The Dogmother Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 (edited) I have ordered a shovel for Phil as he does so much driving. I just carry my garden shovel in the back and have used it several times. I also carry two lengths of carpet and blankets in the winter. Thanks for reminding me re getting the chimney swept, the boiler was serviced in the spring and I have tons and tons of firewood thanks to a massive wombling spree in the summer and the neighbours having work done on the house (must get the chainsaw out ) Edited August 11, 2011 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Thanks - thats reminds me to get another non-folding snow shovel. Many mention "PD handle" - what is this ?? Also , what do teh numbers mean eg. "Number 2" H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 I usually just use a garden shovel - but I must get some Yaxtrax this year, last year I saw them in Costco and thought 'nah, never going to need them'. Then it snowed, and froze, and froze, and snowed, and I live on a steep hill ... getting to the station was very scary! Woodpile is full, and I still have more to cut up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 11, 2011 Share Posted August 11, 2011 Get those Yaktrax Olly, they saved my bones a few times... excellent things. Phil was snowed in at mine for a week just before Christmas; my road was passable if you drove a snow plough (on a hill) but his folks were snowed in at the farm and the lane was full of abandoned cars which had run aground on the snow drifts. These photos show how high the snow had drifted across the fields and lane This photo of Phil shows him standing on the drifted snow at the roadside, that is the hedge poking up behind him! The drive up there was a bit hairy but we had shovels at the ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluekarin Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 A tip is to have a small bag of clean cat litter in your car. It apparently makes for good traction if you ever get stuck. I discovered this tipet when looking at what to do with cat litter once cat no longer uses a litter tray - typically we bought two huge bags as it was on special and only used part of one bag Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted August 12, 2011 Share Posted August 12, 2011 What a good tip that is. I've ordered some knitted Ugg style boots today & I desperately want to get some Yak trax.. where's the best price for those? That shovel looks excellent. I feel I'll soon be knitting woolie pullis & mittens etc..ooo all snuggly. We have lots of logs after cutting down some huge trees here. They are going with us. I also have a couple of snuggie crochet blankets I've made. If we get snow like last year - I really will be snowed in this year. Remember me going Devils Bridge at Xmas? Well we will be living very close to there! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abwsco Posted August 12, 2011 Author Share Posted August 12, 2011 Emma, I got my Yaktrax from ebay last year. However, if you've big feet Amazon currently have them in Large at £10. Just ordered some for DH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 They won't fit on Ugg style boots if that's what you're hoping - they need much sturdier soles. They are really best on wellies or walking boots. I wear mine over my muck boots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Have I blinked and missed summer - blimey hope not Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 They do fit on Crocs Mammoths. Also I have worn them with no problems on my Uggs offroader boots Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 They fit on Crocs wellies too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 13, 2011 Share Posted August 13, 2011 Yes, crocs have less bendy soles than Ugg type boots. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Does anyone have snow chains for their cars? We have sold our 4x4 and will miss it in the snow. What is the deal with snow chains? What happens when they are fitted and you go from deep snow to cleared roads? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squiffs Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Does anyone have snow chains for their cars? We have sold our 4x4 and will miss it in the snow. What is the deal with snow chains? What happens when they are fitted and you go from deep snow to cleared roads? You should take them off when you come to a cleared road - otherwise you risk damaging the road surface. The AA say: Snow chains may be a compulsory requirement in European Ski resorts and can give peace of mind if you have to drive on snow and ice at home. Can snow chains be fitted? New cars are frequently offered for sale with a range of different wheel/tyre size options. Some of these may not be suitable for snow chains. The problem is that fitting chains adds to the width and diameter of the tyre which means that with some wheel/tyre combinations the chains will contact with bodywork, suspension or brake parts with potentially serious consequences. Chains can interfere with the correct operation of electronic sensors on the wheel too. The vehicle handbook should make it clear whether use of snow chains is permitted on each size of wheel offered as standard or optional fit by the manufacturer. Second set of wheels If snow chains can't be used on the wheels fitted to your car then the only option is to buy a second set of wheels/tyres – refer to the handbook or car manufacturer for advice on wheel sizes for your car that can accommodate chains. If you have to go to the expense of buying a second set of wheels/tyres so that chains can be fitted then it makes good sense to fit specialist winter tyres too. These are compulsory in some mainland European countries and are increasingly popular here too. This way you have a set of tyres better suited to the more severe winter conditions you'll encounter anyway – at home and abroad – to which you can fit snow chains when local signs indicate that they must be used. When to use chains You should only consider using snow chains where the road surface is covered in a protective layer of compacted snow/ice. If you try to use chains on a road that has been cleared of snow you risk damage to the road and to the vehicle. With the UK policy of gritting and clearing major roads this means that you will almost certainly have to remove and refit chains several times during a journey. If you have fitted chains, stop and remove them as soon as you reach a gritted/cleared road – choose a safe place, preferably on level ground and consider wearing a reflective jacket for improved visibility. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 I used to have them, especially because I used to drive through the alps with friends when we went skiing many years ago. You are restricted to 40mph when they are fitted and you need to remove them when you get to clear roads otherwise it ruins the chains and can damage the road surface. You fit them to the driving wheels and need to buy the correct size for your wheels..... oh, and it's much netter to have a front wheel drive vehicle than a rear wheel one. Phil has 'snow socks' (cheaper but not so durable) for his car as where he lives at his folks' place is remote and tends to bet snowed in... mind you they don't help when the snow is so deep that your car bottoms out! Having said all that, it's mostly down to knowing how to drive in the snow - I believe that there are courses which teach it, but mainly stay in the highest gear that you can and don't make any sudden moves. Lesley will remember me driving back from Stratford in December last year in what turned into a raging blizzard Sorry Squiffs, cross-posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Amazon have Gelert folding shovels for £3.97. Ideal for the boot of the car. Linky Go to more buying choices to see the Amazon cheap price. I've ordered one for our car and one for DD's. DH thinks I'm losing the plot. He won't be saying that though if we need to use them - lol Thanks - I have done the same and ordered 2. Isn't this forum brilliant ?! H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Thanks for the snow chain info. Having to remove them when the road improves sounds pretty dangerous to me. I don't fancy fiddling around with the car on the side of an icy road. I think I'll give snow chains a miss. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Oooooo this has reminded me to buy myself a snow shovel I have been out of the country for the past 2 years and I hope that buying the shovel now will mean that we have a snow-free winter I can only hope I will be checking out all the other goodies that have been mentioned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Oh yeah, £3.97 inc free delivery Lets hope it does not snow between now and the end of September Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Oooooo this has reminded me to buy myself a snow shovel I have been out of the country for the past 2 years and I hope that buying the shovel now will mean that we have a snow-free winter I can only hope I will be checking out all the other goodies that have been mentioned I shall be relying on you to keep the winter snow-free then Paola! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted August 14, 2011 Share Posted August 14, 2011 Oooooo this has reminded me to buy myself a snow shovel I have been out of the country for the past 2 years and I hope that buying the shovel now will mean that we have a snow-free winter I can only hope I will be checking out all the other goodies that have been mentioned I shall be relying on you to keep the winter snow-free then Paola! I will do my best Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bramble Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I wonder if amazon have noticed the sudden rush on folding snow shovels ... I've ordered two and also ordered a new snow shovel for my Mum (my Brother "borrowed" her's last year and has not returned it ), there's loads of choice of different ones available, the prices haven't been hugely inflated and they're actually in stock! I'm going to stock up on cat litter too (for ice/snow, I don't have a cat ). Bit too early to get the long life milk ( ) in, but it won't be long ... I'm figuring if I get ready with all this stuff, then I won't need any of it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LolaLayla Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 This thread has focused my mind on winter Remembering last year and my OH trying to find something suitable to clear the drive I too have bought a shovel We only had a few inches of snow but it still was a bit of a shock as we normally have mild weather here. Best to be prepared, just incase Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I have just ordered myself a snow shovel, as I forgot to order it yesterday I am determined to be prepared! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paola Posted August 15, 2011 Share Posted August 15, 2011 I might start looking at sledges next Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
