How to Buy a Shovel

Shovels are the most used tool outside the home. Different shovels are used in construction, gardening and maintenance. Buying just the right shovel requires a little basic research, but after that, buying a shovel is a very straight forward affair.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide how the shovel will be used. For example, a long handled shovel is best for digging a deep trench, and a broad shovel is the best for shoveling snow, coal or other loose material. Ergonomically designed handles are best for snow removal but would be inappropriate in most cases for shoveling rocks or dirt.

2. Check the quality of the shovel's metal. Be certain that the metal won't fatigue too easily and distort, since this renders the shovel useless and creates a dangerous situation.

3. Test the soundness of the rivets or bolts attaching the shovel to the handle. The connection must be firm and able to withstand the torque and twisting that results from heavy use.

4. Examine the thickness of the handle material. Make sure the handle is neither too thick, which can cause blistering, nor too thin, which makes the handle difficult to grasp properly and leads to the handle slipping through the hands.

5. Stand the shovel upright to eyeball the line of the shovel to make sure it is true and straight. The shovel tip should line up somewhat in a straight line with the end of the handle.

Tips & Warnings

• Always clean residue off a shovel before putting it away.
• Immediately replace or repair any shovel handle that becomes loose.