What's The Difference Between a Shovel and a Spade

What have you been using for digging?

Most people commonly believe that spades and shovels are the same as we use the words interchangeably. However, they’re two different tools that have other uses.

Using the right tools makes the landscaping and gardening job much easier and helps ensure that things go smoothly.

In this blog post, we will go over the various differences between a shovel and spade, helping you pick the right tools for the job.

Let’s dig right in!

Shovel vs. Spade: Here are the Differences

What is the difference between a shovel and a spade?

A shovel is a tool used mainly for digging, along with moving bulk materials and lifting. On the other hand, a spade is a tool that features a rectangular, sharp-edged blade used to turf, cut earth, etc.

In this section of the blog post, we will jump straight to the point and go over the several differences between shovels and spades.

Take a look.

They Have Different Uses

The main job of a shovel is to dig. So, naturally, it features a sharp blade which makes it easier to break the ground. Scoping the dirt is also easier when done using a shovel.

Not just that, you can also use a shovel to cut through grass and weeds.

Spades, however, are better suited for specialized tasks, such as cutting through roots, dirt, and debris. It helps you create clean lines and precise angles wherever needed.

Fiskars Square Garden Spade Shovel - 46" - Steel Flat Shovel with D-Handle - Garden Tool for Digging, Lawn Edging, Pruning - Heavy Duty Weed Puller Tool - Black/Orange

GARDENING ESSENTIAL: Heavy duty, ergonomic shovel ideal for a variety of gardening tasks like cutting through turf and grass, digging and turning in tough soil, and more to encourage overall garden health and appearance
MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Welded, all-steel construction boosts power for digging in tough soil and enhances rust resistance; Teardrop-shaped shaft and oversized D-handle are ergonomically designed for more control and to reduce fatigue
LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Steel head and blade stay sharp through heavy use and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars shovels and garden tools are built to last
QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: Designed to help you cultivate a better garden, Fiskars garden and yard tools are equipped with smart technologies and award-winning, ergonomic features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space
INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars Square Garden Spade Shovel; Full lifetime warranty

A Quick Note on the Blades

The main job of the blade is to cut through the soil, sod, roots, gravel, sand, etc. Here’s a rule of thumb to follow–the bigger the blade, the more stuff you can remove.

Shovels feature a sharp and angled blade, while spades come with flat blades.

Let’s Talk About the Handle and Shaft

Shovels have long, straight handles that let you get leverage when you’re digging a deep hole. On the other hand, spades have shorter shafts that help you work in tight spaces like flowerbeds.

A Quick Look at the Shape

Spades are shorter in size and have flat blades. On the other hand, shovels are slightly longer in length and are more angled. It also features a scooped blade.

The Differences Between a Shovel and a Spade

Were you aware of these differences before reading the blog post?

Spades and shovels may look very much alike but have different functionalities. We hope that this blog post helped you understand the basic differences between shovels and spaces and cleared any confusion.

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Ashman Heavy-Duty Digging Shovel (1 Pack) 41-Inch with Trenching Blade and Comfortable Handle - Ideal for Garden, Landscaping, Construction, and Masonry - Perfect for Digging Soil, Dirt, and Gravel.

Multi-Use Shovel: The round shovel serves multiple purposes and can be easily used for trenching, transplanting, moving compost, and a multitude of other purposes. One product for all, for all the diverse needs. The shovel can cut, scoop, dig, lift, and dice through hard soil. It can be used for the purpose of cultivation. You can use it to remove anything stuck in a swamp.
Perfect Grip: The handle comes with a D-handle that enables easy gripping of the shovel, which in turn provides a two-handed control, enhancing efficiency during usage. The round-shaped blade ensures scooping and cupping of the soil so that it can be transferred from the digging spot to the disposal spot. The handle won't slip off the hand during usage, even when applying strong forces.
Premium Quality Top Notch Construction: The hardened round blade is strong and highly durable, and the durable handle outlasts a wooden handle, extending the service life of the round shovel. The build is such that it feels good to hold and work with. The durable handle has low conductivity, meaning it won't transfer any electricity, heat, or cold.
Sharp Blades: The finely sharpened blade penetrates hard soil, and the ergonomic construction helps apply strong force to slice through easily. The toughened blades can cut through soil for comfortable and easy scooping of the same. It's useful for clearing the site of a camp fire.
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