How to Improve a Snow Shovel

Clean and dry your shovel after every use. Leaving snow and ice on the shovel can lead to rust and cracks. A cracked shovel is the bane of any shoveler's existence because you will find the snow falling off or through your shovel before you are ready to throw it. If you take the time to knock off the debris and dry it, your snow shovel will last longer.

Spray an oil substitute like Pam on your snow shovel. When you are struggling to shovel after an 18-inch snowstorm, there is no more debilitating feeling than loading up your shovel and attempting to throw the snow off to the side and having it stick to your blade and go nowhere. Pam serves as a lubricant and it will allow you to easily toss the snow without fear of the dreaded "no-throw."

Use a shovel with a wide metal head. Shovels are also available in plastic and aluminum and neither one is as strong as the metal shovel. When the snow is heavy--it has a wet texture--the aluminum and plastic shovels will wobble and shake and won't get it done. The metal shovel is heavier, but it will handle the job with greater strength and efficiency.

Smooth out the shaft of your shovel with sandpaper during the "offseason." Even the gamest and toughest shovelers will need to take a break from time to time and your will probably rest your weight on the shovel and slide your hands down to support yourself. The last thing you want to get is a splinter while shoveling snow.

Pound out the metal head with a mallet every second or third use. When the snow is high, you will not see every bump or ridge in your driveway or sidewalk. Those bumps and ridges may alter the shape of your shovel when you hit them with force. Straighten out the head with a few quick blows with a rubber mallet.