How do you store winter shovels?

Winter shovel storage is an important consideration for anyone who lives in an area that experiences snow and ice. Having a good shovel storage solution will help protect your shovels from damage and keep them easily accessible when you need them. In this article, we will explore some key questions around winter shovel storage and provide tips on the best ways to store shovels during the cold winter months.

Where should you store winter shovels?

When choosing where to store your winter shovels, there are a few key factors to consider:

Accessibility – The storage location should allow for easy access to your shovels when needed. You don’t want to have to dig through cluttered spaces when it’s time for shoveling.

Protection from elements – Your shovels should be stored in a dry location, out of the wet snow and rain. Moisture can cause wooden handles to crack and metal components to rust.
Temperature controlled – If possible, store shovels in a location out of extreme cold. This protects the materials and prevents brittle plastic and rubber from cracking.
Security – Pick a storage spot that is secure, so your shovel doesn’t grow legs and walk off!

Based on these factors, some ideal places to store winter shovels are:

Garage or shed – These locations are secure, dry, and easily accessible.
Mudroom or side entry – Provides quick access when needed.

Inside home – Places shovels completely out of the elements. Pick a spot near an entry door.
Basement – Offers protection from theft and extreme cold.

Avoid storing shovels in places exposed to excess moisture, like porches or patios. Also steer clear of storing directly on concrete floors, which can allow moisture to transfer to the shovel.

What’s the best way to organize multiple shovels?

If you have a collection of several shovels for different family members or purposes, it’s a good idea to organize them neatly so the right one can be easily grabbed when needed. Here are some tips for organizing multiple shovels:

Hang shovels on a wall using hooks, nails, or a pegboard system. This keeps them up off the floor and conveniently accessible.
Store upright in a bucket, can, or bin. Allow space between shovels and make sure they are situated securely.

Use a slatwall panel or shelving unit to arrange shovels. Consider labeling each space for quick ID.
Attach gear ties or clips to identify each shovel and keep pairs together. Color code for different users.

Avoid just leaning shovels haphazardly against a wall. This leads to falling tools and tangled handles. Investing a small amount of time to neatly organize your shovels will make a big difference over the winter.

What’s the proper way to store shovel heads?

The shovel head (or blade) requires some special care when being put into storage:

Remove debris – Clear off any dirt, rocks, or snow that may be stuck to the blade. This prevents dulling the edge.
Spray with lubricant – Coat metal shovel heads with a water-displacing lubricant to prevent rust.

Place blade up – Store sitting upright on the blade to allow moisture runoff and air circulation.
Use blade covers – Plastic covers help protect shovel heads from nicks and paint damage.
Avoid hanging – Hanging a shovel by the head can bend the handle over time.

Storing the shovel head properly will extend its usable life so you get the most out of your snow tools.

How should you store shovel handles?

The shovel handle also deserves special attention during storage:

Clean handles – Use mild soap and water to remove any dirt or salt residue after use.

Inspect for damage – Check for cracks or splinters in wooden handles.
Protect ends – Place handle caps over the ends to prevent splintering.
Store securely – nest handle in a rack, fasten with ties, or lean carefully against a wall.

Allow to air dry – Don’t enclose wet handles in a bag or bin.
Check fittings – Make sure rivets or fasteners are secure.

Proper handle care will maintain the integrity of the shovel and prevent breakage.

Should you oil or seal wood shovel handles?

Oiling and sealing wooden shovel handles is a smart preventative step before storage:

Raw linseed oil – Penetrates wood grain to condition and protect.
Tung oil – Forms a protective water-resistant barrier.

Paste wax – Buffs into a mild seal against moisture.
Polyurethane – Clear coat seals out water for extended protection.

Choose a product formulated for tool handles rather than a wood finish meant for furnishings. Follow application directions carefully. Reapply annually or as directed. This small step goes a long way towards wood preservation.

Should shovels be stored in plastic bags?

Plastic bags are not recommended for shovel storage because:

Traps in moisture – Plastic does not allow wood and metal to breathe.
Promotes rust and rot – Wet tools will degrade faster.

Hazards when reusing – Mold and mildew can grow in sealed bags.
Cumbersome access – Bags must be removed completely to access shovel.
Difficult to identify – Cannot easily distinguish bagged shovels.

It’s best to allow shovels to air dry fully before storing them bare or with fabric covers. If handles are oiled or waxed, that provides sufficient moisture protection.

Tips for Preparing Shovels for Storage

End-of-season preparation is key to making sure your shovels survive the winter in good shape. Here are tips for getting shovels ready for storage:

Clean Shovels Thoroughly

Remove all debris, dirt, and grime that has built up:

Use a hose, scrub brush, and mild detergent to clean shovel head and handle.
Rinse away any soap residue.
Allow to fully dry in the air – don’t put away wet.

Inspect for Damage

Check both handle and head for any issues:

Look for cracks, splinters, or splitting wood.
Check rivets and connectors are secure.

Ensure head is still attached tightly to handle.
Test adjustment points are still functional.

Make any minor repairs needed so damage doesn’t worsen over winter.

Lubricate Metal Parts

Coat metal components with lubricant:

Spray shovel head with WD-40 or similar water-displacing lubricant.
Apply lubricant to rivets, bolts, and adjustments.

Buff dry with a clean cloth.

This prevents rust and keeps parts moving freely. Re-apply annually.

Seal or Oil Wood Handles

Treat wooden handles to protect from moisture:

Rub a thin coat of linseed oil into the wood grain.
Apply paste wax and buff to a sheen.
Seal with urethane for most durable protection.

Sealing also helps wood resist cracking and splitting over time.

Install Handle End Caps

Secure plastic end caps onto handles:

Caps prevent splintering from impacts on concrete or hard surfaces.

Choose caps with an internal padding for most protection.
Slide caps snugly into place at the handle ends.

Replace end caps that are cracked, missing, or loose fitting.

Store Properly

Final steps for storage:

Allow shovels to fully air dry before putting away.
Find storage location that is dry, secure, and easily accessible.

Organize shovels neatly in racks, on slatwall, or in bins.
Hang shovels by the handle or place upright on blade.

Proper storage protects your investment in quality snow tools.

Benefits of Proper Shovel Storage

Putting some thought into how you store winter shovels provides many helpful returns:

Extends Shovel Lifespan

Shovels stored properly last significantly longer:

Prevents wood handles from cracking and splintering.

Avoids metal parts rusting due to moisture.
Reduces damage to shovel heads.
Keeps fasteners and connectors from failing.

Following good storage practices maximizes your shovel’s usable time.

Saves Money

Getting more years out of your shovel avoids replacement costs:

Quality snow shovels can cost $25 to $50 each when purchased new.

Properly maintained shovels often last 5+ years.
Storage prevention avoids wasting shovels to damage after just 1-2 seasons.

Storing shovels properly saves the expense of having to frequently replace them.

Makes Shoveling Easier

Well-kept shovels perform better when put into snow removal use:

Blades stay securely fastened to undamaged handles.
Clean metal slides more easily through snow.

Wood handles maintain integrity when pressing into snow piles.
Parts move freely without rust or debris hampering function.

Having shovels in great shape for the next winter makes the work much easier.

Provides Quick Access

Organized storage means shovels can be grabbed and used right away:

Proper placement in garage or mudroom allows fast access.
Orderly arrangement avoids hunting for the correct shovel.

Visible storage means shovels aren’t buried out of sight and mind.

When a storm hits you want to be able to start shoveling immediately.

Prevents Injury

Using a shovel that isn’t compromised from damage reduces injury risks:

Splintered handles can cut hands when putting pressure for shoveling.
Weak, cracked handles snap under force and cause falls.
Loose head connections can give way and lead to slips.

Bent shafts won’t allow proper leverage and strain back muscles.

Having shovels in sound shape provides security against hazards while shoveling.

Winter Shovel Storage Checklist

Follow this handy checklist to make sure you’re properly covering all the crucial steps for shovel storage and care:

Task	Completed
Choose secure, accessible storage location	✔
Fully clean shovel head and handle	✔
Inspect for any damage and make repairs	✔
Lubricate metal parts	✔
Treat wooden handle with oil/sealer	✔
Secure handle end caps	✔
Allow to fully dry before storing	✔
Organize multiple shovels neatly	✔
Store upright on blade or hanging by handle	✔

Use this list each fall to make sure your shovels are storage ready for winter. Protecting your investment in snow tools will benefit your budget and your back for many seasons to come.

Conclusion

Taking steps to properly store winter shovels takes only a small amount of time and effort but pays off with big rewards. Finding secure, accessible storage keeps your shovels protected and readily available when winter weather strikes. Cleaning shovel heads and handles, making necessary repairs, and taking preventive measures like oiling wood and lubricating metal will extend the usable life of your snow tools for many years. And most importantly, having shovels stored in optimal condition results in easier, faster, and safer snow removal all season long. Use the helpful tips in this article to make sure your shovels are stored properly and ready to work when you need them.