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Prepare yourself for whatever the weather sends your way with the right snow tools for winter work. Use our quick guide to make sure you have the equipment you need when the next storm hits.
Snow Tool Types
Shovel Components
Types of Snow Removal Tools
Shovel 
- Features a flat blade profile with a short shaft for lifting light snow.
- Blade width ranges from 18 to 20 inches.
Combo 
- Combines design elements of the shovel and pusher blades to accommodate almost all snow removal needs.
- Features a lightly curved blade with increasing height on the sides and the short shaft of a shovel.
- Blade width ranges from 18 to 20 inches.
Pusher 
- Features a curved blade with a long shaft for removing snow without lifting.
- Most effective with dry snow of 3 to 4 inches deep. Works best on a smooth paved surface.
- Blade width ranges from 18 to 27 inches.
Ice Scraper 
- Helps chip away ice and compressed snow.
- Features a tempered galvanized steel blade bonded to a high impact resin cover.
- Blade width ranges from 7 to 8 inches.
Roof Rake 
- Extra-long handle for removing hard-to-reach snow.
Car Shovel 
- Smaller and compact for convenient storage in a trunk or backseat.
Blade Materials
Shatter-Resistant Polycarbonate
Known for their strength and resilience, these blades are up to 12 times stronger than conventional polypropylene plastic shovels.
Aluminum
Lightweight and reliable, these versatile blades can stand up to years of use.
No-stick Polypropylene or High-Density Polyethylene
Durable to handle a range of snow tasks.
Wear Strips
Added to prolong the life of your snow tool by reducing wear on the blade edge and to help remove compressed snow or light ice. These protective strips are made of galvanized steel or industrial-grade nylon.
Shaft Types
Steel Core®
Steel shafts encased with a vinyl covering combine the strength of steel and longevity of plastic.
Fiber Core®
Fiberglass shaft with a durable resin sleeve to help reduce impact while providing lightweight strength.
Ergonomic
Engineered to minimize back strain with bent handles.
Aluminum
Lightweight for easy use when shoveling fluffier snow.
Handle Types
D-Grip Handle
This unique shape is available with a range of cushioned handles for added comfort and easy use.
Double Grip Handle
Additional handle to provide a higher lifting point and reduce stress on the blade.
Snow Removal Tips
Shoveling is about working smarter, not harder, and using a minimum amount of energy without straining your body. The first step is choosing the right shovel for the job, but using it correctly is just as important.
- Play it safe: If you have a heart condition, back problem, or other health concern, shoveling could be dangerous.
- Stretch it out: Basic athletic stretches for your back, shoulders, and hamstrings will help prepare your body for the task (and save some soreness later).
- Layer up: Dress warmly but in removable layers so that you don’t overheat.
- Get the gear: Use a quality snow tool—and make sure it is the correct type for the job!
- Start with the car: Brush snow off cars in the driveway before you start shoveling.
- Plan ahead: Decide where to throw the snow you’re shoveling before you start moving it.
- Get in position: Maintain proper posture when shoveling:
- Bend at the knees and lift with your legs
- Keep your back straight
- Keep one hand close to the blade for better lifting leverage
- Alternate between shoveling left-handed and right-handed
- Don’t twist your upper body to toss the snow aside
- Bring a buddy: It is safer, quicker, and fun to work with more than one person.
- Drink up: Keep hydrated and take breaks.
- Work in shifts: If you’re expecting a large snowfall, shovel smaller amounts multiple times throughout the storm instead of waiting for it all. If there’s too much snow, take multiple passes.
- Warm up: When the work is done, snuggle up with a hot chocolate and relax (don’t forget the marshmallows)!
Suggested Shoveling Pattern
When taking on your driveway, try this strategy to make quick work of the job.
- Start shoveling up the middle of the driveway and walk snow to either side. Clear the end of the driveway of snowplow buildup if necessary.
- Return to your starting point and start a new path along the sides of your original path, working outwards to the edges of the driveway. Throw snow closer than your first piles.
- Finish the edges of the driveway, placing snow just off to the side.