The Shovel Discussion Thread!

[Miller '72]

Contractor weight ?
I guess they mean it's a bit above consumer grade quality.

Just to throw this out there, my other Ames is an exact pound less in weight

 

[Hickory n steel]

Just to throw this out there, my other Ames is an exact pound less in weight

Sounds like the stamp means exactly what it says

 

[deltaboy]

I still use a rice Shovel or a standard Shovel! I sharpen them 3\4 the way up each side and across the bottom. First with a grinder then I keep them sharper with a file!

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'm honestly surprised that rice shovels aren't more common. They're a brilliant compromise for qualities.

 

[Square_peg]

I see that Razor-back still offers a line of closed back shovels, wood, fiberglass and D-handled.

http://www.razor-back.com/tools/shovels-and-scoops/

 

[Hickory n steel]

I've tried to find a chart of different spade and shovel types but couldn't, anyone know what kind this is ?
( I think it might also be an Ames )

 

[Square_peg]

Looks like a sod shovel.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Looks like a sod shovel.

With the 2 holes in it ?

 

[Square_peg]

What holes?

 

[Hickory n steel]

What holes?

These.

 

[Square_peg]

They look aftermarket. They're not symmetrical.

 

[Steve Tall]

I've tried to find a chart of different spade and shovel types but couldn't, anyone know what kind this is ?
( I think it might also be an Ames )

For a display of a wide variety of shovel patterns (many more than I knew existed), I suggest looking at the
True Temper Tools : General Catalog No. 1-R (1938)

The shovel in the photograph looks like what's called a "Standard Garden Spade" on page 84.

 

[Hickory n steel]

For a display of a wide variety of shovel patterns (many more than I knew existed), I suggest looking at the
True Temper Tools : General Catalog No. 1-R (1938)

The shovel in the photograph looks like what's called a "Standard Garden Spade" on page 84.

Cool, thanks.

 

[Square_peg]

Commonly used for cutting sod.

 

[deltaboy]

Yes Dad prefer them for Construction work.

I'm honestly surprised that rice shovels aren't more common. They're a brilliant compromise for qualities.

 

[Agent_H]

There is a place here that has maybe 40+ old shovel heads cut from dead handles.

Also out back are two on handles maybe 8-10" just sitting in the elements but the grass has grown over the heads far enough I can't tell what they are for sure.
I'd have to be nicer than I usually am to take a look at them.

 

[Agent_H]

There is a place here that has maybe 40+ old shovel heads cut from dead handles.

Also out back are two on handles maybe 8-10" just sitting in the elements but the grass has grown over the heads far enough I can't tell what they are for sure.
I'd have to be nicer than I usually am to take a look at them.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Those are telegraph shovels and spoons. Used for digging VERY deep holes by hand and extracting the loosened dirt. Not at all inexpensive, and only a few companies still make them at all. When I used to work for the University of Maine doing environmental compliance work with their stormwater systems I used one a fair amount doing inspections of catch basins (storm drains.)

 

[Square_peg]

Yes, telegraph shovel or telephone pole shovel or deep hole shovel. By whatever name they are a handy tool. Too bad about the handles. I'd still suggest you pick up a few of those. You can probaly get them cheap in that condition and Oshkosh still sells replacement handles.

http://oshkoshtools.com/products/shovels/

I posted a pair of these last year.

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/the-shovel-discussion-thread.923016/page-26#post-16013179

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Telegraph shovel cuts the hole wall, telegraph spoon scoops out the dirt.