Are you ready to upgrade your garden tool collection this year? We all have a few shovels lying around, but did you know that not all shovels are created equal? There are various types of shovels designed for specific landscaping and home improvement tasks. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating history of shovels, popular shovel designs, and how to choose the right one for your project. And if you’re looking for high-quality garden tools, look no further than Bully Tools, a 100% Made in the USA brand! So let’s dig into everything you need to know about this groundbreaking invention – the shovel.
The Evolution of Shovels
Shovels have been around for thousands of years. Early humans used rudimentary tools made from large animal bones and attached them to pieces of wood with deer ligaments. These tools were used for digging, transporting, and moving materials, just like modern shovels.
During the Iron Age in Europe (1200 BC – 600 BC), people started making shovels from iron and steel. Steel, in particular, proved to be harder and more durable than bronze, the previously used material. As steel production increased, these tools made their way to the Americas alongside European settlers searching for a new life. Shovels became essential for constructing roads, railways, and other infrastructure during the American Industrial Revolution in the 1800s.
The Power of Specialization
During this period of innovation, engineer Frederick Winslow Taylor proposed the idea of creating shovels with different-sized scoops and specialized purposes for various projects. By applying physics and kinetics, Taylor developed best practices for shoveling, lifting, and moving materials that are still used today in the industry.
Finding the Right Shovel
With thousands of shovel options on the market, how do you choose the right one for your project? Let’s break it down.
Understanding Shovel Types
Shovels have various purposes throughout the year. They are used in your garden, on your lawn, to manage snow, and for everyday tasks if you’re a contractor, landscaper, or handyman.
Shovels consist of several parts. The most recognizable part is the shovel blade, also known as the cutting edge. It’s the curved scoop that penetrates the ground. Different blade styles serve different purposes:
- For general digging and landscaping, choose a round-point shovel.
- To transfer loose materials, opt for a square-point shovel.
- For digging trenches or getting into tight spots, use a trenching shovel.
- Clear hard-to-reach spaces with a drain spade.
- Edge your lawn with an edging shovel/edger.
- Clear snow with a snow shovel/snow pusher.
- Dig post holes using a post hole digger.
- Scoop mulch or snow with a one-piece scoop/scoop shovel.
Which Shovel for Which Job?
To find the right shovel, consider the specific requirements of your project. Most heavy-duty projects call for a shovel with a steel or hard plastic blade. Snow shovels, designed to move heavy piles of snow, usually have blades made of hard plastic. This lightweight design allows for easier scooping and dumping over extended periods.
Apart from the blade, shovels share similar construction. The blade connects to the handle through a socket or neck, which provides structural support and reinforces the shovel’s weakest point. Handles can be made of traditional wood or the stronger, lighter, and longer-lasting alternative – fiberglass.
Lastly, pay attention to the grip. Find a grip that feels comfortable to you, as you’ll be using the shovel for extended periods. Shovels typically come with a foam grip on a straight handle or an ergonomically shaped D-Grip handle for maximum control and comfort.
Shovel Types and Their Uses
Now, let’s explore the specific uses of different shovel types:
– For Digging:
Round-point shovels are ideal for digging, lifting, and moving materials like compacted soil, roots, and clay. Their deeper and sharper blades make it easier to penetrate the ground.
– For Transferring:
Square-point shovels are perfect for transporting large amounts of loose materials such as gravel, sand, loose soil, or crushed brick. Their shallower design ensures comfortable usage over extended periods.
– For Removing Sod:
Spades with flat, square-shaped blades are useful for cutting and removing sod or transplanting plants and bushes. They can cut through all types of soil and create clean edges along your lawn.
– For Digging or Clearing a Trench:
Trenching shovels are ideal for digging or clearing out trenches. With their long and narrow blades, they are also useful for clearing post holes and breaking apart stubborn roots.
– For Transplanting:
Drain spades, also known as tile or transplanting spades, are perfect for digging and transplanting live plants or uprooting saplings. Similar to trenching shovels in shape and size, their rounded tip sets them apart.
– For Edging Your Lawn and Sidewalks:
Edgers (edging shovels) add a neatly cut edge to your lawn. They feature a half-moon-shaped head with a sharp, extra-wide cutting edge. The long handle makes it easy to create clean and crisp edges.
– For Clearing Snow:
Snow shovels are lightweight and durable, designed specifically to remove heavy winter snow from sidewalks and outdoor steps. For larger jobs like clearing driveways, consider using a snow pusher.
– For Digging Post Holes:
Post hole diggers make it easy to dig holes for poles, fencing, and decks. These tools have two curved steel blades attached to poles, allowing for a relatively circular cut in the ground.
– For Scooping:
Poly scoop shovels are versatile and sturdy. They are constructed using copolymer polypropylene, making them lightweight and practically indestructible. Their scraping edges are designed not to scratch surfaces such as porches, decks, or concrete. You can use them to move rocks, mulch, grain, snow, feed, and other loose materials.
Choose the Perfect Shovel for Your Needs
Armed with this knowledge, you can now make an informed decision when shopping for shovels. Local hardware stores across the U.S. carry Bully Tools and their range of high-quality, 100% Made in the USA shovels. Alternatively, you can visit their website to explore their selection of Lawn and Garden, Snow and Ice Removal, and Specialty tools.
Happy digging!