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Best tool to break up ice on my driveway?

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IndyColtsFan said:
I've heard that rock salt can pit concrete driveways, so I avoid it and use the "synthetic" stuff.
Click to expand...

That's only really an issue if it is a new driveway (<1yr) that isn't fully cured, or if the driveway is already falling apart.

A fully cured driveway in good condition shouldn't have an issue with rock salt.
 
John P said:
When I lived in Kansas we had a couple of "ice breaker" tools. Basically a long shovel handle with a large steel scraper at the bottom, maybe 6"-8" wide. I don't know if they still make them any more? The only thing I see in the hardware stores here in WA that looks anything like it is the edging tools - the ice breaker looks similar except it's straight at the edge instead of curved. They work great on smooth driveway surfaces, probably wouldn't work well on aggregate driveways.
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's called a Scuffle Hoe. We used to use them all the time to remove ice from sidewalks when I was growing up.
 
Most people just buy an ice chipper.

chipper_ice.jpg
 
Use the "deicer" stuff, not rock salt. You don't have to coat the entire ice surface - sprinkle it around at about 10&#37; coverage. You can always use more if you need it. It will burn through the ice quicker than you might think, then starting near the edge of the ice floe use something with a metal edge (beefier than a snow shovel) to jab down on the ice. That will break it up into pieces, then you can shovel it.
 
kranky said:
Use the "deicer" stuff, not rock salt. You don't have to coat the entire ice surface - sprinkle it around at about 10% coverage. You can always use more if you need it. It will burn through the ice quicker than you might think, then starting near the edge of the ice floe use something with a metal edge (beefier than a snow shovel) to jab down on the ice. That will break it up into pieces, then you can shovel it.
Click to expand...

Wow... detailed. Ok thanks i might try this.
 
Garant Nordic 24in Steel Snow Shovel
http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3994135

You won't bend this puppy no matter how hard you try.

I've killed every snow shovel I've ever owned, usually by breaking the handle or breaking the actual shovel bit.

I've had this for 2 winters now, and it hasn't even shown any signs of strain.
I can smash it into my driveway, and it'll break through or loosen up solid pack ice just fine.


I've also used spade shovels in the past, but they really don't work as well as my Garant.
I've tried a hammer, but usually anything big enough to really break up the ice will also break up the surface of the driveway.

Thus, Garant steel snow pusher = best possible way to remove ice.
 
Calcium chloride de-icer.

Does less damage to your landscaping, concrete, and vehicles....and works better than salt.
 
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