Broken snow shovel scoop replacement

This last winter broken snow shovels starting appearing everywhere. I tried to track down replacement parts, but it turns out that replacement scoops don't seem to exist. So I set about to make a simple replacement scoop using basic tools and found materials.

Step 1 Tools

To create the scoop I used a clamp, wrench, vise-grips, hammer, drill (& bit).

Comments

[The Volkemon]

Stick with a handle, maybe... If a Quality built product was bought in the first place, a snow scoop/push will last a lifetime. Maybe "buy a new one" and buy quality. And MAKE the stick into part of another project. HOPEFULLY the plastic scoop end can be recycled. If its type is not marked, a flame test on a sample may tell.

[philorr]

I wish there were more quality built shovels available. With the number I found thrown out combined with the selection I found at local stores, solid scoops are in short supply.

[adamvan2000]

I had this problem after an unusually heavy snowfall this season. Landlord's too lazy to shovel the common walks, so I went out, bought a shovel for Wal-Mart for $24 and two bags of rock salt, and came home to use it. I was out there shovelling for about an hour when the plastic handle broke. Needless to say, shovelling less than a foot of light snow and having a handle break did not impress me, so I returned it for a full refund, claiming 'damage during reasonable use'. After that, we were good until the next snowfall, which dumped about 5-8 inches. Went out to get a snow shovel, hoping to find one with a metal or wooden handle. I couldn't find a single one there that didn't feel somewhat flimsy and wasn't plastic, even the so-called 'ergonomic' ones. I got a cheap $12 snow shovel from a hardware store and it's lasted me through that snowfall and one with over a foot of snow without breaking. What was the difference? I don't know. Next year I'm having my parents in the Prairies, where they make real snow shovels, mail me one... ~adamvan2000

[Phil B]

Take a quick look at my Instructable "New Handle Grip for a Snow Shovel" (referred as a related Instructable at the bottom of this page). I had the same problem you describe. Naturally, the handle did not break in July, but one morning when I needed to remove about four inches of snow from the driveway. I fired up my welder and went to my scrap metal shelf.

[ColumbusGEEK]

Looks like something I would find in my grandpa's shed.

[gover57]

you should put a finish on the metal (looks like it is steel - which will rust) even something as simple as rubbing some cooking oil into/onto it will prevent some rust. it will also keep the sticky snow from staying on your shovel after you've attempted to toss it. another option is rusoleum or tremclad spray paint, but the constant use on rough surfaces will chip the paint away eventually, and require a recoat, which also applies to the oil.

[philorr]

Good point. The metal I had available to me was steel. Using aluminum might be a better option for both rust and weight. I was planning on putting a finish on it before next winter, though I hadn't determined what. Polyurethane maybe. Other suggestions?

[StepsoftheSun]

Though I don't have any trouble with snow in my area I'm just glad to see people really do stuff like this. Fighting back against the "if it's broken buy a new one" mentality, it's inspiring. Thanks.

[HamO]

My thoughts exactly. A+ instructable! Thanks for sharing!

[clydicus]

This looks less like fixing a broken shovel and more like building one from scratch! Without the scoop, is it still a shovel, or just a stick??? Great instructable.