Updated on Nov. 06, 2024
If you live in a snowy climate but have limited access to outlets, these human-powered snow removal tools easily and quickly clear driveways.
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When it comes to the winter season, it pays to be prepared. Although pricey gas snow blowers and corded snow shovels make short work of seasonal flurries, not everyone enjoys the fumes or has access to an outdoor outlet. Our biggest winter tip is investing in some good human-powered snow removal tools that can be used when the gas runs out or electricity fails.
“The choice between hand-powered and powered snow removal tools largely depends on the area size, snow amount and personal preference,” says Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal.
“Hand-powered snow removal tools are more environmentally friendly, quieter, and don’t require fuel or charging. Hand tools like snow shovels or pushers are great for light, fluffy snow and give you more control and precision in tight spaces. They’re also cost-effective and provide a good physical workout.”
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Sicks of gas fumes, cords and forgetting to charge up plow batteries? Save time by pushing the Manplow, an extra wide snow removal tool that clears sidewalks and driveways in a single pass. A U-shaped handle offers the ease of pushing a shopping cart.
The Manplow quickly and safely removes snow by cutting up to a 60-inch path in the snow, depending on the size chosen. When the bottom edge wears down, simply rotate the blade top-to-bottom and double the lifespan.
Dimensions: 47 x 14 x 3 inches | Weight: 8.98 pounds | Customer Rating: 4.6 stars | Best for: Clearing under 4 inches of snow from sidewalks, driveways, or patios
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Shovel smart, not hard and save yourself the backache. The Snow Joe Shovelution snow removal tool uses an ergonomic, spring-loaded grip to harness the energy from your upper body movement to make shoveling easier. By concentrating the leverage on the lower hand, it also keep you from having to stoop, saving strain on the back too.
Dimensions: Not stated; blade is 18 inches long | Weight: 2 pounds | Customer Rating: 4.5 stars | Best for: Shoveling snow outside
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Keep a standard shop broom handy to sweep light dustings off walkways before they turn into a dangerous icy glaze. The Quickie Bulldozer arrives ready to shove snow out of the way, even on rough surfaces like gravel. Natural palmyra fibers scrape against uneven surfaces, pulling snow and ice out of crevices it’s otherwise difficult to get to.
A resin head offers more structure than plastic, and the sturdy steel handle offers additional strength against heavy snow.
Dimensions: 3 x 6.13 x 60.56 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Customer Rating: 4.5 stars | Best for: Dusting off sidewalks, patios, and driveways
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An icy sidewalk is a major hazard. Use a straight-edged root-cutting snow removal tool like the Snow Joe Steel Ice Chopper to break and scrape ice in the wintertime. It absorbs the impact thanks to the spring-loaded design, meaning less strain on your hands and wrists.
A seven-inch carbon steel chopper blade easily slices through ice and crusty snow, making it easier than ever to deice the driveway.
Dimensions: 39.70 x 7 x 9.10 inches | Weight: 3.17 pounds | Customer Rating: 4.5 stars | Best for: Chopping ice on sidewalks or driveways
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Simplify the task of laying sidewalk salts by refilling a handheld seed spreader and covering smaller areas more frequently. This prevents an uneven spread and reduces the amount of wasted snow melt. It’s also easy to fill—just twist off the top, add ice melt and replace the top. Then, turn it over and shake it like a salt shaker for full coverage.
Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 13 inches | Weight: 1.03 pounds | Customer Rating: 4.5 stars | Best for: Dispensing ice melt and salt
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Prevent damaging ice dams by removing roof accumulation with a roof rake. Look for a model with a telescoping handle like the True Temper roof rake. Unlike roof rakes with static poles, the telescoping pole offers additional length for larger, two-story homes. We also appreciate the addition of a wide, 24-inch poly blade that speeds up the chore.
Dimensions: 24 x 72 inches | Weight: 6.8 pounds | Customer Rating: 4.6 stars | Best for: Clearing ice or snow off your roof
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Keep a scraping and brushing tool in your winter car survival kit to keep snow and ice at bay all winter long. Look for an ice and snow remover that has both a scraper and a brush to tackle whatever winter throws at your windshield. The Mallory Snow Brush offers both, plus a comfortable, contoured foam grip for added ergonomics.
Dimensions: 8 x 26 inches | Weight: Not stated | Customer Rating: 4.7 stars | Best for: Brushing and chipping away at ice and snow on your car
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Don’t get caught unarmed on the go. Keep a few car snow removal tools—like this space-saving shovel that collapses or pulls apart in your car for emergency bailouts. Not only is it fully collapsible down from 25 to 32 inches, but it also breaks down into three separate pieces that are easy to store in a trunk or under a seat.
Dimensions: 16.5 x 8.5 x 3.75 inches | Weight: 0.9 pounds | Customer Rating: 4.6 stars | Best for: Shoveling snow around your car
When shopping for snow removal tools, consider the areas that need to be cleared. While snow brushes and scrapers work well for clearing car windshields and front steps, larger areas—like driveways and sidewalks—typically require tools with wider reach and longer handles.
In addition, consider the type of snow the area typically receives. Some places see only a light dusting, whereas other areas expect a few feet of accumulation each season. A plastic snow shovel may be the perfect lightweight tool for the former, but the latter might require something more heavy-duty to scoop up those heavy, wet flakes.
I lived through a major home renovation in 2019, know the ups and downs of home improvement and love sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, I have won several awards for my writing and have covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food.
Emily Way is an Associate Shopping Editor for Family Handyman with experience researching products and recommending the best designs to consumers. She researched and updated this piece. Way consulted Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal and someone with over 25 years in the landscaping industry.
Our editors take snow removal seriously. We first spoke with snow-clearing experts, learning what they consider the most important snow removal tools. Then, we combed through dozens of snow removal tools, focusing on tools that include handy features and rave reviews. No matter how you decide to say goodbye to snow in the driveway, we’re confident that the tools on this list will get the job done right.
“If shoveling isn’t an option, you can use a snow blower, which comes in hand-powered, electric, and gas models,” says Caballero. “They are efficient for clearing large driveways or walkways.”
“Another option is to use a liquid de-icer before snow falls to prevent it from sticking and forming ice. After snowfall, you can apply a granular ice melt product to help break down the snow and ice, making it easier to remove. For roof snow, use a roof rake with an extendable handle to safely pull snow off without climbing onto the roof.”
