Useful Shovels and Spades: 5 Major Differences

Last Updated on October 1, 2024 by teamobn

“Call a spade a spade,” goes the idiom borrowed from the poker table. Yet many still insist on calling a spade a shovel – or is it the other way around?

One of the charming peculiarities of the English language is that it permits a good deal of chaos here and there. Many respectable lexicons ascribe equivalent definitions to the nouns shovels and spades.

For some people, there’s no practical difference between a spade and shovel. They’re both garden tools we use for digging.

But then “Everything looks like a nail to someone holding a hammer,” says another idiom.

Many respectable lexicons ascribe equivalent definitions to the nouns "spade" and "shovel."
Many respectable lexicons ascribe equivalent definitions to the nouns “spade” and “shovel.”
(Photo: Angie from Sawarra/Flickr)

Shovels and Spades Difference

The fact is, for the discerning gardener, a spade and a shovel are as different as a pen and a pencil. Each has its proper use and is a better tool for certain tasks.

What’s the difference and which do you use for what tasks in the garden? We’ll try to explain here as best as we can.

Blade Shape and Angle

You will spot the most obvious differences between the two tools when you lean them against a wall next to each other. A spade is usually shorter and has a flat blade. Meanwhile, a shovel is longer, angled, and its blade is curved into the approximate shape of a scoop.

A spade is usually shorter and has a flat blade. (Photo: Rob Allen/Flickr)

You may also notice that a spade tends to be straighter than a shovel from handle to blade tip. The shovel blade is usually angled forward, the spade blade is not.

The shovel blade is usually angled forward, the spade blade is not.
The shovel blade is usually angled forward, the spade blade is not.
(Photo: Santeri Viinamaki/Wikimedia Commons)

Different Functions

That angle accounts for the biggest difference in functionality between the two tools. The angled shovel blade makes it efficient for digging.

The angled shovel blade makes it efficient for digging.
The angled shovel blade makes it efficient for digging and scooping.
(Photo: Maggie McCain/Flickr)

You can also use the straighter spade for digging, of course. But the spade is more properly used for slicing through and lifting sod, skimming weeds, edging lawns and bed, and excavating straight-sided holes or trenches.

The spade is more properly used for slicing through and lifting sod, skimming weeds, edging lawns and bed.
(Photo: Erich Ferdinand/Flickr)

Handles and Material

The shovel’s longer handle, or shaft, provides greater leverage and is useful for heavier work. You’d use a shovel to dig through roots and tough, compacted ground. The spade’s shorter handle allows greater control and precision. That is why it’s the better tool for planting or digging up bulbs.

Because spades are used for breaking ground, they need to be sturdy. A spade will almost always consist of a heavy steel blade with a wood or steel handle.

When used properly, shovels are under less stress. That’s why manufacturers sometimes get away with shovels made from thinner steel – in some cases even plastic.

The shovel’s longer handle, or shaft, provides greater leverage and is useful for heavier work.
The shovel’s longer handle, or shaft, provides greater leverage and is useful for heavier work.

How to Use Spades and Shovels

First off, when working with digging tools, be sure to wear suitable footwear. You are likely to hurt yourself otherwise. Kick those flip-flops off and pull your gardening boots on.

For both spades and shovels, the basic technique is to insert the blade into the ground. You do this by using one foot to push down on the ledge at the top of the blade. This part of the blade is appropriately called the “step.”

Shovels should be inserted into the ground at an angle, pushed slightly forward. You should push a spade into the ground vertically to create a straight edge.

An image of shovels and spades in use.
The basic technique is to insert the blade into the ground with one foot pushing down at the ledge at the top of the blade.

The Right Tool for the Right Job

Of course, the reality is that you could do the job of a spade or shovel with either tool. You could probably drive a small nail home with the butt of your screwdriver, too. But a job is always easier, quicker, and less complicated when you use the right tool.

That’s it. We hope we’ve cleared at least some basic differences between shovels and spades for you. Keep those points in mind next time you shop for either tool for your garden.

Ergonomics and Design Improvements for Shovels and Spades

Gardening has long been a beloved activity but can also be physically demanding. The right tools, particularly shovels and spades, are crucial in reducing strain and making tasks easier. Modern advancements in the design of these tools have led to significant improvements, particularly in terms of ergonomics. These changes boost efficiency and make gardening more comfortable, especially during long work hours.

The Role of Ergonomics in Shovels and Spades

Ergonomics refers to the science of designing tools and equipment to fit the user’s body and minimize discomfort or injury. In gardening, where repetitive motions and heavy lifting are common, ergonomically designed tools make a significant difference. Shovels and spades, essential tools for digging, planting, and edging, have seen remarkable improvements. Proper ergonomic design can help gardeners maintain better posture and avoid the common aches associated with gardening.

Cushioned Handles and Grip Enhancements

One of the most noticeable ergonomic improvements in modern shovels and spades is the addition of cushioned handles. Previously, wooden or metal handles could cause blisters and hand fatigue. Today, many gardening tools have rubber or foam grips that absorb shock and reduce hand pressure. These handles also provide a non-slip surface, especially when working with wet or muddy hands.

Some shovels and spades now feature ergonomically contoured handles designed to fit the hand’s natural curve. This design helps distribute the pressure more evenly, reducing strain on the wrists and forearms. The result is a more comfortable grip, allowing gardeners to work longer without discomfort.

Lightweight Materials for Reduced Fatigue

The weight of shovels and spades can be a significant factor in gardening fatigue. Traditionally, these tools were made of heavy materials like steel and wood, which could make them cumbersome to use for extended periods. Modern tools, however, often incorporate lightweight materials such as fiberglass or aluminum. These materials provide the same durability as traditional options but are much easier to handle.

Fiberglass, in particular, has become a popular choice for spades and shovels due to its strength and lightweight. It allows gardeners to dig and lift with less effort, making tasks like turning soil or planting bulbs less strenuous. Lightweight tools are especially beneficial for older gardeners or those with limited physical strength.

Adjustable and Telescoping Handles

The addition of adjustable or telescoping handles marks another major improvement in contemporary shovels and spades. These designs let users vary the handle’s length to fit their height or the particular work at hand. For small holes, a shorter handle might offer better control; for deeper digging or scooping, a longer handle might offer more leverage.

Customising is made possible by telescoping handles, so lessening the need for uncomfortable body positions that might strain back or shoulders. By varying the length of their shovels and spades to suit their comfort, gardeners can guarantee correct posture throughout operation.

Angled Blades for Efficient Digging

Angled blades on modern shovels help to cut the effort needed for excavation. Straight blades on conventional shovels forced the user to bend more while excavating, so stranding the lower back unnecessarily. Today’s ergonomic shovels’ somewhat curved or angled blades let one dig more naturally.

This angled design facilitates breaking through difficult ground or excavating deep holes by moving more power from the user’s body to the shovel blade. This development has also helped spades, whose better, straight blades enable exact cutting and edging with less work.

Changes in ergonomic design for shovels and spades have made gardening from a labor-intensive hobby more fun. Cushioned handles, light-weight materials, movable shafts, and angled blades help lessen weariness and pain. These tools help gardeners of all kinds work more effectively while reducing the physical toll on their bodies as they change.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

Making sure your garden tools last for years depends on their care. Shovels and spades are particularly subjected to hard conditions, including dirt, moisture, and heavy use, which, if not kept correctly, can wear them down. By following a few basic maintenance guidelines, you can keep these indispensable instruments in great operating order, saving time and money over the long run.

Clean After Each Use

Dirt, mud, and moisture can build up rapidly on shovels and spades, causing rust and corrosion. Make it a habit to thoroughly clean your tools after every use. Remove any soil clinging to the blade with a putty knife or wire brush. Should you come upon stubborn dirt, a quick wipe with a cloth and a water rinse will help. To stop rust development, be sure the tool dries immediately after cleaning. This little action increases the lifetime of the handle and the blade.

Sharpen the Blades Regularly

Regular use of shovels and spades can dull their edges over time, which makes digging or slicing across the ground more difficult. Frequent blade inspection and sharpening when needed help to keep them sharp. Edge sharpening either with a mill file or a sharpening stone will help Position the tool firmly first, then run the file consistently along the beveled edge at the same angle. Not only does sharpening your shovels and spades make your work more effective, but it also lessens back and arm strain.

Prevent Rust with Lubrication

One of the main rivals of metal tools such as spades and shovels is moisture since it causes rust. Frequent application of a light oil coating to the tool’s metal parts will help prevent this, especially following long-term storage or cleaning. A basic household oil or WD-40 performs rather nicely. By building a barrier against moisture, lubricating the metal will help to prevent rust and guarantee the tool stays smooth and efficient.

Store Tools Properly

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the lifetime of your shovels and spades. Avoid leaving them outside or in damp conditions exposed to elements and moisture. Store them in a dry, sheltered area such as a shed or garage. Placing your tools in a tool rack or on a wall helps keep the blades off the ground, preventing needless wear and guaranteeing their continued good condition.

Inspect and Repair Handles

Whether built of wood, fibreglass, or metal, the handles of shovels and spades can weaken with repeated use. Look over the handle often for wear, splinters, or cracks. Sand down wooden handles to get splinters free, then coat them in linseed oil to stop drying and cracking. Replacing the handle is usually more cost-effective than purchasing a new tool totally should the handle become loose or broken.

You can considerably extend their lifetime by following a few easy guidelines to clean, sharpen, lubricate, and store your shovels and spades. Regular maintenance guarantees that these tools remain efficient and ready to handle any gardening job, so saving you from needless expenses and enabling smoother and more fun working in the garden.

Conclusion

Shovels and spades may seem similar, but their design and function set them apart. A shovel’s angled blade is ideal for digging and scooping, while a spade’s flat blade excels in cutting and edging. Using the right tool for the job ensures more efficient and precise gardening.

Do not leave your shovels and spades lying around your shed. Check out our garden tools rack project to declutter your shed.

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