How to Choose the Right Handle for Your Shovel - 3 Key Points to Know

How to Choose the Right Handle for Your Shovel - 3 Key Points to Know

Choosing a handle for your shovel is like choosing shoes, if you don't fit it, you will suffer. Don't look at the handle of a small one, it directly determines your digging labor-saving, wrist sore or not. Today, we will teach you to pick the handle in big words, even the agricultural hoe can also refer to these principles!

First, look at the material: which is the most durable?

The handle is mainly divided into three materials, advantages and disadvantages for you to list understand:

Wooden handle: the traditional first choice, cheap feel good, but afraid of moisture easy to crack. Agricultural hoe is also commonly used wooden handle, it is recommended to choose ash or beech material.

Fiberglass handle: lightweight anti-corrosion, winter does not freeze hands, but the price is twice as expensive as wood.

Metal handle: strong but too heavy, long time with tired arms, suitable for short time high intensity operation.

Tips: buy wooden handle to choose the surface of the varnish treatment, can use more 2-3 years. Agricultural hoe if the year-round wet environment, it is recommended to choose the fiberglass material.

Second, then look at the shape: straight handle VS D handle how to choose?

Straight handle: suitable for digging deep holes, turning the soil and other vertical force work, two-handed grip more labor-saving

D-shaped handle shovel : suitable for shoveling snow, throwing soil and other lateral movements, one-handed operation is more convenient

T-shape handle: commonly used in agricultural hoe, suitable for planing with both hands.

Test recommendations: home on the purchase of a shovel choose D handle, do odd jobs more flexible; if you specialize in planting vegetables digging, straight handle more professional.

Third, the last size: how long is smooth?

Remember this golden formula:

handle length = your height × 0.4

For example, 1 meter 7 people choose 68 cm or so is most suitable. Too short bending tired, too long bad power. Agricultural hoe handle can be a little shorter, because it is mostly bowed to use.

Special scene reminder:

Shoveling snow choose more than 1 meter 2 long handle, standing work does not hurt the waist!

Children's shovel choose the short handle below 50cm

Car emergency shovel choose retractable models, more convenient storage

Maintenance Tips

Apply tung oil on the wooden handle once a year to prevent cracking and slipping.

Spray metal joints with WD-40 regularly to prevent rust.

Don't let the handle soak in water for a long time when storing

Replace the handle when you find cracks to avoid breakage and injury.

Now you should understand: choose the shovel handle to look at the material, shape and size of the three elements. Just like buying a hoe, you have to consider the farming habits, different uses should be matched with different handles. Spend 10 minutes picking out a handle, and you'll save half the effort in the future!

Next time you buy a gardening tool, try the handle first. A smooth handle is like an extended arm, making you work twice as hard.