Shovel Types
When you visit your local hardware store to buy a new shovel, you'll find many different kinds to choose from. Understanding what each shovel is used for and how it can help you around the house is the best way to choose the right shovel to meet your needs.
Other People Are Reading
-
Garden Spade
-
A garden spade is a must-have tool for any homeowner. The spade shovel features a pointed end, designed to bite into the earth effectively. You can use the spade shovel to dig a hole, work in your garden and do other home projects. Gardeners use spade shovels to plant their crops. This shovel should be part of any well-stocked garden shed.
Snow Shovel
-
As the name implies, a snow shovel is designed primarily for clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks and other surfaces. Snow shovels come in a number of shapes and sizes, including those with specially bent handles, designed to be easier on the back. If you find that snow sticks to the shovel when you are using it, try spraying the scoop part of the shovel with a nonstick cooking spray. This causes the snow to slide off the shovel as you are cleaning your driveway or sidewalk.
-
Scoop Shovel
-
A scoop shovel is very useful for moving large quantities of sand, sawdust and other materials, without straining the back. The bottom of the shovel is designed to sit flush against the ground, making it easier to scoop up what you need to move. Scoop shovels can be constructed of lightweight plastic or heavier metals, for more durability. When buying a scoop shovel, it is important to check the quality of its construction, including the area where the scoop part of the shovel connects to the handle.
Square-Point Shovels
-
While round-point shovels, like the spade, are better for cutting through heavy soil, square-point shovels are better for scraping the ground. Square-point shovels are also useful for lifting and finishing border edges around your home and garden. Square-point shovels are available in both plastic and metal varieties. Be sure to select one that's durable enough to complete the task for which you buy it.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit shovel image by Wayne Abraham from Fotolia.com
