If you are a gardening enthusiast like me, you will need to dig holes and transfer plants way too often. That’s where shovels come in!
I have been working with shovels for a long time, and I have found that square-headed shovels are the most efficient. The sharp edges allow one to dig smoothly, and you can slice through turf better.
Also, square heads will provide more area, and you will be able to transfer more mud, rocks, and dirt at one time. I have been reading up on the benefits of square head shovels, and that is when I decided to share my knowledge about it.
Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and in this article, you will find the top 5 products that will help you choose the best square head shovel on the market. I have also added a buyer’s guide section for your benefit.
Top 5 Square Head Shovels
1. Fiskars 96676933J
One of my top recommendations is the Fiskars 96676933J. It comes with a 46-inch long handle which can be used to easily maneuver the spade. I am truly impressed with the brilliant cutting capacity and the ease of use that it offers.
Product Highlights
First of all, you can use this product for multiple purposes that include digging trenches, cutting, edging as well as slicing through the turf. The long handle will provide you with complete control over the work.
Plus, the D-shaped handle is extra-large, and you can easily grip it. It will provide you with 2-handed control as there is ample space on top. Meaning, you can hold it even while wearing gloves.
Also, the handle is made of wood, and that makes it all the more long-lasting. When compared to fiberglass handles, this works way better and will provide you with more support.
Next, I will talk about the hard blade that makes work so much smoother. This blade is welded and is made of hardened steel. Thus, the 18-gauge shaft will be very durable and slice through turfs easily.
What’s There To Like About It?
I wanted to dig holes for installing the new fences when I came across this product. It allowed me to complete the work within a day without experiencing any hand fatigue.
Also, it is not very heavy and weighs just 4.81 ounces. Hence, people of all ages can use it easily.
The square edge will cut through the ground smoothly while you will be able to pull out the soil. My 70-year-old neighbor was able to work comfortably with it.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
I would have preferred to have a better customer service experience. As I needed some help understanding the warranty, I called customer support, but my call was not received.
They received my call after a few tries, but I had to wait longer than expected. I am hoping that the brand will look into this issue.
Pros and Cons of Fiskars 96676933J
Pros
Cons
- GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Heavy duty, ergonomic shovel ideal for a variety of gardening tasks like cutting through turf and grass, digging and turning in tough soil, and more to encourage overall garden health and appearance
- MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Welded, all-steel construction boosts power for digging in tough soil and enhances rust resistance; Teardrop-shaped shaft and oversized D-handle are ergonomically designed for more control and to reduce fatigue
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel head and blade stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars shovels and garden tools are built to last
2. Hooyman Shovel
My hands sweat a lot, and hence, I am very careful about holding a shovel. The Hooyman Shovel is a great option if you are looking for a no-slip handle. It will stay firmly in your hand while you work.
Product Highlights
The product is 59 inches in length, 9.25 inches in breadth, and it has a diameter of 3 inches. You can work efficiently with the long handle, and you will be getting added leverage. Plus, there are oversized flanges provided, which creates a wider head.
Moving on, the square-shaped top will help you in digging, scooping mud or dirt, and then moving them to a different location. You can work with manure, dirt, mud, rocks, or other finer materials. Hence, if you are into gardening, then keeping one of these tools handy is a must.
Additionally, the shovel is made of durable steel, and it will last for a long time. The 3-powder-coated head will not be affected by rain or snow, and you can use it easily in all weather conditions.
It is indeed a heavy-duty option that is perfect for large-scale projects.
What’s There To Like About It?
I was able to work comfortably with the H-grip that is provided. You will be getting an ergonomic handle that will not let your hands slip even when they are wet.
Since I spend a lot of time watering the plants and gardening, my hands often stay wet. Needless to say, this product has indeed proved to be very beneficial.
Moreover, I was able to use it for professional as well as personal use.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
When I first received the tool, it was broken, and that happened due to inefficient packaging. The packaging material was thin, and that damaged the product inside.
I called customer care and told them about the issue, following which they sent over another shovel, which worked fine. So, please check it as soon as you receive it.
Pros and Cons of Hooyman Shovel
Pros
Cons
- DIMENSIONS: 59 inches L x 9.25 inches W x 3 inches D and weighs 4.9 lbs
- DURABLE: Heavy duty head construction of 1050MN carbon steel makes shovel extremely tough and durable
- RELIABLE: Features the new, no-slip, H-Grip on the ergonomic handle that turns tacky when wet to ensure a secure grip in all conditions
3. Ashman Square Shovel
Up next is one of the most lightweight options available on the market. The Ashman Square Shovel weighs 2.2 pounds and is perfect for multiple purposes. Read on to know more about its bells and whistles.
Product Highlights
If you are into gardening and want to transfer or transplant bushes and shrubs, then this can be the perfect tool for it. You can use it for lawn edging, cutting roots or sod, digging trenches, and leveling a garden. I have even used it for mixing mortar, cement, and erecting poles.
Next, you will receive a D-handle grip that will help in working with better control. It will not slip out of your hand, and you can use both hands to control it better. Also, since it allows a firm grip, it will prevent accidents while working.
To top it all, you will be getting a sharpened blade head that will pierce through the soil easily. It is designed to slice and dig through, but the head will not become blunt over time.
Moreover, the brand guarantees satisfaction, and you can always reach out to them with queries.
What’s There To Like About It?
My son was heading for a camping trip in the forest, and I gave him this. It is lightweight, and he could easily carry it in his car. Also, it proved to be very fruitful in digging holes for camp poles.
Additionally, the handle is made out of fiberglass, and it needs no maintenance. You can use it for years to come, and there should not be anything to worry about.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
While it works with most materials, it is best not to use it with rocks. Rocks are very sharp and heavy, and that might not work well with the spade. However, I will not be holding this as a drawback as it works well with all other kinds of garden materials and cement.
Pros and Cons of Ashman Square Shovel
Pros
Cons
- Multipurpose Shovel: The heavy-duty Ashman Square Shovel (1 Pack) serves numerous purposes and can be easily used for transplanting small bushes and trees, lawn edging, dividing perennials, cutting sod and small roots, and trenching. It can be used for leveling a yard, for mixing cement or mortar, for digging and erecting camping poles, or for self-defense in a grave situation.
- Firm Grip: The force applied during the task is directly proportional to the strength of the grip. Thereby, we have combined the Ashman Square Shovel with a D-handle grip that enables a two-handed control that enhances efficiency during the use of the shovel. A firm grip reduces the possibility of untoward incidents during usage.
- Solid Construction and Premium Design: The Ashman Square Shovel is a highly durable design that is coupled with a heavy-duty blade that is hardened using high temperatures and heavy pressure. The handle is built using durable plastic, which outlasts a wooden handle, making it last longer than any of the competition in addition to being lightweight. The handle is virtually maintenance-free.
4. Bond Manufacturing LHO47
One of my final recommendations is the Bond Manufacturing LHO47. It is lightweight and compact, and you can easily work with it. When I was looking to move all the fallen leaves from my garden, this product came to my rescue.
Product Highlights
To begin with, it comes with a very sturdy handle made of steel. The handle features a D-shaped design that makes it easy to grip, and I could use it with both my hands for added support.
And the best part is that the shovel does not slip from one’s hands. It offers a non-slip, easy-grip that is comfortable, and you can conveniently use it. It will be a very handy option for moving dirt, lifting plants, or transferring bushes, as the sharp square head will help in digging through the soil efficiently.
Moving on, this tool comes coated with a rust-resistant powder that protects the entire body. It also increases the lifespan of this model, and you will be able to use it for years to come.
Last but not least, you will be getting a black and a red body, which is attractive. Keep it with your other garden tools, and you can spot it easily because of the bright colors.
What’s There To Like About It?
I had planned a camping trip with my husband, and I packed this shovel. It helped a lot in the campsite where digging was necessary. I was able to attach the rods for setting up camp in no time at all.
Moreover, the edges of this tool were quite sharp, and it could easily dig through the ground. I did not have to put too much pressure, and hence, there was no hand fatigue.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
While this will work well for jobs around the garden or on a camping site, it is not going to be helpful for larger projects as the shovel is small. So it is best not to purchase it for professional purposes, but it will be a great addition to your garden tools for small-scale tasks.
Pros and Cons of Bond Manufacturing LHO47
Pros
Cons
- Compact and lightweight
- Designed for efficient moving and lifting
- Strong steel handle with durable heat-treated steel head
5. Bon 14-263
If you are looking for a sturdy tool that is lightweight and efficient, then the Bon 14-263 will fit the bill. I bought it to transfer the plants and shrubs to my daughter’s house, and it worked very well.
Product Highlights
The product comes with a long wooden handle, which is easy to use. The dimensions are 43.5 x 9.5 x 3 inches, and it can easily be used by tall individuals. It will work well for all kinds of purposes, and that includes transferring stones or mud, moving shrubs, and digging holes.
What's more, the wooden body is very sturdy, and it will not break down even if you pick heavy things. This makes the product very durable, and you can easily use it for years to come.
Moving on, you will be getting a very sharp edge that will cut through soil and bushes easily. The square end is made in such a way that objects will stay in place and not fall off while transferring them.
What’s There To Like About It?
I have used this product to clean snow from my yard, and it has helped out well. You can use the sharp edge to break the ice and then pick it up on the shovel to throw it aside.
Also, this is not very expensive, and you can easily afford it. So, if you have a tight budget or do not want to spend a lot on buying a tool, then it should serve you well.
What’s There Not To Like About It?
There were stickers on the handle, and they would not come off. When I finally removed them successfully, yellow glue marks remained on the body. This did not cause any problems, but I did not like the sticky remains. You can use turpentine oil to remove it, but it is going to take some time.
Pros and Cons of Bon 14-263
Pros
Cons
- The largest selection of tools manufactured to the highest quality standards
- Leader in professional construction tools
- Innovative, durable
Buyers Guide
Now that you know all about the top shovels on the market, it is time to make it easier for you to buy the right product. Here, I will be discussing some of the major factors that need to be remembered in order to find the shovel that fits your needs.
1. Handle
The handle is a very important part of the tool, and you should always pay attention to it. If you are tall, then look for a long handle, as that would prevent you from having to bend down too many times. You can work easily, and the long handle would give you enough strength to work for a long time.
On the other hand, if the task at hand will require a lot of pressure, then a smaller handle will be better. You will be able to push it easily without being afraid of breaking it.
Next, you should opt for a D-shaped handle, which will help you in holding the shovel with both hands. This would give you more strength, and you can work better. It is especially applicable if you plan to move rocks or mud aside.
2. Material
One of the first things to check while purchasing shovels is the material. Now, you would want something hard and sturdy, which can dig through the soil easily. Some people find steel or wooden handles to be better than fiberglass ones. Others who are looking to do lighter jobs prefer fiberglass handles.
Wood and steel are very tough materials, and you can rest assured that they will not break down in the middle. You can work with both materials for high-intensity jobs, and it should work out well. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the material losing its shape at any point in time.
3. Weather Protection
Since you are planning to use the shovel outdoors, it might see a lot of water, humidity, and sunlight. So, it is essential that you purchase a product that is resistant to heat and humidity.
As the shovel heads are made out of steel, they could be prone to rust. However, most will come coated with rust-resistant powder. This powder will protect the body and prevent it from rusting even when left outside in rain or snow.
Also, UV rays may cause discoloration and can make the handle brittle over time. So, always check if the body has ample protection against rust and UV rays.
4. Grip
The grip is extremely important as you would not want the tool to slip out of your hands. Hence, I will recommend checking the description well to see if a non-slip grip has been mentioned. Now, remember that you will be working with wet hands at certain times, and if the shovel slips out, then that could cause a lot of damage.
I had faced this problem myself, and I had ended up hurting my toe. Hence, I am very careful about the grip now. Some products have a D-shaped handle that can be held even while wearing gloves. Purchase one of them if you generally work with gloves.
5. Weight
Most people who are not used to doing physical work will find it difficult to work with a heavy item. It can get very strenuous, and then one can also get severe hand pain.
In my opinion, it is always best to get lightweight tools that are easy to handle. You can work with them efficiently and not suffer from any pain. This is especially applicable for older adults who may not have the capacity to carry heavy objects.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have been doing my research about the best shovels, and that is when I came across some queries that many customers have. In this section, I will be discussing them with you so that you have a clear understanding of them.
If you have recently bought a shovel or are planning to buy one, then this is a question that might strike you. It is pretty easy to maintain one as you will just have to keep it in a dry place. After working with it, clean it with water and keep it in a cool place to dry. That should do the trick.
A shovel will generally last for many years if you take good care of it. Clean it immediately after use, and it should not malfunction. Also, check the capacity as some products are not meant for heavy-duty work like carrying stones or digging through them. That’s why please read the description carefully and buy one depending on your purpose.
Most options will not allow you to do that as you will not find enough space to grip the tool well. Gloves can increase the chances of the product slipping from your hand, and hence, the grip has to be strong. But there are some options with D-shaped handles that can be held with gloves.
While most shovels today are designed to lessen the impact, you might still experience some pain in the hand if you are not used to physical labor. However, this will vary from person to person and the amount of effort that one puts in.
My Final Recommendations
Once you decide upon the best square head shovel, I will always recommend keeping it indoors so that it is protected from bad weather. While it might be rust-resistant and protected from UV rays, you would not want to take any risks.Â
Now before I wrap up, let me take you through my favorites once more. The Fiskars 96676933J is one of my top recommendations for those who want a long handle. On the other hand, the Hooyman Shovel is perfect for those who want a no-slip grip.Â
And you can choose the Ashman Square Shovel if you need a lightweight option. Remember to consider your specific needs before making a choice, and I am sure that you will find the right option.
Take care and bye!