Pro Handle Shovel - Broom - Grip

The idea is sound but the execution has some shortcomings. I planned on using this on the shovel I use when loading my wheelbarrow with topsoil, mulch, etc. The problem is that the "jaws" and accompanying bolts used to clamp onto the handle of shovel are not able to accommodate the handle of my shovel. The shovel I wanted to use is nothing exotic: it is just a run of the mill flat point transfer shovel. Perhaps if I purchased some longer bolts I could get this to half-work but there is no way to make the jaws wider. It seems to me the Pro Handle was designed for something not much larger in circumference than the handle of your average broom or rake. I wound up attaching this to my mulch rake instead but that is somewhat of a waste since the rake's handle is so long it is easy to use without ever having to bend over. Bottom line is I will be able to use this item but not on the tool I had planned and therefore making this a mild disappointment.

I got this as a gift and it seemed like a great idea for someone with a bad back. The first one broke during the second use. The hardware store where it was purchased replaced it and have been using it very carefully since (cause it really aids in moving heavy wet snow). But today, unit # 2 broke at the same spot at the end of the handle where it connects to the piece that wraps around the shovel handle. The cheap plastic cannot handle any stress before it just snaps off (rendering it as landfill). I like the design but the plastic used is not strong enough even for light use. I wouldn't recommend wasting $20 on this cheap product.Update: just out of curiosity, I found the website for the ProHandle and it specified replacement parts were available. No phone # so I e-mailed them and got a reply back that I couldn't buy a replacement handle and they routed me back to Home Depot to buy another complete unit. Too funny. I also got a kick out of their plastic strength (stronger than steel) claims made on their website. My 115 lb wife broke the handle on the first unit inside of 5 minutes of use and trust me she can't bend steel. I broke the second just scoping some wet snow. IMO, this product is junk.

This item was purchased as a gift for a friend. I haven't followed up on it but I can almost bet you it is being used and enjoyed to its fullest potential.