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The Best Brushless Snow Shovel
Greenworks Cordless Brushless Snow Shovel
Perhaps the next best thing to a snow blower, the Cordless Brushless Snow Shovel from Greenworks has a 45-minute run time on a fully charged battery. The controlled brushless motor will help you quickly clear your driveway and sidewalks, leaving a 12-inch cleared path.
Pros
- 12-inch clearing width
- Cordless operation
- Works in several inches of snow
Cons
- A bit heavy at 15 pounds
What to Consider When Buying Snow Removal Tools
While some tools like ice breakers and shovels are pretty straightforward, some—especially those that affect roofs—require a little extra know-how before using. According to Williams, here’s what to consider when before using snow removal tools for the roof:
- Stay as close to the ground as possible. When shoveling snow, you’ll want to stay as close to the ground as possible. Climbing to the top of a roof or a ladder to remove snow might result in perilous slips and falls from a great height. To keep safe, stand on the ground and pull the snow down using a tool like a roof rake. Stand to the side of the roof on the ground while using the necessary tools to avoid pulling heavy, wet snow drifts on top of oneself. Keep an eye out for falling icicles as well.
- Enlist the assistance of others. When it comes to shoveling snow off your flat or sloped roof, it’s always a good idea to enlist the assistance of a friend or family member. A second person can provide additional assistance and ensure safety during the snow removal operation.
- Remove all obstructions in your path. Remove any debris, branches, or other anything from the roof that could make removing snow more difficult or represent a safety threat. Pay special care to removing ice buildup, since this can create impediments and make the process more difficult.
At Family Handyman, we’re experts in snow removal—especially those of us in chilly states. We combed through all the best snow removal tools to find the right pick for every sidewalk and dusted-on car.
Why You Should Trust Us
Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted Jack Williams, the founder of Handyman Reviewed and a repair and maintenance specialist.
Jack Williams has been in the repair and maintenance industry for over 30 years and has spent more than a decade running his own professional plumbing company. When he’s not busy fixing things, he likes to hop on his bike and explore trails.
How We Found the Best Snow Removal Tools
To find the best snow removal tools, we first looked at all the different ways to clear snow without the use of electric or gas snow removal tools. Then, we zeroed in on top-selling products, searching through specs and cost to find products that fit our readers’ needs. After that, we combed through real user reviews, comparing performance against other tools in the same category to ensure that each pick lives up to our rigid standards.
FAQ
When should you hire professional snow removal?
“The DIY snow removal option gives you control and flexibility when it comes to removing snow from your home,” says Williams. “You can choose when to shovel, plow, or blow snow.”
“It also necessitates more effort and dedication on the part of the individual. You must check the weather forecast, schedule the snow removal and be prepared to operate in cold and difficult conditions. Professional snow removal, on the other hand, provides greater convenience and peace of mind.”
