A spade (also known as a pick) is a type of shovel used for cutting compacted earth, digging and excavating. Along with forks and rakes, it is a basic hand tool used in gardening and agriculture. Modern spades are equipped with metal tips that are perfect for breaking up, moving and pouring earth, increasing the convenience and efficiency of work in the garden or on a construction site. Depending on the nature of the task, you should reach for a straight or sharp spade. Learn more about this extremely useful tool.
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What is the best way to dig in clay?
A spade is a basic hand tool for digging in the soil, loosening the earth and breaking up clods. It is perfect for lighter earthworks and relatively small areas. It is equipped with a scoop (tip, top), a handle and a grip (handle). A shovel offers a similar design. The main difference between these tools lies in the construction of the tip and, consequently, in the purpose of the equipment. A straight, sharp shovel scoop makes digging easier when the material is compact, e.g. in problematic clay. On the other hand, people who scoop and transfer loose materials, such as gravel or sand, normally use shovels. The characteristic arrangement of the scoop in relation to the handle increases the comfort and ergonomics of working with loose materials.
In the case of difficult ground and larger terrain, even the best spades can be unreliable. In such cases, earthworks are often mechanized. Instead of spades, special machines are used – electric or combustion-powered tillers. Such devices significantly facilitate and speed up work, e.g. when planting trees. They can often be equipped with various types of accessories to expand their functionality.
When should you use a sharp spade and when should you use a straight spade?
When choosing a spade, the nature of the planned work should be taken into account first and foremost. Spades available on the market are divided into two main groups: sharp and straight.
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If you intend to dig in the ground, look for a pointed spade - sharp. This is a popular, universal tool with a sharp edge. It works great in both hard, stony soil and soft ground. It is suitable for undercutting turf, cutting small roots and digging small holes. A special variety of it is the drainage spade . It is very useful for creating a drainage system, e.g. drainage grooves. It has a handle made of a lightweight material, e.g. fiberglass. The low weight of the tool goes hand in hand with high durability. - Do you need a tool to support planting? The best for your applications will be a straight spade – gardening. With its help, you can easily dig holes for plants, cut the lawn and frame flower beds. It is excellent for working in compacted soil.
It is worth mentioning another variant of the spade – the shovel, which is irreplaceable when moving loose materials. It has a square top that allows you to scoop a large amount of material.
Spades at the Onninen wholesaler
In the Onninen online wholesaler you will find shovels from selected, proven brands, such as Home Tools or Modeco Expert . These tools offer excellent value for money, fit perfectly in the hand and provide high precision of work. They can successfully compete with premium products, such as the popular Fiskars shovel , which appears in almost every ranking. Our assortment includes various types of shovels, equipped with strong blades made of hardened steel, wooden or steel handles and ergonomic, solid handles.
Still don't know which spade will be best for the planned work? Contact us. You can write to us or call us. We will be happy to advise you on choosing the optimal tools for specific applications - in forestry, construction or gardening.