#212136 - 12/01/10 06:53 AM
Best Snow Shovel for car?
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Addict
Registered: 09/03/10
Posts: 640
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I was Thinking about what kinda shovel to put in the car for when it starts to snow and cant figure out what would be best. The collapsing Snow shovels I find in local store look like they wouldnt hold up against anything but soft powder. I thought about the folding camp shovels but they always have a saw toothed side which if Im digging out a car most likely it would be near the rubber tires so that would be a no go either. So what shovels do you guys recommend/Own for your cars in the winter?
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#212137 - 12/01/10 07:30 AM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Veteran
Registered: 03/02/03
Posts: 1428
Loc: NJ, USA
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The best I've found is the smaller D-handle gardening/utility shovels (the ones with an ~ 18" handle). They wont move snow like a dedicated snow shovel, but a true snow shovel is typically useless when it comes to ice and dirt. A long the same lines, the folding military style shovels aren't nearly as durable in my experience. I've seen them selling for $10 at Home Depot and Tractor Supply, which is a real bargain: Tractor Supply Utility Shovel I never take it out....in the summer it's useful for off-roading and in the winter it's useful for snow. Just make sure you have it secured so it doesn't become a projectile inside your vehicle.
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#212138 - 12/01/10 08:04 AM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Old Hand
Registered: 06/03/09
Posts: 982
Loc: Norway
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I thought about the folding camp shovels but they always have a saw toothed side which if Im digging out a car most likely it would be near the rubber tires so that would be a no go either. I wouldn't worry about that. In my experience, this is not a problem. You exercise a little care when handling metal objects close to your precious car anyway - dings and scratches are totally unnecessary and easily avoided. And those saw tooth aren't exactly razor sharp, I use a folding metal shovel (NATO trench shovel) for whacking ice. That is a heavy metal object I don't want flying around, and it goes into the spare wheel drum. I use a plastic collapsible shovel (collapsible aluminium handle, very robust plastic blade) for fluffy snow. This goes under the right front seat. Although pretty robust, this has obvious limitations in hard snow and ice. These two tools complement each other nicely. Neither of them are perfect - but in between them they will tackle any conditions, and they fit into my car without limiting cargo space. If I highly suspect I will be digging my car out of a snow pile I will bring a proper shovel The shovel shown in the post above is a very robust all-rounder that will tackle anything. But explicit for the purpose of digging snow there are better alternatives than this allrounder. For loose dry or wet to semi-hard snow (not ice) look for a square alumninium blade about a foot by a foot that has a long handle. The lighter weight and bigger blade means a lot more efficient digging than the smaller and heavier shovel shown above. The snow also slides off the aluminium blade (which it won't on an iron shovel unless it's painted, which it won't be for long if you use it in the summer). The downside is that such aluminium shovels must be used with some care if the snow is rock solid. Me, I won't bring any of those unless I suspect I really have to... Also, have a look at this thread: last years car shovel choice thread...
Edited by MostlyHarmless (12/01/10 08:05 AM) Edit Reason: fixed URL
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#212139 - 12/01/10 09:17 AM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: MostlyHarmless]
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Geezer in Chief
Geezer
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
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The "Tractor Supply" shovel is what I keep in my car year-round. I find the versatility very useful. I wouldn't leave the driveway without some sort of shovel in the car.
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Geezer in Chief
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#212141 - 12/01/10 12:08 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: hikermor]
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Geezer
Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
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For car use where you don't know whether you'll be digging powder snow (which you can move with your hands) or packed wet snow and ice, you might consider two shovels, one for bulk snow to move a lot fast and a second smaller harder shovel for the ice and gravel you might find under your tires. The Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel would work as would various military e-tools you can find in surplus.
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Better is the Enemy of Good Enough. Okay, what’s your point??
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#212142 - 12/01/10 12:37 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Journeyman
Registered: 05/18/10
Posts: 76
Loc: Minnesota
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Last year I saw some guy digging his car out with a cookie sheet. These are the same people that have no idea what a snowbrush is.
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#212144 - 12/01/10 12:46 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 10/15/09
Posts: 300
Loc: 62208
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I have a E-tool in my mom's car, they are "serrated" which is actually rippled and pretty useless unless making ripple cut "tater chips", and in the site listed in my signature, go to the side link named "Entrenching tools and covers" and but G.I. style or used G.I., it will hold up. No affiliation to the forementioned.
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#212145 - 12/01/10 01:07 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Old Hand
Registered: 08/10/06
Posts: 882
Loc: Colorado
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A few years back I gave Glock folding shovels as xmas presents for family. Of course I have one in my Jeep. I have used it on occasion but not for snow. But it's a darn good tool. Even has a saw in the handle for cutting limbs and roots.
When I'm digging my Jeep out of a snowdrift it's always in the driveway at home and I use several of the tools in the garage so I'm not using my "car shovel." (broom, large plastic snow shovel, various ice scrapers) If things are getting that bad at work I'm on the road headed home. I'd rather be snowed in at home than at work.
In the distant past I've had my car snowed in at the airport and found a genuine metal shovel with wooden handle of a scoop style to be quite effective. Strong enough to deal with ice and long enough to reach a ways under the car.
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#212146 - 12/01/10 01:31 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Sheriff
Enthusiast
Registered: 04/27/09
Posts: 304
Loc: ST. Paul MN
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OK, confesion, I cheat, I drive a truck so I keep a grain shovel in my truck which workes great on some prity stiff snow, but I have to go back to my Gerber shovel for ice or ice encrusted snow. I also carry a Black Diamond Deploy 7 (beware of the price) but you relay do get a great shovel for the snow, sand, but not dirt. (standard disclaimer, no affiliation or connection) On a side note it is a fun sled if you happen upon a good hill for sleding Seriously, if you are looking for a great show shovel look at avalanche shovels.
Edited by Tyber (12/01/10 01:34 PM)
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#212149 - 12/01/10 02:07 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Tyber]
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Geezer
Registered: 06/02/06
Posts: 5357
Loc: SOCAL
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Black Diamond Deploy 7 Snow Shovel. Looks like a good shovel. That and something with a smaller steel blade for digging in gravel would be a good combination.
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Better is the Enemy of Good Enough. Okay, what’s your point??
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#212151 - 12/01/10 02:24 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 01/25/09
Posts: 295
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I picked one up at Costco a couple of weeks back for $20. It looks and feels pretty sturdy. I have a older collapsible shovel but I doubt it would hold up to heavy digging out. So this new one is going in when snow is in the forecast.
Can't get the link to work but search for Suncast Power Blade.
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#212158 - 12/01/10 04:31 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Old Hand
Registered: 10/19/06
Posts: 1013
Loc: Pacific NW, USA
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I like a Voile Telepro D-handle avalanche shovel, but I don't shovel every day, this just goes in the trunk during the winter, and I only shovel if I have to (not like someone who has to dig out from their Minnesota carport 6 months of the year). I'm more likely to take it on my pack while snow camping, its great for moving alot of snow quickly and efficiently. It has a collapsible length and is made of tempered aluminum. They run about $30-40, but I've also seen pretty equivalent knockoffs at Fred Meyer for $15-30.
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#212161 - 12/01/10 04:37 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 03/11/05
Posts: 2574
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Plastic telescoping shovels wirk fine...in my 20 years of blizzards. Got one in every car.
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#212164 - 12/01/10 04:45 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Old Hand
Registered: 10/19/06
Posts: 1013
Loc: Pacific NW, USA
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Plastic, ymmv - might depend on the snow. I've dug snow shelters with Scouts and the plastic shovels tend to break under the weight of PNW Cascade Concrete (TM).
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#212171 - 12/01/10 09:43 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 02/13/09
Posts: 393
Loc: Connecticut, USA
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I personally keep a compact snow shovel and a cold steel shovel in my car. I realize they're both sub optimal in that I'll wish I had a full size shovel when I need them, but thus far I have needed neither and I can't justify the space for a full size space. Lots of discussion in this thread: http://forums.equipped.org/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=190632&page=1
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#212184 - 12/02/10 03:43 AM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Addict
Registered: 09/03/10
Posts: 640
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Thanks for all the info and input i think im gonna settle for the Tractor supply shovel and a collasping snow shovel in the end Ty
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#212254 - 12/02/10 11:57 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Cranky Geek
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 09/08/05
Posts: 4642
Loc: Vermont
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I carry two. One is a 48" or so square tipped spade, with a blade about 8" wide. Fit across the back of the trunk with an inch to spare, and it is a good compromise shovel IMO becuase the square tip is less likely to damage tires and it's narrow enough to get under move vehicles. Similiar to but longer than this: http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Garden...catalogId=10053The other is a Cold Steel spetnaz e-tool. I don't like hinges in my shovels, and while it isn't a very good hatchet, when I have to go someplace where a hatchet or machete might get an ugly eyeball, a shovel doesn't. I won't carry a plastic shovel- they don't do anything but break when they meet ice. If I was going to get hard core, a grain scoop would be added.
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-IronRaven
When a man dare not speak without malice for fear of giving insult, that is when truth starts to die. Truth is the truest freedom.
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#212295 - 12/03/10 02:03 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Newbie
Registered: 10/01/10
Posts: 41
Loc: Colorado
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I can say from first hand experience that grain scoops are not necessarily the most practical snow shovels. The blades are usually too big to fit where you need to reach and when full of snow too heavy for most people to move easily. Also, the plastic models are too flimsy for firm snow and ice and the the aluminum blades eventually crack. The aluminum blades can be cut down to remove extra material, making the blade more rigid and functional. If weight is a concern this is an option; although, for a vehicle shovel weight isn't a real concern. A sturdy, inexpensive D-handle flat edged, transfer or spade type shovel works great. It can break through tough snow or ice, clear snow from under the vehicle and will last for years. Here is an example: http://www.homedepot.com/Outdoors-Garden...catalogId=10053 Supplement this with a sturdy snow shovel, like those carried by back country skiers, for lighter duty work moving snow and you are set. Voile and Backcountry Access make particularity sturdy shovels at good prices, here are examples: http://www.voile-usa.com/Merchant2/merch...Product_Count=0 http://backcountryaccess.com/index.php?id=136
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#214074 - 01/01/11 06:02 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: jshannon]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 09/09/06
Posts: 323
Loc: Iowa
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I have always been partial to something like a coal shovel. Square "pointed", D handle, moderate sides, kind of like a miniature grain shovel. Most hardware stores carry something like this and the prices start pretty low (about $12). Flat blade is good for snow and ice and works well with gravel or accident debris also. Short handle not only helps with storing in the car but makes it easy to use when digging out the snow under the car. Something like the following: http://www.doitbest.com/Shovels-Ames+True+Temper-model-1309300-doitbest-sku-744494.dib- Eric
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You are never beaten until you admit it. - - General George S. Patton
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#214086 - 01/01/11 08:13 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Eric]
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Geezer in Chief
Geezer
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
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I tend to prefer a round point shovel for the best overall performance, but square blades work very well, and are better as long as you are digging mostly soft stuff. What really improves performance for any shovel, whether round or square, is to sharpen it (a nice chisel edge works best). This is a trick I learned on fire lines, and one that I have applied many times on archaeological digs. So modified, a shovel is very nearly a light axe.
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Geezer in Chief
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#214088 - 01/01/11 09:04 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Crazy Canuck
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 3219
Loc: Alberta, Canada
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+1 on putting a bevel on your spades and shovels. That's SOP around here. It reduces the effort required to dig in all seasons, and turns a "muck stick" into a cutting, chopping and scraping tool.
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#214296 - 01/04/11 07:51 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: hikermor]
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Old Hand
Registered: 06/03/09
Posts: 982
Loc: Norway
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I tend to prefer a round point shovel for the best overall performance, but square blades work very well, and are better as long as you are digging mostly soft stuff.
Agreed What really improves performance for any shovel, whether round or square, is to sharpen it (a nice chisel edge works best).
Thanks a lot - I'll give that a try.
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#214299 - 01/04/11 08:34 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: hikermor]
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Enthusiast
Registered: 09/09/06
Posts: 323
Loc: Iowa
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In addition to sharpening the edge I have found that a bit of wear on a square "point" shovel gives you some nice ice chipping points on the outside edges. The biggest problem I have with round point for snow removal is it doesn't quickly remove a lot of snow off of a flat surface (like a driveway or road). Of course any shovel is better than none for snow removal and off road is a very different situation. - Eric
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You are never beaten until you admit it. - - General George S. Patton
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#214718 - 01/10/11 10:16 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: digimark]
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Geezer in Chief
Geezer
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
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When I have sharpened shovels and other digging tools, I use a grinder with a fine grit - carefully. It is quite easy to draw the temper if you get too eager. I imagine a Dremel would work OK as well - just take it easy. Nothing wrong with a file for that matter - it will simply take a bit longer.
Let us know if you are able to shave with your shovel. I have never accomplished that.
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Geezer in Chief
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#214720 - 01/10/11 10:26 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: hikermor]
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Veteran
Registered: 12/14/09
Posts: 1418
Loc: Nothern Ontario
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When I have sharpened shovels and other digging tools, I use a grinder with a fine grit - carefully. It is quite easy to draw the temper if you get too eager. I imagine a Dremel would work OK as well - just take it easy. Nothing wrong with a file for that matter - it will simply take a bit longer.
I agree. A file works perfectly. The same file I use to coarse sharpen my ax or hatchet works perfectly for shovels. It only takes a minute or so to clean up the edge of the shovel blade. Most people go overboard and put too much of a fine edge on the shovel blade then wonder why the blade chips or the edge folds over or burred easily.
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Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.
John Lubbock
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#214721 - 01/10/11 10:31 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: digimark]
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Crazy Canuck
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 3219
Loc: Alberta, Canada
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Regarding putting a decent edge on a shovel blade -- I have a Gerber folding shovel. What do you use to put a good edge on it? A grinder? Dremel tool? I used to be a purist and do all the work with an 8"+ file. But I have found that if I'm careful, I can do most of the grunt work with a cheap, 4-amp angle grinder. I use very light pressure and many fast passes to avoid ruining the temper of the shovel. When I have established a rough 45-degree bevel, a few last quick passes with essentially no pressure will take off the 1/2-mm of steel on the bevel that has been hardened. If I don't do this, the file will bounce right off in places. If the file bites into the metal, all along the bevel, I've got it right. I always finish with a file. I can easily put on an edge that will cut rope, roots, veggies, or leather work boots (!).
Edited by dougwalkabout (01/10/11 10:34 PM)
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#219505 - 03/17/11 12:37 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Newbie
Registered: 07/27/10
Posts: 25
Loc: Born in ME, in exile in MA
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Once you have put an edge on your shovel, how do you keep it from cutting your backpack, or other stuff if you do not use a carrier. I don't want to use a carrier because of the added weight. My ILBE backpack has a pocket and sleeve which is ideal to carry an etool and while the pocket seems sturdy I think over time a sharp edge to cause unacceptable wear.
I think I am going to try the stripping they make to go on the edge of car doors, but i am wondering if anyone has any better ideas.
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#219514 - 03/17/11 01:30 PM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: TANSTAF1]
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Geezer in Chief
Geezer
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
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I typically fold a piece of duct tape over the sharpened edge. It will stay put, and comes off easily. After any significant use you need not worry about the edge cutting any more; it will be quite dull.
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Geezer in Chief
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#284409 - 05/02/17 05:37 AM
Re: Best Snow Shovel for car?
[Re: Frisket]
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Stranger
Registered: 04/26/17
Posts: 1
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I am a lazy guy. when winter comes, I always use a folding shovel. Maybe you would think that it's not convenient to clean the snow. But it is easy to carry . It’s from URL removed.
Edited by chaosmagnet (05/02/17 12:08 PM) Edit Reason: Possible spam
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