What Is a Shovel?
A shovel, particularly the “sword shovel,” is a tool designed for a range of tasks in civil engineering and agriculture, resembling a tapered sword in shape. Known for its angled tip, it excels at digging soil and cutting through tree roots, contrasting with square shovels that are better suited for scooping and mixing soil.
Uses of Shovels
Shovels are versatile, used for tasks like excavating soil, moving soil, planting trees, and digging up vegetables. The sword shovel, with its sharp tip, is particularly effective for heavy-duty work such as digging holes, cutting roots, and even preparing trenches for fire breaks or outdoor activities.
Features of Shovels
Advantages
- Efficient for digging and moving large soil areas thanks to its broad, sword-shaped head.
- Made from durable materials like steel, ensuring longevity and rust resistance.
- Multi-functional, capable of various tasks beyond digging, such as consolidating soil.
Disadvantages
- Their weight (around 1.5 kg) can make them cumbersome for prolonged use.
- Due to their length (80-100 cm), they may pose storage challenges in limited spaces.
- The wide head limits their use in detailed work or tight spaces.
Types of Shovels
Shovels come in several forms, including common sword shovels, folding shovels for portability, perforated shovels for watery soil, and multifunctional shovels with integrated tools like saws and hammers.
How to Select Shovels
Choose a shovel based on the intended use, preferring durable stainless steel and sturdy handles. Consider the price, balancing quality within your budget, and pay attention to reviews and ratings.
How to Use Shovels
Using a shovel involves sticking its blade into the soil, leveraging your foot for depth, and lifting the soil. Efficiency is key but watch for obstacles like stones that might bend the blade.
Other Information on Shovels
Handle with care due to sharp edges, ensure the area is clear of others, wear gloves, maintain the blade, and store properly to prevent rust.