A spade is composed of two pieces of metal connected by two rivets. This digging instrument is used for loosening and removing soil from the ground with minimum bending. The spade also has a slightly curved blade, making it easier to dig in confined spaces.
On the other hand, a shovel consists of one long blade designed for digging and moving loose material. Shovels are traditionally made from wood, but aluminum handles are also popular because they provide lightness and strength to the tool’s operation. A long handle makes it possible for a user to do more efficiently at greater heights or depths than possible with a short handle.
What is the difference between a spade and a shovel?
A spade is a gardening tool used for digging up and turning over the soil in gardens. A shovel is an excavation tool with a large, curved blade at one end. The blade of a shovel is used to scoop soil or debris off the ground while the shovel’s flat end crushes it as it moves forward (or throws it back).
Spades are used for digging holes for planting trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables. Spades have long, narrow blades that are thin in the center and thicker at the edges. The center of a spade is known as its bit. The bit curves up or down depending on the type of spade. For example, a standard garden spade has an S-curve throughout its length, while specialized tools such as a border edging or spring trowel may have straight bits like an offset screwdriver. Most garden spades also have one or more holes near the handle to allow it to be attached to a digging bar (which allows you to dig with both hands). The holes can also be used to attach a label to the handle. Use a spade to dig holes for planting trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables.
A shovel is used for digging, lifting, and moving loose materials such as sand and dirt. The most common types of shovels include the dirt scoop shovel, the speed or snow shovel, the general purpose garden or landscape shovel (also referred to as a short-handled garden or landscape shovel), and the square-pointed spade used by work crews in road construction (road spade). Shovels have broad, flat blades that vary in shape according to their intended use.
Use a shovel to dig, lift and move loose materials such as sand and dirt. Shovels have broad, flat blades that vary in shape according to their intended use. The most common types of shovels include the dirt scoop shovel, the speed or snow shovel, the general purpose garden or landscape shovel (also referred to as a short-handled garden or landscape shovel), and the square-pointed spade used by work crews in road construction (road spade).
What is a spade best for?
A digging spade can break soil on hard surfaces such as parking lots and driveways, dig plant holes, and remove shrubs. It is also helpful for removing weeds from other plants and cutting roots.
How to choose a garden spade?
The best way to choose a garden spade is to start by considering what you will use the tool for. Garden spades dig holes in the ground, turn dirt and clumps of soil into mulch, or move a large amount of material (often very heavy!) from one place to another. So think about whether you need a garden spade for gardening activities or housework, such as moving a boulder or shifting dirt.
If you are thinking more about garden work and you intend to dig holes to plant trees, then the size of the spade about your arm span and height is the first thing to think about. The next consideration is what kind of razor-sharp edge the blade will cut through the soil. Lastly, you also have to consider how smooth or textured your spade is, as this will affect how well dirt can be pushed over an area concisely and with little effort.
If you are thinking more about housework, the only significant difference is how heavy the tool is. If you need to carry a few shovels of dirt above waist height, you will want something relatively light, but if you need to move large boulders around or dig through boulders to create levees, then your best option is to get a giant spade.
The handle on a garden spade should be made of wood or metal. The metal handle will last longer and not lose stability over time, so this is a better choice for heavy-duty jobs. However, wood handles should have a plastic coating to make them more rust-resistant.
The grip on a garden spade should be curved, and this is done to make it easier to dig in the corners of your yard without having to bend your body. However, the grip should also be comfortable and have enough sandpaper so you can dig with minimal effort. The handle also needs to be comfortable as you will end up holding it for long periods and in different positions.
The blade on your garden spade should have a decent sharp edge and be razor sharp at the cutting point. There should also not be any noticeable serrations or grooves preventing the blade from cutting through the soil very quickly.
How to maintain a garden spade?
Most spades are designed to fold up and be stored away. Although this is partly for convenience, it also prevents the sharp blades from getting damaged. To keep a spade in good condition, you should periodically sharpen or hone the blade and make sure that the rivets holding it together are not loose.
How to choose a shovel?
You will want to choose a shovel that is suited for the job you want it for. For example, if you dig up hard soil or clay, you should choose a heavy-duty shovel with metal sides. A lighter-weight model will not be able to withstand the pressure. You may also want to consider the size of the handle so that you can use it at different heights or depths without too much strain.
How to maintain a shovel?
Shovels are the most used tools in the garden. But, just like spades, they are often prone to damage. You can keep them in good condition by cleaning and sharpening them regularly.
