How to Use a Steel Snow Shovel

Snow shoveling is fairly simple, but to do it effectively and safely, you'll need to be careful. Here is how to use a steel snow shovel to shovel snow.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A Steel Snow Shovel
• Snow

1. Grip the shovel properly, and put whatever hand feels comfortable first. The proper grip is one hand in the upper-middle of the shaft of the shovel, and the other hand near the back. You should be able to comfortably turn the shovel 90 degrees (as if you were dumping snow) and your hands should not be very close together.

2. Draw most of the power from your legs and arms, and avoid putting pressure on your back and wrists. To do this, you will keep low to the ground, and bend your knees (which are spread apart, facing forward, with the front knee more bent.)

3. Use the momentum from the thrust of your legs and arms to lift the snow up and quickly move it to the side. You do not want to lift it any higher than necessary, and can actually use the momentum to throw the snow with little stress on your back.

4. Continue this cycle of short, thrusting, stabbing motions until you clear the desired area.

Tips & Warnings

• A steel shovel is fantastic for scraping ice.
• It will also not break as a plastic shovel may.
• Be very careful not to throw out your back.
• If you feel any serious pain coming on, stop shoveling immediately. Heavy stress on an injury will only make it worse.