Introduction: A No-Nonsense Design for Heavy Snow
The True Temper 20-Inch Steel Snow Pusher is a simple, old-school tool built around a steel blade and a hardwood handle. It is designed for heavy, wet slush and packed snow, with a no-frills approach that prioritizes durability over comfort. Priced at the lower end of the market, it offers an affordable option for homeowners who need reliable scraping and pushing power without a high price tag. Owner feedback consistently highlights its effectiveness on ice and hard-packed snow, though some note trade-offs in ergonomics and handle finish.
Performance: Scraping, Pushing, and the Reality of Steel
Scraping Power: The Big Pro
The primary advantage of this snow pusher is its 20-inch wide, heavy-gauge steel blade. The blade is formed with a slight curve, and when tilted forward, its leading edge digs into surfaces with significant authority. Owners consistently report that it scrapes down to bare concrete on driveways and walkways, even after freezing rain or icy crusts, without skipping or flexing. Plastic pushers often leave a thin layer of ice behind, but the True Temper steel blade cuts through effectively. For pushing light to moderate snow, the 20-inch width is a sweet spot—wide enough to move a decent amount per pass but not so wide as to become unmanageable with heavy loads. It handles about six inches of fresh powder without strain, though wet, heavy snow requires smaller bites. This tool is a pusher and scraper first, not designed for lifting or throwing snow.
Ice and Hard Pack: Where It Excels
The True Temper pusher shines on layers of ice or compacted snow, such as areas where car tires pack snow into a dense, slippery layer. With extra downward pressure, the steel edge chips up compacted snow into manageable chunks, clearing such spots in minutes—a task that can take much longer with plastic shovels. The steel edge resists dulling; across owner feedback, the leading edge remains sharp with only minor scuffing and scratching on the paint, and no significant wear to the metal itself.
Build and Value: Hardwood Handle, Steel Blade, and the Trade-offs
The Hardwood Handle: Sturdy but Not Perfect
The handle is made from solid hardwood, not hollow fiberglass, and offers a natural feel that does not transmit cold through gloves as much as metal handles. It attaches to the steel blade with a metal bracket and two bolts, creating a solid connection that holds up under heavy use. The handle is about 48 inches long, comfortable for someone of average height (around 5’10”), providing good leverage without excessive bending. However, a common issue reported by owners is splintering on the handle, particularly near the grip area. The wood is not sealed or finished as well as it could be, and for long-term use, sanding and applying varnish or linseed oil is recommended. This is a typical trade-off with budget-friendly tools using natural wood handles.
No Ergonomic Grip: A Missed Opportunity
The most significant ergonomic flaw is the lack of any padded or contoured grip. The handle is bare wood from top to bottom, with no D-grip, foam sleeve, or rubber overmold. For clearing large areas, owners report hand fatigue and potential blisters without gloves. After about 30 minutes of continuous use, the smooth, round wood can cause aching. For occasional use, this is manageable, but for frequent or long driveway clearing, the lack of a grip is a real annoyance.
Value for Money: Affordable and Built to Last
Priced well under $50 at most hardware stores and online retailers, the True Temper 20-Inch Steel Snow Pusher offers a tool built with real steel and real hardwood—no plastic to crack in the cold, no hollow tube to bend, and no cheap rivets to pop. Similar-priced pushers with plastic blades do not scrape ice as effectively. The value proposition is clear: some comfort and convenience are traded for raw durability and scraping power. If the tool fails, it is likely due to the handle splintering after years of use, not the blade failing. The metal bracket is standard, and bolts are easy to remove, making the handle replaceable.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
Ideal User: The Practical Homeowner Who Scrapes
This snow pusher is ideal for homeowners who need to clear a modest driveway, walkway, or patio, especially those dealing with ice and hard-packed snow regularly. The steel blade is a game-changer for scraping. It suits those who prefer a simple, repairable tool that can be maintained for years—the handle can be replaced if needed. It is also a strong choice for budget-conscious buyers tired of plastic shovels that crack or bend; this steel pusher is a reliable, no-frills alternative.
Not for Everyone: The Comfort-Seeker and the Heavy Lifter
For very long driveways (over 100 feet) or users with back problems, a pusher with an ergonomic handle is recommended. The lack of a padded grip and straight, non-bent shaft can strain the lower back over time. For those dealing primarily with light, fluffy snow and no ice, a lighter plastic pusher may be easier to handle. This tool is heavy—the steel blade adds significant weight, noticeable during long sessions. It is also not suitable for lifting and throwing snow; it is a pusher, not a shovel, and its flat blade lacks a scoop for tossing.
Verdict: A Solid, No-Nonsense Workhorse
The True Temper 20-Inch Steel Snow Pusher is not the most comfortable tool, and the splintering handle is a valid concern. However, for the core job of scraping ice and pushing heavy snow, it outperforms most other budget pushers. The steel blade is tough, effective, and durable, while the hardwood handle, though rough, is strong and repairable. It is a tool for those who value function over form—people who want a tool that will not break, scrapes down to pavement, and lasts for years with a little care. Sanding the handle and wearing good gloves mitigate the comfort issues, and with that, it offers reliable snow removal at a fraction of the cost of high-end ergonomic pushers. Owners report it can last at least five winters with proper maintenance, making it an honest, effective workhorse.
