To anyone looking at shovels lined up at the hardware store,
it's clear they're not all the same. Square edge, round
edge. Fiber-glass handle, wood handle. Even the backs are
shaped differently. There is a reason for everything in the
world of shovels, depending upon the job at hand. And what
of spades? Here's one for discussion at the corner cafe:
Some say there is no difference. Some say a shovel is for
scooping, a spade is for digging. But look closely, and
you'll see how some do the other's work and the distinction
blurs.
Regardless, here are some things to consider the next time
you need a shovel--or, if you insist, a spade.
Round or square?
The round-point shovel is a good, all-purpose tool that cuts
quickly and cleanly through soil and sod. The square-point
shovel is great for lifting sod or scooping gravel.
Handles
The best connection between the blade and handle is
through a socket, topped by a steel collar. A rivet through
the socket and handle is not as strong.
Backs
"Hollow back" (also known as "open back") describes
an indentation on the blade's backside. Typically this is a
less expensive shovel. The "closed back" shovel has an extra
piece of steel welded onto the back to make the shovel
stronger and to prevent material buildup. A "solid shank"
blade is attached directly to the handle. If that attachment
is a weld and it breaks, the shovel is useless.
Steps
Found at the top edge of the blade, this is where you apply
foot power to the shovel. A forward turned step lends
support and comfort to your foot. The bigger the turn, the
less likely your foot will slip from the step. Rear rolled
steps help prevent soil buildup on the front side of the
blade. Some shovels come with a rubber step to provide extra
cushion and gripping power.
Lift
This is the angle of the blade to the ground. Shallow lift
allows you to dig steeper-sided holes. The steeper angles
are good for digging holes with more shallow sides.
Wood or Fiber Glass
Fiber glass is said to be 40% stronger, is waterproof and
won't absorb chemicals. That does not mean it won't shatter.
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Seymour Sawtooth
This shovel was designed for
landscapers. Seymour Manufacturing's Structron shovel comes
in handy when the soil is tough and the roots many. This
shovel also can be used to strip shingles and remove nails.
The blade is made from carbon spring steel and can be sharpened. The straight, fiber-glass handle is 57 inches
long.
Price: $44.95
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Seymour Sawtooth
This shovel was designed for
landscapers. Seymour Manufacturing's Structron shovel comes
in handy when the soil is tough and the roots many. This
shovel also can be used to strip shingles and remove nails.
The blade is made from carbon spring steel and can be sharpened. The straight, fiber-glass handle is 57 inches
long.
Price: $44.95
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WW Manufacturing
Groundshark
A unique, 5 1/2- x
11 1/2-inch blade is serrated on one side and sharp on the
other to cut through roots and difficult soils. The blade is
heat-treated and tempered, then welded to a steel handle.
The shovel is 38 inches long.
P
rice:
$59.95
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Wolverine Straight Blade Spade
This nursery-type shovel
uses heavy-duty, hardened steel alloy for its handle. An
11-gauge steel blade has a closed back for extra
reinforcement and eliminates soil buildup. The 50-inch
handle is welded to the 15-inch blade. A rubber pad can be
connected to either side of the blade to ease wear on your
foot.
Price: $74.95
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NUPLA Square Point
Nupla says its fiber-glass, 27-inch
D-Handle is 10 times stronger than a wooden handle. The
handle is yellow, making it and the person using it highly
visible. The handle is chemically resistant, nonconductive
and does not absorb water.
Price: $29.45
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Fiskars Round
Point
This shovel by Fiskars is a
lightweight steel gardening tool. The shovel has a large
step area to provide better grip for the feet and a larger
area to stand if you jump on the blade to push it firmly
into the soil. The handle is a teardrop shape with grip
areas for both hands. A smooth-backed blade adds strength to
the shovel. It also allows easier cleaning.
Price:
$28.50