Pointed shovels are handy for gardeners and landscapers, known for their precision in digging. With sharp, narrow blades and strong handles, these tools make it easy to work with soil. They're perfect for tasks like digging trenches, planting trees, or creating neat edges for flower beds. Pointed shovels are designed to be comfy during extended use, becoming essential for different outdoor projects. If you want only the best pointed shovel, check out our top choice on this list, the Nupla Round Pointed Shovel.
Our Top Picks For Pointed Shovels
The Best Pointed Shovels
Best Overall
If you’re looking for an ideally reasonable option to assist your everyday gardening tasks, then we’ve just the right pick for you! This round point shovel provides an ideal base to dig through the ground and penetrate into hard and soft soil. The alloy steel construction allows for a stronger grip and better performance over a longer time.
The open-back construction makes the shovel very light and easy to handle at home. It also has a high lift which makes it more convenient to use and rest against while working. Its handle is made using fiberglass which is protected by a strong outer jacket which further enhances the grip.
Pros
- An ideal choice for small gardening tasks at home
- It has a straight and comfortable handle to grip at
- Instructions are included with the package
Cons
- A 16 gauge blade might be slightly small for larger gardens
Runner Up
Let’s move onto a bigger shovel now. This is another product that comes with a round point to assist in all your plantation related tasks. The closed-back style of the blade makes for a 30% thicker construction that helps the shovel dig deeper and stay good for use over a longer period of time.
The fiberglass handle is also protected by a layer of wood and an external steel ferrule. This strengthens the grip while ensuring the blade doesn’t bend. Its 48-inch long handle is large enough to make for a convenient user experience and a steady object to rest against! We also found the 14 gauge blade to be large enough for handling a mid-sized plant bed.
Pros
- The attractive color of the handle makes for a nice addition to your front yard
- A closed-back style makes for a stronger and more durable blade
- A welded handle also ensures a more effective performance
Honorable Mention
Our next pick is a great rustic product to add to your front yard. This pointed shovel also comes with a round blade to assist any digging in your garden. The 9.5-inch width of the blade also makes for an ideal grip and space to carry out the tasks more effectively and quickly. We personally love the forward food rest on the blade that helps you take a breather from a tough day on a sunny evening.
Unlike the other options on this list, this shovel comes with a wooden handle which helps it procure a solid D grip.
Pros
- An ergonomic grip provides for a more convenient user experience
- The lightweight of the shovel makes it easy to handle
- Ideal for digging through tilled soil
Cons
- A wooden handle is not as durable as a fiberglass one
Contender
Are you tired of weak handles that bend and break over time? Well, we’ve got just the right solution for you. This shovel comes with a precision forged blade. The all-steel construction allows for a thicker and stronger material that can easily dig through the hardest of soil and help effectively manage the lawn. A hardwood handle further enhances the D grip and provides long-lasting support to the blade.
The high lift and cushioned grip also make for a more comfortable experience overall. Its steel blade can also withstand debris and harsh weather surroundings.
Pros
- The length of the handle and width of the blade is ideal for usage on lawns
- A cushioned foot support acts as an additional feature to enhance user comfort
- Forged shovels are more durable than open and closed back ones
Cons
- All steel handles are more suitable to support forged blades
Also Consider
Our final pick is also an open-back shovel that is lightweight and easy to move around. If you’re looking to quickly touch up your garden without any man support then this is just the right partner for you! The extra-long handle and highly durable steel blade provide for a comfortable yet sturdy grip and can easily dig through soft soil.
We personally love how pointed its blade is to penetrate into the ground without excessive effort. The coated fiberglass handle also adds a unique touch to the tool while studying its resistant blade. You can also relax your foot on the turned step in case you need a breather!
Pros
- The steel blade is heat-treated to withstand greater usage
- This shovel is lightweight and very convenient to move around
- Comes in an appalling red color
Cons
- Not ideal to dig through a harder soil surface
Buying Guide: Pointed Shovels
What Type Of Shovel Should I Buy?
Our first suggestion to new users would be to select the type of shovel they want to use. Your ideal pick would be determined by the tasks at hand. We’re listing some of the major categories to give you a more detailed view of the topic.
Shovels for digging
These tools come with wider blades that are pointed at the bottom. Their main purpose is to dig through the soil in your garden to make for ideal plant and flower beds. The pointed blades allow for more convenient digging!
Shovels for trenching
Unlike the first kind, these come with narrow blades. Digging shovels allow for space to collect and discard debris from the ground. These are sharply pointed and ideally used to dig holes for fences or maintaining the irrigation supply in a field.
Trowels
Trowels are mainly smaller digging shovels. They’re around 6 inches long and their blades are round and pointed. We find them perfect for hand gardens and for managing smaller pots or flowers. These tools really bring out the best in your gardens!
Features To Look Out For
Your garden speaks a lot about your home. A beautiful lawn would leave an ever-lasting impression upon the viewers. Thus you deserve the best tools to maintain your exotic outdoors!
Type of blade
Steel blades are considered the best because of their ability to withstand dirt and debris. We prefer alloy steel as it makes for a more sturdy grip on the ground. Your blade construction also speaks volumes. Sometimes the steel is heated to provide a round open back shape. This makes the tool lightweight and easy to move around. A closed back is slightly more durable because of the welded plate. However, the forged blade is our favorite! It’ll give you the thickest material that can penetrate into the hardest of layers.
Shaft length and lift
Nobody wants to break their back all evening to remove weeds or dig some space for new pots. You should buy a shovel that is long enough for you to comfortably stand and grip. The 48-inch shaft is considered standard and usually is convenient to use for most adults. Similarly, the high lift shovels are considered better as they allow one to stand upright rather than making a vertical angle while digging!
Socket material
The socket or handle on top of the blade is usually ignored as it is not highly visible. However, this part will determine the grip and longevity of the blade. These handles can be made using wood, composite mixtures, fiberglass, and steel. Wood, if used in its pure form, provides a sturdy enough grip. However, the blade might bend over time. We recommend a fiberglass handle as it not only provides an extra layer of protection but also keeps the blade in place and functional over time!
Grip
You can’t hold your shovel from the shaft as it won’t provide a proper grip. A soft yet steady hand grip is important for you to conveniently work on the lawn. If you’re looking to complete a heavy-duty task such as digging we suggest going for a D-shape handle. It allows you to grip onto the top from one hand and onto the shaft from another. This allows the exertion of more pressure into the task at hand. For everyday lawn maintenance, a cushion end grip seems the most comfortable option!
Weight
You do not want to carry an extremely heavy object around your garden! Shovels need to be lightweight as the debris and soil collected onto the blade already add more weight to the tool. The blade’s handle will play a huge part in determining the overall weight. A steel handle is heavy and becomes a burden when digging through a layered surface! Fiberglass is lightweight and highly protected! It is far more convenient to use and move around.
Available Price Range
Gardening equipment is very common and comes in a wide range of options. Some of the smaller trowels are very reasonable and can be purchased for 5-8 dollars. However, tools with longer shafts are slightly more expensive. Their prices can range from merely 20 bucks to over 100 dollars.
We ideally suggest looking for a mid-range option that has all the top qualities. Do not settle for extremely cheap quality! Go for more reputable and durable options that can prove to be valuable over a longer period.
What Is the Difference Between a Shovel and a Spade?
Though similar in look, shovels and spades differ from one another. To learn about key differences, watch this video from BuildersSA:
People Also Asked
What is an open-back shovel?
Tools differ in their style of construction. The shaft’s handle connects with the blade to provide a more steady and secure grip. This point will either be coated with an extra layer of protection or left open. The latter type is known as an open-back shovel. This style is usually suitable for wooden handles.
What is a round point shovel used for?
A round point helps in scooping alongside the digging procedure. A flat pointed blade might be useful in breaking through solid surfaces but it cannot scoop and discard the materials from the ground. A round shovel will dig through your lawn soil and scoop it at the same time to make space for a new flower bed.
What is the difference between a spade and a shovel?
These two tools are generally confused with each other. A spade however has a very narrow and pointed edge and is mostly used for trenching and making way for irrigation systems. A shovel on the other hand is round yet pointed, it is commonly used in home gardens and front yards.
Are long-handled shovels expensive?
Yes, the long shafts are generally more expensive than the shorter ones. However, they provide for a more comfortable experience as you do not have to bend vertically while digging through the soil. They are also highly durable and provide a better value for the money spent.
Do all blades have a comfort step feature?
No, this is an additional feature that is only available with the best pointed shovels. It helps you relax for a while and rest your feet during a busy day in the outdoors.
