8 Must-Have Tools That Make Snow Removal So Much Easier

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Waking up to a white blanket of pristine snow across your lawn on a cool winter morning is so dreamy. What comes afterward, however, isn't anyone's idea of a fun morning. Clearing snow isn't just a good thing to do, it's necessary if you want to be able to leave your house safely, and in some cases, it's required by law. Since it's much easier to work with snow while it's light and fluffy, you shouldn't wait too long and give it a chance to turn into an icy mess. So before you cozy up by the fire with a warm cup of tea, put on your layers, grab your tools, and head outside for some snow clearing.

But when we say tools, what do we mean? Sure, most people know about the snow shovel, but that's not the only thing you need. There are other must-have tools that can make snow removal much easier. Some, like a roof rake or ladder, are key to preventing snow from damaging your roof and gutters. Others, like a salt spreader or ice chopper, are essential when dealing with compacted snow and ice sheets.

This toolkit will have you covered in any situation, whether you wake up to a light layer of snow flurries or a serious snowmageddon. While there are some expensive and high-end versions of all of these tools, you can also find basic models that cost less. In addition, consider buying used tools if they still work on eBay or at local secondhand stores. These purchases could save you thousands if, for example, snow damages your roof. And of course, it will save you from the emotional and financial distress of breaking a leg on your way out the door.

Let's start with the basics. After a heavy snowfall, your best friend and most needed tool is a trusty snow shovel. This isn't just convenient; in many cities across the country, it's actually mandatory for homeowners to shovel snow from sidewalks. There are different sizes, including some wider models perfect for clearing driveways quickly. To choose the perfect show shovel, make sure to look for models specifically designed for pushing the snow away, with a curved shovel head. Flat shovels that require lifting and throwing the snow can strain your back.

If you live on a larger property that gets snow regularly, a snow blower will make your life so much easier. These are different from snow shovels because they have an auger mechanism that collects snow and blows it to the side through an angled pipe. These have an engine and look a bit more like a lawn mower. They can be a life changer for anyone who has to clear snow from their driveway and property often and who wants a reliable tool to do it quickly and without excessive physical effort.

While you need to clear snow from the ground, don't forget to look up. A roof rake is a handy tool that helps clear snow off your roof and gutters, and it's absolutely essential. A roof rake is key to protecting your home from leaks and structural damage caused by the weight of the snow. These look a bit like shovels with long handles, which allows you to reach on top of your house to pull the snow down, preventing ice dams from forming or snow from accumulating. It's much safer than trying to access the roof directly.

An ice chopper, also called an ice scraper, is a winter tool that's essential when snowy weather hits. After you've used a shovel or blower to remove snow from the ground, you'll need an ice scraper to remove any ice left behind. These tools have a sharp blade that you can use to break and scrape ice from the ground. This can also help with compacted icy snow, which a shovel can't easily remove. Once the ice is broken into smaller pieces and lifted off the ground with the ice scraper, it can be shoveled away. 

A broom might not be the first thing that comes to your mind when planning for a snowstorm, but it's actually a great way to make snow removal easier. A broom can help you clear thin layers of snow from areas. For this, don't use your indoor dust broom, but instead use a dedicated outdoor broom or deck brush to avoid bringing salt and debris inside your house. Removing thin layers of snow while they're still fluffy can help avoid ice patches, which makes your property safer for you and your loved ones.

A salt spreader is a great tool that makes the spreading of salt much simpler and more even. There are basic models that are simple handheld devices, like this AquaDoc ice melt hand spreader for snow salt, and more complex ones with built-in mechanisms. All you need to do is fill it with road salt, and use it to spread an even layer on the ground. Salt prevents ice from forming on steps and walkways, which can help prevent falls and injuries. It's also helpful to protect driveways from ice damage over time.

Let's not forget the ladder. Even if you have a great roof rake, clearing snow might sometimes require you to see and reach your roof from above. A ladder can be especially helpful to clear ice, snow, and debris from gutters. If you do ever need to do this, make sure to use a safe and stable ladder, and never use it on top of ice or snow. Clear the area well using other tools before placing the ladder on a stable patch of ground. It's best to do this in a group of at least two people.

Heated mats may seem like a luxury, but they're a simple tool that can make living in snowy places a lot easier to manage. These small pieces of rubber connect to an electrical outlet and heat up to melt snow and ice, preventing it from accumulating in strategic areas, like near the front door or where there are tripping hazards. Some, like these heated snow melting mats from Hetfoent, come in packs to use on stairs. Using these makes clearing snow easier on the day-to-day easier by safely removing a section of your property from your shoveling list.