Mini Shovels

About Mini Shovels

Mini shovels are compact, versatile digging tools designed for work in confined spaces, light excavation tasks, and precision gardening applications. Available in various head styles including round point, square edge, and drainage patterns, these reduced-size tools from trusted brands like Roughneck, Draper, and Spear and Jackson deliver full-sized performance in a more manageable format. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of mini shovels suitable for both professional tradespeople and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.

From folding shovels ideal for vehicle storage to stainless steel flower spades perfect for delicate planting work, the mini shovel category encompasses tools engineered for specific tasks. Whether you need a micro pick and mattock set for breaking ground or a sharp edge round shovel for general purpose digging, MyToolShed offers quality options with robust construction and ergonomic handles for comfortable extended use.

Applications

Mini shovels serve a diverse range of trades and applications:

• Landscapers and groundworkers – borders, rockeries, and confined space excavation
• Gardeners and horticulturalists – planting bulbs, bedding plants, and border maintenance
• Builders and general construction – accessing trenches, mixing small batches, and site tidying
• Drainage specialists – working in inspection chambers and narrow trenches
• Camping and outdoor activities – portable folding models for emergency use
• Allotment holders – precision digging without disturbing adjacent plants
• Facilities maintenance – keeping emergency tools in vehicles and plant rooms

Choosing The Right Mini Shovels

When selecting mini shovels from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these essential factors:

• Head shape: Round point designs suit general digging and penetrating hard ground, whilst square edge models excel at scooping and moving materials
• Material construction: Stainless steel heads resist corrosion for horticultural work, whilst carbon steel offers superior strength for construction applications
• Handle type: Fixed handles provide maximum strength, whilst folding designs offer portability for vehicle storage or emergency kits
• Head size: Micro shovels (typically 150-200mm wide) suit the tightest spaces, whilst standard mini shovels (200-250mm) balance manoeuvrability with productivity
• Handle length: Shorter handles increase portability but may require more bending; longer shafts improve leverage and reduce back strain
• Grip design: D-grips and T-handles enhance control, whilst straight shafts allow for storage in narrow spaces

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a mini shovel and a trowel?

Mini shovels feature longer handles (typically 400-800mm) and larger heads than trowels, providing greater digging depth and leverage. They're designed for tasks requiring more force than hand tools can deliver whilst remaining more manoeuvrable than full-sized spades.

Are folding mini shovels as strong as fixed models?

Quality folding shovels with robust locking mechanisms offer excellent strength for general purpose tasks. However, fixed-handle mini shovels typically provide superior durability for heavy-duty professional use where maximum leverage and impact resistance are required.

Can mini shovels be used for breaking hard ground?

Sharp edge models and micro pick designs handle compacted soil effectively. For particularly hard ground, consider a micro pick and mattock set which combines a pointed pick for breaking with a flat blade for levering and chopping through roots.