Choosing a shovel with a wood handle, or a “shovel with wood handle,” is more than a nod to tradition; it’s a decision that affects durability, handling, and long-term comfort. This guide dives into the reasons why wood-handled shovels, or shovels with wood handles, remain popular, from their shock-absorbing qualities to their ease of maintenance. We’ll compare a shovel with wood handle with other materials and introduce the best practices for choosing, using, and caring for your shovel with wood handle, ensuring you make an informed decision for your gardening or construction needs.
Key Takeaways: Shovel with Wood Handle
- A shovel with wood handle provides ergonomic comfort, durability, and shock absorption, making them a good choice for various tasks like digging and transferring materials.
- Different types of a shovel with wood handle serves specific purposes: round point shovels are versatile for digging and scooping, square point shovels are ideal for clearing materials and smoothing surfaces, and trenching shovels are best for precision digging tasks.
- Proper care, including cleaning, handle treatment with protective coatings, and maintaining the blade, is essential to extend the lifespan and efficiency of a shovel with wood handle.
The Advantages of Shovel with Wood Handle
Wood-handled shovels have been the tool of choice for centuries, and for good reasons. The natural properties of wood offer a trifecta of advantages: comfort, ergonomic design, durability, and shock absorption. These benefits make wood-handled shovels a worthy investment for any gardener, landscaper, or construction worker.
We will explore these advantages in more detail, including the ease of access to a server with proper permission and the ability to add new features.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Wooden shovel handles offer a natural and comfortable grip due to their ergonomic design, which can lead to reduced fatigue and enhanced user control over the shovel. The texture of wood provides a smooth grip, significantly reducing the chance of developing blisters and calluses from prolonged use.
Due to this accessibility and comfort, many prefer using wood-handled shovels for tasks like moving sand.
Durability and Longevity
While it might seem counterintuitive, wooden handles offer remarkable durability, enhancing the shovel’s lifespan. Rot resistance is a key factor in the durability of wooden handles. Hardwoods like hickory are highly valued for their exceptional toughness and strength. With adequate maintenance, a wooden shovel handle can have a prolonged lifespan and, if worn or damaged, it’s straightforward to repair or replace, making it a sustainable choice.
Shock Absorption
Beyond comfort and durability, wooden handles have an inherent characteristic that gives them an edge over other materials – shock absorption. This natural property reduces the impact on the user during digging tasks, making it particularly beneficial to users with joint issues.
This means less strain and fatigue when you’re moving mounds of loose material, making your task easier and more efficient.
Types of Shovel with Wood Handle: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding the different types of shovel with wood handle can help you choose the right tool for your needs. Wooden shovel handles provide strength and resistance to elements, critical for the durability of the shovel. Some common types of wood used for shovel handles include:
- Ash
- Beech
- Cherry
- Black locust
These hardwoods are chosen for their robustness and rot resistance.
We will discuss the three main types of wood-handled shovels, namely round point, square point, and trenching shovels.
Round Point Shovel
Round point shovels are the Swiss army knives of the shovel world. Designed with a beveled edge and a pointed tip, these shovels are perfect for digging through tough soil, lifting, and chopping. They’re versatile tools used for a wide range of tasks, from digging and scooping to transplanting and trenching.
A round point shovel is versatile, useful for tasks like cultivating your vegetable bed or moving piles of compost, mulch, or gravel.
Square Point Shovel for Sand
Square point shovels are your ideal companions for:
- Clearing and transferring materials
- Scraping up soil, debris, gravel, and other materials from hard surfaces
- Moving piles of loose materials such as soil, gravel, and stone
With a design that excels at leveling and smoothing surfaces, these shovels are a versatile addition to your gardening tool kit.
Trenching Shovel for Soil
Trenching shovels, as the name suggests, are optimized for precision digging in soil and creating narrow trenches. These shovels are commonly used for laying irrigation pipes and other precision digging tasks. With long and narrow blades, typically 4-6 inches wide, they are designed to cut into tough soil, making the initial cut into the ground easier.
Some models incorporate box sides to help scoop out and remove earth while maintaining the integrity of trench walls.
Material Matters: Comparing Wood Handles to Other Options
While wood handles bring a host of benefits, it’s important to consider other materials as well. Fiberglass and steel handles offer increased durability, with steel boasting exceptional longevity. However, these materials come with their own set of drawbacks, such as weight and difficulty in replacement.
We will now examine these alternatives in more detail.
Fiberglass Handles
- Fiberglass handles are known for their durability and resistance to weather conditions.
- One of the key benefits of fiberglass handles is their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making them strong yet lightweight compared to wood and steel.
- They are also less likely to splinter or break under heavy use.
Fiberglass shovel handles have several advantages over wooden handles:
- They are generally more durable and resistant to rot.
- They offer a higher strength-to-weight ratio, making them easier to handle and more efficient.
- They are unaffected by changes in humidity or weathering.
- They have a reduced likelihood of breaking from impact compared to wooden handles.
However, while they offer a higher strength-to-weight ratio, fiberglass handles can be more challenging to replace as they are not as widely available as wood handles.
Steel Handles
Steel shovel handles are known for their:
- Strength and durability
- Suitability for tasks involving hard soil, roots, and rocks
- Heavier weight, which can help in pushing the tines into soil more efficiently
- High resistance to force without breaking, offering greater leverage
However, their heavier weight can also cause fatigue for the user.
Composite Handles
Composite handles aim to offer the best of both worlds – significant strength and cost-effectiveness. However, they are less commonly available than wood or fiberglass alternatives, which may reduce the variety available to consumers.
Nevertheless, they provide a good middle ground for those looking for durability without a hefty price tag.
Choosing the Right Handle Length for Your Needs
When it comes to shovel with wood handle, size does matter. The right handle length should be ergonomically designed to match your height and angled for efficient use. To minimize back strain and ensure ergonomic use, the shovel handle should ideally reach your chest. We will look into the standard length, D-grip length, and custom lengths.
Standard Length (48″ long)
The traditional 48-inch handle length is ergonomically designed to accommodate a wide range of user heights. It provides a good balance between control and leverage, making it ideal for various tasks, including digging, scooping sand, and moving materials.
Most users find this standard length to be quite versatile.
D-grip Length (30″ long)
For tasks requiring swift, short movements, the D-grip’s shorter 30” length excels. This shorter length assists with better maneuverability in compact spaces, making it perfect for tasks in small gardens or tight construction sites.
Custom Lengths
Custom shovel handles can be designed to match different tool diameters and grip sizes preferred by users. This customizability significantly enhances the usability of the handles on the shovel, making it a worthy consideration for those with specific needs or preferences.
Proper Care and Maintenance for Your Shovel with Wood Handle
A well-maintained shovel with wood handle is a reliable partner in your gardening or construction tasks. Regular maintenance of your wood-handled shovel can extend its lifespan and ensure it remains sturdy and reliable.
We will now discuss the best practices for cleaning, storage, handle treatment, and blade maintenance.
Handle Treatment and Protection
Treating wooden handles with protective coatings can significantly enhance their durability and resistance to wear. Regularly applying these treatments will help prevent splintering and cracking, ensuring your shovel remains comfortable and safe to use.
Cleaning and Storage
After use, it’s essential to clean dirt and debris off the wood handle to prevent buildup that can cause deterioration over time. Proper care, such as storing in a dry environment, can mitigate issues of weathering, cracking, splitting, and rot that affect wooden handles.
To avoid breakage and keep your tool in optimal condition, it’s necessary to follow safe storage practices.
Handle Treatment and Protection
Treating the wooden handle with linseed oil or a similar protective coating can preserve the wood and prevent drying and cracking. Periodically sanding down the wooden handle can also remove rough spots and prevent splintering.
With proper maintenance, your wooden shovel handles can stand the test of time, making them a sustainable choice.
Blade Maintenance
Maintaining the blade of your shovel with wood handle is just as important as taking care of the handle. Keeping the shovel blade sharp and free of rust ensures efficient digging and soil penetration. After sharpening, a shiny beveled edge indicates that the blade has been properly maintained.
Remember to cover the sharp edge with a protective sheath or store it safely to minimize the risk of injury or equipment damage.
Top Brands and Manufacturers of Wood Handled Shovels
There are several reputable brands and manufacturers of wood-handled shovels today. Companies like A.M. Leonard, Inc., known for their commitment to quality, Orchard Valley Supply, and Corona Tools have made their mark in the industry through high-quality products and commitment to customer satisfaction.
We will now discuss these manufacturers in more detail.
A.M. Leonard, Inc.
A.M. Leonard, Inc. is known for its commitment to quality and high-quality, professional-grade wood-handled shovels. Their products offer tough steel blades and northern ash hardwood handles with forward turned steps for stable foot support. The company’s commitment to quality is evident in their exclusive Lifetime Warranty Program, making them a trusted choice for many.
Orchard Valley Supply
Orchard Valley Supply specializes in tools and supplies for vineyard, orchard, and horticultural applications, including durable wood-handled shovels. Their products offer a forward steel step for secure footing during use, ensuring reliability and sturdiness for working in orchards and vineyards.
Corona Tools
People recognize Corona Tools for their commitment to sustainability and their production of high-quality wood-handled shovels. They offer a wide range of shovels with wood handles, known for their quality and durability.
The wood used in Corona Tools’ shovel handles aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainable practices, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
Safety Tips and Best Practices for Using Your Wood-Handled Shovel
Using a shovel with wood handle may seem straightforward, but there are safety tips and best practices to ensure efficient and safe shovel usage. From proper lifting techniques to wearing the right footwear and protective gear, safety should always be a priority.
We will now explore these safety tips and best practices.
Proper Lifting Techniques
Lifting loads incorrectly can lead to injuries, so it’s crucial to use the right techniques. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Choose a shovel handle of the correct length that is ergonomically designed to maintain good posture and reduce back strain.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Use your leg muscles to push the shovel into the material.
- Lift with your knees, not your back.
By following these techniques, you can minimize the risk of injury while lifting loads.
Footwear and Protective Gear
Protective gear isn’t just for construction workers. When shoveling, consider wearing protective gear such as:
- Steel-toed boots to protect your feet from potential injuries
- Sturdy gloves to protect your hands from blisters
- Knee pads if you anticipate spending a lot of time kneeling while shoveling.
Safe Storage and Transport
Storing and transporting your shovel safely is crucial. Avoid exposing the wood handle to sun and rain during storage to prevent degradation. When carrying a shovel, maintain a safe distance from others to avoid accidents.
If transporting in a vehicle, secure the shovel to prevent it from becoming a dangerous projectile during sudden stops.
Summary
Choosing the right shovel with wood handle is an essential aspect of any gardening or construction task. Wood-handled shovels, with their comfort, durability, shock absorption, and versatility, stand out as an excellent choice. By considering the type of shovel, the handle material, length, and the brand or manufacturer, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs. Remember, proper care and maintenance coupled with safety practices can ensure your shovel serves you well for many years to come. Happy digging!
View the full line of Sledge Hammers, Digging Bars, Crow Bars, Pry Bars, Brick Masonry, Grass Rollers, and Landscape Tools
For shovels, Certified MTP offers Digging Shovels, Garden Shovels, Scoop Shovels, Snow Shovels, Spade Shovels, Square Shovels, and Trenching Shovels.
We recommend the Lawn & Sand Roller for your landscaping needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best wood for a shovel handle?
The best wood for a shovel handle is hickory, known for its toughness and strength. Other options include ash, beech, cherry, and black locust, but hickory is the most sought-after.
Which is better fiberglass or wood handle shovel?
A fiberglass handle shovel is better than a wood handle shovel due to its durability and resistance to weathering, cracking or splitting when exposed to the elements.
What is the wood part of a shovel called?
The wood part of a shovel is called the grip. It is the uppermost part attached to the shaft and can be made of wood, plastic, or metal. Sometimes, there may be no handle at all.
Why should I choose a wood-handled shovel?
You should choose a wood-handled shovel because it provides a comfortable grip, durability, and shock absorption, making it reliable for various tasks.
What types of wood-handled shovels are there?
There are three main types of wood-handled shovels: round point, square point, and trenching shovels, each designed for specific tasks.
Related Blogs for Shovel With Wood Handle
When Is the Best Time to Shovel Snow: Strategies for Removal
