Features to Consider When Buying a Snow Shovel
While snowfall adds a festive air and beauty to the landscape, it also forces us to clear our drives and sidewalks. Shoveling is physically demanding and can cause aches, pains, injuries, and even disasters. If you want things to go more smoothly, invest in high-quality tools. An efficient and effective snow shovel is an absolute must. Looking for a long-lasting and reasonably priced option? The poly scoop shovel is a fantastic choice.
Risks Of Using The Wrong Shovel
Using a poor shovel can result in or worsen common physical problems such as back pain, back injuries, and muscle strains. The shovel also has many problems, such as its heft, inadequate grip, missized handle, awkward design, and fragile substance.
The Solution
The most effective solution is to select a shovel carefully. Pick the best one you can find, not the one that costs the least, as it can simplify your life. Here are some tips for choosing the right shovel:
Weight
A strong shovel weighing slightly over 3 pounds (or 1.5 kg) is ideal. Shoveling becomes more efficient when the shovel's useless weight is reduced. Muscle power needed for shoveling is proportional to the sum of the shovel's weight and the mass of the material it is lifting. The shovel's weight is under your control, but the weight of the snow itself can differ greatly depending on whether it's powdery or wet.
Length
To reduce the need to bend forward, adjust the handle length so that it reaches your chest. You shouldn't kneel because the handle is long enough. The shovel, blade, and handle must be at least elbow height when standing straight.
Shaft Type
A lightweight but sturdy design is perfect for the shovel shaft. Fiberglass shafts and handles are typically more lightweight and durable than their wooden counterparts. A second handle, typically located mid-shaft or bends in the shaft, are two options for shovel shafts that aim to reduce the amount of forward and back-bending needed.
While no studies have particularly recommended this method, some users say that bent-shafted shovels or those with mid-shaft handles alleviate back pain. Additionally, shovels with bent shafts are meant to push snow rather than lift it.
Handle Type
A "D" shaped handle is what you should be looking for on a shovel. By preventing the hand or wrist from being forced into an uncomfortable posture, this handle design allows the user to maintain a neutral grip while holding the shovel.
Blade Materials
Check the blade's material to ensure it will last. Blades made of aluminum are more nimble and lightweight, but steel blades are stronger and better suited to deep snow.
Blade Size
The blade shape and size of the shovel should be tailored to the specific task at hand. When used as a smaller blade shovel, a big push-style shovel can move a lot of snow, but it could be too heavy to lift. Shovels with shorter blades (25 to 35 cm, or 10 to 14 in) are better at picking up and dumping snow. With a smaller blade, you can lift less weight and avoid injuries.
Keep in mind that a wider blade can lift more snow, but it will also be heavier. Think about this while you shop for a shovel.
Grip Design
Your comfort and control are enhanced by the grip design. Try to get a snow shovel with a non-slip, ergonomic grip so you can hold on firmly even when wearing gloves.
Some of the other things to keep in mind are:
- Finding a shovel that is suited to your height is essential.
- Grab a shovel that's appropriate for your strength level.
- Grasping a shovel that is the right size for your gloved hand
- Invest in a good one instead of getting a cheap, fragile shovel.
Conclusion
If you want to face winter confidently, choose the correct snow shovel. Depending on your specific demands, the blade material, handle length, and other features of a poly scoop shovel can be fine-tuned to fit.
With Westcarb Enterprises Inc.'s selection of high-quality shovels, you can ease the burden of snow removal and ensure that your surroundings remain accessible and safe all winter. Check out our store today!