If you have a garden or field, you must have at least used a shovel at least once. If you have used more than one type of shovels, you'll know there is a huge difference in terms of durability, performance, and comfort. This is where the tricky part comes. Choosing the right and the best shovel that suits you and your work is hard because there are thousands of products in the market. They all have different attributes.
Generally, people don't know whether to buy a long or short shovel, what kind of material, and which shape of blades. If you feel like you have this problem, don't worry, this article will help you to choose the right garden shovel for you.
Our Pick for the Best Shovel
Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel (9668)
Fiskars is known for is high-quality tools with an affordable price, and this shovel is no difference. Its long, durable, steel handle is perfect for heavy-duty work. This shovel will last for a very long time. For all the advantages, we decide that Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel is the top pick.
Choosing the Right Shovel
First, you need to first understand what a shovel is and how it's different to a spade.
Basically, a shovel is a tool used for digging, lifting, or moving material from one position to the next. It can be helpful with many different materials, but for now, we’re focusing on dirt and soil in your field and backyard.
Spade is a lot different than a shovel, regardless of what people say. Spade is designed with a pointy sharp edge that is used strictly to break rough material, like concrete, that can be lifted later on by a shovel. Some people also use spades to move materials, although it may not be as effective as a shovel. You can see the difference in a glance between a shovel and a spade from its blade; shovel's blade is angled while spade's blade is straight (but sharper).
Now that you know the difference, let's talk strictly about spade.
Do you need a short handle or a long handle shovel? This question is an important one to ask yourself, and the answer lies within the tasks you’re trying to accomplish in your field. Choosing the right length will help you to work efficiently and keep your body safe throughout the whole process. There are a few differences between the short and long handle, the table below shows the advantages and disadvantages of each shovel type:
| Long Handle Shovel | Short Handle Shovel | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| 1. Leverage 2. More strength |
1. Break easily 2. More expensive |
1. Good for limited workspace 2. Easy to store 3. Cheaper |
1. Holds small amount 2. Back strain |
Other than the length, there are more features that you should look at while trying to purchase a suitable shovel for you. Remember, there is no such thing as a good or bad shovel, it is all about your needs and how you’re going to use it. Here are different features to look for in a shovel:
1. Handle Design
There are two of the most common handle types which are the “T” and the “D” grip (and without handles). Like stated earlier, there is no better design but it is all up to you and how you use and lift your shovel. Some people find the “T” grip to be more suitable while others can’t live without the “D” grip. It’s a matter of preference. Make sure you try both before purchasing. In addition, try to look for a shovel with a round blade as this design helps you to find a place to rest your feet on the shovel while trying to fit it in the ground for the digging process.
2. Durability
Most shovel's blades are made of forged and the stamped steel blades. It is not a hard decision but the forged steel has proven to be the most durable type for the blades. If the shovel is tempered, that would a good add-on for the tool, but it must be pricier. Stainless steel is another option for your blade as it will not rust, however, you might not find it worth it to trade extra money for the look.
There are other materials for the blade such as plastic and aluminum, but both are mostly used to lift lighter material like sand or snow.
3. Handle Material
Now let us discuss the material of the handle. Handle is where you hold the shovel from, as mentioned previously, there are D and T type of handle. Most handles are made from wood as it is the most commercially appealing to the people and soft to touch. But, it is heavier. The other common type is the fiberglass which is way lighter than wood and definitely stronger and more durable than wood but also more expensive.
4. Overall Size
There is a wide range of sizes from short to long handles to huge gigantic shovels. However, picking the right size relies on two aspects. The first is your own size. If you’re a tall mid-aged guy with a lot of power in you, buying the biggest size is the right thing to do. On the other hand if you’re an older person or with less strength, then buying a smaller size is more efficient. It shouldn't be hard finding the right size for you.
The other aspect that affects your decision is the job you intended to do. If you are working with a lot of material to move, you should definitely choose a bigger blade size so you can lift more. But again, don't ignore your own size and strength.
The Best Shovels on the Market
Now, this is my favorite part of the article. We have discussed the shovel as the most important tool used at any site. We also have discussed the different features that you should consider while choosing the right shovel for you. Next, here's a list of the top products out there that will help you choose and compare between the best shovels.
1. Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel (9668)
This specific shovel is ideal for digging in tough soil. The handle and blade are welded and made of hardened steel that will ensure a longer lifetime for the tool. Not to mention the guaranteed availability in stock at all times with a lifetime warranty over the product. The shovel is designed with a long handle that will protect you from getting any back injuries and keeping you safe at all times of use.
What we like:
- Long handle
- Steel shaft
- Cheap
- Seems very durable
- Works great for hard soil
What we don't like:
- Heavy
- The blade tip might break easily
2. Bond LH015 Mini D Handle Shovel
Next on our list is a product of Bond which is a credible source for these kinds of tools. This product, deserve the title to be one of the best short-handled shovels. However, due to its size, it's only good for infrequent, light-duty tasks in your field. This is a choice that will respect your comfort at all times and always come in handy for you.
What we like:
- Compact, easy to store
- Comfortable to use
- Seems hard to break
What we don't like:
- Fairly expensive for what it is
- Short handle, might be too short
- Not ideal for hard tasks
3. Ames True Temper 1564400 Round Point True American D Shaped Wood Handle Shovel
This shovel has to be on our list due to its great power. As a start, the handle of this shovel is D shaped which is the most ideal shape for a handle as it assists you while using in on heavy duty. The blade has a perfect balance between a sharpened edge and a large surface area for holding more quantities.
What we like:
- Good quality steel
- Fair Price
- Durable
- Great for heavy duty
What we don't like:
- Short handle
4. Rose Kuli® Folding Shovels Handle Shovel and Pick
This particular shovel is also a short handle shovel and off a folding feature like the previous. It is more than just a shovel as the blade consists of a shovel, two types of pickaxe and saw teeth for cutting ropes. It is a multi-tool in a small product that can be stored easily at home and still is available for all the small gardening tasks.
What we like:
- Versatile
- Cheaper than buying both tools (if you don't use it frequently)
- Lightweight
- Easy to store
What we don't like:
- Light tasks
- Saw teeth can be too dull
- Nice additional tool but not to be used on a daily basis
5. Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel with Fiberglass Long Handle
This is a fiberglass long handle shovel which is more durable than wood handles. It is the perfect heavy duty tool for you. Regardless of its high price, this shovel defines the saying “you get what you pay for.” It comes with a sharp blade and a handle that has the feature of being extended. This product precisely comes with a limited lifetime warranty which you might not even need to use it due to the sturdy construction.
What we like:
- Durable
- Long, comfortable handle
- Great for tough soil
- Fiberglass handle
What we don't like:
- Blade may need sharpening
- Heavy
- Expensive
6. Seymour S710 48-Inch Long Fiberglass Handle Notched Super Shovel Round Point
Last but not least is this long-named shovel that has a different kind of style than all the others. The blade of this shovel has cutting teeth at the end that is can be used to penetrate any type of hard soil you have in your field.
What we like:
- Makes digging hard soil easy
- Looks unique
- Decent handle length
- Durable
What we don't like:
- Sharp Edges might not be safe in storage
- Heavy
- Expensive
- Needs cleaning between teeth
The above list contains all the products that are worth mentioning. These products were picked upon the criteria that we have set earlier in this article. We kept in mind the balance between the right height, the best shovel shape and the most sturdy and durable construction.
However, out of these amazing choices, we have to pick only one product to be the best of them all and the most suitable for most of the tasks that you will probably encounter.
Our Pick for the Best Shovel
Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel (9668)
Fiskars is known for is high-quality tools with an affordable price, and this shovel is no difference. Its long, durable, steel handle is perfect for heavy-duty work. This shovel will last for a very long time. For all the advantages, we decide that Fiskars Long Handle Digging Shovel is the top pick.