Picking the wrong shovel can turn a simple yard job into a back-breaking mess. Not every shovel is made for every task and that’s where most DIYers get stuck.
In this quick guide, you’ll discover the main shovel types, what they’re best for, and how to choose the perfect fit for digging, trenching, snow clearing and more.
Let’s dig in and find your best match!
Shovel Types at a Glance: Quick Takeaways
- Shovel types are categorized into three main types: 1. digging shovels for breaking ground and planting, 2. Scooping shovels for moving materials, and 3. Specialty shovels designed for specific tasks like post digging and trenching.
- Shovel types and materials vary in durability and suitability for tasks, with options including classic wood, sturdy metal, lightweight fiberglass, and cost-effective plastic.
- Choosing shovel types involves considering factors like shovel type, material, ergonomic design, and application, with proper maintenance essential for preserving the tool’s longevity.
Understanding Shovel Types: The Basics
When it comes to different shovel types used, they can be categorized into three main types: digging, scooping, and specialty shovels. Each type is designed for specific tasks and applications. Knowing which shovel to use can greatly impact the ease and efficiency of the task at hand.
So, let’s break ground and get to know these shovel types better.
1. Types of Digging Shovels & Uses
Digging shovels are your quintessential soil movers. These shovel types come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. One such essential tool is the pointed digging shovel.
These round digging shovels, for instance, are perfect for breaking through tough, compacted, or rocky soils. They feature a pointed tip and edges that narrow towards the end, providing the strength needed to penetrate hard ground.
On the softer side, we have the round digger shovels. These shovels sport curved edges and a rounded tip, ideal for digging holes and planting new plants or trees in soft soil types. Then, we have the square digging shovels, the maestro of precision.
Their sharp edges come in handy when you need to cut and remove sod or transplant plants. The square digging shovel, with its flat and straight blade end, is also excellent for edging and trenching, making it a versatile tool for various gardening tasks.
When it comes to shovel blades and handles, it’s all about the material. For instance, triangular or round blades with long handles are better for sand and dry earth, while square blades with short handles are preferable for coarse materials like gravel or coal.
2. Scooping & Snow Shovel Types Explained
If digging shovels are the laborers, then scooping shovels are the transporters. These shovel types are designed for moving substantial amounts of material such as:
- soil
- gravel
- wood chips
- debris
Their large flat blade blades and slightly shorter shafts strike a perfect balance, aiding in the ease of scooping and moving materials.
When it comes to scoop shovel types, materials matter. Aluminum and copolymer polypropylene are commonly used, providing lightweight and durable options for handling different materials.
However, when choosing the right scoop for trench shovels, it’s essential to consider the type and amount of material to be moved, as well as the user’s need for durability and ease of use.
3. Specialty Shovels: Post Hole & Trench Types
Specialty shovel types are the specialists of the shovel world, designed for very specific tasks in gardening and landscaping. Take the post hole shovel, for example.
This shovel, also known as a post hole digger, is designed with two shovels attached together for creating deep, cylindrical post holes, suitable for setting fence posts.
The user drives the blades into the soil and brings the two handles together to close the blades, allowing the shovel to grab and lift out soil in a consistent cylindrical shape.
Equally specialized, the trench shovel features long, narrow blades and pointed tips, ideal for digging and cleaning out shallow trenches well.
Their angled blades not only aid in achieving clean, sharp trench walls but also allow for efficient earthmoving, making them a favorite tool of landscape gardeners. The trenching shovel is a perfect example of such a tool.
Finally, we have the tree-planting shovel, which features a narrow blade that makes it well-suited for creating precise, deep holes for tree plantation. It can also be used for clearing out debris from established trenches.
Another essential tool is the edging shovel, designed specifically for creating precise edges in various landscaping and gardening tasks.
Its unique half-moon blade is perfect for cutting through weeds, maintaining garden borders, and edging pathways and driveways. This shovel creates clean and defined boundaries without the need to make deep cuts.
All these shovels demonstrate how specialized tools can make specific tasks much easier and more efficient.
Shovel Materials Guide: How to Choose the Best One
Choosing the right shovel isn’t just about the type; it’s also about the material. The material of a shovel plays a crucial role in its weight, durability, and functionality.
Whether it’s traditional wood, strong metal, or lightweight fiberglass and plastic, each material has its own pros and cons.
Let’s delve into these materials in more detail.
Wooden Shovel Types & Uses
Wooden-handled shovels are classics for gardening, landscaping, and general yard work. Many digging spades, edging shovels, and square-point shovels come with sturdy wooden shafts that feel warm and comfortable in hand.
The natural flex of wood absorbs shock, so they’re great for repetitive digging or planting. Home gardeners often prefer wooden shovels for light soil work or transplanting tasks.
Pro Tip: While wooden handles look great and feel nice, store them dry to prevent rot and splintering or choose fiberglass if you need extra weather resistance.
Metal Shovel Types & Benefits
Steel shovels are the top choice for strength and durability. Many trenching shovels, square-point spades, and heavy-duty digging shovels are forged from solid steel — built to break through tough clay, pry out rocks, or cut dense roots without bending.
Aluminum shovels are lighter but less rugged. They’re ideal for lighter tasks like moving loose soil, clearing snow, or handling mulch where weight matters more than brute strength.
Pro Tip: Pick steel for construction, landscaping, or hard ground. Pick aluminum for snow removal or when you need to lift repeatedly with less strain.
Fiberglass Shovels: Pros & Cons
Fiberglass shovel handles are popular for snow shovels, garden spades, and trenching tools. They’re lighter than wood and won’t rot, so they’re great for all-weather outdoor use. Their strong core adds durability, but fiberglass can crack if misused.
Pros: Lightweight, weather-resistant, less fatigue.
Cons: Can splinter if struck hard, slightly pricier than wood.
Pro Tip: Pick fiberglass if you want a balance between steel strength and wood comfort — especially for all-season yard work.
Plastic Shovels: When to Use
Plastic shovels are the cheapest option for light-duty jobs. They’re ideal for moving snow, mulch, or light debris. Because plastic blades can bend or crack, avoid using them for digging tough soil or heavy loads.
When to choose: Use plastic shovels for snow clearing, camping, or quick, lightweight yard work.
Shovel Design & Ergonomics: Handle, Shaft & Blade Tips
Beyond the type and material, the design of a shovel is also important for user comfort and efficiency. The shape of the handle, the length of the shaft, and the angle of the blade all play crucial roles in how comfortable and effective a shovel is to use.
Let’s delve into these factors and understand their significance in shovel design.
Shovel Handle Types & Shapes
The shape of a shovel’s handle can greatly affect its comfort and functionality. D-shaped handles, for example, are common amongst shorter shovels and digging shovels, providing a good grip and control.
Ergonomic bent handles, on the other hand, are designed to reduce back strain by eliminating the need to bend over while shoveling.
For those tasks that require a bit more leverage and lifting power, dual handles are a good choice. These provide a secondary gripping point, allowing the user to lift heavy loads with both hands.
However, while these specially designed handles offer back-saving ergonomic benefits, the most common type of handle, the straight handle, may lack these advantages.
Pro Tip: Choose a D-handle for tight digging tasks where you need max control.
Shovel Shaft Length: How to Choose the Right Fit
The length of the shovel’s shaft is another important factor to consider. The right shaft length should match the user’s height to reduce back strain and ensure proper maneuverability. The ideal height of a shovel is about four inches lower than the user’s shoulder when standing upright.
If the shaft of root shovel is too short, you might need to bend excessively, leading to backache. Conversely, if the shaft is too long, it can be awkward to handle and difficult to control.
As a rule of thumb, when the shovel blade is placed on the ground, its total length should reach approximately to the user’s elbow height.
Quick Tip: For taller users, pick a slightly longer shaft to avoid hunching over.
Blade Angles & Kickplate Tips for Better Shoveling
The angle of the shovel’s blade also plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Using the kickplate or step of a shovel allows the user to apply pressure with their foot, making the job easier by utilizing body weight in addition to arm and back muscles.
The blade angle should be selected based on the hardness, density, and stability of the material being shoveled to maximize efficiency.
Some power shovels, like the Corona AS90300, come with features such as a full-width step and detachable rubber foot pad, providing better comfort and functional advantages for demanding excavation tasks.
These shovels are designed with a lesser lift, meaning the handle is closer to vertical during straight-down digging. This design reduces strain on the user, making the shovels more comfortable for extended use.
Pro Tip: Use your boot on the kickplate — let your body weight do the hard work, not just your arms!
Portable & Compact Shovels: Folding & Handheld Types
While traditional shovels serve us well for the majority of tasks, there are scenarios where a smaller, more portable shovel can come in handy.
Enter folding and handheld shovels, as well as the flat shovel. These compact tools are perfect for on-the-go tasks, fitting conveniently into backpacks, gardening kits, or car trunks.
Let’s uncover some more about these handy tools.
Folding Shovels: Uses & Tips
Folding shovels, or foldable shovels, are a versatile tool with a wide range of uses. From camping and hiking to roadside emergencies, a folding shovel can be a lifesaver. The foldable design and lightweight nature of these shovels enhance their portability, allowing them to fit easily in backpacks or survival kits.
All-steel construction is recommended for folding shovels to ensure durability, especially in challenging outdoor conditions. However, bear in mind that choosing inexpensive folding hand shovel( can lead to frequent breakage and a short lifespan, undermining their utility, especially in urgent situations.
Note: Always check folding shovel hinges for rust or loose bolts before outdoor trips.
Handheld Shovels & Garden Trowels: Best Uses
Handheld garden shovel, often referred to as garden shovels or trowels, are the perfect tool for a multitude of gardening tasks. These mini shovels are especially useful for precise gardening work in confined spaces, allowing gardeners to plant carefully without harming surrounding foliage.
Their compact design facilitates single-handed use, making them ideal for quick and minor garden activities. Whether you’re weeding, transplanting plants, or digging small planting holes, a handheld shovel is a gardener’s best friend.
Our Expert Tip: Handheld shovels are great for planting bulbs or moving seedlings.
Power Shovel Types: When Manual Effort Isn’t Enough
Sometimes, a manual shovel just won’t cut it. For those heavy-duty tasks where manual effort is insufficient, a power shovel comes into play. These are designed for applications like moving snow or digging into hard soil to dig holes, where using a manual shovel may be impractical.
Common types of power shovels include those powered by gas or electricity for snow removal and jackhammer attachments for excavating compacted soil.
Electric snow shovels, also known as power shovels, optimize the convenience of a manual snow shovel with the power-assisted throwing capability of a snowblower.
They are effective in picking up and clearing a few inches of snow from driveways, decks, and walkways, making them suitable for small-scale snow removal.
However, electric snow shovels have their limitations. They are not suitable for:
- Clearing deep snow beyond the shovel’s opening
- Removing snow in layers (require multiple passes)
- Pushing through the snow on smooth surfaces (lack wheels)
Also, they are heavier than manual shovels, which can make them more difficult to use.
Choosing the Right Shovel for Your Needs
Choosing the right shovel for your needs involves several factors. Here are some factors to consider:
- The weight of a shovel is a critical factor to consider, as a heavy shovel increases user fatigue, while a lighter shovel might not be as durable.
- For strenuous digging tasks, a heavy-duty steel shovel is preferred for its durability.
- Aluminum or titanium shovels provide a lighter alternative for less intensive work.
Bolted connections often ensure greater durability for shovels compared to screw joints or press-in connections.
Lastly, selecting a shovel with the appropriate height is essential to prevent physical strain during use. The ideal height of a shovel is about four inches lower than the user’s shoulder when standing upright.
Proper Shovel Care and Maintenance
The longevity and optimal performance of a shovel greatly depend on proper care and maintenance. To prevent rust and maintain cleanliness, it’s important to:
- Remove mud and dirt from shovels using a damp rag or a hose
- Use a BBQ grill brush for caked-on dirt
- After cleaning, thoroughly dry the shovel
- Apply a coating of vegetable spray or another plant-based oil to help prevent rust
For wooden shovel handles, you can restore their appearance and functionality by following these steps:
- Sand them down to remove any rough or damaged areas.
- Re-seal or varnish the handles to protect them from moisture and wear.
- Treat the handles with natural oils like linseed oil several times a year to prevent cracking and splintering.
By taking these steps, you can keep your wooden trenching shovels and handles in good condition for years to come.
To maintain the efficiency of your shovel, it’s important to sharpen the blade. Here’s how:
- Secure the shovel blade in a vise.
- Use a file to follow the factory angle and sharpen only the inside edge of the blade.
- After sharpening, oil the blade to prevent rust.
- Always store the shovel in a dry environment to avoid corrosion.
Summary of Shovel Types
In conclusion, shovels are essential tools in our daily lives. We use them for gardening, construction, and outdoor adventures. Choosing the right shovel and understanding its construction is important. Proper maintenance and effective use can make a big difference in your tasks.
So, the next time you pick up a shovel, remember it’s not just a tool. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and our desire to shape the world around us.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shovel Types
What are the main types of shovels and their uses?
The 3 main shovel types are:
- Pointed spade – Best for digging deep holes and breaking hard soil.
- Rounded spade – Ideal for planting and working with soft soil.
- Square-tip shovel – Perfect for scooping and moving loose materials like gravel or soil.
What is a trench shovel used for?
A trench shovel, also called a trenching spade, has a narrow, long blade with a pointed tip. It’s designed for digging narrow, deep trenches—perfect for laying irrigation lines, planting trees, or digging in compact spaces.
What are the 4 types of spades?
The 4 most common types of garden spades are:
- Digging spade – For turning and lifting soil
- Border spade – Lighter, for precise planting in tight spaces
- Pointed spade – For penetrating hard ground
- Transplanting spade – Narrow blade for moving plants with roots
Choose based on the gardening task at hand.
What’s the difference between a spade and a shovel?
A spade has a flat, straight-edged blade for cutting, edging, and slicing through soil. A shovel usually has a curved blade and is better for digging, scooping, and moving material. The difference lies in the blade shape and intended use.
How does the material of a shovel affect its performance?
Shovel material impacts its durability, weight, and handling:
- Metal (steel or aluminum) – Strong and long-lasting, but heavier
- Fiberglass – Lightweight and weather-resistant
- Plastic – Very light and affordable, but less durable
- Wood – Classic and comfortable, but sensitive to moisture
Choose the material based on your job and frequency of use.
Which shovel is best for digging hard soil?
For digging in hard, compact, or rocky soil, a pointed steel shovel or trenching shovel works best. These tools have strong blades and narrow points designed to break through tough terrain with minimal effort.
What are the benefits of a folding shovel?
Folding shovels are compact, portable, and great for outdoor or emergency use. Benefits include:
- Easy to store in backpacks, vehicles, or tool kits
- Ideal for camping, hiking, or survival situations
- Can be used for light digging, clearing snow, or building fire pits
Look for all-steel models for better durability.
What is the best shovel for snow removal?
A wide-blade plastic snow shovel with a D-handle is ideal for light to moderate snow. For heavier snow or large areas, an ergonomic snow shovel or electric snow shovel provides better efficiency and reduced strain.
How long should a shovel handle be?
Your shovel should reach about 4 inches below your shoulder or to your elbow when standing. This ensures better control and reduces the risk of back strain during digging.
How do you care for and maintain a shovel?
To extend the life of your shovel:
- Clean off dirt and debris after each use
- Dry thoroughly to prevent rust
- Oil the metal blade and sharpen as needed
- Treat wooden handles with linseed oil to avoid cracking
- Store in a dry place, preferably indoors
Proper care keeps your shovel efficient and safe to use for years.
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