Review of metal shovels for snow removal: advantages and disadvantages, selection tips, prices

A metal shovel is the simplest and most time-tested tool for removing snow. With its help, you can clean small areas, as well as paths, sidewalks, and steps.

In winter it should always be at hand. Read the article about the advantages and disadvantages of a metal shovel for snow removal, how to choose it and how to use it correctly.

What it is?

Metal shovels for snow removal do not have a complex design. The product is represented by a ladle and a handle. Some tools have a handle for easier grip.

The working surface is most often made of aluminum, steel, titanium and duralumin (an alloy of aluminum and copper); galvanized buckets can also be found on sale. To protect them from corrosion, they are treated with special paint or powder polymers.

Pros and cons of metal snow removal equipment

Among the advantages metal shovels:

1. Strength. A high-quality metal bucket will not break or bend when colliding with a stone or other hard surface.
2. Wear resistance.A metal shovel will last at least 5 seasons and will not require replacement, but only if used correctly.
3. Frost resistance. You can work with the tool in any weather conditions. Unlike plastic, metal does not burst or chip at subzero temperatures.
4. Versatility. Metal shovels can be used to remove not only freshly fallen snow, but also compacted snow. A steel bucket is often used to break ice, using it instead of a crowbar.
5. Affordable price. Metal shovels are inexpensive. If you compare the price with a long service life, the tool will definitely pay for itself.
6. The wooden handle will not slip out of your hands and can be used without gloves.

To the disadvantages metal shovels include:

1. A hard bucket can damage paving slabs or curbs. Therefore, you need to work with the tool carefully.
2. Heavy weight. The heaviest ones are old shovels, the bucket of which is made of steel and the handle is made of wood.
3. Susceptibility to corrosion. If the product is stored in conditions of high humidity, it will become covered with rust. Therefore, you need to choose a coated tool.
4. Wet snow sticks to the surface of the bucket. This complicates the process of clearing the area.

How to use?

For a metal shovel to last for a long time, it must be used correctly:

• before starting work, you should check the strength of fastening of the handle with the bucket, if necessary, tighten the bolts;
• to collect snow, grab the shovel with one hand in the center of the handle, and with the other closer to its end;
• It is most convenient to work with a bulldozer-type bucket - this will reduce the load on your back;
• You should not capture too much snow, so as not to load the lumbar spine and cause breakage of the handle;
• when the snow needs to be thrown to the side, the emphasis is on the legs, there is no need to lift the tool high, the main thing is not to twist the body when working with your hands, the legs should be spread apart and slightly bent at the knees at maximum load;
• After cleaning is completed, remove snow and dirt from the shovel, wipe it with a clean dry cloth and put it away for storage.

How to choose?

When choosing a shovel, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Cutting length. Normally, it should reach the owner’s shoulder.
2. Metal used to make the ladle. Titanium and duralumin are considered the strongest and most durable.
3. Material from which the stem is made. Wood weighs more than aluminum, which needs to be taken into account when purchasing.
4. Presence of stiffening ribs on the bucket. This is a special relief that increases the strength of the product. You can collect more snow into it without fear of the sheet bending.
5. Handle shape. It can be straight or curved. Before purchasing, you need to think about which tool will be more convenient to work with.
6. Availability of handle. It acts as an additional stop, thanks to which the shovel will not turn over while throwing snow.
7. The presence of sides on the bucket. If they are not there, snow will fall out. An additional advantage will be a recess on the working surface.

Where and for how much to buy?

You can purchase a shovel for snow removal both in retail stores and online markets. Large online platforms offer a wide range of models from different manufacturers.

Top 3 best models on the market

The most popular metal shovels for snow removal:

Ltse, 500x330 mm, aluminum, wooden handle

The tool is light in weight, so you don’t have to exert much effort during operation. The bucket is equipped with stiffening ribs. The product can be used for cleaning various bulk materials, including in the summer. Price – 1200 rubles.

Center tool Saint Tropez

Bucket size: 37x50 cm. The working surface and handle are made of aluminum. There is a plastic handle for easy grip. Price – 3,100 rubles.

PALISAD

Bucket size: 34x46.5 cm, length: 130 cm. The bucket is made of aluminum, equipped with three sides and stiffeners. The handle is curved and has a comfortable plastic handle. Tool weight – 1.5 kg. Price – 1650 rubles.

Alternatives

In addition to the standard metal shovel, for removing snow The following tools can be purchased:

• shovels made of wood, plastic, polycarbonate;
• models with wheels;
• electroshovels;
• scrapers.

Each of the listed models has its own advantages and disadvantages, which you need to familiarize yourself with before purchasing.

Helpful information

Tips for use and storage metal shovel:

1. Over time, the surface of the wooden handle may become jagged. In order not to encounter splinters, you need to sand it, varnish it and let it dry completely.It is best to do this after the end of the winter period.
2. To protect the cutting from rotting and damage by rodents, it is treated 3-4 times with grease and then burned over a fire. The main thing is not to burn the handle. This treatment will not allow moisture to penetrate the wood, and will also remove even the smallest burrs.
3. Before long-term storage, it is recommended to disconnect the handle and the ladle, since in the area of ​​contact between wood and metal it quickly becomes rotten.
4. You can protect a steel shovel from corrosion using copper sulfate by dipping the ladle into the solution.

Conclusion

A metal shovel is the most common tool for removing snow. It is the best embodiment of the price-quality ratio, therefore in winter it is in high demand.