shovels

A shovel is a tool consisting of a blade attached to a handle, used for digging, lifting, and moving bulk materials such as soil, gravel, snow, or coal. The term covers a range of implements; in many regions a spade is a related tool with a flat, rectangular blade for digging, while a shovel’s blade is typically broad and curved for scooping.

The blade is usually metal and fixed to a shaft or handle made of wood, fiberglass, or steel. Blade shapes vary: pointed blades for breaking ground; broad, rounded scoops for moving loose material; narrow blades for trenching or edging. Handles may be straight or curved and can end in a D- or T-handle to improve grip and leverage. Some designs use reinforced tangs and thicker steel for durability.

Common types include digging shovels for soil, scoop shovels for bulk material, trenching shovels with long narrow blades, border or garden shovels with moderate width blades, and snow shovels with wide flat blades. Proper technique emphasizes bending the knees and keeping the back straight to transfer load through the legs.

History and usage: Shovels have ancient origins and have evolved with advances in metallurgy and manufacturing. Today they are standard implements in construction, agriculture, landscaping, and maintenance.

Maintenance: clean and dry after use, inspect for cracks or loosened joints, sharpen steel blades if needed, and store in a dry place.