Customer Reviews

Ames True Temper 1518000 Penguin Collapsible Emergency Snow Shovel

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have one of these and find it a perfect compromise between utility, size, and storage needs for the car. Note that while the description says it extends for long reach, that's still only about 3 feet. That's just fine for taking along in your car for the occasional dig-out, but you'll get tired of using really quickly if you are thinking of using it for your front walk!

The push-button mechanism for the handle extension is easy to use, the blade and handle are strong, and the extension of the handle into the blade ensures long-life, unlike some models that are pinned into a short socket only. You want stainless steel, as in this shovel, when you are storing a shovel in your car - you don't want it rusting in your trunk, staining everything it touches.

If you park in the street or want to have all the winter gear in your trunk, this is a good choice. It takes little trunk space, but can move quite a bit of snow.

I bought this shovel for my car and one for my nephew when he goes winter backpacking. I think it is indispensible although a little tough to manipulate the handle sometimes.

I was expecting a half-baked POS, and I got something I think will last for a really long time.

Handle is aluminum, has two sections, seems sturdy. Scoop is decent plastic, better than the cheap snow shovel I had been using. Collapses down to the size of the scoop, and extended it looks as it does in the pic. FYI, it is kinda short for a snow shovel, but that's the point. It fits in your trunk v. well.

I am so glad I purchased this shovel! I live in an area that does not get much snow, so I wanted a shovel that did not take up much space in my trunk thinking that I probably wouldn't need it for maybe even a few years. Then came the Snowpocalypse of 2010. This shovel was perfect. It was strong enough to manage as much snow as you can fit on it. Please check the size of the scoop before you purchase though. If you are looking for a big shovel, this is not it. However, I live in a condo building with a large parking lot. This shovel's small size actually made it easier to dig out around my car and especially under it and around the wheels. There is no way I would have been able to dig around the wheels the way I did with a bigger shovel.

"Shovely" will be a member of my family for a long time.

Great car shovel! Small but it still works great to shovel my car out of the not so deep snow.

I purchased this shovel for my 3 ˝ year old son.

Every time it snows I charge out of the house in just my skivvies with my metal reinforced monster shovel that weighs approximately 105 lbs. I toss the snow like a hulking yeti, launching 40 lbs of it into orbit with each sweep of the shovel. Unfortunately due to the size of my property, and despite my strapping muscularity, it often takes me over an hour to clear the snow. I also have to slow down for fear of putting my neighbors to shame. My exhibition of manliness often causes both husband and wife neighbor to become amorous at my form. While this doesn't bother me, there are already enough kids running around the neighborhood from when I mow the lawn in the summers.

While considering how to speed up the process, I noticed my son loafing in my family room. As I shoveled bare-chested he played with his blocks and picked his nose. Well no more! I ran inside and immediately purchased the Penguin Collapsible shovel - it's the perfect size for a child. Within a few days (and a few more feet of snow) the shovel arrived. "It's time to earn your keep Arnold Conan Gr33n4blu3 Jr!" I shoved some snow shoes on him and handed him the shovel. Then I tossed him outside for a few hours.

I must say that once the screams and complaints died down, my son did an admirable job. Th Penguin Collapsible shovel allowed him to clear my entire driveway! Sure it took him all day and he looked like a Smurf afterward, but you should see how he cornered the lot! I was so proud. A few more weeks of training and he should be able to do the driveway in under an hour. Well, either that or freeze in place and make a nice lawn ornament.

So parents, don't sweat all day while your kids sit on their butts and play videogames. Make them earn their day off from school. Buy this shovel and get some labor out of them!

This little shovel is great except for the fact that it broke just after two uses. The push-button that locks the collapsible handle in place broke and fell out. Now I can't really use it. I sent email to the seller to see if they'll replace it.

Update: Just a couple of hours after I first emailed the seller about this problem, I received a reply from them: "Per your request we have placed a no charge reorder."

Use this shovel for backcountry snow camping. Great for building a snow cave. Three lengths: packed, short, and long. For shovel snow over your shoulder I'd go with a longer shovel. But for trenching and caves it works great. Cheap too. In the same weight range as the BD aluminum models.

Have not used it in icy conditions yet.

I ordered this like a week ago. Ordered two items that day, actually. First one from a different vendor - different item - arrived today. This thing has yet to ship! What gives? By the time it gets here winter will be OVER!!! GET A MOVE ON. Once I get this, then maybe I'll review it for you.
** UPDATE:
Status: In transit
ABOUT TIME!
** UPDATE 2:
Finally got it! Took WEEKS to ship out! But, it seems nice enough. Smaller than you'd expect, but fine for the trunk of your car. No problem putting it together and I would recommend it for light snow or emergencies.