Plastic Vs Metal Snow Shovel: Which Is The Best Option For Your Needs

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Aside from knowing the best time to shovel snow for easier removal, it's time to equip yourself with a proper shovel if you plan on cleaning up snow around your property this winter season. Waiting to make this decision until snow's already hit the ground increases the risk of picking out the wrong type of snow shovel among the overwhelming number of options on the market. Size is certainly important, but you also have to decide between a lightweight plastic and heavy duty metal option. Plastic snow shovels are easier to handle, but metal versions tend to be more reliable and less likely to break. With this in mind, there are several pros and cons to consider with both plastic and metal snow shovels when determining the best option for your needs.

While there are numerous different types of plastic snow shovels to choose from, certain materials are considered sturdier than others. If you do select a plastic snow shovel, pick one that's made out of either polypropylene or polycarbonate. When choosing metal-based snow shovels, you will likely come across either aluminum or steel. You can think of aluminum as sort of a middle ground between plastic and steel, as it's a lighter metal but is more durable than its plastic counterpart. Steel is considered the most durable of all snow shovels, but there's still some downsides you'll want to know before buying one. It's also not a bad idea to have multiple types of snow shovels to tackle different jobs with ease, and you may even consider other snow shoveling items to save you time.

Overall, plastic snow shovels are lighter and easier to maneuver, which may reduce your risk of injuries. A plastic shovel is the preferred option for removing snow from delicate surfaces like cars, and snow is also less likely to stick to their blades. While these benefits all sound like a snow remover's dream come true, know that plastic is more prone to breakage, especially on concrete sidewalks and driveways.

On the other hand, if you're faced with several inches of snow on concrete surfaces, then a metal snow shovel may be just the tool you need. It has the capacity to dig and lift more snow than plastic blades, which can help you get the job done quicker. At the same time, metal shovels are much heavier, and they're not the best option for someone who has physical limitations or is new to shoveling snow. Another problem with metal is its tendency to scratch, and it may not be the best option for cars and other scratch-prone surfaces. You'll also want to be careful with tackling a lot of snow with aluminum shovels, as these may bend during use.

If you can't decide between shovels, it's possible to find a combination of features. One example is a plastic shovel head that has a steel bottom and ergonomic handle design, such as the YEITSNOW Snow Shovel for Driveway. These types of shovels are lightweight to handle, but have a bit more reinforcement to tackle your snow shoveling project. As you watch the weather forecast, also read up on simple ways to make driveway snow removal easier.