Of course, it is very convenient to have your own snow plow on the farm. Snow melting and anti-icing systems also cope well with the problem. However, such devices are not affordable for every homeowner, many are still forced to work with their hands..
Let’s start with the simplest and most affordable option – plywood snow shovels. All you need is:
- A piece of ordinary plywood “four” measuring about 50 by 50 cm. It will be difficult to work with a larger shovel even for an adult and physically strong person;
- A piece of board with a length for a piece of plywood, that is, 50 cm for the back wall, the end of the working part of the shovel;
- A ready-made handle from an old garden tool, a wooden rail of a suitable length and strength, an aluminum pipe – everything that can serve as a convenient handle for a shovel;
- A strip of galvanized metal, with which we will protect the edge of the plywood and significantly extend the life of our shovel;
- Nails. The most common. You can also use wood screws or wood screws. And for attaching the handle, it is better to take a furniture bolt;
- From the tool you will need a jigsaw or a wood saw, a hammer or screwdriver (depending on what type of fastener you use), a tape measure, pliers to bend a metal strip, a grinder to cut it out, sandpaper.
First of all, mark the middle on the cut-out plywood square – the handle will be attached to this place. A hole should be cut in the middle of the board for the handle of the shovel. The edges of the plywood and the wooden handle bar are sanded with sandpaper. At the edge of the holder, a wedge is cut obliquely so that it fits snugly against the plywood. If your stem is an aluminum pipe, flatten the end. The galvanized strip must be bent along the edge of the plywood. In principle, that’s it – you can assemble a shovel using self-tapping screws or nails. For fidelity, the handle can be additionally secured with a galvanized strip, which is also attached to the plywood.
The shovel can be painted if desired. As for the purchased options, the simplest snow shovel will cost 250 rubles. And there is no guarantee that it will last long.
The same technology is used to make a snow shovel from an aluminum sheet. In this case, the sheet should be bent from behind so that a side is about five centimeters high. Side bumpers are also made. Since aluminum is a fairly soft metal, a galvanized strip along the front edge of the work surface is also necessary, as is the case with plywood..
A purchased version of a snow shovel made of aluminum can cost 400-500 rubles.
A scraper, an engine, a snow scraper can represent the simplest plate made of the same lightweight plywood, only in this case, experts advise taking a “six”. The size of the leaf is approximately 1–1.2 m long and 50–60 cm wide. The handle will be not just a handle, but a structure that is attached to the edges of the scraper sheet, so that it is convenient to work with two hands, removing snow.
Be sure to reinforce the plywood around the edges with metal strips, otherwise the scraper will not last very long. The handle can be welded from metal, as well as fastened from three wooden slats. Craftsmen advise to take the shackle from the old clamshell as a handle for the scraper – it is round, comfortable, durable, perfectly attaches to plywood.
A purchased simple version of a scraper, an engine for cleaning snow will cost from 500 to 1200 rubles, depending on the material used and the manufacturer.
The disadvantage of an ordinary scraper is that it allows you to clear snow from the paths and the yard, push it, but will not help to throw it out, take it out, take it out of the territory. In this regard, scrappers in the form of a bucket are much more convenient, where you can load snow and move it outside the territory of the site..
It is already more difficult to make such scrapers with your own hands, you will need a stainless steel sheet, which will have to be bent, if necessary, weld to give it the shape of a bucket. It is not for nothing that such scrapers, scrapers are often called scraps – they allow you to quickly drag out snow from the yard, operate on the principle of a bulldozer.
Scrapers on wheels or skids are even more convenient. The bucket can be made from half a metal pipe or barrel, and the wheels can be taken, for example, from an old baby carriage. The runners will have to be cooked on their own, but on the other hand, they ride in the snow very easily.
Remember that manual labor in the fresh air is very healthy. Good luck with cleaning the area!
I’m curious to know if anyone has instructions or tips on making a homemade shovel or snow scraper. Winter is approaching and I’m looking to save money by DIY-ing these tools. Any suggestions on materials or techniques would be greatly appreciated!
Can someone please provide instructions on how to make a homemade shovel or snow scraper? I need something to help clear my driveway during the winter season. Thank you in advance for any advice or suggestions!
To make a homemade shovel, find a long and sturdy piece of wood for the handle. Attach a wide, flat piece of metal or plywood to the end of the handle with screws or nails. You can also shape the metal into the desired scoop shape using a hammer and pliers. For a snow scraper, use a sturdy plastic or metal sheet with a straight edge. Attach a handle to it or wrap the top in a thick cloth for better grip. Alternatively, repurpose an old broom or mop by removing the bristles and attaching a scraper blade to the handle. Remember, safety is important, so ensure all materials are securely fastened for effective use. Stay warm and be cautious while using your homemade tools!