Snow shoveling can be tedious and exhausting. Not many people love doing it, but come winter, it can become a necessary evil. To make things easier, one has to make sure they have the right equipment for the job; most importantly, that means using the best snow shovel, one that combines both efficiency and effectiveness. Several factors have to be considered if you are to make the right choice. Here are some of the key points to consider when purchasing the best snow shovel:
Grip
A good snow shovel should have a great grip, to make holding it easier and more comfortable. This may depend on the material used in making the handle. Some materials such as plastic tend to have a better grip than others. There are three main types of grips available: the D-grip, L-grip, and T-grip. The D-grip is heavy, bulky, and easy to use with mittens. The L-grip is characterized by its comparatively light weight, and the T-grip, which is the most common, is also lightweight and gripped between the fingers. The size of your hands also plays a role in influencing the type of grip. The important thing is to ensure the grip is firm and comfortable.
Size and shape of the blade
Different shovel models have varying blade sizes and shapes, and all of them have their pros and cons. A large blade makes it easy for you to move snow faster. However, it requires significantly more strength, which can tire you out pretty quickly. A small blade tends to be more convenient as it can be handled with much more ease; though the amount moved with each heave is less, the rate of moving the snow is faster. When it comes to blade shape, a flat blade is good for creating smooth snow-pit walls.
There are two main materials that can be used for snow shovels: aluminum and plastic. Plastic comes with the benefit of being light, which means less effort. On the other hand, aluminum comes with strength and durability, making it the better choice for emergencies.
Length of the handle and design of shovel
In order to avoid putting strain on the back while shoveling snow, the shovel handle has to be long enough. The good thing is that most shovel handles can be adjusted to the optimal length for the specific shoveler in question. This way, you can say goodbye to back pains.
There are also specific shovel models that have been proven to be quite good as they have been modified to reduce strain on your back. A good example is the electric shovel. This snow shovel is effective for clearing a small area--it can throw an approximately 12 inches (30.48 cm) wide, 4 inches (10.16 cm) deep swath of snow about 20 feet (6 meters) away. The snow pusher model is another type of shovel that can be customized for efficiency. This shovel has a 36-inch (91.44 cm) blade that cuts through 5 inches (12.7 cm) of snow and moves it away by pushing. Very little effort is required with this type of shovel. You will literally just be pushing snow out of your way as you walk down your driveway or walkway.
Other good options are the snow scoop, back saver, and collapsible models. All these models have been modified for one reason or the other. They are all effective in their own right. The most important factors are your comfort, and the durability of the snow shovel. Factors such as price come in last once those points have been considered.
Your specific needs will ultimately determine the best snow shovel for you. These factors are just to guide you in making the right choice. The rest is up to you to decide.
