Contractors Spades

About Contractors Spades

Contractors spades are heavy-duty digging tools engineered specifically for professional tradespeople who demand reliable, robust equipment for daily site work. Unlike standard garden spades, these professional-grade tools feature reinforced all-steel construction, treaded blades, and specialist designs to tackle demanding applications including trenching, fencing, cable laying, and groundwork preparation. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks contractors spades from trusted brands including Bulldog, Spear and Jackson, Faithfull, Roughneck, Draper, and Sealey, each built to withstand the rigours of commercial use across various soil conditions from heavy clay to rocky terrain.

The range includes specialist variants such as fencing spades with narrow blades for post hole digging, trenching spades for excavating cable and pipe runs, rabbiting spades for confined spaces, insulated models for safe working near underground utilities, and root breakers with serrated edges for cutting through tough ground conditions. Each type features specific design characteristics—including blade width, shaft length, handle type, and material construction—optimised for particular excavation tasks.

Applications

Contractors spades are essential tools for professional trades and organisations across the UK construction and groundwork sectors:

• Groundworkers and Excavation Contractors: Foundation digging, drainage work, and site preparation
• Landscapers and Garden Contractors: Borders, planting, terracing, and general groundwork
• Fencing Contractors: Post hole digging and fence line preparation
• Electricians and Cable Layers: Trenching and burying electrical services
• Utility Companies: Excavation work around water, gas, and electrical infrastructure
• Local Authority Maintenance Teams: Highways, parks, and public space maintenance
• Builders and General Contractors: Site clearance and groundwork preparation
• Agricultural Contractors: Drainage, fencing, and land maintenance work

Choosing The Right Contractors Spades

Blade Type and Width: Consider whether you need a standard digging spade (typically 190-200mm wide), a narrow fencing spade (100-150mm), a trenching spade for cable runs, or a rabbiting spade for confined spaces. The blade shape directly affects suitability for different excavation tasks.

Construction Material: All-steel construction offers maximum durability essential for heavy-duty professional use. Look for treaded blade designs that provide a secure platform for foot pressure during extended digging operations, and carbon steel blades for excellent ground penetration and edge retention.

Handle Length and Type: Long-handled spades (1150-1250mm overall length) provide greater leverage for breaking ground, whilst shorter handles offer better control in confined spaces. D-grip handles suit most applications, though some contractors prefer T-handles for specific working styles.

Insulation Requirements: If you work near buried electrical cables or utilities, insulated spades meeting BS8020 standards are essential for safety and HSE compliance. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks insulated models from Bulldog, Draper, and Sealey with non-conductive handles designed to protect operators from electrical hazards.

Safety Information

Underground Services: Always check for buried cables, gas pipes, and water mains before excavation. Use cable locators and refer to utility company records. When working near known services, use insulated spades and follow HSE guidance.

Manual Handling: Keep your back straight, bend your knees, and use leg muscles when lifting. Take regular breaks during extended digging to prevent fatigue and strain injuries.

Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety boots with steel toe caps, heavy-duty work gloves, and hi-visibility clothing when working on construction sites or near roadways.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a contractors spade and a garden spade?

Contractors spades feature reinforced all-steel construction, treaded blades, and heavier-gauge materials designed for daily commercial use in demanding conditions. Garden spades are typically lighter with wooden handles and thinner blades suitable for domestic use but not robust enough for continuous professional work. Contractors spades also include specialist variants like trenching, fencing, and insulated models.

Do I need an insulated spade for working near electricity cables?

Yes, if you're working near buried electrical services, an insulated spade is essential for safety and HSE compliance. These spades feature non-conductive handles and shafts providing protection against electrical shock if you accidentally strike a live cable. Standard metal spades conduct electricity and pose serious electrocution risks near damaged cables.

Are all-steel spades better than those with wooden handles?

For professional contractors work, all-steel construction offers significant advantages in durability, strength, and longevity. Steel shafts won't split or crack like wooden handles under heavy use, and the permanently welded or forged construction eliminates the blade-to-handle joint weakness. Their superior reliability makes them the preferred choice for daily professional use on construction sites.