Types of snow shovels. Snow shovel: how to choose a snow shovel? Attaching the handle to the rear wall
A snow shovel has a very simple design, consisting, in fact, of two parts: a handle and a working part or scoop. But in order to make it convenient to use a shovel, when buying, you should pay attention to such points:
- Weight of the shovel: A good shovel should be light enough to be used for long periods of time. The weight of the tool directly depends on the material from which it is made and in the most "heavy" case should not exceed 3 kg;
- The size of the working part (scoop) - the larger it is, the more snow will fit in the shovel, and the faster you can clear the area. But the large size of the scoop has a downside - a large amount of snow is harder to lift, so choose the size that you can work with without overstressing;
- The design of the scoop - the sides along the edges will not allow dry snow to crumble in the process of throwing it from place to place, the skids on the back of the scoop will allow it to glide better, the metal edging and stiffening ribs will strengthen the structure;
- Edge - The front of the shovel that acts as a blade when you need to clear hard snow or ice. It is better to choose a model with a steel edge, but if it is important for you not to scratch the surface to be cleaned, then it is better to buy a model with a plastic one;
- Shank - the main requirement for this part of the shovel is ease of use. The handle should be a comfortable length for you, and for a more secure grip, it can be equipped with rubber pads and a D-shaped handle at the end. In addition, there are shovels with interchangeable or telescopic handles - such models take up less storage space;
- It is also worth taking a closer look at the shape of the scoop (rectangular models are more efficient at work) and at the angle of the shovel roll - that is, the angle between the handle and the scoop. The optimal roll angle is 120-125 degrees.
The ease of use of a snow shovel largely depends on the material from which the tool is made.
Metal shovels for snow removal
The most common snow shovels are metal. They can be made from the following materials:
- Aluminum - tools from it are the lightest, but they cannot boast of great strength and reliability. An aluminum snow shovel is good for removing small amounts of snow, but it is not suitable for removing ice or for large-scale work;
- Steel is the strongest, though also the heaviest option;
- Galvanized metal is slightly inferior to steel in terms of strength, but it weighs and costs much less.
Plastic snow shovels
Plastic snow shovels are also very popular. They are light, inexpensive, snow does not stick to the plastic surface of the scoop, and the service life, with proper production quality and careful use, is calculated for many years.
The only major drawback of a plastic tool is its fragility, so such models are often reinforced with metal edging and stiffeners. By the way, plastic is resistant to chemicals, which is especially important if you are removing snow sprinkled with chemicals.
Wooden and plywood snow shovels
The cheapest snow shovels are made from wood or plywood. In addition to low cost, this option does not have significant advantages, but there are more than enough disadvantages.
Snow quickly sticks to a wooden surface, and with prolonged use, the wood becomes saturated with moisture, becomes heavier and deteriorates. A steel edge can extend the life of a wooden shovel, but even this and regular drying will not save you from the fact that such a tool will last for one or two seasons.
Snow removal requires great physical effort and not every person, due to their state of health, can afford to swing a shovel intensively. In this case, a snow shovel with an auger will come to the rescue. Such a shovel is easy to use, but allows you to remove a much larger area of snow with minimal effort.
Note!
Keep in mind that a snow shovel with an auger can damage the surface to be cleaned. For example, expensive tiles in front of your house.
The principle of operation of a snow shovel with an auger, see the video:
When choosing a snow shovel, be sure to consider your physical abilities and remember that it is better to remove snow for longer than to tear your back the first time you use the tool.
With the onset of winter, many of us have to deal with snow removal: in a suburban area, cottage, house territory, near a garage or car. Active work and movement in the fresh air - what could be better?! But if the snow shovel is chosen incorrectly, this event turns into hard and burdensome work. In stores, such a necessary tool is often sold under the name "Snow Shovel", and in the classification of shovels it refers to varieties of a shovel, which is similar to many. A snow shovel has a working part /blade, scoop, bucket/ and a handle /handle, handle/. Most often, snow shovels are plastic, aluminum, wooden / or plywood /.
How to choose a snow shovel and what to look for when buying?
Shovel weight.
One of the main indicators of a good snow shovel is its light weight. When choosing, follow the rule: a light snow shovel is easy and fast work for pleasure, a heavy snow shovel is hard and tedious work. The lightest shovels are made of plastic.
The size of the working part of the snow shovel / scoop, bucket /.
Even with a very light snow shovel, you will quickly get tired if the size is wrong. No wonder: after all, the larger the area of \u200b\u200bthe working part of the shovel, the more snow it will capture, and the harder it will be to throw it away. Therefore, we choose the size of the scoop according to our physique and physical strength. We pay attention to the area and configuration of the bucket.
scoop area. An ordinary snow shovel is flat, has the shape of a square with a side of about 40 cm. Its lightweight version is a shortened square, or a rectangle with a larger side of 40 cm. Such a shovel is more convenient to use.
Bucket / scoop / snow shovel configuration.
As a rule, snow shovels have sides on one (single-breasted) or three sides (triple-breasted). The sides prevent the snow from falling off the shovel and allow you to transfer more of it at a time. Deep rim shovels have a deep bucket that can hold more snow. The size of the bucket is chosen individually so that the work is within the power. It is easier to work with small semi-circular shovels, which are also suitable for clearing uneven terrain. It is more convenient to clear large areas with wide flat snow shovels.
Construction of a snow shovel scoop.
When choosing, pay attention to the design of the scoop. Details that are inconspicuous at first glance determine how convenient it will be to clean the snow. For example, the presence of wide sides on the back of a snow shovel makes it easier to slide, and therefore your work. The aluminum bar will strengthen the plastic shovel. The edge along the edge of the working cloth will protect it from damage by a stone, increase the service life of the shovel.
The edges of the snow shovel are different: plastic, aluminum, galvanized steel. They play the role of a blade and can be in the form of nozzles or poured. Very reliable metal edges. A shovel with a stainless steel edge is suitable for clearing asphalt and concrete surfaces from snow, ice. A shovel with a plastic edge will not scratch surfaces made of natural stone, paving or ceramic tiles, wooden and plastic paths, it will not damage plants wintering under the snow.
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Shank / handle / handle of a snow shovel.
The main requirements for this part of a snow shovel are light, comfortable, convenient (ergonomic), do not freeze hands and do not slip in them, durable.
The ergonomic shape of the shovel handle allows you to reduce the load on the back muscles, which means getting rid of rapid fatigue. Bent cuttings, cuttings with a v-shaped handle are convenient in work. The scoop should be attached to the handle at an angle, then when working, the handle will act as a lever.
Lightweight and durable aluminum handles. For convenience and comfort, plastic structured linings, rubberized inserts, rubber and heat-shrinkable braids are made on them. Comfortable wooden handles. They do not freeze hands and do not slip off. To protect against moisture, such handles are covered with moisture-proof varnish.
It is important to choose the correct handle height for your snow shovel. A short handle will require frequent tilts when working. The result will be rapid fatigue. It is more convenient to clear the snow while standing, without bending. And for this, a shovel with a long handle is suitable. When choosing, make a few strokes with a shovel. This will help you determine the correct handle length.
There are prefabricated snow shovels that allow you to change the cuttings. Some models of snow shovels are equipped with telescopic handles, the height of which can be adjusted. Separate telescopic handles extend up to 9 m. These shovel-scrapers are suitable for cleaning snow from the roof.
Even with a perfect handle, it is necessary to clean the snow with gloves. This will protect your hands from frost and calluses.
When choosing a snow shovel, pay attention to its warranty period. This is an indicator of the reliability and durability of the shovel. The aesthetic appearance of a snow shovel is also important. It should cause a desire to take up the tool and work with it. Many models of snow shovels have bright colors, eye-catching logos, and modern design.
Winter is a difficult time for owners of private territories, because they have to regularly clear snow from the paths and areas adjacent to the house. It is very difficult to do this job without a snow shovel. Among other household equipment, all residents of summer cottages and private houses should have this tool. But in order for a shovel to be able to significantly facilitate the work of cleaning snow and serve for more than one year, you need to know the rules for choosing it.
Types and purpose
Snow removal can be a real torture if this work is done without special tools. Therefore, for the timely cleaning of the paths and the territory adjacent to the house, each owner needs to take care of the presence of a snow shovel. Despite the fact that they are offered in large quantities and can be bought not only in stores, but also on the market, not everyone knows what a good shovel should be.
And this is very important, because its durability and ease of use depend on the characteristics of the product. Therefore, you should not buy the first model that caught your eye. It would be better to spend a little time studying and comparing the proposed models in order to clearly understand what capabilities the product has and for what tasks it is best to use it.
All snow shovels offered on the market, which can also be called snow plows, can be classified into several types depending on the material of manufacture and purpose. The most common are metal, plastic and wooden models.
Metal products
Most of the shovels on the market are made of light metals and alloys. Among them, the most popular are:
Among the variety of metal snowplows on the market, it is worth highlighting a mechanical shovel with an auger. It differs from other models in its versatility, since it can be used to clean not only loose, but also wet snow.
Such shovels are more expensive than other types, but still you should not refuse to buy such a tool because of this. Indeed, in terms of durability and workmanship, such products surpass many other snow shovels. For them, you do not need to additionally purchase gasoline or spend electricity. Such a tool is convenient because there are no complex mechanisms in its design, this allows you to make it even with your own hands.
Plastic shovels
Quite a lot of snow shovels made of plastic are also presented on the market. These snow blowers are very easy to use. They have a smooth surface to which snow does not stick. Manufacturers produce in a large number of color options. Their main advantage is their very low weight. If desired, you can purchase a spatula even for children.
At the same time, plastic snow shovels are very practical, as they are highly resistant to wear. During operation, they cool much less, do not react with chemical reagents. . The main disadvantage of such products is related to the material., which is very fragile. To reduce the manifestation of this disadvantage during operation, manufacturers equip their snow shovels with a metal border, which makes them more resistant to deformation and increases their service life.
wooden models
Owners who want to save money on purchasing a snow tool most often choose a wooden or plywood model. If desired, you can make a wooden shovel for snow removal with your own hands. But such products do not last long. It is convenient to work with them, but they can only be used for cleaning freshly fallen snow.
It is not easy to clean surfaces from ice and wet snow masses using such a tool. Snow will constantly stick to the wooden surface of the plywood, which will make cleaning very tedious. From wet snow, plywood will quickly get wet and eventually begin to split, as a result of which it will quickly become unusable.
But in stores you can find more reliable options. For example, a scraper with a metal protective edge on the tray. But even such a solution will not allow to avoid the formation of cracks on plywood, which does not have good moisture resistance. To increase the service life of such a tool, you will have to dry it after each cleaning.
Which is better
The main requirements that a snow shovel must meet are to be light and comfortable. Based on this, the best choice would be a small plastic model. But we must not forget that each model has its own special purpose.
For example, plastic products are best used for cleaning freshly fallen snow. If you need a tool for a dense layer of snow masses, then it is preferable to purchase a durable metal shovel. For regular cleaning of the local area, a wooden or plastic product would be ideal. You should not buy a metal model - it is heavy, and clearing the area of snow can turn into a tedious task.
Additional selection criteria
To be completely satisfied with a snow clearing tool, a number of other criteria must be taken into account when choosing it. Particularly noteworthy are such characteristics as the presence of sides, the length and weight of the handle, the roll angle, and the size of the working canvas. But the most important thing is that the purchased product is as convenient as possible.
Tray dimensions
When determining this parameter, you must proceed from your physical capabilities. Be sure to take into account the outlines of the scoop. Traditionally, shovels are made in a square shape. with a side of about 40 cm. But sometimes you can also find improved models in the form of a rectangle, in which the largest side is 40 cm in size. It will be much more convenient to remove snow with such a tool.
For cleaning large and flat areas from precipitation, it is best to purchase a wide model. Due to the presence of a wide working surface, it will be possible to capture the maximum amount of snow at a time with such a model. But this can also be called a disadvantage: the more snow that fits on the scoop, the greater the load on the back and arms.
To make such a shovel more convenient, the base can be equipped with wheels. This will make it much easier to move the collected snow to the right place, and thanks to the long handle, the body will remain straight all the time. A similar snow clearing tool can be purchased at a specialized store or made independently.
roll angle
A model that has the optimal roll angle may be more comfortable to use. The tilt of the working base can be used as a lever. This will significantly speed up and facilitate the cleaning of snow. It is best to choose models in which the angle of inclination is 20-25 degrees.
The length and weight of the handle
When choosing a tool for clearing snow, you need to pay attention to the length and weight of the handle. In order to be less likely to get tired during work, it is necessary to throw snow from the cleared area while standing, without bending. Such an opportunity can be provided by a model with a long and light handle. When choosing a suitable product, it is recommended to make a few strokes with it in the store so that you can choose the optimal length and weight of the handle. Shovel handles can be made from various types of wood. To make them suffer less from moisture, manufacturers treat them with moisture-proof varnish.
The presence of bumpers
Since during cleaning it is important that as little snow as possible falls from the surface of the shovel, when choosing the best tool, you should pay attention to the presence of special sides. Thanks to them, the snow will crumble less from the working surface. Also, the sides will allow you to transfer much more snow at a time than in the absence of them.
Depending on the location of the sides, shovels can be single-breasted or double-breasted. For the most efficient snow clearing work, it is best to purchase a wide shovel with deep sides. Due to the increased volume of the scoop, it will be possible to transfer a large amount of snow at a time.
Snow shovel - do it yourself
If you wish, you can make a shovel for clearing snow with your own hands. This task is within the power of any owner who has minimal skills in working with tools. To make a homemade shovel, you do not have to spend large sums on the purchase of material or tools, and you can use it for at least five to six years.
Many owners opt for this option, since the materials necessary for the manufacture of this tool can be found in almost every household. To eliminate the risk of error, you can draw up a drawing of a shovel in advance or use a ready-made one. This will allow you to know in advance what this tool will look like and how much material will be needed to make it.
Before starting work, you need to make sure that all the necessary tools are available:
- nails and screws;
- tin strips;
- board 45 cm long and 2.5 cm thick;
- blank for cuttings 2 m long;
- plywood 6 mm thick.
Shovel making:
To make a homemade shovel last longer, you need to nail a galvanized strip to the edge of the bucket. If desired, you can make the snowplow even more durable - strengthen the junction with the scoop with a galvanized strip.
If you follow the above algorithm exactly and use high-quality materials, you can make a very durable and easy-to-use snow shovel that can be used for many years.
With the onset of winter, it is often simply necessary to clear the snow: in the courtyard of a private house, near the garage, in the summer cottage, in front of your own store. But if the snow shovel is not chosen correctly, this procedure can be a real test for you. Therefore, it is worth taking a more responsible approach to choosing a snow shovel, and this article will help you with this.
Snow shovel: purpose and types
Shovels for cleaning snow are distinguished by the material from which they are made, as well as by purpose. Consider the characteristics and features of the main types of shovels for snow removal. So, shovels are metal, plastic and wooden.
metal
Snow shovels made of light metals and alloys are market leaders today. Most popular:
- Aluminum shovels. This type is not reliable enough if used to remove ice. But the advantage is the relative lightness of aluminum shovels.
- steel models- very heavy, but extremely durable shovels.
- Galvanized surfaces- the most durable model. The alloy of metals allows you to save a small weight and give maximum strength.
Important! Keep in mind that a metal tool can damage the surface being cleaned, such as expensive tiles in front of your house.
The cost of a shovel with an auger is higher than that of other types. However, this option does not require any additional costs from you and pays off due to durability and quality. The mechanism does not depend on gasoline and electricity. A mechanical snow shovel does not have an engine; you can even make it yourself.
plastic
Today's markets also offer a wide variety of plastic tools. Plastic snow blowers are the most convenient to use. They have a smooth surface to which snow does not stick. Their color scheme is much more diverse. But the main advantage lies in the very light weight of plastic shovels. You can buy such shovels even for children.
In addition, the plastic snow shovel has high wear resistance. The shovel does not cool as much. It is also neutral to any chemical reagents. However, plastic is a rather fragile material, so shovels are often equipped with a metal border that protects them from deformation and increases their service life.
Wooden
The most inexpensive option among snow shovels is a wooden or plywood model. A wooden snow shovel can be easily made with your own hands. However, this type is also the most short-lived. This type is quite convenient to use, but is only suitable for cleaning freshly fallen snow.
Cleaning the ice mass from various surfaces or a wet layer of snow will be difficult: due to snow sticking to the wooden surface, the plywood gets wet and becomes heavy. In addition, plywood splits from moisture, and the shovel quickly becomes unusable.
Therefore, there are more reliable options for a wooden snow shovel - scrapers with a metal protective edge on the tray. But due to the poor moisture resistance of plywood, even the steel edge does not protect the material from cracking. In order to prolong the life of a wooden shovel, it should be dried regularly. 
How to choose a snow shovel: what material is better
A snow shovel, first of all, should be light and comfortable. The most convenient tool is a small shovel made of plastic. However, each type of shovel is designed for different situations. For light freshly fallen snow, a plastic shovel will do. To clean a dense layer of snow, you need a strong metal shovel. For regular household use, a wooden or plastic snow blower is best. A metal shovel may be too heavy.
Important! No matter how perfect the surface of the shovel handle is, it is necessary to clean the snow with gloves. This will protect your hands from frost and calluses.
Features of choosing a shovel for snow removal: what else to look for
A snow shovel is selected according to a number of parameters. It is necessary to take into account the size of the working blade, the angle of the shovel, the length and weight of the handle, the presence of sides and a number of other points. The main thing is that the shovel is as comfortable and convenient for you as possible. 
Tray dimensions
The size of the tray must be chosen individually, based on their physical capabilities. Pay attention to the outlines of the scoop. Typically, shovels are square in shape with sides of about 40 cm. An improved model is a rectangle with a large side of 40 cm. Such a tool is more optimal in work.
Large and even areas are easy to clear with a wide snow shovel. The wide working surface of such a shovel captures a large amount of snow at a time. However, the more snow is on the shovel, the greater the load on the back and arms.
The way out in this case is to adapt the wheel to the working base. The wheels make it easy to bring the collected snow to the right place, and the long handle helps to keep the body straight. You can buy a snow shovel on wheels or assemble it yourself.
Shovel angle
If the shovel bucket has an appropriate roll angle, then this can be an additional advantage. The slope of the working base plays the role of a lever. Thus, snow removal work will be faster and easier. The optimal angle of inclination should be 20-25 °. 
The length and weight of the handle
When buying a snow shovel, it is important to determine the length and weight of the handle that is optimal for you. To avoid rapid fatigue, it is advisable to clear the snow while standing, without bending. Therefore, pick up a shovel with a long and light handle. Swing the shovel a few times to determine the correct length and weight for the shovel handle. Cuttings are usually made from wood of different species - from the simplest to the most expensive. To provide protection from moisture, such cuttings are covered with moisture-proof varnish.
A snow shovel is an indispensable attribute of areas with heavy rainfall in winter. The more convenient, reliable and lighter this equipment is, the faster the snow will be removed. And sometimes there is a lot of it. But the industry is ready to offer a wide range of tools for dealing with precipitation.
Types of shovels
Structurally, the tool is a convenient handle, on which a rigid sheet of durable material is fixed, or, as it is called, a ladle. Prior to the widespread use of plastic, snow shovels were mostly made of wood or metal.
Bucket wooden versions was made of lightweight plywood, sometimes framed with metal plates to preserve the stiffeners. The handle is fixed with self-tapping screws, ordinary nails or with a steel tape. It was easy to make such a shovel yourself at home.
Metal ones are much more difficult to make at home, and in most cases they were made in a factory. The material for the bucket is galvanized steel sheet or aluminum. The handle can be wooden or metal.
Relatively recently, plastic snow shovels have been widely used. The special composition of the plastic used allows the use of inventory even in severe frost. Such a tool is not subject to corrosion, easy to use.
Automotive tools
It is very convenient to have a shovel for the car in winter. Dig a rut if the car is stuck, clear the parking space or remove precipitation that attacked during the night. This type of snow shovels is distinguished by several characteristic parameters:
- light weight;
- small bucket size;
- compact dimensions in general;
- light material from which the shovel is made.
There are both full-fledged types of shovels, and collapsible or folding. The latter take up much less space in the car.
Purpose of the scraper
In fact, the scraper is a wide shovel for snow removal. True, she is devoid of a cutting as such. Instead, the scraper uses an arc-shaped handle, with which it is convenient to push the pile with a bucket. Upon reaching the edge of the area to be cleared of snow, you just need to tip the bucket, dumping the snow.
The scraper copes well with large volumes of fresh and loose snow. But the caked one will already cause problems, since there is no necessary lever for stop. The scraper can only push the snow.
It is worth noting that there are certain hybrids of shovels and scrapers. Their design is designed in such a way that it is possible to lift snow to a small height, as well as to move large volumes over the surface.
Mechanized types
To facilitate snow removal, several types of mechanized means have been developed.
For example, an ordinary auger was attached to a scraper and a small snowplow was obtained. The method of work is similar to the classic scraper - you need to push it, and the auger will send blockages to the side. However, there are limitations - packed snow and its thick layers will be quite difficult to remove.
Wheel versions of scrapers made it possible to reduce the friction force, and, accordingly, the amount of effort applied. Among them, one can single out a snow shovel with one large wheel installed between the bucket and the handle. The device is easy to roll, has a lever for lifting, and also has good maneuverability.
Well, at the top of the "snow plow chain" are located electric shovels. Probably the most convenient, but at the same time expensive way to clear snow. They have the following characteristics:
- ease of use, the auger throws the snow aside by itself;
- minimum effort;
- compact dimensions.
However, they are very expensive, require a power source and more careful handling.
The most popular shovels on the market are plastic products.. They are comfortable, lightweight and relatively durable. However, they do have their limits. Therefore, when choosing, you should pay attention to the presence of metal lining on the edges of the tool.
A large bucket will help carry or transport a large amount of snow at once. But it is worth remembering that this increases the load on the back and arms. The presence of stiffeners on the bucket increases its elasticity and, as a result, durability.
It will be more convenient to use the handle in the form of the letter D. It is convenient to take and maneuver for it. A simple stalk tends to turn in the hands.
As for wooden shovels, they have not been particularly quoted lately. This is due to the fact that when cleaning wet snow, the plywood bucket tends to get wet and form ice, which increases the total weight and interferes with work.
Aluminum shovels have low weight, good strength and elasticity. However, they are quite expensive.
If you need to frequently remove large volumes of freshly fallen snow, then you should pay attention to scrapers. There are a lot of varieties of them - from small and light to heavy and voluminous.
