Tools, Sharpening and Power MachineryHand Held & Power Tools. All Power Machinery and Tool Sharpening. Repairs, Maintenance, Services and Technical Advice
Before Home Depot and Lowe's wiped out all the local hardware stores, you could buy lightweight all metal snow shovels with a bent or ergonomic handle.
I bought three many years ago. When I noticed those junk plastic shovels were the only thing left, I kept repairing the metal ones. I can't repair them anymore!
I just ordered two Ames all metal shovels (1641200) from the Ace Hardware Superstore. With shipping included, the price was $70.00. This morning I received an e-mail voiding the order. They told me the factory had no idea when, if ever they would make more of these shovels for Ames. Why it was still listed at their site is a mystery.
Several years ago Sears had a straight handle shovel that was called a shovel/plow. It had a fiberglass handle and a heavy steel blade. It was a lousy shovel and if you tried to push it like a plow you risked cracking a few ribs!
Is there anyplace where you can buy an all metal shovel like the Ames model that apparently isn't being manufactured anymore?
Steel and aluminum are in high depand these days and that has probably contributed too the shortages of metal shovels, but here are some from a very rebutable company
I knew there had to be someone selling all metal shovels to people in the grounds maintenance business.
When I realized my metal shovels could not be riveted and patched anymore, I purchased a plastic shovel. The thing cracked the second time I used it.
Remember those plastic shovels your dad gave you when you were a kid, so you could pretend that you were helping to clear the snow from the sidewalks, driveway, etc.
I've listened to at least a dozen guys comment on that long row of plastic shovels at Home Depot. The older they are the angrier they sound. I feel the same way.
That link to labsaftely has put a smile on my face.
I actually miss shoveling snow! I lived in Massachusetts for 19 years and for the last 10, I've been in the south where we don't get any. We get some ice, but ice isn't fun.
I'd love to see some legislation either prohibiting the sale of these plastic shovels, or forcing the manufacturer to sell them only as "toys" or very light duty. Mine is an old "steelie" from auction 10-15 years ago; every year it become a little shorter
Last edited by twelvepole; 11-13-07 at 07:35 AM. Reason: Quote removed. No need to quote entire post to reply.