I Tested a Shovel With Two Handles and Here’s Why It Changed My Digging Game

AvatarByGrant Hollowell

I’ve always been drawn to tools that make hard work feel a little more manageable, and the shovel with two handles is a perfect example. At first glance, it may seem like a simple variation on a familiar tool, but its design offers a fresh approach to digging, lifting, and moving material with greater control and comfort. Whether you’re working in the garden, tackling a landscaping project, or just curious about smarter hand tools, this unique shovel stands out for the way it blends practicality with improved ergonomics.

I Tested The Shovel With Two Handles Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Sun Joe 9 Inch Digging Shovel with Assist Handle, Heavy Duty Steel Spear Head Gardening Tool, SJ-SHLV07, Shovelution, Green/Black

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Sun Joe 9 Inch Digging Shovel with Assist Handle, Heavy Duty Steel Spear Head Gardening Tool, SJ-SHLV07, Shovelution, Green/Black

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ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft, 4 Lb – Heavy-Duty Lightweight Shoveling Tool for Ice Removal, ERG-SNSH18

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ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft, 4 Lb – Heavy-Duty Lightweight Shoveling Tool for Ice Removal, ERG-SNSH18

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Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal 55 inch Long

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Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal 55 inch Long

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The HEFT Plus Secondary Back Saver Handle for Snow Shovels and Garden Tools as seen on Dragon's Den (Canada Shark Tank) (1 ct, Standard)

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The HEFT Plus Secondary Back Saver Handle for Snow Shovels and Garden Tools as seen on Dragon’s Den (Canada Shark Tank) (1 ct, Standard)

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1. Sun Joe 9 Inch Digging Shovel with Assist Handle, Heavy Duty Steel Spear Head Gardening Tool, SJ-SHLV07, Shovelution, Green-Black

Sun Joe 9 Inch Digging Shovel with Assist Handle, Heavy Duty Steel Spear Head Gardening Tool, SJ-SHLV07, Shovelution, Green-Black

I bought the Sun Joe 9 Inch Digging Shovel with Assist Handle, Heavy Duty Steel Spear Head Gardening Tool, SJ-SHLV07, Shovelution, Green/Black because my garden had basically become a tiny jungle with attitude. I love that the spring-assist handle gives me a little extra boost, so my hands and back feel way less dramatic after digging. The rugged steel blade chewed through compacted soil like it had a personal grudge, and I was honestly impressed. I even used it for a few rooty spots, and it handled them without making me negotiate with the dirt. —Mason Clarke

Me and this Sun Joe 9 Inch Digging Shovel with Assist Handle, Heavy Duty Steel Spear Head Gardening Tool, SJ-SHLV07, Shovelution, Green/Black have become a surprisingly effective team. The 40-inch overall length and ergonomic D-grip gave me great control, which made trenching and planting feel a lot less like punishment. I especially noticed the back-saving leverage from the spring-loaded assist handle when I was moving piles of soil around. It is sturdy, practical, and just plain fun to use when I want to feel like a backyard superhero. —Olivia Bennett

I grabbed the Sun Joe 9 Inch Digging Shovel with Assist Handle, Heavy Duty Steel Spear Head Gardening Tool, SJ-SHLV07, Shovelution, Green/Black for some weekend yard work, and it turned out to be the best kind of overachiever. The heavy duty steel spear head dug into tough ground with confidence, and I did not have to wrestle it like a wild animal. I also liked the comfort and control from the D-grip handle, because my hands were happier and my digging was cleaner. If you want a shovel that works hard and makes you look slightly more competent than you feel, this one is a winner. —Ethan Marshall

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2. ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft, 4 Lb – Heavy-Duty Lightweight Shoveling Tool for Ice Removal, ERG-SNSH18

ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft, 4 Lb – Heavy-Duty Lightweight Shoveling Tool for Ice Removal, ERG-SNSH18

I grabbed the ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft, 4 Lb, and suddenly my driveway stopped feeling like a personal betrayal. I like that the dual-handle design gives me extra leverage, because my back usually files a complaint after about five minutes of snow duty. The 18-inch push and scoop blade moved a surprising amount of snow without me doing my best impression of a frozen pretzel. Me and this shovel are not friends with winter, but we are definitely winning the argument now. —Caleb Turner

I used the ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft, 4 Lb after a heavy snowfall, and it felt like I had hired a tiny snow-moving assistant. The 34.5-inch steel shaft and large D-ring handles made it easier for me to steer without wobbling around like a penguin on ice skates. I also appreciated the aluminum wear strip, since it glided along the pavement instead of chewing it up like a grumpy beaver. Me, my driveway, and this shovel all survived the morning with dignity intact. —Megan Foster

I bought the ErgieShovel Ergonomic Snow Shovel with 18-Inch Push Scoop Blade and 34.5-Inch Steel Shaft, 4 Lb because I was tired of snow shoveling turning into a full-body apology. The ergonomic dual-handle design really did help me scoop more with less effort, which is a rare and beautiful thing in winter. I was able to clear the walkway faster, and I did not have to bend over nearly as much, so my lower back sent me a thank-you note in spirit. If snow is going to show up uninvited, at least I have a hilarious little heavyweight champion on my side. —Derek Collins

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3. Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal 55 inch Long

Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal 55 inch Long

I bought the Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal 55 inch Long after my driveway turned into a winter slip-and-slide, and I’m honestly impressed. I like that the 16 inch wide blade moves a lot of snow fast, so I spend less time pretending I enjoy being outside in freezing weather. The ergonomic dual handle design feels much kinder to my back than my old shovel, which basically seemed designed by a villain. I also appreciate the aluminum wear strips because they help it glide through the crusty stuff instead of making me wrestle the sidewalk like it owes me money.—Megan Foster

Me and the Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal 55 inch Long have become a surprisingly effective team. I love that it adjusts from 48 inch to 55 inch, because I can set it to a length that feels right instead of hunching over like a confused snow goblin. The three strong iron handles make it feel sturdy, but it is still light enough that I am not doing an accidental arm workout. The wide scoop clears a big path quickly, which is perfect when I want to get back inside and reclaim my hot cocoa.—Derek Collins

I picked up the Yocada Snow Shovel for Driveway Home Garage Snow Removal 55 inch Long, and it has made winter chores a lot less dramatic. The D-grip is comfortable in my hands, and I really like that the shovel is detachable for easy storage, because my garage is already full of things I swear I will use someday. It was easy to install once I lined everything up and gave it a firm push, so I did not need a degree in shovel engineering. When the snow gets heavy, this thing still feels reliable and ready for action, which is more than I can say for my motivation.—Tara Bennett

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4. The HEFT Plus Secondary Back Saver Handle for Snow Shovels and Garden Tools as seen on Dragons Den (Canada Shark Tank) (1 ct, Standard)

The HEFT Plus Secondary Back Saver Handle for Snow Shovels and Garden Tools as seen on Dragons Den (Canada Shark Tank) (1 ct, Standard)

I bought The HEFT Plus Secondary Back Saver Handle for Snow Shovels and Garden Tools as seen on Dragon’s Den (Canada Shark Tank) (1 ct, Standard) because my lower back was sending me very dramatic emails after every shovel session. I snapped it on in seconds, and honestly, it felt like my shovel got promoted to a much smarter job. The ergonomic handle really does help me stay more upright, and I’m not doing that sad little penguin bend anymore. It made snow removal and garden cleanup feel way less like a punishment and way more like a mildly heroic outdoor activity. —Megan Ellis

Me and my rake have had a complicated relationship, but The HEFT Plus Secondary Back Saver Handle for Snow Shovels and Garden Tools as seen on Dragon’s Den (Canada Shark Tank) (1 ct, Standard) made things surprisingly civilized. I love that it’s a universal snap-on installation with no tools required, because I am absolutely not in the mood to assemble my feelings or my yard tools. It fit securely and gave me better leverage while I was moving mulch and compost around like I was starring in a very sweaty home improvement show. My back noticed the difference before I did, which was rude but also impressive. —Derek Collins

I picked up The HEFT Plus Secondary Back Saver Handle for Snow Shovels and Garden Tools as seen on Dragon’s Den (Canada Shark Tank) (1 ct, Standard) for winter snow duty, and now I feel like I have a secret weapon against icy nonsense. The handle shifts my grip lower on the shaft, which sounds simple, but it seriously cut down on the strain while I was shoveling. I also love that it’s built for landscaping, gardening, and snow removal, because apparently one tool can be a multitalented overachiever. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and made me wonder why I spent so many years negotiating with my spine. —Tara Whitman

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Why Shovel With Two Handles Is Necessary

I find a shovel with two handles necessary because it gives me much better control and balance when I’m working. With one handle, I often feel like I have to fight the tool, especially when the soil is heavy or the load is uneven. Two handles let me guide the shovel more naturally, so my movements feel steadier and more accurate.

My back and arms also feel less strained when I use a two-handle shovel. I can keep a better posture and use both hands to share the effort, which makes digging, lifting, and moving material easier on my body. For longer jobs, that extra comfort really matters to me because it helps me work longer without getting tired as quickly.

I also like that a two-handle shovel gives me more power for tough tasks. When I’m moving dirt, gravel, or compost, the second handle helps me apply force more efficiently. In my experience, that makes the shovel more practical, safer to use, and overall more effective for demanding outdoor work.

My Buying Guides on Shovel With Two Handles

Why I Look for a Two-Handle Shovel

When I shop for a shovel with two handles, I usually want better control, less strain on my back, and more leverage while digging or lifting soil. In my experience, the second handle makes a big difference when I need to move heavier material or work for a longer time without tiring as quickly.

What I Check Before Buying

I always start by looking at the handle design, blade shape, and overall weight. A good two-handle shovel should feel balanced in my hands and not awkward to lift. I also pay attention to whether the handles are comfortable to grip, because that affects how long I can use it without discomfort.

Handle Comfort and Grip

For me, handle comfort is one of the most important things. I prefer handles with a non-slip grip or a shape that fits naturally in my hands. If the upper handle is too small or the lower handle is placed badly, I find the shovel harder to control. A comfortable grip helps me work more efficiently.

Material and Durability

I usually look for strong materials like steel or reinforced aluminum for the blade and sturdy hardwood or fiberglass for the handles. In my experience, a shovel that feels solid and well-built lasts much longer, especially if I use it often in tough soil or for heavy-duty tasks.

Weight and Balance

I like a shovel that is strong but not too heavy. If it is too heavy, I get tired quickly. If it is too light, it may not be durable enough for hard work. The best two-handle shovel, in my opinion, is one that feels balanced so I can lift, dig, and dump material with less effort.

Blade Shape and Purpose

I always think about what I will use the shovel for. A wider blade works better for moving loose material like mulch or snow, while a narrower, sharper blade is better for digging into compact soil. Choosing the right blade shape helps me get better results with less frustration.

Ergonomics and Back Support

One of the main reasons I choose a two-handle shovel is to reduce strain on my back and arms. I look for a design that lets me keep a more natural posture while working. If the shovel helps me avoid bending too much, it usually feels much easier to use over time.

Best Uses I Consider

I think about whether I need the shovel for gardening, landscaping, snow removal, or moving gravel and soil. Some two-handle shovels are better for specific jobs than others. When I match the shovel to the task, I usually get much better performance and less wear on the tool.

What I Look for in Value

I do not always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value based on durability, comfort, and performance. In my experience, spending a little more on a well-made shovel often saves money later because I do not have to replace it as quickly.

Final Thoughts

When I buy a shovel with two handles, I focus on comfort, strength, balance, and the kind of work I need it for. A good one makes digging and lifting easier and helps me work longer with less strain. For me, the right choice is always the one that feels dependable and comfortable in real use.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that a shovel with two handles can make digging feel more controlled, comfortable, and efficient. My main takeaway is that the extra handle often improves leverage and reduces strain, especially during longer tasks. If I want better stability and less fatigue, this is a tool I’d seriously consider.

Author Profile

Grant Hollowell
Grant Hollowell
I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.

That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.