If you want to do some digging this year outdoors, you will need one of the best shovels for your backyard. Having the right shovel for your job is very important. It will help you stay safe, and more importantly, help you dig better.
To look at the different markings on a shovel's blade, imagine a clock. The numbers on the blade represent hours and the markings between represent minutes. The markings will range from smallest to largest to help you gauge depth quickly.
Knowing how to read the markings on a shovel's blade will ensure you purchase the right shovel for your needs. But, if you encounter a shovel with a set of markings that don’t match any on this page, hold on to that shovel. It might be an antique.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Corona AS90300 All-steel Round Point Shovel | Best Overall |  |
| Wilcox All Pro 202S Trowel | Budget Pick |  |
| Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48 | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Corona AS90300 All-steel Round Point Shovel
Pros:
- High-quality steel shovel
- Very sturdy construction and solid handle
- Great rust /wear resistance
- Lightweight
- Comfortable plastic grip
- Efficient and smooth operation
- Very well-made
- This shovel will make digging holes a breeze
- Excellent value for the price
- Sturdy, very well-balanced shovel
Cons:
- Blade may bend if shovel is used incorrectly
- Handle is made of plastic which may fall apart over time
Corona is a very well-known brand for tools, and for good reason. The Corona AS90300 is a good value for a steel-bladed shovel. It may not be the best shovel on the market, but it provides excellent value for its price range.
The handle is made of plastic, but it is reinforced with steel which helps to prevent bending and breaking. The shovel is also very lightweight and has a soft grip handle.
The shovel is made in the Philippines and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. It is a good shovel that works well for the time and price.
2. Bully Tools 92730 14-gauge 4-Inch Box Style Trench Shovel
Pros:
- The long handle adds extra leverage
- Designed with a reinforced D-shaped fiberglass handle
- Maximum PSI strength of over 9000
- Both shovel and handle are designed to be tough and durable
- Very lightweight at 2.2 lbs
- Great fit for mid-sized to large hands
- Perfect for any outdoor work
- Ideal for digging into compacted
- Can be used for maintenance, emergency, and rescue jobs
This shovel from Bully Tools is ideal for digging into compacted hard dirt when working on cinder blocks, gardening, digging a drainage ditch, or even prying. It is designed with a reinforced D-shaped fiberglass handle for extra strength. The shovel itself is made from strong steel and cast aluminum. These materials ensure that the shovel can hold up to very tough tasks.
The Bully Tools shovel is easy to set up and can work for both left handed and right handed gardeners. It comes with a four-inch blade that is perfect for digging. The D-shaped fiberglass handle is 14-gauge steel and works well for shoveling a load of dirt.
3. Wilcox All Pro 202S Trowel
Pros:
- A toolkit favorite
- Resists acid-type chemicals
- Ergonomic design with a soft grip handle
- Offers lightweight and durability
Cons:
- The handle is made of plastic
- Long term use might make the handle break
The Wilcox All Pro 202S Trowel with Stainless Steel Blade is an ergonomic trowel measuring 14in and weighing 13.5oz. It offers lightweight, durability, and long term use as compared to other lightweight alternatives. The trowel has a stainless steel blade that is rust resistant.
Examine results or dig up the soil. The trowel also has a leveling expression with metric and US scales for precise measuring.
It has a strong design that will resist the effects of harsh chemicals without any rust staining. When it comes to using the trowel in the garden, you can expect to level and mix soil evenly.
4. Corona SS 64104 General Purpose Trench Shovel
Pros:
- Unbeatable value for your money
- Ergonomic handle for maximum comfort
- Lightweight but won’t break easily
- Can be used in shoveling and digging
Cons:
- Sturdy but has quality control issues
- The shovel head can detach from the handle
21 in.
This shovel from Corona is great as a general-purpose shovel for outdoor work like digging and trenching. What’s especially nice about this shovel is that it’s designed to be long-lasting. At only 3.9 pounds, it’s not too heavy but heavy enough to make really quick work of your project.
The shovel head consists of a super-sharp, weather-resistant drop-forged steel construction that is rust-resistant and extremely durable.
5. Bully Tools 82515 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel
Pros:
- Great ergonomic design
- Less weight for a longer handle
- Fiberglass shaft is very durable …
- Smooth surface and balanced weight for easy maneuverability
- The fiberglass is very sturdy and lightweight
- The plastic end cap makes for easy storage
- Comfortable grip that reduces fatigue and allows for longer work periods
- Easy to clean
- High quality product that comes at an affordable price
- USA made
Cons:
- The manufacturer should add shoulder straps to the carrying case for easier transportation
- The fiberglass is very stiff; don’t expect a balanced swing when planting a shovel
- The handle is rather short (the shovel itself is long enough, but the handle is not comfortable for taller people)
Praised for its durability and ergonomics, the Bully Tools 82515 14 Gauge Round Point Shovel with Fiberglass Handle is a tool with innovative attention to detail, and one of the most versatile shovels on the market today.
The Super Fiberglass handle is actually a combination of fiberglass and resin, and has excellent tensile strength even in freezing temperatures. It can bend without breaking, and is much sturdier than aluminum.
6. Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Transplanting Spade
Pros:
- Solid and comfortable handle
- Extremely sharp blade
- Built-in edge protector
- Easy to use and manipulate
- Fiskars LSA (Linseed, Soybean, and Acephate) rust-resistant coating
For the second time on our popular list of best tools, we have a tool from Fiskars. In fact, this shovel is a replica of the first pick shovel that we had you consider. The only difference is that this one has a D-handle (as opposed to the T-handle on our first pick).
What’s great is that it has the exact same look and feel of a full-sized shovel; however, it’s about one half the size. It’s not just a smaller version of the full-sized shovel, though. The real benefit is that you can use this shovel for small transplanting jobs without having to lug around the huge shovel.
Another benefit is that it includes a rescue edge that allows you to dig in very difficult-to-reach places. The blade is also made from hardened steel, making it extremely strong. There’s also a built-in edge protector that will help keep the blade from hitting the edge of the shovel.
7. A.M. Leonard Classic Soil Knife
Pros:
- Durable blade
- Built-in level for accuracy
- Very sharp and sturdy
- Easy to use and efficient
- Ideal gift for gardening enthusiasts
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
- Plastic casing seems cheap
- The color has rubbed off in some cases
Horis are used extensively in gardening and agricultural farming. Their effective design goes beyond digging. They can be used for a variety of other job-related tasks with greater effectiveness and efficiency.
The soil knife from AM Leonard has a 6-inch blade that does a fantastic job of digging out roots or cutting them. The blade is made from stainless steel. It is also quite strong and sturdy, which is what you want in such a tool.
The 6-inch blade gives your soil knife extra leverage and force. This can be a particularly useful feature if you have large trees or bushes to work on. As the blade is quite long, you can make clean cuts with it.
8. Nupla WS10D-E #10 Ergo Power Steel Western Scoop
Pros:
- Made of strong steel
- Has a compact design
- It's easy to use and has a comfortable grip
- Very sturdy and durable
- Has a lightweight design
- Has a smooth finish
- It can be used by a wide range of people
- Has a solid construction
- It's easy to assemble
- It has a low price
Cons:
- The handle is a bit short
- There is not much clearance between the blade and the handle
- The blade's edge is thin
- Not suited for heavy duty work
With D Grip, 1/2 cu. yd
It's safe to say that the Nupla WS10D-E Scoop has a beautiful design. This garden shovel has a unique design that can help you, whether you're a beginner or an expert. It has a top mount handle, which comes in very handy while you work.
A garden shovel is an essential tool for any home that has a garden or plants on its property. It makes planting and digging up any ground easy work. It can help any homeowner spend less time on an otherwise difficult task.
9. Garden Weasel Edge Chopper
Pros:
- Perfect for mulching and felling shrubs and trees
- Includes an edge chopper attachment (180 degrees)
- Lightweight and very easy to clean
- Includes a handy Wheel-lock option for storage
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- A tad on the expensive side … although well worth the money.
The Garden Weasel Edge Chopper is a revolutionary tool which serves two main purposes for your gardening needs. It can be used as a normal shovel on small projects, but also includes an edge chopping attachment for trimming branches and shrubs.
It features a foldable design for easy portability and storage. This is an extremely important feature since hoes like this are mostly used for emergencies where their use isn’t regular. You’ll be able to keep it in your garage or shed without taking up valuable space.
The Garden Weasel Edge Chopper is made with high-quality steel which will make it last for generations. It can chop branches up to 2.5 inches in diameter, and can handle any other type of digging you might need to do.
10. True Temper 1603072 Ergonomic Snow Shovel
Pros:
- Variable hoe depth
- Steel handle
- Large curved handle for comfort
- Lenght is dimensioned to easily reach the snow blower
- Fully-welded steel frame
Cons:
- Snow can block the back of the handle if you're not careful
- Requires a lot more effort to lift snow
This ergonomically designed snow shovel has a large and curved 18-inch stainless steel handle, which is designed with a grip that is easy on your hands. Together with the adjustable hoe depth, it's almost like having a built-in snow blower. The large, curved handle allows for a way more comfortable and less tiring experience.
The shovel is also made of high-quality steel with a fully welded steel frame. This allows it to be strong enough to handle difficult conditions like compacted, heavy snow. It also makes the shovel lightweight, and this helps you to keep the weight off your back and hands.
If your snow shovel is missing a few parts, or you're looking for an upgrade, this is an excellent option that won't disappoint. It's affordable and makes the work of clearing snow much easier. While it will take more work to move snow at first, you'll quickly get used to the rhythm and your muscles will be grateful.
11. AMES 2917200 Saw-Tooth Border Edger
Pros:
- Long handle with T-grip
- Affordable price
- Sharp blade cuts through dirt with ease
- Ergonomic design with non-slip handle
- Versatile for use as a shovel and an edger
Cons:
- Head not as sturdy as in other models
- Might break if used improperly
- Blade is not as sharp as advertised
Our top shovel pick in the garden tools segment is the AMES 2917200 Saw-Tooth Border Edger with T-Grip, 39-Inch. This is a versatile tool, which can be used as a shovel and a border edger. It is lightweight, durable, and affordable, which makes it a favorite among home gardeners.
This border edger has a long, sharp blade, which is made of high-quality steel. The handle is nicely constructed with a T-grip handle and steel reinforcing strips on the blade’s shoulder.
It can be used to dig grooves, clean out dirt, and excavate trenches. It is ergonomically designed for good grip and non-slip so you can focus on your project instead of worrying about your tool.
12. AMES 2682700 Poly Scoop
Pros:
- Sturdy Poly Scoop with Hardwood Handle
- Sturdy, strong handle
- Lightweight but very strong
- Reasonable price
Cons:
- Won’t last as long as steel
- Works as advertised, but don’t expect to get the full capacity of the bucket because of the weakness in the plastic
The Ames Poly Scoop with a Hardwood Handle and D-Grip is indispensible for any woodshop or landscape management company. It is strong and lightweight. Add to that the fact that you can really pack it full into these buckets and it is a great option for anyone who needs something sturdy to work with.
Versatile with a wide variety of uses, you can use it for drywall, landscaping, concrete, cleaning the yard, and just about any other outdoor chore that will involve mud and other debris. They have been a trusted choice for many years, but make sure you don’t over-fill them, or else they will break or crack.
Bottom line: Overall, these buckets are very affordable, and they will last a while if you are careful how you use them.
13. Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48
Pros:
- It can dig holes up to 48 inches deep
- Spades act as hoes for thorough mixing and loosening
- Powerful enough to break through hard ground
- It’s made of heavy-duty carbon steel that’s rust-resistant
- Trusted brand and very popular among professional landscapers
Cons:
- A bit heavy for some
- The measures are given in imperial units instead of the metric ones
- Some don’t like the digging action
Though the shovel was originally made for digging holes, the Seymor Structron Hercules PD48S can be used for several tasks around the property. It can be used for digging, bench scraping, and moving rocks. The shovel not only easily performs all three of these tasks, it is strong enough to stand up against the toughest of conditions.
For those that want to create a perfect garden bed, these spades are great for mixing and loosening the soil. Though most own this shovel for other purposes, they find it is an excellent shovel for this task also.
14. Bully Tools 92200 Heavy Duty Sidewalk and Ice Scraper
Pros:
- Long metal handle for more reach
- Very gusty and sturdy
- Doesn’t bend or break even with ice
- Great for snow, ice and heavy pet hair
Cons:
- Metal might be weak against impact
- Design is bulky
- Hard to clean
(32-Inch)
If you speak about shovels, then you can’t avoid mentioning Bully Tools. The company has been in business for more than 10 years now and have made a name for themselves as a manufacturer of superior quality products.
To be honest, the Bully Tools 92200 Sidewalk and Ice Scraper with a Long Steel Handle is a bit pricey in comparison to other models, but for this price, you get a perfect combination of durability and performance.
15. KYLIN 3-Piece Lightweight Aluminum Sport Utility Snow Shovel，25"
Pros:
- Comes with three different lengths
- Lightweight and sturdy
- Durable and comfortable grip
- Discounted price compared to the original model
Cons:
- The rubber feet are prone to wear and tear
- The handle may bend when in use
This sturdy and convenient shovel from KYLIN has proven itself to be one of the best snow shovels on the market. It is made of sturdy aircraft grade aluminum which makes it very durable. You also have the convenience of adjusting the shovel to suit your needs.
The shovel is lightweight and can be adjusted to fit a child – opening to 29.5 inches – or all the way up to 33 inches for adults. The shovel is available in three different lengths in order to accommodate every one.
The shovel also comes with a built-in Snow Hook which makes it easy to remove heavy snow from paved surfaces. The shovel also includes rubberized ergonomic grip to ensure you are safe while moving snow.
16. Truper 31298 Tru Pro Aluminum Scoop No.12
Pros:
- Lightweight and durable
- Compact and convenient
- Comes with a protective cover
- Robust dimensions
Cons:
- Small scoop size
- Plastic cover could snap
Black.
Do you ever get tired of all your backbreaking shoveling in the garden? Or when taking out the garbage, cleaning the driveway, or building a new home? Well, we have one of the best shovels for you to try; the Truper 31298 Tru Pro Aluminum Scoop No. 12, fiberglass D-Handle, 27-inch.
This lightweight shovel isn’t your average shovel – oh no. The Truper 31298 Tru Pro Aluminum Scoop No. 12, fiberglass D-Handle, 27-inch comes with a plastic handle, which gives a more comfortable, lightweight, and more durable shovel that makes shoveling a lot easier and faster. It also comes with a protective cover to protect it from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which shovel is best to break through soil?
I can’t stress the value of a good shovel enough, especially if you own a home or spend a considerable amount of your time outdoors. Shovels are not the kind of tool that you’ll use all the time, but they’ll definitely make your tasks more efficient and enjoyable.
What is the best garden shovel?
There are many shovels on the market, but you want to choose the one that’s the right size for the job and is durable enough to serve you for many years. A heavyweight model made from a solid material is usually the ideal choice for a general garden use. It should be strong and sharp enough to be used for digging or cutting and can also be used to move lightweight rocks and tree stumps.
Some garden shovels come with metal edges for digging. Others can be flipped over and used for digging and cutting.
How do I choose a shovel?
The handle, shaft, and blade are the 3 key parts of a shovel. There are many shovels available with different features and price ranges.
Comparing one to another, the key differences between common shovels include the following features:
What are transfer Flathead shovels best for?
Transfer flathead shovels are the best for digging holes or trenches in the earth to lay pipe, electrical lines, or water lines. It’s a rugged type of shovel that provides a relatively flat work surface for scooping, thus its name. This type of shovel also comes with a variety of blade types, depending on the need. In general, it’s a uni-tasker designed to dig, not scoop, in soft or hard soil, thus the effective scoop corner is at a negative angle.
The blade also comes in different styles, with straight, D-shaped, and V-shaped blades are available. The handle shape can also give you a hint about the blade shape, as handles with finer curves are designed for the V-shaped blades while the straight handle design is for the straight and D-shaped blades.
Conclusion
This guide aims at making your shovel selection an easy one. The factors that we considered in terms of reviewing different shovels include: ease of use, size, and of course, price. Whether you need a shovel for your family, or for any business purpose, this guide does not disappoint.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Corona AS90300 All-steel Round Point Shovel | Best Overall | |
| Wilcox All Pro 202S Trowel | Budget Pick | |
| Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48 | Upgrade Pick | |