what are shovels and picks used for in contrusciton

2 min read 02-02-2025

what are shovels and picks used for in contrusciton

Shovels and picks are fundamental hand tools in construction, used for various tasks involving digging, moving, and shaping materials. While seemingly simple, their specific applications vary depending on the material and the job at hand. Understanding their uses is crucial for any construction worker or DIY enthusiast.

Types of Shovels and Their Uses

Several types of shovels cater to different needs on a construction site:

Round-Point Shovel (or Spade Shovel)

Purpose: Ideal for digging holes, trenches, and moving loose materials like soil, sand, or gravel. The pointed end allows for precise digging in confined spaces.
Material: Typically made of steel with a wooden or fiberglass handle.
Construction Uses: Foundation digging, planting posts, utility trenching.

Square-Point Shovel (or Flat Shovel)

Purpose: Best for moving large quantities of loose materials like dirt, gravel, or snow across relatively flat surfaces. The flat blade efficiently scoops up material.
Material: Similar to round-point shovels, using steel and wood or fiberglass for the handle.
Construction Uses: Grading, landscaping, snow removal (in winter conditions), moving bulk materials.

Scoop Shovel

Purpose: Designed for handling loose, granular materials like sand, gravel, or grain. The deep bowl efficiently scoops up and transports large amounts.
Material: Typically made of steel with a sturdy handle.
Construction Uses: Moving aggregates, handling concrete mix ingredients, and general material handling.

Types of Picks and Their Uses

Picks, while less frequently used than shovels in some modern construction, still have essential roles:

Claw Pick

Purpose: This versatile tool combines a pick end for breaking up hard materials like rocks or concrete and a claw end for pulling out nails or other embedded objects.
Material: Steel head with a sturdy handle, often wood or fiberglass.
Construction Uses: Breaking up hard soil, removing embedded debris, demolition work (on a smaller scale).

Railroad Pick (or Crowbar)

Purpose: Features a long, sturdy handle for leverage. It's mainly used for prying, levering, and moving heavy objects. While not strictly a "pick," it's frequently used alongside them on construction sites.
Material: Steel head and handle.
Construction Uses: Moving large rocks or timbers, breaking up concrete slabs (with caution), and demolition work.

Safety Precautions When Using Shovels and Picks

Proper posture: Avoid back strain by bending your knees and lifting with your legs, not your back.
Sharp tools: Always handle shovels and picks carefully to avoid cuts and injuries. Inspect tools before use and replace damaged ones.
Footwear: Wear sturdy boots to protect your feet from dropped objects and uneven terrain.
Eye protection: When breaking rocks or concrete, wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries from flying debris.
Gloves: Wear work gloves to improve grip and protect your hands from blisters and cuts.

Shovels and Picks: Essential Hand Tools in Construction

Shovels and picks, despite the rise of mechanized equipment, retain their importance in construction. Their versatility and suitability for smaller, more precise tasks make them indispensable tools for many construction projects, from residential building to large-scale infrastructure projects. Understanding their different types and proper usage techniques is key to efficient and safe work practices on any construction site.