Table of Contents
#1 Pick
Ames Long Fiberglass Handle Round Point Shovel
#2 Pick
Corona All-Steel Round Point Shovel
#3 Pick
The search for shovels is not for the fainthearted, especially when you consider how many options are out there. But if your gardening mojo is to blast through those thick roots while digging holes, then you need the best tool under your arm.
Just imagine having a spear-head spade. It makes quick work of compacted soil and lets you dig holes like there’s no tomorrow. Now, add a handle made of fibreglass to that tool and you get a combination of strength and flexibility.
So, if you’re about to choose a new shovel and you’re not going for a round-point with a fiberglass handle, we kindly suggest you reconsider.
Shovels are like shoes; they might not be one-size-fits-all, but there’s always a perfect fit for everyone. Similarly, shovels have their own areas of specialty too. There are some designed exactly for cutting through those thick roots or for digging holes.
Others make pushing aside that heaping pile of dirt and soil feel like a cool breeze on a hot summer day. Getting the best tool for your job could simply mean knowing what task you’ll be tackling most.
Choosing the Best Shovels for Digging
Okay, so let’s get down to earth here – what the heck is a shovel? A shovel is like the multi-tool of the garden world. It’s pretty much Superman when you need to get down and dirty with moving material from one place to another.
So, if you’re working with dirt and soil, a shovel is your secret weapon to get things done right and easy.
Now, see, a cousin of the shovel, the spade, is more like Wolverine – it’s got those sharp edges that make mincemeat out of concrete and other hard surfaces.
Understanding Shovel Types
Some of the most common shovel types are the round-pointed shovel and the square-pointed shovel. Now, the differences between these aren’t as simple as apples and oranges. It’s more like tangerines and oranges. They might seem pretty similar, but their strengths lie in different areas.
The round-pointed shovel is your best bet for digging and excavating. It’s round and sharp edges slice through the earth like a hot knife through butter. Whether there’s compacted soil or roots, this guy’s got your back.
As for the square-pointed shovel, if you’re into moving material around or holding a large pile of dirt and soil, then, my dear friend, you’ve found your match. For tasks like moving and sorting peat, it’s a master. Its broad, flat shape can gather more material with each scoop. Now that’s maximizing your energy!
Blade Material and Construction
Let’s do some digging, not into dirt, but into what goes into a shovel. A serious role here is played by the blade material and construction. Almost all digging shovels and a garden spade sport steel blades. Yeah, the tough guy that withstands blows on an anvil, steel.
Now steel comes in two types: stamped and forged. Stamped steel blades are strong and rigid, but if you’re looking for something with more muscle and longevity, forged blades are your ticket.
Think of forged blades as being sculpted, hammered into shape from a single piece of steel. Kind of makes you feel like Thor every time you dig, eh? The Bully Tools 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel, for example, brings you exactly that!
Shaft Length and Material
Having talked about the blade, let’s not put the shaft in the shade. The length and material of the shaft play a big part in how your shovel performs. From garden shovels to digging tools, shafts come in all lengths, typically between 44 and 48 inches. But those are generic measurements.
If you really want to dig deep without kneecap scrapes, getting a fitting shaft length is crucial. Gauge it based on your height, your tasks, and even the breadth of the area where you’d be working.
Shaft material is another chapter in the book. Been to a salad bar? While steel is broccoli – hefty, durable and great for heavy-duty applications – Wood falls under the potato category – it’s affordable, but it might not stand up to the big jobs.
Fiberglass, you ask? That’s like the crouton of the salad. It’s lighter than steel or wood, flexible yet sturdy, and rust? It doesn’t want to hear about it!
Handle and Grip
Grips and handles aren’t just a feature. They’re a blessing in disguise when you’ve got long hours of work ahead. Do you know how your aunt’s pudding does not feel right without that secret ingredient?
Well, ergonomically designed grips are just that. They offer a hand grip that provides good traction, lessen your chances of getting blisters, and limit that hand fatigue from coming your way
1. Ames Long Fiberglass Handle Round Point Shovel
Been on the hunt for a beast that can make your digging job a walk in the park? You can never go wrong with the Ames Long Fiberglass Handle Round Point Shovel. Been around the block, this shovel is recognized for its durability and toughness.
It’s got a length of around 60 inches that you might confuse it with your fishing rod but don’t. This ain’t no fisher’s mate but a dirt hunter’s partner.
Made of fiberglass, this handle round point shovel packs a punch with its alloy steel construction. The mighty 14-gauge steel makes this shovel a rock star when it comes to hefty digging and earth-moving tasks.
Every bit of this bully is built to last, so it’s a granddaddy among shovels With a handle as long and sturdy as this, even ol’ man Everest would step back in awe.
Pros
- Made from durable materials: Fiberglass and Alloy Steel.
- Long handle offers good reach when digging or transferring dirt.
- 14-gauge steel construction ensures robustness and longevity.
- It’s one of those tools you won’t have to replace every now and then.
- Can handle heavy-duty tasks without breaking a sweat.
Cons
- Pricier than your average shovel.
- Its length might be a bit cumbersome for some. Not everyone’s into long handles, you know.
2. Corona All-Steel Round Point Shovel
The Corona All-Steel Round Point Shovel has nothing to do with the beer you enjoy over the weekend. It’s more about digging dirt. Compared to its wooden kin, this all-steel buddy is a towering figure of durability. Yeah, it punches its weight. You’d think it eats steel for breakfast.
However, durability comes with a price tag that might raise an eyebrow or two, but remember the ol’ saying, “You get what you pay for.”
A notable feature about this shovel is the extendable handle. It’s got a sharp blade too; sharper than Granny’s wit. The construction’s so sturdy you’ll swear it’s promised a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- All-steel construction ensures high durability and robustness.
- Sharp blade enables efficient digging and cutting through roots. No root can stand its ground.
- Extendable handle provides flexibility in working across various ground levels.
- Lifetime warranty – a testament to the product’s quality.
Cons
- High-end pricing, but well, it’s a bang for your buck.
- Weight may be an issue if you aren’t used to a bit of heft in your shovel.
3. Fiskars Long-Handled Steel Digging Shovel
The Fiskars Long-Handled Steel Digging Shovel, a.k.a the budget-friendly beast. This isn’t no fancy designer shovel, but standing tall at 46 inches and crafted from sturdy alloy steel, it’s built to take whatever you can dish out.
The best thing about this handle digging shovel is the large D-handle design. Gives you the kind of two-handed control that’ll make you feel like a king ruling over his kingdom of dirt. The 18-gauge steel shaft and welded 14-gauge hardened steel blade ensure your kingdom won’t crumble any time soon.
One of the most admirable features of this Fiskars digging shovel is the sharpened edge, making it easy to pierce through the toughest of soils.
Whether you’re breaking up clumps of dirt or digging holes for fence posts, this shovel isn’t one to shy away from getting its blade dirty. It’s like the reliable, hardworking neighbor who doesn’t bother about the Sunday suit and always ready to lend a hand.
Pros
- Durable 18-gauge steel shaft and 14-gauge hardened steel blade that last longer than bread without preservatives.
- Comfortable and large D-handle design providing excellent control.
- A sharpened blade edge that is ideal for digging projects.
Cons
- The handle’s length might be tricky for shorter folks to maneuver.
- Sharpened edge might need frequent touching up.
4. Hooyman Digging Shovel
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the Hooyman Digging Shovel. This is no ordinary handle digging shovel. Standing at an impressive 60 inches, it’s for folks who mean business when they’re moving dirt.
Made from alloy steel, it’s designed for the toughest digging jobs. It’s like calling in the big guns for a game of marbles.
The shovel handles are upgraded non-slip ergonomic H-grip handle that turns tacky when wet. It’s like that grip on a good quality tennis racket which ensures it stays in your hand.
This handle gives you a firm hold, whether you’re just moving a couple of inches of mulch or battling the stubborn roots of a bygone tree. With the Hooyman, you’ll be the champion of the dirt world, not its contender.
Pros
- Formidable alloy steel construction that doesn’t flinch at the toughest digging jobs.
- Length that gifts you an enviable reach, reducing the need for you to step on your precious plants.
- An ergonomic H-grip handle that provides a confident hold, wet or dry.
Cons
- Despite its sturdiness, the shovel might feel heavy for extended use.
- Its long size may pose a challenge for limited storage options.
5. Black & Decker Mini D Handle Shovel
Now I think your hunt for the ultimate scooper may just be over with the Black & Decker mini D-grip handle shovel. The sweetheart in the litter of short-handled shovels, if you ask me. It pays respect to your aching back while you grapple with Mother Nature, but don’t expect it to do the job of a standard round-point, okay?
With its D-grip handle design and a metal shaft ensuring robustness, this mini d-grip handle shovel is pretty nifty for irregular light-duty tasks—cleaning up them doggies’ mess or maybe digging up pansies from your aunt’s legendary flower bed.
Pros
- The strength that comes with an all-steel construction.
- It’s got an appealing shovel design.
- Nimble and swift, perfect for light tasks.
- The D-grip handle provides a strong, non-slip grip.
Cons
- This ain’t no root assassin. If your intention is to tear out them gnarly roots, you’ll have about much luck as a toothpick in a lumberjack convention.
- It’s excellent for less demanding tasks, but won’t cover much ground when dealing with larger projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I look for in a shovel?
Buying a shovel ain’t no Sunday picnic. You gotta keep an open eyeball for the shaft material. Some shovels flaunt steel shafts; strong as an ox but as heavy as a buffalo.
Then there are those with fiberglass handles—lighter but probably break under pressure like a deck of cards. And let’s not forget the ones with steel handles, dependable, but susceptible to rust. The blade too, is important—shovels with blades welded directly to the blade is not unlike a well-done steak—tough and durable.
2. Which garden spade is the best choice?
There are as many opinions on garden spades as there are chickens in a coop. But most folks recommend the Fiskars Garden Spade for garden tasks. Light yet potent enough to tackle roots and stubborn soil.
3. Which shovel is the best for digging up roots?
Alright, if thick roots are your nemesis, better take a gander at the Bully Tools Round Point Shovel. Its build is stout and blade is sharp, giving more punch than a rowdy barfly. It cuts through the gnarliest of roots like a coonhound on a raccoon’s trail.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shovel is a bit like picking out a trusty sidekick for your dirt-wrestling adventures. It’s all about knowing the enemy, be it loose dirt, stubborn soil and clay, or those sneaky roots hiding beneath the surface.
You need a weapon that’s up for the challenge, whether you’re digging wide pits or narrow trenches.
We’ve taken a gander at a range of shovel contenders, gauging their merits from the business end of the blade to the top of the handle. A standout being the all-steel Fiskars, with added strength from its 12-gauge steel construction, ready to go a few rounds with the toughest soil.
Despite everything it brings to the match, this shovel weighs lightly on your arm, letting you duke it out with your digging tasks without throwing in the towel. So there you have it, the dirt on the best shovel contenders for 2023.
I’m John, a dedicated gardener and blogger with a deep-rooted passion for all things green. My hands are perpetually in the soil, and my heart beats to the rhythm of nature. Through TheGardenersVoice, I aim to share my gardening expertise, offer valuable tips, and most importantly, spread the immense joy of nurturing and cultivating beautiful gardens.
