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==Features of snow shovels== |
==Features of snow shovels== |
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[[Handle (grip)|Handle]] design of snow shovels varies.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014">{{cite web |url= http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/01/best-snow-shovels-safe-snow-removal/index.htm |title=Best Snow Shovels - How to Shovel Safely |author=Consumer Reports |authorlink=Consumer Reports |work=consumerreports.org |date=14 February 2014 |accessdate=7 March 2014}}</ref> Straight handles make the pushing angle easier to adjust and snow throwing easier as compared to a bent handle.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Long handles enable the user to leverage their weight for pushing snow, but shorter handles make tossing snow |
[[Handle (grip)|Handle]] design of snow shovels varies.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014">{{cite web |url= http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2014/01/best-snow-shovels-safe-snow-removal/index.htm |title=Best Snow Shovels - How to Shovel Safely |author=Consumer Reports |authorlink=Consumer Reports |work=consumerreports.org |date=14 February 2014 |accessdate=7 March 2014}}</ref> Straight handles make the pushing angle easier to adjust and snow throwing easier as compared to a bent handle.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Long handles enable the user to leverage their weight for pushing snow, but shorter handles make tossing snow easier.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Plastic and fiberglass handles are lightweight and do not get cold, whereas wood will be heavy and metal handles will be cold.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> |
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At the end of the handle there may be a D-shaped grip, and some snow shovels have padded grips or extra grips in the middle of the handle.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> |
At the end of the handle there may be a D-shaped grip, and some snow shovels have padded grips or extra grips in the middle of the handle.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> |
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A typical shovel scoop would be about 24 inches across and intended for moving a few inches of light snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> A |
A typical shovel scoop would be about 24 inches across and intended for moving a few inches of light snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> A narrower scoop makes the removal of deep, wet, or heavy snow easier.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Scoops with a large curve can carry more snow, while those with a shallow curve are intended to push snow rather than carry it.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Metal scoops are studier than plastic but heavier.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> If a scoop's edge is steel, then that can damage delicate outdoor home surfaces but will make the shovel more durable than a plastic shovel.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> |
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Many homeowners who deal with snow may choose to have multiple snow shovels for different types of snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> If lifting is a concern, then they may choose separate shovels for lifting versus pushing.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Otherwise, users may wish to have a shovel for fresh light snow and another one to manage icy hard snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> |
Many homeowners who deal with snow may choose to have multiple snow shovels for different types of snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> If lifting is a concern, then they may choose separate shovels for lifting versus pushing.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Otherwise, users may wish to have a shovel for fresh light snow and another one to manage icy hard snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> |
Revision as of 17:15, 14 March 2014
A snow shovel is a shovel designed for moving snow.
Features of snow shovels
Handle design of snow shovels varies.[1] Straight handles make the pushing angle easier to adjust and snow throwing easier as compared to a bent handle.[1] Long handles enable the user to leverage their weight for pushing snow, but shorter handles make tossing snow easier.[1] Plastic and fiberglass handles are lightweight and do not get cold, whereas wood will be heavy and metal handles will be cold.[1]
At the end of the handle there may be a D-shaped grip, and some snow shovels have padded grips or extra grips in the middle of the handle.[1]
A typical shovel scoop would be about 24 inches across and intended for moving a few inches of light snow.[1] A narrower scoop makes the removal of deep, wet, or heavy snow easier.[1] Scoops with a large curve can carry more snow, while those with a shallow curve are intended to push snow rather than carry it.[1] Metal scoops are studier than plastic but heavier.[1] If a scoop's edge is steel, then that can damage delicate outdoor home surfaces but will make the shovel more durable than a plastic shovel.[1]
Many homeowners who deal with snow may choose to have multiple snow shovels for different types of snow.[1] If lifting is a concern, then they may choose separate shovels for lifting versus pushing.[1] Otherwise, users may wish to have a shovel for fresh light snow and another one to manage icy hard snow.[1]
Safe usage
Persons doing snow shoveling may take steps to lower their risk of injury.[2] Snow is safest to shovel when it is fresh and light.[1] Appropriate clothing makes shoveling snow safer.[1] Slip-resistant boots prevent user falls.[1] Ideal snow shoveling clothing for the rest of the body is lightweight, layered, and water-repellent to increase ventilation while maintaining insulation.[1]
Proper snow throwing technique minimizes injuries including stress on the back.[1] Recommended technique is that when lifting snow, the user bends their knees to collect the snow while maintaining a straight back, then straightening the legs to stand and lift.[1] Throwing snow over the shoulder or with a side-twisting motion is discouraged as less safe than throwing in other ways.[1]
Shoveling snow is a known trigger for myocardial infarction among people at risk for heart problems and who do not regularly engage in strenuous physical activity.[3]
When done correctly, snow shoveling can provide good exercise.[4]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Consumer Reports (14 February 2014). "Best Snow Shovels - How to Shovel Safely". consumerreports.org. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (December 2011). "Prevent Snow Shoveling and Snowblowing Injuries". orthoinfo.aaos.org. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ Skerrett, Patrick J. (15 January 2011). "Protect your heart when shoveling snow". health.harvard.edu. Harvard Medical School. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ Sparks, Dana (20 December 2012). "Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling". newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
External links
- How to get the most out of your snow blower and snow shovel, a guide for consumers