What is this tool challenge

[fixerupper]

Sorry to be fussy but that is a shovel ...

 

[Screwdriver]

Sorry to be fussy but that is a shovel ...

I did consider that so I referred back to the manufacturer and checked the dictionary definition. The blade is curved which suggests shovel, the handle is offset which also suggests shovel. The key issue is that this implement does not have the deep flanges you need on a shovel each side of the blade.

Bulldog make all types of garden implement so they should know.

They call this one a spade. Take it up with them...

 

[Screwdriver]

Turns out you can still get them: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bulldog-7101LPH48N-Premier-Handled-Digging/dp/B004NT5F5O

I agree it is an important distinction but the lines are slightly blurred.

More importantly perhaps is that they are apparently a manganese steel which should help me later to work out heat treating.

 

[8ob]

Second lifeing old shovels and spades may not be viable but they can be of use, every now and then my fabby grabs all the broken ones and either fits long poles on them or shortens them up for working in tight spaces. My lads use them so its not a waste of time.

Bob

 

[arther dailey]

chuck it in brick acid first ,get the concrete off

 

[Screwdriver]

chuck it in brick acid first ,get the concrete off

First job will be to clean it and it is tempting to just get it red hot which will clean anything and will also anneal it so that I might chop it up. Two birds for the price of one. Two things stopping me. 1. it's too big for the forge 2. I might actually want to keep it as a spade and not lose the temper.

If I keep it as a spade I might also want to keep the patina of age and any remnant of forge scale so my first port of call might be a "non destructive" cleaning process

Decisions decisions.

 

[arther dailey]

brick acid..just removes concrete, wont affect patina much unless you leave it way too long ,horses for courses fella