Speaking of weeding tools....

I have the BEST I've ever found. Grandpa's Weeder.
http://www.garrettwade.com/grandpas-weeder/p/65P01.01/

I've replaced the handle on it once.
You just push the gripping spikes into the heart of the weed and lean the lever against the ground, the grips close and grab the weed and you lever it out of the dirt, root and all... no stooping. It's the BEST if you're trying to get the roots out.

Alice