Buying a New Shovel

Buying a shovel is a more convoluted process than you would think. There are many factors to consider when it comes to a purchase like this, and though the tool is relatively cheap compared to other landscaping tools, it requires just as much thought before purchasing. Refer to this guide whenever you need a new shovel--it'll truly help to simplify the process and set you on the path towards the best shovel for you.

There are three main factors to consider when it comes to buying a shovel. Those factors are: price, ergonomics, and durability. You want to find a shovel that has a good mix of all of these--it is well-priced, will protect your body when you shovel, and will last for a long time. Brand has nothing to do with the equation, as many brands all produce shovels of similar quality. 

PRICE: Shovels range in price from $10 to sometimes $50 or even more. Often, the necessary shovel for your needs will run around $20. If you walk into a hardware store or google "shovels", that is the median price that you will find. Often, a shovel around this price that has the other two elements discussed above (ergonomics and durability) will serve you the best and provide you with everything you need from a shovel. $10 shovels are often not going to be durable enough to make shoveling comfortable; however, if that is the only shovel you can afford than find the one that will last the longest and be the most comfortable. 

ERGONOMICS: A Yard Beyond uses solely shovels with a curved handle so as to provide the greatest comfort. Straight-handled shovels are usually less comfortable and force you to do more of the heavy lifting when it comes to moving large piles of snow. Try and find a shovel that has a well-placed curve in the handle and a well-weighted blade. Make sure the blade is sharp and cuts through the snow effectively (try and find a shovel with a return policy!)

DURABILITY: You want your shovel to last a long, long time. They are not meant to break and should last a few winters of heavy lifting at least. Often the first thing to break on a shovel is the blade, especially if you find that you are chipping away at ice just as often as you're moving powder. For this reason, you can find ice-breaking tools on Amazon or in your local hardware store that will put less stress on your shovel blade. Otherwise, accept the fact that your blade might break off in one to two winters. When looking at shovels, pay special attention to the blade and scooper at the bottom. The parts that actually move the snow (unlike the handle) are the parts that will struggle the most when it comes to long-lasting durability.

There you have it: three important factors to consider when buying a shovel and how to judge a shovel based on those three factors. Hopefully this will allow you to go out and buy the best shovel for you. Now go enjoy shoveling that snow efficiently!