Now that Santa has come and gone, you can consider buying some winter must-haves that you might not have been under the Christmas tree this year. Add these winter tools and supplies to your snowy arsenal and make getting through this season as easy as possible.
The Perfect Snow Shovel
It is hard to find the perfect snow shovel because it has to balance both durability and lightweight. Durable shovels tend to be heavy and wear you out during work, while light snow shovels tend to be flimsy. Reinforced plastic is a good choice to balance both features. Metal blades are heavier and wear you out, but they’re recommended if you need to carry loads of snow and ice over long distances.
Handle the shovel yourself to check if the handle is the right length for your height. Consider what kind of shoveling you plan to do the most when considering the shape. Rounded scoops are designed for clearing paths and driveways quickly when they only have a thin layer of snow. Flat shovels are for cutting and busting apart snow piled up by snowplows or blowers. You may need both types if you live in an area with heavy snowfall.
Not sure what shovel will be the right fit for the job? Read up on the different styles and functions here!
Windshield Scrapers
Improvising with a credit card to get the ice off your windshield may be a fun trick the first time, but after that, it gets old. You’ll also damage your cards and freeze your fingers. Instead, invest in a decent windshield scraper that is easy to keep in the car. The best models feature a swept-back design that sheds the ice away from your hands, keeping them dry and warm even when you forget your gloves.
Gloves & Socks (That are actually warm)
There are many options for keeping your hands and feet warm when you are outside taking care of those necessary winter chores. The easiest option is simply dressing for the occasion. A lined pair of gloves and thermal socks are worth their weight in gold when you're tasked with clearing the driveway after a heavy snowfall. Your hands and feet will thank you!
Boot Dryers
Once you're done shoveling the sidewalk, it's easy to slip out of your snow-soaked boots...only to find you need to get back in them an hour later to do the driveway. Instead of putting on soaked and freezing boots, put them on a boot dryer as soon as you get in. They’ll be dry quickly, so you can comfortably use them later without an unpleasant surprise. Drying out your boots will also keep them looking, performing, and smelling (you're welcome) better for years to come as well.
Lock De-icer
Imagine that you just spent all your spare time shoveling the driveway and scraping the windshield. Now it’s time to get in the car and get to work as soon as possible. But if you insert your key and find the opening blocked, you might lose valuable minutes scrambling to warm it up. De-icing spray is the quickest and easiest way to deal with the problem. It won’t damage your car’s finish or the lock’s metal either. Other improvised solutions, such as pouring your warm coffee over the lock, will leave residues that damage the metal over time.
Driveway Ice Melting Solutions
Maybe you just don’t feel like spending another winter shoveling snow every day before work. Why not upgrade this year for a driveway ice melting solution? Salt and other granulated solutions are the old-fashioned choices, but the cost adds up over the winter, and the chemicals can damage your concrete or asphalt surface. For less damage and more reliable results, consider heating cables and nets that stretch over the surface and keep it warm enough to prevent ice from forming.
Make this winter the year you enjoy the snow rather than cursing it. Prepare for the coldest temperatures your area usually sees by stocking up the right equipment and tools. Anything from dealing with snow to getting out in the cold is easy with the right supplies on hand.
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.