Get the Scoop With the Best Spades

Things To Consider When Buying a Top-Rated Spade

Spades come in all shapes and sizes are different types are more or less suitable for different jobs. Choosing the right spade can seem tricky, but we are sure you’ll walk away with the best product available if you take the following factors and features into consideration.

Type

Decide whether you need a digging, border, pointed, or transplanting spade. Digging spades are wider than a border spade. They are ideal for slicing through roots. They are used to lift and turn the earth so that you can move larger amounts of soil at a time. Digging spades are the best spade for skimming weeds and edging borders.

Border spades are made to dig straight down into the soil. It has a fatter and smaller blade than a digging spade. It is a good option for small spaces where ease of maneuverability is important. Border spades also allow you to work for longer periods because they are lighter in weight.

Pointed spades have a pointed end and a curved blade. They are used for scooping up soil when digging a large hole.

Transplanting spades are made to dig around a plant’s roots and then pivot them upwards and out of the ground to plant it elsewhere or simply remove it.

Weight

Choosing the right weight for your spade is important. Some people prefer heavy digging spades because they utilize the weight of the blade to cut through the soil more easily. Others prefer a lighter spade because it allows them to work for longer periods without becoming overly tired. It is important to get a lighter spade if you have back problems. If this is the case for you, we suggest choosing a spade made from a light material like aluminum. 

Length

The longer the shaft of the spade, the less bending over you will need to do. Get a spade that is long enough not to strain your back with an angled shaft. An angled shaft will take a little getting used to, but it is worth not straining your back for. 

Blade material

Decide whether you want a stainless steel or carbon steel blade.

Stainless steel blades are heavier than carbon steel, so they should be avoided if you do not have much upper body strength. However, they are strong and will cut through the soil easily. These are a good option if you have a lot of clay in your soil. They do not rust and are easy to clean. The downfall is that they are often welded onto a socket that attaches to the shaft. This can come loose with repeated use.

Carbon steel blades are lighter and tougher but will rust. However, with regular maintenance, your spade should last you a lifetime. You will need to use more of your own strength to cut through the mud with this spade because you will not have the help of gravity and the weight of the spade to help you. The blade and the socket are made from one continuous piece to not come loose like a stainless steel blade often does.

Shaft material

Spade shafts can be made from plastic, wood, fiberglass, or metal. 

Plastic and fiberglass have the same pros and cons. They are light in comparison to some of the other materials on this list. They absorb shock well and can handle being left outside for a few days if forgotten about. However, if a plastic or fiberglass shaft snaps, it is difficult to replace. You will find that a plastic shaft is prone to snapping after long, heavy-duty use. However, fiberglass is much more durable.

Wood is the most traditional shaft material. It is tough and normally won’t snap. However, it can swell if left in the rain or splinter. If you opt for a wooden shaft, choose an FSC hardwood as it is one of the strongest available. 

Metal shafts are strong and durable. However, they are terrible shock absorbers and can feel hot to the touch when used in the summer.

Handles

You will most often see a YD design handle on a spade. They offer good grip but can be small for large hands. If you are working in your garden for most of the day, you need to make sure your hands don’t feel cramped. Try using a T-grip. They take a little getting used to, but you can spread your hands out as much as you need to. Handles are made from plastic or wood. If you buy a spade with a plastic handle, make sure it has a good grip, so it is not too slippery in wet weather.

Sockets

The longer the socket, the more secure it is. Opt for a spade with a long socket and screws and rivets that don’t stick out at all.

Dual grip handle

A dual grip handle has two points from which you can hold the spade from. This allows you to find more ways of comfortable holding your spade throughout a variety of jobs. In addition, it allows you to use the spade at slightly varying angles. It is a feature worth looking for.

Serrated edge

You might like to look for a spade with a serrated edge. A serrated edge can be useful for cutting through difficult roots.

Hybrid

You can buy a spade/shovel hybrid to save you time swapping between tools when shoveling the dirt. This is a great space saver, but we have found that hybrids will still either do the job of a spade better or the job of a shovel better.

Lifetime warranty

If you are buying a spade on the expensive side, find one with a long warranty, or if you can, a lifetime warranty.

How We Chose the Best Spades

To choose the best spades, we compared the materials used and how durable the spade would be. In addition, it noted how comfortable it was to use each spade in terms of shock absorption, handle grip, and pressure on the back. Most importantly, we judged how easily the spade could cut through mud and roots. 

Spade Price Range

A spade can cost anything from $7 to $400. Any spade that is $250 or more should come with a long warranty.

If you're spending big bucks on a high-quality spade, make sure you know how to best use it.