A decent shovel is a must-have tool for enjoying the great outdoors. And there’s no shortage of ways it can be useful when gardening or on the road. Despite being handy, though, shovels are bulky tools.
Unless they fold easily. Let’s find out how to spot the best folding shovel. If you want more details, be sure to visit truetop5review.com/best-folding-shovel.
What Makes Folding Shovels So Convenient?
In a nutshell, a folding shovel is a compact version of a regular shovel. Designed with the needs of everyday carry in mind, folding shovels are portable and easy to take and use anywhere. And as long as their quality is top-of-the-line, they’re every bit as solid as standard shovels.
On top of that, an average modern folding shovel is much more than simply a shovel. Most folding shovels today double as saws and axes, making for amazingly versatile tools. As a result, a modern folding shovel not only lets you dig but also helps you saw, cut, and chop.
And for some people, a folding shovel is an especially good match.
Best Uses for a Folding Shovel
The ways to put a decent folding shovel to good use abound. For some applications, though, a folding shovel works like a real charm.
They include:
- Camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities From digging trenches for rainwater diversion to making fire pits, folding shovels help with many common tasks outdoors. And since most folding shovels also work as saws and axes, they help you carry less overall weight.
- Gardening and yard improvement Thanks to their compact design, folding shovels are especially handy for digging when you stand on your knees. This makes them extremely popular with ardent gardeners and those who like to tinker with their yard design.Solo car trips during snowy weather Icy and snowy weather can make any road trip hazardous, especially if it takes place in desolate areas. If you make car trips like that, a folding shovel in your car can be a potential lifesaver.
- Survival and tactical situations Without exaggerating, having a decent folding shovel at hand in a survival situation can be a game changer. And if things ever go south, a folding shovel makes for a simple and highly effective self-defense weapon.
As you see, folding shovels lend themselves to many uses. Because of that, they abound on the market.
Let’s find out how to pick the best one for your needs.
Things All Decent Folding Shovels Have in Common
To make sure a folding shovel serves you well, look for these key features:
- Robust materials The shovel’s blade must be made of high-carbon steel or stainless steel. And the shovel’s handle must be either metal or hard rigid plastic.
- Sturdy build Folding shovels with a reliable build are constructed from one whole piece of a durable material. They don’t involve too many parts or use inferior materials.
- Convenient design The most common designs for a folding shovel are two-fold, three-fold, and collapsible versions. Go with the type of design that fits your goals the most.
- Light weight There’s little to gain from a folding shovel that feels as heavy as a regular one. A decent folding shovel is rugged and light at the same time.
Many folding shovels meet these criteria with ease. Yet, if you’re after something more sophisticated, there’s more to think about.
More Features a Decent Folding Shovel Must Have
Besides what we’ve mentioned before, top-of-the-range folding shovels are also:
- Multi-functional Best folding shovels aren’t just shovels. With minimal adjustments, they convert easily into saws and axes as needed.
- Small-size To serve its purpose, a folding shovel must be small in size. And fit in nicely with your other gear.
- Easy to use Top-quality folding shovels have T and D shaped handles that adjust smoothly.
- Easy to carry Folding shovels are carried over long periods of time, and their design shouldn’t make it uncomfortable.
Folding shovels with these features are the best. Below, you’ll find a few examples to explore.
Some of the Best Folding Shovels to Check Out
These folding shovels are all nice options to look into:
- E-Tool Folding Spade by Gerber.
- Military Folding Shovel Multitool by FiveJoy.
- Super High Strength Military Folding Shovel by BANG TI.
- Elite E-Tool Camping Shovel by SOG.
- US GI Military Original Issue E-Tool Entrenching Shovel by AMES.
- E-Tool Entrenching Shovel by VIVO.
- Gorge Folding Shovel by Gerber.
- Snow Shovel by Lifeline.
FAQs
How Do You Maintain Folding Shovels?
Just like any regular shovel out there, a folding shovel requires regular sharpening and occasional treatment from corrosion.
What If a Folding Shovel Jams?
Keep the hinging mechanism free of rust and oil it every now and then for it to work without jamming.