Repairing Guides

how to repair a plastic snow shovel

by Ressie Greenfelder Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If you have a shovel with a bent plastic scoop, use a utility knife for repairs. File off the rough edge of the shovel. Spray with WD-40 or a silicone spray. To prevent rusting, lightly coat the metal part of scoop and with a oily mist. This will also keep debris such as sticks and rocks from sticking on the shovel.

Part of a video titled The Zen of Snow Shovel Repair - YouTube
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Seems like buying a little better is probably worth it. So last summer i patched this one up it wasMoreSeems like buying a little better is probably worth it. So last summer i patched this one up it was cracked. Real bad i kind of pushed it back together and uh melted some plastic on it.

Full Answer

Do you use steel wear edges on your snow shovels?

Our plastic snow shovel works well, but I wanted a steel wear edge to handle snow "glued" to the concrete after freezing rain and to prolong the life of the shovel. We are somewhat "snowed in" right now, so I wanted to use materials in my shop. I chose to use some steel from an old bedframe because it is so hard and will wear very well.

How do you replace a wear strip on a shovel?

Lay the shovel face down on a hard surface such as an anvil or solid concrete. Place the new wear strip along the BACK of the blade. Working with one rivet at a time, push rivets from the FRONT through holes in blade then wear strip.

What should I do if my snow shovel is worn out?

If last year wore out the head, handle or grip on your shovel, try to repair it before the snow comes on heavy. If you cannot repair it yourself, ask for help or purchase a new shovel: you do not want to risk hurting your spine working with an unfit snow shovel. Identify the problem area.

What is the wear strip on a suncast snow shovel for?

Suncast manufactures a line of snow shovels with a rubber wear strip along the forward edge. The wear strip provides protection to the aluminum shovel and prevents wear from contact with asphalt, concrete and gravel surfaces while moving snow. When the wear strip wears down from normal use, replace it with a new one.

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What type of plastic are snow shovels made of?

polyethylene plasticSnow shovel blades, which need to be lightweight yet rugged, are routinely made from one of three materials: polyethylene plastic, steel, or aluminum.

How do you fix a snow shovel blade?

0:022:46How to Repair a Snow Shovel with FiberFix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipHi everyone I'm Derek and today I'm going to show you how to properly apply fiberfix by using it toMoreHi everyone I'm Derek and today I'm going to show you how to properly apply fiberfix by using it to fix this broken shovel. Now you can see this snow shovel has seen better days.

How do you sharpen a plastic shovel?

2:224:07Learn How to Sharpen Your Gardening Shovels - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne direction as you're going through so let me just cut away and and you can see here that. I'mMoreOne direction as you're going through so let me just cut away and and you can see here that. I'm just going to go all the way around the edge.

How do you change a snow shovel head?

1:0426:57Replace Wear Strip on Snow Shovel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgain step one we need to support. The snow shovel on a good solid surface so we've got something toMoreAgain step one we need to support. The snow shovel on a good solid surface so we've got something to support it when we hammer on it with the cold chisel to break the rivets loose.

Can you fix a shovel?

0:468:01How to Repair a Broken Shovel Handle | Easy and Free Fix!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is gonna be your best friend a vice you can do this repair without a vice. But this is gonnaMoreThis is gonna be your best friend a vice you can do this repair without a vice. But this is gonna make it a thousand times easier and faster.

How do you fix a snow shovel edge?

0:555:48Snow Shovel Metal Edge Replace - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipKind of went. And at the edge you can i could put my finger in there. So what i did was i bent thatMoreKind of went. And at the edge you can i could put my finger in there. So what i did was i bent that piece back a little bit pinned it a little bit bent it just to the shape.

How do you sharpen a shovel with a Dremel?

1:216:29How To Sharpen Hand Tools With Dremel Rotary Tool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you notice how far down I have inserted the sharpening disc. So I'm going to put this attachmentMoreIf you notice how far down I have inserted the sharpening disc. So I'm going to put this attachment on number nine thirty two just twist on like this.

What tool is used to sharpen a shovel?

Using a Grinder to Sharpen a Spade – You have a couple of options here: a bench grinder (a larger grinder that's securely attached to a work bench) or a hand-held grinder (try this 4-inch angle grinder). Either will work well when used with a medium-grit aluminum oxide wheel.

Can you sharpen a snow shovel?

Even your snow shovel will need sharpening as digging with a sharp blade requires less effort. Don't waste your time and energy with a blunt blade; sharpening the blade of a shovel is not a complicated task. All that is required is a flat metal file. Either an 8, 10 or 12 inch file will suffice.

How do you remove a shovel rivet?

Remove the body of the rivet by punching it out with a hammer and punch. Use a nail that fits through the hole if you don't have a punch. The rivet will pop out of the shovel under force.

How do you replace a curved shovel handle?

2:0613:23How to Replace Broken Shovel handle with a NEW ONE! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you have a welder but now it's tricky part is sometimes you have to expand this right here to theMoreIf you have a welder but now it's tricky part is sometimes you have to expand this right here to the pry bar. I'm just gonna try to knock it out though. And yeah I'll bring that piece to the store I'

How do you tighten a snow shovel handle?

1:159:55Snow Shovel Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight after duct tape of course is packing tape packing tape has a very high tensile strength. It'sMoreRight after duct tape of course is packing tape packing tape has a very high tensile strength. It's extremely thin and that will allow you to wrap it around many times on the shovel.

How do you sharpen a snow shovel?

How to Sharpen a Shovel:1) Clean off any caked on dirt from the shovel with a wire brush.2) Get a good grip on the shovel. ... 3) You will need to use a file, coarse abrasive stone or handheld grinder.4) Use the angle that is already on your shovel or spade as a guide.More items...

How do you tighten a snow shovel handle?

1:159:55Snow Shovel Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight after duct tape of course is packing tape packing tape has a very high tensile strength. It'sMoreRight after duct tape of course is packing tape packing tape has a very high tensile strength. It's extremely thin and that will allow you to wrap it around many times on the shovel.

How to bend a metal shovel?

Look for sheet metal about the same thickness from a hardware or garden store. Use a soldering iron to heat and bend the metal. Use another shovel as a model for how the shovel should look when complete.

How to keep a shovel from rusting?

Spray with WD-40 or a silicone spray. To prevent rusting, lightly coat the metal part of scoop and with a oily mist. This will also keep debris such as sticks and rocks from sticking on the shovel.

How to keep wood from cracking in winter?

Soak a rag in boiled linseed oil or a similar lubricating and protective agent. Rub the handle gently. Allow the wood to absorb all the oil. Let sit. Repeat this process throughout the winter to prevent wood splintering and drying and cracking caused by cold to warm temperature change. Advertisement.

How to clean a wooden handle?

Clean the new wooden handle using a stiff-bristled brush to smooth away nicks or splinters. Give it a final rub with a sheet of medium-grit or stronger sandpaper.

How to identify a problem area on a shovel?

Identify the problem area. Inspect the front edge of the shovel's scoop, which receives the majority of wear and tear, especially in icy conditions.

Do you need a snow shovel?

Whether you begrudgingly lament snow removal as a chore or treat it as fun winter activity, you need a functional shovel to get the job done. If last year wore out the head, handle or grip on your shovel, try to repair it before the snow comes on heavy. If you cannot repair it yourself, ask for help or purchase a new shovel: you do not want to risk hurting your spine working with an unfit snow shovel.

Step 1: Make Flats From Angle Iron

I had angle iron from a bed frame. I needed flat stock. I put angle iron in a vise and used a cutting wheel to make two flats from one angle iron piece.

Step 2: Mark and Cut the Shovel Edge to Make It Straight

I cut one of the flats to length to fit the leading edge of the shovel. I used a pair of Vise-Grip pliers to hold that flat in place so I could mark a straight line across the ragged front edge of the shovel. Then I cut on the marking line with a fine saw. (Second photo. The saw is from a previous Instructable I did.

Step 3: Cut and Weld Shorter Mounting Pieces

The second flat from the angle iron became raw material for mounting pieces 4 1/2 inches long. I wanted them long enough to spread out the stress from use of the shovel in hopes that will keep the plastic from cracking around the mounting holes in the future.

Step 4: Making Holes in Bed Frame Steel

The steel used in bed frames is very hard. Making holes in it with a twist drill is very, very slow. Some suggest using a carbide tip drill and plenty of cutting oil. That did not help me. I decided to make holes by plug welding with a high amperage setting on a 230 volt stick welder using a 1/8 inch welding rod.

Step 5: Drill Mounting Holes in the Plastic

Position the wear strip on the plastic shovel. Drill a 1/4 inch mounting hole. See the next step.

Step 6: Make Strain Relief Washers

I used some flat stock from the angle iron to make strain relief washers for the backside of the plastic shovel.

Step 7: Use

Fortunately, the concrete on our driveway is not very cold. The chunky ice/snow mix breaks off without much difficulty. Still, if the leading edge of my snow shovel were plastic, it would not be equal to the task. But, my new steel wear strip is strong enough to break the crusted ice-snow away from the concrete.

What is a rubber wear strip on a snow shovel?

Suncast manufactures a line of snow shovels with a rubber wear strip along the forward edge. The wear strip provides protection to the aluminum shovel and prevents wear from contact with asphalt, concrete and gravel surfaces ...

How to install a rivet on a shovel?

Place the front of the blade firmly against a hard surface so the rivet is supported. Hammer the rivet from the back side of the shovel to mash it flat against the wear strip. Continue the process attaching one rivet at a time until the installation is complete.

How to use Suncast shovel?

1. Place the Suncast shovel on a solid surface such as a workbench so the back side of the shovel is facing up. Remove any dirt or debris from the shovel and wear strip, especially around the rivet points, with brush.

What is a wear strip on a shovel?

The wear strip provides protection to the aluminum shovel and prevents wear from contact with asphalt, concrete and gravel surfaces while moving snow. When the wear strip wears down from normal use, replace it with a new one.

How to get better grip on shovel?

Position the shovel blade on its edge and try to hook the shovel shoulder over the edge so you can get a better grip.

Where is the beveled edge on a shovel?

The beveled edge only needs to be on the top side of the shovel’s blade. The top side of a blade is the side that, when digging, holds the dirt, snow or sand.

What is sharpening a blade like?

Sharpening a blade’s edge is much like sharpening a kitchen knife. If there are chips in the edge, then the edge needs to be filed down to have a straight blade edge.

What is the socket on a spherical blade?

These can loosen over time, causing the blade to wiggle or even come off. The socket is the round opening in which the shaft fits.

How to remove rivets from blade?

Remove the rivets the connects the blade to the shaft. Generally, utilizing a drill with a drill bit that is the same size as the rivet will release the rivets.

What to do if your blade is bent?

If you find that the blade or foot is bent, you can utilize a hammer to straighten out the metal. However, hammering cold metal may cause other bends, cracks and damage and will weaken the metal.

How to clean a socket after replacing shaft?

You want the socket to be as clean as possible when you replace the shaft for a proper fit. Chip, drill, tap, hammer away until it is clean then, tap it a final time and wipe it clean.

Step 1: Stress Relieve the Crack

Drill a hole at the very end of the crack. If the crack is within a surface and doesn't break an edge, drill a hole at both ends of the crack. This will prevent the crack from "running" further. The sharp point at the end of the crack focuses stress astronomically. If the crack is pulled apart, all the force is concentrated at a very tiny point.

Step 2: Drill Holes for Lashing

The holes only need to be large enough to allow for easy threading. In this case, I used 3/32" Spacing of holes and distance from edge is important: 1) The closer to the edge of the crack, the stronger the lashing will be.

Step 3: Lash It Up

Refer to photos in Steps One and Two: Keep your lacing as tight as you can. The more tension you can manage, the better. I laced the crack in a way that allowed me to tie off in the middle somewhere rather than either end. I figured I would get tightest lashings at each end of crack this way.

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