This video on “How to Select the Right Shovel” was quite a surprise. There was definitely no major effort taken to make this video; it was obviously one take in the middle of a hardware store. However, the gentleman speaking in the video was extremely knowledgeable about shovels (and probably a bunch of other stuff too). If you are in the market for a new shovel and don’t know where to start, you should definitely take five minutes to watch this video first. It will make your job much easier and help you find exactly what you need.
The unidentified man in this video brought forth a great deal of information. Here are a few introductory comments. The shovel is the most frequently used tool. There are many, many sizes and quality types. At a typical hardware outlet, you will see about 20 different shovels. Who would have known? Apparently, a shovel is not just a shovel.
If you watch this video, you will learn about the various shovel sizes. A #2 shovel has a head that is 9” x 11” and a #1 shovel has a head smaller than a #2. The next size down is a #0 and shovel sizes go all the way down to a floral shovel, which has not been assigned a number. A person’s ability to use a large shovel depends on their size, age, and strength. For example, a 36-year-old man in good health can handle a larger shovel easier than a 75-year-old man in fragile health.
A shovel should be chosen according to the task for which it is intended. A small shovel should be used in a tight area while a large shovel can be used in an open area. A smaller shovel is also a better choice for dense soil.
When selecting a shovel, you should pay attention to the quality of the head. A forward shovel is stronger, heavier, and denser than a hollow back shovel.
These too are an important factor. A connection with two rivets is preferred over a straight should connection which has one rivet. The two rivets make the connection stronger.
You should look for a good, clean straight grain handle. The grain of the wood should be tight and properly aligned. If the grain is running in the wrong direction, then the shovel will be easier to break.
Lastly, be aware that there are different length shovels available. Choose length according to your height.
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