Snow Shovels, Roof Rakes and Ice Tools

Blade width and material for the snow you get

Snow shovels trade width against weight. A wide blade clears a path in fewer passes but gets heavy once it is loaded with wet snow; a narrower blade lifts less per scoop and is easier on the back. Steel blades are strong and good at chopping packed snow and ice, plastic blades are lighter and slide snow off easily, and aluminum is a rust-free middle ground. Handle length and a D-grip or auxiliary handle also affect comfort, so choose to suit your height and the depth of snow.

Roof rakes, wear edges and shear bolts

A roof rake has a long handle, such as 16 ft, and a wide blade for pulling snow off a low roof from the ground. Aluminum handles conduct electricity, so stay well away from power lines. Replacement parts are model-specific: a scraper or wear edge, such as a 32 inch replacement edge, wears with use, and a shear bolt kit replaces the sacrificial bolts on a snow blower. A shear bolt is designed to snap if the auger jams, so replace it only with the exact size and strength the manufacturer lists.

Questions about Snow Shovels, Roof Rakes and Ice Tools

What size snow shovel blade is best?

A blade around 18 to 24 inches suits most people, balancing clearing speed and weight. Wider pushers, around 30 inches, work well on flat driveways in light snow. Narrow steel blades are best for chopping ice and packed snow.

Is a roof rake safe to use?

Used from the ground, it keeps you off the roof, but watch for falling snow and keep clear of power lines, since aluminum handles conduct electricity. Pull snow down in small sections and avoid scraping the shingles. Leave steep or icy roofs to professionals.

What is a shear bolt and why does it break?

It is a deliberately weak bolt that connects an auger to its shaft. If ice or a stone jams the auger, the bolt snaps instead of damaging the gearbox. Fit the exact replacement size and grade; a harder bolt defeats the protection.