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How to Choose Snow Removal Tools & Ice Melt
The first heavy snowfall is the worst time to discover your shovel bends, your ice melt is empty, and your back can’t take another driveway. A little planning before the season turns a miserable morning into a fifteen-minute job — and keeps your walkways safe for everyone who uses them.
The short answer
For most homes, pair a good ergonomic snow shovel (or a single-stage snow thrower if you clear more than about 60 feet of pavement) with a calcium-chloride blend ice melt that works below zero and is easier on concrete and plants than rock salt. Add a sturdy roof rake if you get heavy, wet snow, and keep the whole kit by the door before the first storm — not after.
Shovel, thrower, or both?
Start by matching the tool to how much pavement you clear and how often it snows. A quality snow shovel or pusher handles most walkways, small driveways, and steps — and it never fails to start. Once you’re clearing a two-car driveway plus a sidewalk on a regular basis, a snow thrower (also called a snow blower) saves your back and a lot of time.
Throwers split into single-stage (light, good to roughly 8–9 inches of fresh snow, clears down to the pavement — ideal for flat driveways) and two-stage (bigger, self-propelled, chews through deep drifts and heavy plow piles at the end of the driveway). Battery models from brands like EGO, Ryobi, and Greenworks have gotten genuinely good for average snowfall; gas Ariens and Toro units still rule for deep, wet, frequent snow.
| Tool | Best for | Typical snow depth | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snow shovel | Walkways, steps, small drives | Any — you set the pace | Back strain; lift with legs |
| Snow pusher / sleigh | Wide flat areas, light snow | Up to ~4” | Struggles with wet, packed snow |
| Single-stage thrower | Flat driveways & sidewalks | Up to ~9” | Not for gravel; can throw stones |
| Two-stage thrower | Long/steep drives, plow piles | 12”+ and drifts | Heavy, needs storage room |
A tip that saves shovels: buy one with a steel wear strip on the blade edge and a metal-core or fiberglass handle. Cheap all-plastic shovels crack in the exact cold they’re meant for.
Ice melt: not all bags are the same
The label matters more than the price. Different ice melt products use different active ingredients, and they perform very differently in a real cold snap. Rock salt (sodium chloride) is cheap but quits around 15–20°F and is hard on concrete, metal, and lawns. Blends built around calcium chloride or magnesium chloride keep melting well below zero and are gentler on plants and pets when used as directed.
| Ice melt type | Works down to | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rock salt (sodium chloride) | ~15–20°F | Cheapest; rough on concrete, metal, grass |
| Calcium chloride | ~ −25°F | Fast, hottest melt; great for deep cold |
| Magnesium chloride | ~ −10°F | Gentler on plants & concrete |
| “Pet-safe” blends | Varies | Usually urea/CMA mix; easier on paws |
Two habits stretch a bag and protect your surfaces: apply a thin layer before the storm so ice never bonds to the pavement, and don’t over-apply — more product doesn’t melt faster, it just runs off into your soil. New concrete under a year old shouldn’t get chloride melt at all; use sand for traction instead.
Roofs, gutters, and the ice you don’t see
Heavy, wet snow on a roof is a real load, and the ice dams that form at the eaves push melt-water back under your shingles. A long-handled roof rake lets you pull snow off the lower roof from the ground — do it before it compacts. For dams that have already formed, calcium-chloride tablets or a filled fabric sock laid across the dam melt a drainage channel without you climbing an icy ladder. Never chip at ice with a hammer or hatchet; you’ll take the shingles with it.
Traction, warmth, and staying upright
The most common winter injury isn’t from the storm — it’s the fall on the ice afterward. Keep sand or a traction grit by the door, and stock the gear that keeps clearing snow from becoming its own hazard.
- Insulated, waterproof gloves: cold, wet hands lose grip and dexterity fast. Get a pair rated for the wet, not just the cold.
- Waterproof boots with aggressive tread — or slip-on ice cleats for packed, glazed walkways.
- A headlamp or flashlight: winter mornings and evenings are dark, and you want both hands free.
- Traction sand or grit for spots you can’t fully melt, like north-facing steps that stay shaded and icy.
- A folding shovel and blanket in the car from your winter auto kit — storms don’t always wait until you’re home.
Buy before the season, and store it right
The single best move is timing: stock your shovel, ice melt, and roof rake in the fall, when the shelves are full and you’re not competing with a whole town during a warning. Keep ice melt sealed and dry — it clumps into a brick once it draws moisture. Run gas throwers dry or add fuel stabilizer at season’s end, and if you’ve gone battery, store the packs indoors; lithium batteries lose punch and lifespan sitting in a freezing garage. A quick oil check and a fresh spark plug on a gas unit before the first snow beats a no-start on the worst morning of the year.
Pick by your winter
Light & occasional
A few inches a handful of times a year. A quality ergonomic shovel, one bag of magnesium-chloride melt, and good gloves cover you. Skip the thrower.
Real winters
Regular storms and a full driveway. A single-stage thrower plus a shovel for the tight spots, calcium-chloride melt for the deep cold, and a roof rake on standby.
Snow country
Deep, wet, frequent snow and plow piles. A two-stage gas thrower, calcium-chloride melt in bulk, cleats, and a serious roof rake are worth every dollar.
Shop the whole project
Gear up before the first storm at National Hardware Group
Every tool and bag ships from an authorized retailer — genuine, warranty-backed, and picked from the trusted brands your neighborhood hardware store carries. See our guarantee.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ice melt for concrete?
A magnesium-chloride or calcium-magnesium-acetate (CMA) blend is the gentlest option for concrete because it melts at lower application rates and runs off less aggressively than rock salt. Never use any chloride ice melt on concrete that’s less than a year old — use sand for traction instead until it fully cures.
Do I need a single-stage or two-stage snow blower?
Choose a single-stage thrower for flat driveways and sidewalks with snow up to about nine inches; it clears down to the pavement and is lighter to handle. Step up to a two-stage if you have a long or steep driveway, deep drifts, or heavy plow piles at the end of the drive.
When should I buy snow removal supplies?
Buy in the fall, before the first storm. Shelves are fully stocked, you can compare options calmly, and you avoid the rush when a storm warning empties the aisles. Store ice melt sealed and dry so it doesn’t clump before you need it.
How do I stop ice dams on my roof?
Rake heavy snow off the lower roof from the ground with a long-handled roof rake before it compacts, and lay calcium-chloride tablets or a filled fabric sock across an existing dam to melt a drainage channel. Don’t chip at the ice with tools — you’ll damage the shingles. Long term, better attic insulation and ventilation are the real fix.
Is a battery snow blower powerful enough?
For average snowfall — a few inches at a time on a normal driveway — today’s battery single-stage throwers work well and start instantly in the cold. For deep, wet, frequent snow or big plow piles, a gas two-stage machine still has more staying power and runtime.
Not sure what your winter really demands? Walk into your local independent hardware store and heft a few shovels before you commit, or ask us here — we’ll help you match the gear to your driveway, your climate, and your back.
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