Shovels & Spades with Long Handles
Long handled spades and shovels are available in a range of different lengths to suit both the professional landscaper and casual home gardener.
Used for digging earth, soil, snow and more, you can choose a spade or shovel in materials including steel, stainless steel, plastic and aluminium.
Differences between shovels and spades
The terms ‘spade’ and shovel’ are used interchangeably to describe a tool used for work in the garden, however there are some key differences in their shape:
- Spades - Strictly speaking a spade is for digging, with the blade and handle being connected at a straight angle. The blade on a spade will typically be narrower than that of a shovel
- Shovels – A shovel is primarily for scooping, so the shape differs slightly to a regular spade. This means there is usually a slight angle between the blade and the handle
Benefits of a long handled spade or shovel
The traditional garden spade or shovel will consist of a long handle. They are useful for a range of gardening work such as digging, scooping and carrying earth or soil. Alternatively, short handle spades and shovels are used for more delicate, close-contact gardening.
They come with an array of handle lengths, and gardeners on the taller side will find long handled spades or shovels easier to use. The weight of the tool depends on the material of the blade.
Different materials
- Steel - The most common material for gardening tools, steel is longer lasting than aluminium or plastic, but is usually heavier
- Stainless steel - Considered the most durable option, stainless steel spades and shovels tend to stay sharper for the longest period of time
- Plastic - This is the most lightweight option and the easiest to use
- Aluminium - Aluminium blades provide the middle ground between durable steel and lighter plastic.