Review of scrapers for snow removal: types, pros and cons, tips for use and DIY production
With the arrival of winter, the problem of clearing snow arises. Ice forms on sidewalks, roofs, cars, near garages and on paths.
Various tools are used to clear snow - shovels, snow blowers, brushes and, of course, scrapers. They are relevant when the snow is wet, heavy, and even ice has formed.
We'll tell you more about snow scrapers in this article.
Content
What it is?
The main task of the scraper is high-quality raking of snow. In addition, the scraper helps remove ice. This is a seasonal tool.
Use it as needed. The main elements of the scraper are the handle and the working part (bucket). Depending on the task at hand, the appropriate model is selected. For different purposes it is necessary to have different models available.
Varieties
Scrapers for removing ice and clearing snow can have different types and sizes of working surfaces, as well as handles.
Telescopic model
If necessary, remove snow and ice from high surfaces, for example, from the roof of a garage or private house, It is convenient to use the tool with a long handle.
The telescopic design allows you to remove snow from roofs while remaining on the ground.The folding model allows you to reach hard-to-reach places thanks to the handle, which extends several meters.
A scraper is a tool that consists of two main parts: a telescopic handle and a working attachment. For ease of use, it is advisable to have a non-slip pad on the edge of the handle, which will be comfortable to hold with your hand.
Primary requirements, which are presented to such a scraper:
- relatively light weight, allowing you to carry out work without much effort;
- the length of the handle when unfolded should allow it to reach snow debris;
- reliability;
- functionality.
The scraper blade is made from plastic, aluminum, and wood. The telescopic handle is usually made of aluminum.
There are models of telescopic scrapers with a fixed synthetic fabric. This makes it easier to remove snow from roofs. The edge of the scraper may have a special rubber tip.
Metal
A metal scraper with a fairly wide working surface - hand tool for cleaning paths and clear small areas in front of the house or garage from snow. Thanks to the wide bucket, you can pry up the snow mass and push it forward.
The engines perform best in situations where the snow has just fallen and has not had time to compact, and the surface of the earth itself is quite flat.
Another type of metal scraper is an ice ax. This tool is highly durable and allows you to cope even with a thick layer of ice and trampled snow.When there is freshly fallen, loose snow, ice axes are not used.
A separate type of working tool - icebreaker scraper. With its help you can even cope with a layer of ice.
On wheels
A wheel scraper is a type of mechanical tool for clearing snow. A wheeled snow blower makes it easier to cope with the task of clearing snow, but cannot compete with electric or gasoline units in terms of performance.
A scraper usually has a bucket connected to a handle. Design feature: wheels attached to the bottom of the handle.
The service life is largely determined by the materials from which the wheeled scraper is made. Metal models are reliable and wear-resistant, but have significant weight.
Automotive
Car ice scraper – an important tool for car owners in winter. The equipment should be convenient and functional, providing good removal of ice and without harming the surface of the car itself. The design of the scraper and its appearance may vary significantly between different models.
How to choose?
Depending on the purpose, a specific scraper model is selected. The choice should be made taking into account the following parameters:
- appointment;
- handle material;
- working part material;
- handle length;
- massiveness/weight;
- presence of additional elements;
- price.
Roof cleaning
The roof cleaning tool should allow you to reach the roof surface and remove the snow, separating it in parts. The scraper should not be very heavy, otherwise it will not be easy to keep it suspended.
A rubber attachment on the handle is not mandatory, but a desirable element. Read more about the tool Here.
For cars
For a passenger car, a scraper with a small handle is sufficient. For SUVs, minibuses, etc. – the handle must be large enough to ensure the removal of ice from the roof of the body. There are options with a telescopic handle, equally suitable for different types of cars.
For sidewalks and paths
The choice of sidewalk cleaning tool should take into account the size of the area being treated and how smooth the surface is. If it is very uneven, the use of scrapers (including those on wheels) will be difficult.
This technique is aimed at processing fairly flat surfaces., otherwise equipment may break down and the quality of cleaning will remain low. It will be more difficult for hand tools to deal with compacted snow than with freshly fallen precipitation.
Operation and care
The use of scrapers of all types must be carried out taking into account the operating rules. This tool is aimed at removing ice and snow, and cannot be used to clear the area of rubble, stones, etc. It is also not designed for digging.
Store equipment indoors, protected from precipitation. Precautionary measures should include careful use to avoid the possibility of injury or damage to the tool itself.
Advantages and disadvantages of application
Using scrapers has many advantages:
- cleaning surfaces from ice and snow;
- low cost of inventory;
- ease of operation;
- not difficult to maintain;
- no fuel required;
- Ease of use.
Minuses scrapers:
- the tool is seasonal and is not needed in the warm season;
- If the rules of use are violated, damage may occur;
- not always effective for dealing with loose snow;
- There are no completely universal scrapers - each type of work requires separate equipment.
How to do it yourself?
You can make your own scraper from available materials. Most often, metal or wood is chosen.
You can learn how to make a scraper from the video:
Top 3 best engines with prices
Based on consumer reviews, the top best models have been compiled scrapers that performed well in difficult winter conditions.
Wolf-Garten IC-M
A German-made scraper is suitable for removing ice ice. The blade material is steel. The width of the working nozzle is 15 cm. The cost is from 400 rubles.
SKRAB 28095
The scraper is equipped with a flat aluminum bucket measuring 16 x 63 cm. The handle is telescopic, also aluminum.
Its length can vary from 1.9 m to 6.4 m. The tool is suitable for cleaning roofs and other high surfaces. Price – from 3,600 rubles.
Gardena 03250-20
The scraper has a steel blade, the width of which is 15 cm. It can be used separately and with a handle (handle). The tool is suitable for removing ice and wet snow with frost. Price – from 900 rubles.
Conclusion
Snow scrapers are an affordable and simple-to-use tool that will find its application in households, private buildings and car owners. Using such a tool in winter will allow you to clear ice and snow quickly and efficiently.