part that the bar goes through broke and the screw refused to go any lower. Leaving a 6" spike above ground with a huge red bit on top - no chance of tripping over that, unless blindfolded. We then put the washing line in, which is a 45mm diameter - this it held well but I am not sure how it will cope with any washing or wind. As a temporary solution whilst redoing the patio hopefully it will be fine, but any thoughts of long term use have gone. It may be OK in softer ground but I would advise planning on using it in hard ground or neat lawn.

Holds our 8 foot bird feeder very well, with the strong winds we have had recently the bird feeder would quite often end up at 45 degrees to the ground, now it does not move at all. Went in the ground fairly easily apart from the last few turns. Looks to be well made. The small diameter adapter works well. On the down side, all the red plastic stays above the ground which looks quite ugly, especially as its bright red so hard to miss, I guess that means I shouldn't fall over it when its empty or accidentally 'mow' it.The packaging was a bit of a joke, I think they could have found a more appropriately shaped/sized box.I would buy this product again when the need arises.

Does the job pretty well, but as stated in other reviews it's very difficult to get it deep into the ground, in my case doesn't matter too much as it's near a small tree and we only use it for a parasol umbrella, but a significant amount is above soil level and not too pretty (but at least you can see it before you,your children or animals tip over it.) but suits my needs.

Fairly pleased with this item, only had dry weather since putting up, it is a little wobblier than it was when first put in ground, but not too bad. May need to wait and see if it holds up in wet weather when the soil is softer though. Okay to put in ground - but couldn't get it anywhere near as deep as the pictures were showing, which is why I am not sure how it will hold up in wetter soil.

This is great for keeping my washing line upright and sturdy. I had the exact same one before and it lasted us 3 years without going wobbly, but my husband then broke the red plastic top off with the lawn mower so we replaced it like for like. I would definitely recommend it, and it's so easy to fit in to the ground using the bar provided. Also the smaller part fits in easily to allow you to play swing ball if you have a swing ball set.