It is important that you understand the anatomy of a shovel so that you select the right one for the job (see, What are the parts of a shovel?). We have discussed the five key criteria from which to differentiate shovels:
1. How the blade is attached to the handle
2. The shape, size and angle of the blade
3. The length of the shaft and the type of handle grip
4. The different materials used to make a shovel
5. Its weight
By understanding the configuration of a shovel, you will be able to identify an inferior shovel over a high calibre one as well as understanding the jargon that manufacturers use, so you can get maximum benefit from the tool you choose..
Now it’s time to dig the dirt on the different types of shovel.
Type of shovel
Application
Features
Round mouth shovel
Digging, especially in hard ground
Moving rubble and other semi-compacted material
Not ideal for preparing a bed for paving stones
Choice of open socket, solid socket and strapped solid socket blade connections
Shaft can be made from hardwood, fibreglass or steel
Handle can be D-grip and T-grip
Square mouth shovel
Shovelling large quantities of loose material
Levelling out soil and other sub-base material
Preparing a bed for paving stones, flags, etc.
Not ideal for digging
An aluminium or plastic blade is lightweight and useful in the food or agriculture industry
Choice of open socket, solid socket and strapped solid socket blade connections
Shaft can be made from hardwood, fibreglass or steel
Handle can be D-grip and T-grip
Taper mouth shovel
Digging, especially in hard ground
Shovelling dense material such as crushed stone and gravel
Levelling
Choice of open socket, solid socket and strapped solid socket blade connections
Shaft can be made from hardwood, fibreglass or steel
Handle can be D-grip and T-grip
Snow shovel
Moving snow from driveways, roads, pavements
Anywhere it causes an obstruction!
Some shovels are designed for pushing snow, others for lifting it
Shovels can be plastic, aluminium or steel depending on its usage
The size of the scoop varies considerably between shovels. A wide scoop which curves upward is the most efficient for shovelling snow.
Look for a blade with a strong cutting edge.
Ergonomic snow shovel
Specifically designed to reduce back strain when shovelling snow
Look for designs with additional handles halfway down the shaft to minimise stooping and to help with balance
Check that the handle grip is also ergonomic
Look for a shovel with an ergonomic design such as a bend in the length of shaft if you suffer with a bad back or want to avoid injury.
A shovel with wheels will also help reduce back strain
Coal shovel
Shovelling coal, coke and other fuels
Scooping ash and wood debris from a fireplace
Shovels are generally plastic, aluminium or steel
A wide, flat blade with upturned sides makes it easier to remove ash and debris from a fireplace
Vintage coal shovels are also available. Perfect as a gift or part of a fireplace set
Grain shovel
Shovelling granular materials such as grain, seeds and fertiliser
Scoop is usually plastic or aluminium. Both materials are lightweight enough for prolonged shovelling and neither will damage the grain.
Look for scoops with deep basins to prevent spillage when transferring material
Cable laying shovel
Specifically designed for digging narrow trenches for cables or pipes
Or any heavy, ground breaking work
Blade is usually forged from one piece of steel (solid socket or strapped socket)
Shaft can be made from hardwood, fibreglass or steel
Length of shaft is either standard at 700 mm (28 ins) or extra-long up to 1800 mm (72 ins)
For work on or near live cables, use an insulated shovel. These are covered in our section on ‘Insulated Shovels’
Drainage shovel
Long, narrow blade is useful for digging drain or pipe channels and irrigation work
Not suitable for prolonged shovelling
Blade is usually forged from one piece of steel (solid socket or strapped socket)
Shaft can be made from hardwood, fibreglass or steel
Length of shaft is either standard at 700 mm (28 ins) or extra-long up to 1800 mm (72 ins)
For work on or near live cables, use an insulated shovel. These are covered in our section on ‘Insulated Shovels’
Rabbiting spade
Ideal for digging deep and neat trenches, land drains and fence post holes
Planting sapling trees, perennial work
Not suitable for prolonged shovelling
Blade is usually forged from one piece of steel (solid socket or strapped socket)
Usually fitted with either a fibreglass or a steel shaft
Length of shaft is either standard at 700 mm (28 ins) or extra-long up to 1800 mm (72 ins)
Extra-long shaft – usually without a handle grip – gives greater digging depth
Grafting shovel
Specifically designed for heavy work (grafting!)
Either digging into hard ground such as clay based soils or shifting heavy material
Choice of open socket, solid socket and strapped solid socket blade connections
Shaft can be made from hardwood, fibreglass or steel
Length of shaft is either standard at 700 mm (28 ins) or extra-long up to 1800 mm (72 ins)
For work on or near live cables, use an insulated shovel. These are covered in our section on ‘Insulated Shovels’
Trenching shovel
Designed for digging and clearing trenches
Ideal for producing neat trench walls without disturbing the soil too much
Choice of open socket, solid socket and strapped solid socket blade connections
Shaft can be made from hardwood, fibreglass or steel
Length of shaft is either standard at 700 mm (28 ins) or extra-long up to 1800 mm (72 ins)
For work on or near live cables, use an insulated shovel. These are covered in our section on ‘Insulated Shovels’
West Country shovel
Digging in very heavy soils
Scooping and moving loose material such as sand, gravel, crushed stone
Ideal for those with taller frames
Blade is usually either stamped out of sheet steel (open socket) or hot forged (the more robust solid socket method)
Shaft is extra long – up to 1800 mm (72 ins) – and usually made from Ash
Extra long shaft – usually without a handle grip – gives greater digging depth
Irish shovel
Digging in very heavy soils
Scooping and moving loose material such as sand, gravel, crushed stone
Ideal for those with taller frames
Blade is usually either stamped out of sheet steel (open socket) or hot forged (the more robust solid socket method)
Shaft is extra long – up to 1800 mm (72 ins) – and usually made from Ash
Extra long shaft – usually without a handle grip – gives greater digging depth
Micro shovel
Good things come in small packages!
Ideal for use in confined spaces
Small and easy to transport
Overall length of a micro shovel is usually 700 mm (27 ins) compared to a standard length of 1200 mm (48 ins)
Blade is usually stamped from carbon steel, can be round mouth or square mouth
Shaft is usually fibreglass for its lightweight properties
Folding shovel
Useful for camping trips or outdoor activities
Easily transportable in a rucksack
Can be kept in your car for any emergencies
Lesser quality folding shovels are flimsy and prone to breaking
Look for a full steel construction for long-term, heavy-duty use
Check the shovel comes with a bag or pouch for easy, clean storage
Folded length is generally 250 mm (9.5 ins) and overall length 600 mm (23 ins)
