I have owned the Craftsman Long Handle Round Point Wood Shovel for over five years. I do a lot of gardening and need tools that last a long time and that perform well.


Description

This shovel has a hardwood handle that measures 43" long. The handle fits into a hollow metal shaft that is part of the shovel head. Two metal rivets connect the handle to the metal shaft. The shovel head is constructed from tempered steel and has a turned edge along the top of the shovel head. There is also a rounded point at the shovel tip.


My Experiences

This is the first shovel I grab out of the tool rack for all-purpose digging. The long handle offers extra leverage when wrestling with piles of dirt. It also allows me to dig deeper than a short-handled shovel. When the tip of the shovel is in the ground, the handle also makes a nice pole for leaning against when I need to stop for a brief rest during a long job. I notice that when my 70-plus year-old father uses this shovel, that the long handle helps him keep his balance while doing yard work. (He had a stroke a few years ago and is not as steady on his feet as he once was.)

A feature of this shovel that comes in handy is the turned edge along the top of the shovel head. This edge acts as a ledge to rest one’s foot. I let the tip of the shovel bite into the earth, and then push my foot against the metal ledge to help the shovel dig into the ground. This added foot-force encourages the shovel to break the soil even if it is dry or laced with weeds.

I primarily use this shovel for yard and garden work. This shovel has dug holes for planting trees, bushes and large flowering plants. It has cut through sod (with a bit of sweat) and weed-filled garden beds. I have used it to shovel compost, and to dig holes in the garden for metal stakes to hold fencing.

After years of use, the wooden handle is still smooth and splinter free. It is definitely showing signs of wear near the rounded top area, but the hardwood is in good condition. There is no “comfort grip” on this shovel. I always wear work gloves to protect my hands from blisters.

The steel shovel head still has some of its original paint, but the area closest to the pointed tip is showing steel minus paint. There is no rust, nor deep scratches marring the metal. In case you are wondering, at its widest point, the shovel head measures 8 3/4" across.

Before returning the shovel to the tool rack in the garage, I make sure to clean all dirt from the metal shovel head. Sometimes it’s as easy as dragging the back of the shovel through a pile of weeds or the grass. Other times the dirt needs a bit more scrubbing with a garden-gloved hand.


Purchasing

This shovel is a Craftsman product that was purchased at my local Sears store for about $15.00. I also like knowing it has a lifetime warranty.


Summary

This Craftsman Long Handle Round Point Wood Shovel is one of my favorite garden tools. The long handle gives me added leverage, and the ledge along the top of the shovel head allows me to push my weight against the shovel head without hurting my foot. And when I’m tired, I dig the pointy shovel tip into the garden, and rest against the upright handle ... waiting for that second wind before getting back to work.

I hope you have found this review useful.

Enjoy your day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com


Please read my other reviews:

The Garden Claw

Garden Weasel Cultivator/Weeder

Craftsman Long-Handled Weed Digger

Fiskars Power-Lever Bypass Loppers

Craftsman Bypass Pruners

Rubbermaid Tool Tower

Step 2 Grass Hopper Wheeled Garden Stool / Cart

Upside-Down Tomato Garden

Swan Tuff and Flexible Garden Hose

Gilmour Advanced Variable Oscillating Sprinkler

Black & Decker Cordless Battery Mulching Lawnmower

Rubbermaid Big Max Storage Shed


Copyright 2006 Dawn L. Stewart

Recommended: Yes