A while back, we tested some of Craftsman’s then-new shovels, which are manufactured for them by Ames True Temper. If you’re looking for something a little different, there are a couple of similarly styled shovels available with Jackson and True Temper branding.
Regarding the photo, yes, it can be very dangerous to leave a shovel face-up like this. Don’t worry, the shovels were moved to safer positions after I took the photos.
Advertisement
The Power Step
The Power Step is the best part of these shovels. It seems like a minor thing, but having the large surface area for stomping allowed for more powerful, secure, and comfortable digging.
In comparison, my father’s well-used round point shovel has very tiny rolled-over stepping ledges.
I did find the Power Step feature a little different at first. With other shovels, the step is rolled to the back a little. With these Craftsman shovels, the large stepping area is directed forward. I was used to the Power Step by the second or third stomp.
Round Point Serrations
Advertisement
We couldn’t tell much of a difference when digging into soft soil, but the serrated edge of the shovel is supposed to allow for easier penetration in hard or rocky soil.
I thought the serrated edge made it easier to cut through roots and dead plant material, but my father debated me on this. Maybe the comparison shovel had too dull of an edge to allow for fair evaluation, or it could have been my seeing an advantage where there was none. My father wasn’t interested in the serrated edge, but he also didn’t dislike it.
The blade is made from 14-gauge steel, and seemed plenty strong and rigid. It also looked to have a matte surface finish, possibly to prevent corrosion, or it could have resulted from tempering of the blade.
D-Handle vs. Long-Handle Shovels
Craftsman offers this shovel in both D-handle and long-handle grip configurations, both with fiberglass handle shafts.
Some people prefer D-handle shovels, other prefer long-handle shovels, and fans of both types will argue their shovels are more ergonomic.
I can’t tell you which is better, but both were comfortable to use and both had mid-handle grips. Shovel handle grips are typically the first things to wear away, but the ones on both Craftsman shovels felt reasonably cushiony, grippy, and durable.
I find that I prefer fiberglass-handled tools, and remember being witness to a debate a few years ago about the matter. If I had to choose one, it would be the long-handled shovel, based on my current preferences.
Overall
We did not test these shovels exhaustively, but they saw enough action for me to confidently tell you that I think highly of the design. I couldn’t really find any downside to the shovels’ designs, engineering, or build quality.
You can buy a basic digging shovel for as low as $6 (via Amazon), so why spend up to $30 for each of these Craftsman shovels? Well, it comes down to comfort, and typically long-term durability.
These shovels are made in the USA and should be covered by Craftsman’s lifetime guarantee.
Full Price: $30
Buy Now(D-handle via Sears)
Buy Now(Long-handle via Sears)
Thank you to Craftsman and Ames True Temper for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for benchmark and comparison purposes.
Allen
I bought one similar to these for a wedding gift. Hey, it was on their list. Scouring is a desireable thing on shovels, having the raised lettering it would seem is not condusive to that.
Some marketer probably came up with that.
mnoswad1
Overall even long handle shovels aren’t usually long enough. I have some shovels from 30 yrs ago and the wood handles are much longer than the current long shovels of today.
longer shovel handles mean less back stress. I actually buy long handles and swap them onto my snow shovels for this very reason.
Eric
The thing I have to wonder is how well does the serrated edge allow for re-sharpening? Looking at the straight on pic, it looks like sharpening it would be a PITA.
Allen
I have shoveled a lot of …stuff over the years as a farmer. Shovels are self sharpening for the most part. The edge wears thin and gets sharper with use.
Tom
I own a couple of these, both the round and spade D handle versions. I’ve had them for 2+ years and give them both a big thumbs up. They are very sturdy and the power step design is great, it’s much more comfortable to the arch of my foot than a standard shovel. I don’t know if the serrated edge makes a noticeable difference in cutting, but it certainly doesn’t get in the way of working. I’m also a big fan of the fiberglass handles, any thing that saves weight and maintenance is welcome in my book. I’m a small guy so I’ll take all the help I can get.
Jerry
I wonder if the serrations help make the edge stronger?
Bill K
Does the fabrication process for the serrations change the shovel shape? If seems logical that some shaping or thinning would occur with that forming process.
Stuart
Not that I could tell. There might/should be extra metal to compensate for the increases surface area of the serrations.
Stan
Knowing Sears, I am shocked they actually picked a supplier that produces American made shovels at all though. I figured the era of USA made Craftsman gardening equipment was over a very long time ago.
I have a older USA made Razorback shovel I’ve used for a very long time now. Works well and has a simple design.
JCC
Funny story associated with these shovels.
Before this particular shovel appeared on shelves, Craftsman was selling a similar shovel made in Mexico. I had just purchased a new home with a yard, so I was buying garden equipment for the first time, and I bought one of the “Mexican” shovels. Well, a few weeks later, I’m in the backyard trying to dig out a root, and the shovel literally breaks in half…at the handle!!!
My father-in-law thought this was the funniest thing ever. “Ha, Ha, Ha,” he guffawed, “Go tell Sears to tell their Mexican factory to make you another shovel!” So, being that it’s Craftsman, I go back to Sears with the broken shovel (it’s been at least 6 months since I purchased it), but it’s got the “forever warranty.” And Sears was really cool about it. They laughed at the broken shovel, but they let me pick out one of these new U.S. ones free of charge. It’s since given me no problems at all.
Anthony
well i wasnt in the market for a shovel,but good old tool guyd has me digging in my wallet again….thanks for the review stuey…………
Stuart
You’re welcome!
Matt
These tools are made in China now, instead of the USA. Same Colors and grip and design otherwise; China shovel head is a darker Grey. I prefer the look of the USA made tools however with SearsPoints and Sears Cashback I was able to buy 5 of these tools for a little under $15 a piece. There are better shovels out there but not by much in terms of quality.