Quality Compact Auto Shovel?

[Stuey]

Okay, so I need a new compact/folding/collapsible snow shovel to keep in the car.

I've had cheap ones before, and broke them all, so I'm looking for a good quality one.

I'm considering a Black Diamond avalanche/backcountry/pack shovel, but at $55-$65 each, I'd rather explore all other available options first.

So... what would you guys recommend? I need a shovel that can be used to dig out my car after a heavy storm and after the plow sends compact snow right behind the wheels. A full-size shovel is not feasible.

 

[Stuey]

Eh, got it down to Black Diamond Deploy vs. Voile Telepro.

Still trying to find lesser options though, as these may be overdoing it a bit.

Please chime in with any suggestions!

 

[MN BIANCHI]

I have a number of avalanche backpack shovels. I would recommend getting one with a D handle and 2 shaft sections to make it longer. I would also recommend getting one with a metal shovel section rather than plastic.

The one I keep in my vehicle is the one that was a little too big for my backpack.

 

[Stuey]

I think that settles it then!

I was liking the Black Diamond design a bit more since it looks sturdier, but the Voile is longer, and with a D-handle, which would definitely be easier to use as you mentioned.

 

[Merkava_4]

That's a snow shovel?

That looks like the kind of shovel I rake leaves into.

 

[Stuey]

That's a snow shovel?

That looks like the kind of shovel I rake leaves into.

It's a compact backpacking shovel.

I've tried compact auto snow shovels, and broke two kinds, both during the first use. In one, the handle snapped. The other, the handle-blade interface cracked disintegrated.

This one is a bit longer than the other one I had been considering.

The one you rake leaves into should be much wider and flatter than this one.

 

[malibu101]

Many years ago I bought a surplus US military folding foxhole shovel at an army&navy store for winter emergencies. I carry it all year, it has dug me and others out of snow, dug firepits, and I remember using it around the house once when a normal "long" handled shovel did not work. I have carried it my trucks for around 20 years and it has seen use in that time. It folds in half for storage and it can lock the blade straight to the handle or 90* to the handle. The thing is very solidly built, great tool.
I don't know what kind of fancy shovels are reffererd to above, but, these surplus shovels are designed and built for ********* military use.
My vote goes for look around and military surplus store.
Mine looks somewhat similar to this except mine has a wooden handle and I'm sure built stronger than this Coleman- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009PUTDE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Stuey]

I had taken a look similar folding and compact military-approved or inspired shovels, but after a bit of research I saw that a lot of people complained about their performance in snow.

I do plan on picking up such a shovel as well, but my main concern right now is finding a longer shovel that's designed for snow.

No doubt an entrenching tool would make for a great emergency shovel, but would simply be too small for digging out the car in the morning.

 

[malibu101]

.............
...

No doubt an entrenching tool would make for a great emergency shovel, but would simply be too small for digging out the car in the morning.

Oh yes, I would not use it for that. I wanted something small and durable to keep in the truck constantly.
Yes, the handle (and shovel as a whole) is a bit small to move snow. But when that is the tool in the box and you or someone else is stuck, it beats using your hands. There were times I had to dig snow out from under a car, the smallish tool worked great for getting under the car.

I understand what your looking for. Good Luck!

 

[Chreese]

Servus,

how about a shovel such as the Union 43105? I'm interested in this one (or a larger type) myself and would appreciate your comments.

Thanks,

Chreese

 

[chadster1]

You could always move to an area that does not get so much snow.

 

[Stuey]

Servus,

how about a shovel such as the Union 43105? I'm interested in this one (or a larger type) myself and would appreciate your comments.

Thanks,

Chreese

I was actually considering Union's 79722 model, their Poly Scoop, or 79770 for ABS.

http://www.uniontools.com/product.asp?Cid=7&Cat=27

They also have quite a few others that seem to be worthwhile and affordable, but the Voile Telepro can be separated and seems to be easier to store.

You could always move to an area that does not get so much snow.

Maybe some day!

 

[Joel 67]

Get yourself a military entrenching tool or e-tool as the are called.

You can probably get it at a swap meet for less than $20 and they fold up to the size of a large book.

 

[Chreese]

The Fiskars Safety Camping and Car Spade and the Foldable Spade might be worth a look, too. I haven't used the Fiskars shovels but from what I've read about and experienced with their axes I wouldn't hesitate to try Fiskars digging tools.

Chreese

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

The E-tool, especially the tri-fold recent one shown, is the kind to have for carry IN the car. It has the strength and hacking/prying/chapping ability for the frozen ruts that make it impossible to get out of your parking space or whatever. Though enhanced with special edges, I think it should be labeled a spade.
There are numeous folding/demounting small snow shovels, generally like the orange one shown, made to fit in trunks...as shovels, all will work better for removing soft, newly fallen snow than the E-tool, but all are toofat/weak/flimsy to hack away that slab of ice under your drive wheel.
Bottom line...you want both, but the shovel will not do the E-tool's job even badly, while the E-tool can remove soft snow, though slowly.

 

[GT89mustang]

Get yourself a military entrenching tool or e-tool as the are called.

You can probably get it at a swap meet for less than $20 and they fold up to the size of a large book.

What he said

 

[flashpuppy]

Get yourself a military entrenching tool or e-tool as the are called.

You can probably get it at a swap meet for less than $20 and they fold up to the size of a large book.

Werd. That's what you need.

 

[Stuey]

I've read good things about the Cold Steel spade.
http://www.coldsteel.com/spshovel.html

Other than that, there's a $20 folding Gerber tool, and a $45 Gerber/Fiskars E-tool.

I may just end up getting a snow shovel and one of these E-tools as well.