Which lawn and garden tools are best for winter?
When winter finally comes each year, it brings unique challenges that require certain tools to overcome. Things such as snow-packed driveways and frozen pipes are common, and if you don’t have the right wrench, then the problems can throw a wrench right back at you and into your plans.
But unless you have infinite storage space and cash, you can’t keep everything you might need on hand. You’ve got to focus on the essentials, which you may already have, and add specific tools to your shed as you need them.
The essentials
There are four essential tools you should have on hand for winter.
Best snow shovels
This shovel has a head that measures 22 inches wide, 12.75 inches long and 4.5 inches deep. The D-shaped grip has a no-slip texture and is wide enough to accommodate gloved hands.
This shovel comes in three varieties: two have a 24-inch blade with one being gray and the other blue, plus a 30-inch blade in blue. The handle is varnished hardwood.
[ The Snowcaster Snow Shovel ]
This shovel comes in head widths: 24, 30, 36 and 48 inches. It requires some assembly, but it doesn’t take much effort or time. It’s also made in the U.S.
This unique shovel has a second, smaller handle that you can use for extra power when shoveling or picking up a full head of snow. It comes in three colors.
This shovel has a 30-inch wide head made of polycarbonate plastic for light weight and high durability. If flipped over, it can also be used as an ice scraper.
Best sidewalk scrapers
[ Bully Tools Sidewalk Scraper ]
This scraper is made of extra-thick 11-gauge steel that can easily chip through accumulated ice. It has a limited lifetime warranty and is made in the U.S.
[ CASL Brands Sidewalk Scraper ]
This scraper has a 47-inch handle and a 6-inch-wide and 12.6-millimeter-thick scraper head made of powder-coated steel. It has a spring cushion to soften how you feel the impact.
[ Emsco Group Sidewalk Scraper ]
This scraper has a heavy, industrial-cold-rolled-steel head with a reinforced, sharp edge that can smash through thick ice. During the other seasons, it can be used for edging your yard.
This scraper has a spring-loaded handle to reduce the strain on your wrists and shoulders as you break through ice. The head is 7 inches wide and 5.5 inches high.
Best roof rakes
This rake has wheels so it can easily slide down your roof without causing any damage. It uses a multi-section pole that can reach up to 20 feet if all are used, and the head is 24 inches wide.
This rake uses a long tarp that attaches to the head to help the snow you want to remove slide down easier, saving you some much-needed effort.
This rake offers four aluminum extension poles that can bring its length to as much as 28 feet. Still, it only weighs 6.2 pounds.
This rake also uses a tarp for easy snow removal, but it also has little slide guards on the edges of the head to prevent any accidental damage.
This rake is on the basic side as it has no tarps or wheels, but the handle can telescope up to 17 feet long and the head is 24 inches wide.
Best ice melts and spreaders
[ Morton Safe-T-Salt Rock Salt ]
This giant 25-pound bag of pure rock salt can be spread to melt ice in temperatures as low as 5 degrees. It can also be used to help you gain traction when on the road.
This ice-free melt can, well, melt ice at temperatures as low as -2 degrees, and is safe for use around homes with pets or children. It also won’t harm plants and isn’t corrosive.
[ Buyers Products Ice Melt Spreader ]
This spreader needs to be attached to an ATV, but it can hold 100 pounds of melt in return, making it perfect for those on large properties.
This hand-pushed melt spreader has a 6-foot spread pattern and can hold up to 20,000 square feet worth of melt product. The tires can’t become flat and it has an ergonomic handle.
[ Spot Spreader Ice Melt Spreader ]
If you only have a small driveway or perhaps some steps in front of an apartment, this hand spreader is perfect. It holds up to 80 ounces of melt.
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Jordan C. Woika writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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