Uniform snow shovels are a thing of the past. Thanks to innovative technologies and manufacturing capabilities, there is now a wide range of unique snow shovel types.
Below are 3 tips to help you choose the right snow shovel.
try it
Take a test ride with the snow shovels in the store! You may feel a little stupid shoveling invisible snow in the shop in front of passers-by, but snow shoveling needs to work well, and not just look good. Pick up each snow shoveling option and mimick the moves and efforts you put into shoveling snow. Does the shovel feel too light or too heavy? Is it easy to maneuver or is it awkward? What is the handle length? Is the shovel comfortable in your grip? If you are unsure about a particular snow shovel, put it back. The problems you noticed don't go away once that empty shovel is filled with snow!
Choose the right blade
Snow shovels come with one of two blade shapes made from one of two materials. The right combination of these options will have a drastic effect on your shoveling experience.
- Just Shovel blades are designed to cut into deep piles of snow, such as those created by snow drifts or mounds of snow plows.
- RoundedShovel blades are best for pushing snow off a sidewalk or scooping snow off the driveway.
- metal Blades are stronger, more powerful, and more durable, but they are heavy. You also run the risk of damaging your sidewalk.
- plastic The leaves are light, agile and prevent snow from clinging to them. However, they are brittle and can break if pressed against rocks. They also move less snow at a time, which means your driveway will take longer to dig out.
- Some people buy multiple snow shovels for multiple jobs. There are also snow shovels with plastic blades with a metal strip on the cutting edge.
Choose the right handle
Choosing the right blade will reduce the workload, but choosing the right handle will affect how your body feels after using the shovel. The following options are available for materials with snow shovel handles.
- Wooden Handles are pretty light but strong. While you may need to tighten the screws as the wood expands and contracts, your wooden handle will last for years. Conditioning the wood with linseed oil will extend its lifespan and make it waterproof, while a cheaper or neglected wooden handle will begin to splinter.
- metal The handles vary greatly depending on the metal used. Aluminum makes handles lightweight and rustproof, but other metals are heavy and can rust if not wiped dry after use.
- plastic is another light and manoeuvrable material for snow shovel handles. But as with blades, plastic can become brittle and warped. Keeping your shovel handle dry and indoors will prevent sun and water from making a number on your shovel.
- Fiberglass is very durable, very strong and very rust-resistant. Win anywhere! It is difficult, however.
- There are four options for the handle design and shape.
- Just Handles are as easy as they come. Their shape makes nothing difficult, but nothing becomes easier either.
- Ergonomically curved Handles minimize bending when shoveling and reduce back pain. However, when you have to move a lot of snow these will be difficult to lift and not suitable for the job at hand.
- Double Handles allow you to maximize your leverage by holding two handles at the same time.
- Wrinkles over it Handles are handy options to put in your vehicle when you get stuck in a snowdrift and need to dig out.
