Getting down with shovels and spades

Shovels and spades are digging tools, and you may be astounded at the array available. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” as the adage goes, and never is this truer than in the great variety of shovels in the world. Each one was invented by someone with a specific kind of digging in mind. However, generally speaking, digging tools fall into two main types: shovels and spades. Choosing one within a type requires matching it to your needs —the sort of soil it’ll be digging, plus your own height and body strength. What’s the difference between a shovel and a spade? Well, generally, it comes down to the shape of the digging edges:

• Shovels have rounded edges. The rounded tip is meant to allow easy, sword-like penetration of a variety of soils and materials. You also want a dish that’s stiff and strong and able to hold dirt.
• Spades have square edges. The main purpose of this digging tool is to lift, move, and throw with ease. It’s supposed to be easier on your back — just slightly flex your knees and thrust it in and out of the pile of leaves, compost, or topsoil you’re working on. (It’s also good for mixing concrete and delivering it neatly to its appointed spot.)

When you go shovel (or spade) shopping, you may observe various grades and prices. You get what you pay for, folks. A so-called “homeowner” or “economy” shovel looks good enough, but it may not stand up to tougher jobs or rocks in the ground. Contractor shovels, on the other hand, have a thicker blade and strong attachments for forging where the blade meets the handle. Be sure to pay close attention to the labels to know what kind of shovel you’re looking at. You can usually find a range of quality at a single store.

Forged shovels and spades are the best because they’re made of a single piece of metal. Stamped ones are okay for lighter jobs, but because the metal is cut from a single thickness, they’re not as strong or tailored to a job. To determine whether a shovel is well-made, examine where parts come together (assuming the shovel you’re contemplating is not all one piece). Rivets and welding points are weak spots, though often necessary. Avoid anything with sloppy workmanship. The following sections outline other things to look for.