Snow Clearing

About Snow Clearing

When winter weather strikes the UK, having the right snow clearing equipment can make the difference between safe access and hazardous conditions. Snow clearing tools are designed to remove snow and ice from driveways, pathways, car parks, steps and other surfaces where accumulation can impede movement or create dangerous slipping hazards. From compact snow shovels for quick spot-clearing to larger snow sleighs and ploughs for shifting substantial volumes, the right tool depends on the scale of clearance required and the physical demands you're prepared to handle.

The snow clearing category at Tooled-Up.com encompasses a range of manual tools designed for effective snow removal in residential, commercial and industrial settings. Snow shovels remain the most versatile option, offering precision for digging out vehicles, clearing steps and accessing tight spaces where larger tools cannot reach. For more extensive clearance work across driveways, pathways and forecourts, snow sleighs and ploughs provide greater capacity, allowing users to push or pull larger volumes of snow with reduced physical strain compared to traditional shovelling.

While the UK may not experience the prolonged winters of more northerly climates, sudden heavy snowfall can still cause significant disruption. Having appropriate snow clearing equipment readily available ensures that tradespeople can access sites safely, businesses can maintain customer access, and homeowners can keep essential routes clear. Quality snow clearing tools are built to withstand the rigours of repeated use in freezing conditions, with durable materials and ergonomic designs that reduce fatigue during extended clearing sessions.

Jargon Buster

• Snow Shovel: A hand-held tool with a wide blade and handle designed for lifting and throwing snow. Available in various blade widths and materials including plastic, aluminium and steel, often featuring ergonomic handles to reduce back strain.
• Snow Sleigh: A large, wide-bladed pusher tool designed to shift substantial volumes of snow across flat surfaces by pushing rather than lifting. The sleigh design allows snow to accumulate on the blade as you move forward.
• Snow Plough: Similar to a snow sleigh but typically featuring angled blades or adjustable designs that push snow to the side rather than straight ahead, useful for clearing pathways and creating banks along edges.
• Blade Width: The measurement across the snow clearing surface, typically ranging from 300mm for compact shovels to 800mm or more for large sleighs. Wider blades shift more snow per pass but require greater pushing force.
• Ergonomic Handle: A handle design incorporating curves, grips or adjustable angles to reduce physical strain during use. Common features include D-grips, bent shafts and cushioned grips that improve comfort during extended clearing work.
• Polyethylene Blade: A durable plastic material commonly used for snow shovel and sleigh blades. Polyethylene resists cracking in cold temperatures, won't damage paving surfaces and prevents snow from sticking to the blade.

Who Uses Snow Clearing?

Snow clearing equipment is essential for a diverse range of users across residential, commercial and professional settings:

• Property Maintenance Contractors: Managing multiple sites requiring rapid clearance after snowfall to maintain access and safety
• Facilities Managers: Responsible for keeping business premises, car parks and walkways safe and accessible for staff and customers
• Groundskeepers and Landscapers: Maintaining gardens, estates and public spaces during winter months
• School and Hospital Maintenance Teams: Ensuring safe access to essential public facilities during adverse weather
• Warehouse and Distribution Centre Staff: Clearing loading bays and access routes to maintain operational continuity
• Construction Site Managers: Keeping site access clear for workers, deliveries and equipment during winter conditions
• Homeowners and DIY Enthusiasts: Clearing driveways, paths and steps around domestic properties
• Farmers and Agricultural Workers: Maintaining access to outbuildings, livestock areas and farm tracks
• Retail and Hospitality Businesses: Ensuring customer access to shops, restaurants and hotels remains safe
• Local Authority Maintenance Teams: Supplementing mechanical clearance with manual tools for pavements and public spaces

How to Choose the Right Snow Clearing

Selecting appropriate snow clearing equipment requires consideration of several practical factors:

Area Size and Type: Small areas like doorsteps, car boots and narrow pathways are best served by compact snow shovels with blade widths between 300-450mm. For larger areas such as driveways, car parks and wide pathways, snow sleighs or ploughs with blade widths of 600-800mm will clear snow more efficiently with fewer passes required.

Snow Volume and Frequency: If you only occasionally need to clear light dustings of snow, a basic plastic shovel may suffice. For areas prone to regular heavy snowfall or compacted snow, invest in more robust tools with reinforced edges and sturdy construction that can handle repeated demanding use without failure.

Physical Capability: Traditional shovelling involves lifting and throwing snow, which can be physically demanding and risks back strain. Ergonomic shovels with curved handles and D-grips reduce strain, whilst snow sleighs eliminate lifting entirely by pushing snow along the ground. Consider your physical capacity and choose tools that minimise injury risk.

Surface Protection: Metal-edged tools can damage paving, decking and block paving if used aggressively. Polyethylene and rubber-edged blades protect delicate surfaces whilst still providing effective clearance. Match your tool to the surfaces you'll be clearing to avoid costly damage.

Storage Considerations: Full-size snow sleighs require more storage space than compact folding shovels. Consider where you'll store equipment during the rest of the year and choose sizes that fit available shed, garage or storage cupboard space without becoming a nuisance.

Material Durability: Quality matters in freezing conditions. Browse the selection at Tooled-Up.com for tools constructed from cold-resistant materials that won't crack or shatter at low temperatures. Aluminium handles offer strength without excessive weight, whilst fibreglass provides excellent durability and thermal insulation.

Popular Accessories

Enhance your snow clearing capability with these complementary products:

• De-Icing Salt and Grit: Prevent ice formation after clearing snow and improve traction on cleared surfaces
• Salt and Grit Spreaders: Manual and wheeled spreaders for even distribution of de-icing materials across larger areas
• Ice Scrapers: Remove compacted ice and frozen deposits from hard surfaces before applying de-icer
• Winter Work Gloves: Insulated, waterproof gloves maintain hand warmth and grip during extended clearing sessions
• High-Visibility Workwear: Essential when clearing snow near roads or in low-light winter conditions
• Storage Brackets and Hooks: Keep snow clearing tools organised and readily accessible when needed
• Non-Slip Footwear: Safety boots with aggressive tread patterns provide traction on icy surfaces during clearance work
• Replacement Blades and Handles: Extend tool life by replacing worn components rather than purchasing entirely new equipment
• Wheelbarrows and Barrows: Transport cleared snow away from areas where accumulation causes problems

Safety Information

Snow clearing involves physical exertion in potentially hazardous conditions, making safety considerations paramount:

Manual Handling: Snow clearing is physically demanding work that can cause back injuries if performed incorrectly. Bend at the knees rather than the waist when lifting, avoid twisting motions, and take regular breaks to prevent overexertion. Consider ergonomic tools or push-type equipment if you have existing back problems or limited physical capability.

Slip Hazards: Ironically, those clearing snow face significant slip risks themselves. Wear appropriate footwear with good tread and consider applying grit to areas you're working in before starting clearance. Work methodically from building entrances outward to maintain a safe cleared path back to shelter.

Cold Exposure: Prolonged work in freezing conditions risks hypothermia and frostbite. Dress in layers with waterproof outer garments, insulated gloves and warm headwear. Take regular warm-up breaks indoors and stay alert for signs of excessive cold exposure such as numbness or confusion.

Visibility: Winter conditions often mean reduced daylight hours and poor visibility during snow. When clearing areas near roads or vehicle access points, wear high-visibility clothing and ensure adequate lighting. Be aware of vehicles that may have reduced stopping distances on snowy surfaces.

Overhead Hazards: Before clearing snow around buildings, check for ice dams, icicles and snow accumulation on roofs that could fall during clearance work. Keep alert to changing conditions that might dislodge overhead hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a snow shovel and a snow sleigh?

A snow shovel is designed for lifting and throwing snow, making it ideal for digging out cars, clearing steps and working in confined spaces. A snow sleigh or plough is pushed along the ground to move larger volumes of snow without lifting, which is more efficient for clearing driveways and pathways but less suitable for precise work or digging. Sleighs reduce physical strain for large-area clearance.

Can I use a regular garden spade for clearing snow?

Whilst a garden spade will shift snow in an emergency, it's not ideal. Garden spades have narrow blades designed for cutting into soil, making snow clearance slow and inefficient. Snow shovels feature wider blades, lighter construction and ergonomic designs specifically for snow work. Many plastics used in garden tools also become brittle in freezing temperatures and may crack.

What blade width should I choose for my driveway?

For a typical UK domestic driveway, a blade width between 500-700mm offers a good balance between clearing capacity and manoeuvrability. Wider blades clear more snow per pass but require more pushing force, particularly through deep or wet snow. Consider your physical capability and whether the tool needs to fit through gates or narrow access points.

How do I prevent snow from sticking to my shovel blade?

Snow tends to stick less to smooth polyethylene blades compared to metal. Some users apply a thin coating of furniture polish, cooking spray or specialist snow shovel spray to the blade before use, creating a slippery surface that prevents adhesion. Store tools in a dry location to prevent ice forming on blades between uses.

Do I need different tools for wet snow versus powdery snow?

Wet, heavy snow requires more robust tools with reinforced construction, as it places greater stress on blades and handles. Lighter powdery snow can be cleared effectively with standard equipment. If you regularly encounter heavy wet snow, the range available from Tooled-Up includes heavy-duty options with metal-reinforced edges and strengthened handles designed for demanding conditions.