Reddit mentions: The best ice scrapers & snow brushes

Depends on if you're dealing with snow or ice. I'd suggest investing in 3 tools:

1. A scraper/brush combo
   
2. A windshield snow cover
   
3. De-icing spray
   
   I have a very simple scraper/brush combo:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Mallory-532-Integrated-Scraper-Handle/dp/B000BPLNXC
   
   You may need a longer model (they sell extendable versions) if you have a tall car, like a van or SUV. They sell a thing called a "snow broom" for pulling the snow off more effectively; this one telescopes out to 28 inches:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/SnoBrum-Push-Broom-Extendable-Telescoping-Scratching/dp/B010MFYL02
   
   I have a windshield snow cover, which includes side mirror covers:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/FROSTBLOCKER-Winter-Windshield-Mirror-Protects/dp/B07HFHDH8Q
   
   You just peel it off when you're ready to leave! Pretty nice. Also, they sell de-icing spray to help kickstart the process, if things are really iced over:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Prestone-AS247-Trigger-Spray-Windshield/dp/B01D8SRWOW/
   
   You can also get it as a windshield wiper fluid, or alternatively, get a year-round version:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Prestone-AS658-Deluxe-Windshield-Washer/dp/B019W8CNBO/
   
   This is the general idea for clearing off your car:
   
   
4. Get outside early to allow yourself sufficient time to prepare your car before leaving for work/school/errands/etc. Set an alarm if you have to. Make sure you have a good pair of thick winter gloves, so your fingers don't freeze! You may want to invest in a remote-start system to help the car warm up easier, because then it can start the melting process without you have to leave your home or office. The modern remote starts can be operated indoors from your smartphone, over a wifi or cellular connection, so you don't even have to get close & aim it!
   
5. Get the car started & turn on the heat to the front & rear windows. This will help in melting the snow or ice & also warms up the engine, which helps melt the ice & snow on the hood of the car.
   
6. Start by brushing off the roof of your car. The top-down approach is easiest because the snow & ice can fall off the car first, preventing double the work later if you were to start with the car's body or the glass. Also, in my state, it's a $120 fine if they catch you driving without clearing off your roof.
   
7. Scrape off all of the windows next: the front windshield, the rear glass, the side windows, and the side mirrors. In my state, it's a $92 fine if you are driving around with an "obstructed view". If you skip scraping off most of the windows AND don't clean off your roof, that's a $212 fine total if you get pulled over (not to mention being unsafe!).
   
8. Finally, clear off the body with the brush. The engine will have helped warm up the hood, so the snow & ice should be easy to slide off. The biggest thing to realize is that you want to use the scraper on the GLASS and the brush on the PAINT. Sometimes you'll have to crack some ice on the body to get enough to grip to scrap off, but see if you can use your fist to crack it first, that way you don't risk scraping the paint itself.
   
   If you live in a slippery area, get some YakTax. It's basically a slip-on spiderweb design that fits over your existing shoes & has coils that act as snow cleats so you can walk on ice & snow: (plus you don't have to wear boots to school or work!)
   
   https://yaktrax.implus.com/
   
   I'd also suggest keeping a few spare items in your trunk:
   
   

• Spare wipers, in case they break
  
• A small shovel
  
• Some kitty litter or a bag of salt for traction, in case you get stuck
  
• A blanket, in case you get stuck
  
  Parking outdoors in the winter isn't too bad if you're prepared - leave enough time to get everything warmed up & scraped off and do a good job & clean off your entire car so you can see out of it & so that pieces of snow & ice aren't flying off & hitting other cars. Try not to use the scraper on the paint either, just the brush!

I'd second the Duluth pants. I wear dark colored jeans in the winter since nobody really checks on us. The shirts from Duluth have that extra length on them so you won't be having to tuck them back in every time you get in & out of the car. They are thick enough that they won't tear or snag when you're crawling up under a car parked on brushed concrete.

I wear Vasque Breeze boots, which aren't waterproof but have a high enough sole that my feet won't get wet in ordinary puddles. I find them to be a good cross between comfort and utility.

If you work in a northern climate I'd recommend doing your homework and not skimping on clothes. Buy quality stuff. I spent my first ten years kinda cold and uncomfortable, but the last ten were much better after I started taking the time to put on thermal underwear, wool socks, and wear a good coat and gloves in winter. If you dress right you can stand around outside all day in sub-zero weather without being uncomfortable.

Get a good crowbar, a jump pack, and one of those super-bright high quality flashlights that costs $50. Gel pens don't clog in freezing weather like ballpoints do. Get a decent step-stool for looking at roofs. Also a foam "snow-brum" is good for pushing snow off cars in winter for inspections.

I also carry a tire plug kit and a small 12v cigarette lighter air compressor so I can fix a flat immediately instead of having to find a tire shop.

Tips:

When snowed in, clear a path to your car. Get in your car, turn it on get the heater going and begin defrosting the front and rear windshields. Now, exit the car and begin to clean all the snow off. This does not mean just the windshields. This means the windshields, the side windows, your mirrors, the hood, the roof, the trunk, AND your headlights/taillights. After this is complete, you can now begin to shovel out your car. I like to be thorough and get it completely cleared of snow, but to each their own. Depending on where you live in town, it may or may not be socially acceptable (and/or legal) to claim the spot you have cleared with a marker of your choosing (typically a cone or chair, but people can get awfully creative in Southie). And then there's the basics like beware of black ice, driving over bridges (they freeze faster than roads), even with some Masshole honking behind you - don't gun it when the light turns green, and putting on high beams while it's snowing will make you blind.

Necessities:

windshield fluid - Boston gas stations do not leave out fluid/wipers for you to clean your windshield because they just turn into ice cubes (or people steal them) so you'll have to clean your windows on your own...and often

a not-crappy snow brush/ice scraper - I suggest a telescoping one because sometimes you'll be unable to reach the far side of your car easily after a big storm (like this)

a not-crappy snow shovel - Some people buy a full size shovel and shove that in their car. That's fine if that fits/works for you, but I prefer a more compact solution (though, admittedly, worse on your back). You can get a tough plastic one, but metal is far nicer. you can go $$$ or more economical (toss that crap scraper)

gloves/mittens - If you don't always wear them, that's fine, but when you're cleaning off your car you will want protection from the elements. Those combination glove/scrapers are junk and look stupid.

Niceties:

blanket - if you're staying just in Boston, it's not so critical, but if you'll be making trips into greater New England it's wise to have an emergency kit that includes a blanket. If your car breaks down in the middle of a storm and you have to wait for help, it's good to have on hand.

de-icer - I know some people squirt some in their locks every winter to prevent freezing (less critical now that most cars have remote openers)


I'm sure I'm missing a few things, but that will get you started. Some other people mentioned to be aware of snow emergencies. You can sign up for your local area's alerts typically by email, phone, and text. Follow the laws when it comes to a snow emergency or this winter will get expensive for your real quick.

We used some really simple ones like these but one like this would be even better. The packs of blades are very cheap, you should be able to find all that stuff at a hardware store. They are best on hard, smooth surfaces like glass and stone, but if you keep the razor at a small angle with the surface, and use plenty of cleaner or water to help lubricate, most plastic and wood surfaces will also be fine and not scratch. Spot test if you are worried.

The advice so far is great, but I also recommend this tool, a simple razor scraper. It won't damage the glass and will scrape some of that scum and stuff right off. (Just moved out of a rental a month or so ago, and left the stove looking nearly brand new: deep clean was baking soda/peroxide and finish was Weiman cleaner. As tools, I only used paper towels and the razor scraper. (If you scrub, be sure to get a scrub pad made for glass top stoves!) Looking at your pic, you should be able to clean all but the actual scratches.

I second an ice scraper (not the short stubby ones we use in the south), something like this, to clear the snow off of your hood, windshield, and roof https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HACYNY

I also have 3 pairs of gloves, thin cheap ones that allow you to use your cell phone while walking around. A medium thickness that allows for warmth and dexterity while driving, and finally a nice pair of thick gloves that'll let you stay warm while you shovel your car out of it's parking spot, or driveway (if that's applicable).

Folks also recommend keeping a couple of bottles of water, a sweatshirt, and a blanket in your car.

Other than that, make sure your wipers are good, and keep your windshield fluid reservoir full, to clean off the road salt

Something like this will save you a ton of time when scraping a floor like that. I'm also glad you mentioned that you can see tile edges through it. You would just need to float the floor with a liquid underlayment to avoid that. Nice post, though. The floor should be great for a workshop.

Source: my dad was a professional, and I worked several summers with him as a teenager.

Check and see how much snow you usually get during the winter, certain parts of Oregon it might snow once or twice which doesn't really warrant winter tires. In Ohio unless you live in an area that doesn't get plowed all season tires are fine. Chances are you'll be fine on all-seasons as well. Just make sure they have a decent rating for snow use.

Skip the chains unless you're traveling in an area that requires them. If there's an icy road alert avoid driving until the roads have been salted.

Your wheels should already be painted, even if its clear on top of alloys. You don't really need to worry about doing anything to them.

Leaving your windshield wipers up isn't really neccesary. Some people swear by it, but in 12 years of driving in Ohio winters I've never done it and haven't had any issues, just make sure the wipers aren't frozen to the windshield when you leave.

The only things you really need to keep in your car are a snow brush (I recommend a snow broom) and maybe some blankets, coats, winter clothes, etc.

Other than that don't overthink it, and make sure you occasionally hose the salt off your car in the winter.

I highly recommend one of these. It's a godsend and they're absolutely amazing to use.

Remember that bridges freeze before roadways. Even if there's no ice on the road, there could be ice on a bridge.

If you start to slide, don't panic and don't over correct. It's easier said than done. If your back loses traction, continue to steer where you want to go.

As others have said, no sudden movements, braking, or accelerating. As much as possible, maintain a consistent speed.

When you're at an intersection or traffic light, be extra cautious when you have the right of way. Don't assume you can just go. Be on the lookout for drivers who were unable to stop and may slide through an intersection. If you are unable to stop at an intersection, honk your horn to alert other drivers ASAP.

Edit: Another thing... If you car is covered in ice or snow, make sure to completely clean off all windows (front, back, sides) before driving. This might seem like common sense, but when you're outside in the freezing cold, it's tempting to just quickly clean off a small patch on the driver side windshield. Also, remember to wipe snow off of headlights and tail lights so other drivers can see you.

Make sure the rental company has a scraper in the car. It will look something like this. Brush is for snow, scraper at the end is for ice on windows. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HACYNY/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1482440713&sr=8-2&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=snow+brush+with+scraper&dpPl=1&dpID=31WMTMJfWQL&ref=plSrch

State law says you must have lights on if there's any precipitation, rain or snow.

I use something like this to get the snow off the car. It's got an extending handle so you can reach the top of your car as well. Really useful for those with SUV's as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Snow-MOOver-Extendable-Scraper-Scratch/dp/B076PMWX8X

I don't use a tonneau cover so I can't help with that, but for snow brushes I have one that extends to like 6', and has a rotatable brush head on it with a brush on one side and rubber squeegee type thing on other side that I always leave crossways, like a broom. Easy to push and pull the snow off my roof, windshield, and hood from one side of the truck. I just push a strip off the far side, then pull a strip back towards me, then repeat.

Before I started buying this type of brush, I always climbed up in the bed and brushed the snow off the roof that way. Screw all those who don't properly clean the snow off their vehicles!

Edit: similar to this one

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

I’ve tried leatherworking before, which is where I got the self healing pad.

So... the tweezers and knife are from when I tried to wrap my own car. I bought a ‘car wrap kit’

https://www.amazon.ca/FOSHIO-Wrapping-Application-Squeegees-Scrapers/dp/B06XGFK57Z/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=car+wrap+kit&qid=1557835088&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Majority of the paint I had are from Home Depot rustoluem metallic line lol. I went out and bought the metallic red from Tamiya.

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/search.html?q=Rustoleum%20metallic#!q=Rustoleum%20metallic

Can you tell me what state you're in? I'm a MN girl, born and raised and would like to give you accurate advice ;-)

Brace yourself! [There's many options] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HACYNY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1415070970&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40) and you're going to need one... But I can tell you, more expensive is not always better.

[We live where there are no trees] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000AMKU58/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1415071205&sr=8-3&pi=SY200_QL40) so this comes in handy.

[And lastly, we have pets] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002IJXDA/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1415071405&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40) so pet safe stuff is important to me!!!

Welcome to winter!!!

Edit: entry

I mean, good wax applied frequently will certainly help in the icy weather.

Also, I'm trying out one of these snow brushes this year. I noticed it's what the dealership uses and is supposed to not scratch your paint as much as a bristle brush.

Also also, when removing snow from your car, don't worry about the final half inch of snow/ice on the paint. Trying to remove that final layer is what will cause scratches. Just remove the majority of snow and let the tiny amount that's left blow or melt off.

This type of snow pusher and all of the similar ones are AMAZING at clearing snow quickly, even the roof of your car. You can both push and pull snow and have your car, truck or SUV clear in just a minute.

I've had one in one form or another for almost 20 years.

A tool like this will save your back. I've used a spud bar in the past as well.

Disclaimer: I have absolutely no idea if this would be effective and it could possibly do damage, just found it on Amazon after seeing your post.

Zone Tech Heated Car Window Snow/Ice Scraper with Light -Heated Ice/Snow Scraper with 14 feet Long Cord https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BKNFPDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_rQbvybVGB081P

Obviously you wouldn't be "scraping" anything but looking at the pic of the bottom, it looks like the heating element covers an area big enough to just place it over the charge port and defrost that area. Also looks like it could do damage if it gets super hot as the heating element appears to be directly exposed.

Pre-heat the car if you can. If you’re talking a lot of snow on the car and not just a layer of ice, then after the car if pre-heated, you could use a Foam Snow Brush. These brushes work great for pushing huge amounts of snow off (6” or more).

I had a similar dilemna when I had my truck. But luckily they actually have these little push-plow brushes with foam rubber. WAY better than a brush/broom.

I'm only 5ft and I got one of these for Christmas last year. Makes all the difference, I can clean off my whole SUV in 1-2 minutes tops. The deluxe extendable version, not the one with the brush head.

Also, those <$10 aluminum snow brushes you see at every grocery store are perfectly fine as long as you're not an absolute midget. I've cleared a family member's Dodge Caravan with one no problem. That's a 5'6" high vehicle and I'm a 5'8" tall guy. You just have to be comfortable overhanding it.

> roof is the hardest part to clean on my SUV

https://www.amazon.com/SnoBrum-Original-Telescoping-vehicles-Scratching/dp/B010MFYL02/

10x easier than using a brush

There sure are!

I did a quick search in amazon and found this. I'm sure others will have recommendations as well.

https://www.amazon.ca/Hopkins-18833-Subzero-Heavy-Duty-Scraper/dp/B001DKQZCS

Can not vouch for the tool meeting your specifications, however the geometry of it's brush looks much better for clearing mirrors and tight spots than any regular brush I've handled.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/4a8/Fiskars-SnowXpert-Brush-Scraper-Snow-Tools-Multi-Colour/B00WAZK6IE/ref=pd_sim_60_6/253-0457389-6821902?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=QV7T6TD5VYAW4QNJV916

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx-8Rjz5NwQ

I never know what to give as winter solstice present festivals. Now I need the proper center punch or window breaking and seat belt cutting tool to go with the snow tool to give everyone.

I realized I was an adult when I decided this was one of the best purchases I've ever made.

If you've got a larger car, a telescoping scraper is great. If you've got a smaller car, though, a circular snow scraper can work wonders, quickly.

So einen Eiskratzer Handschuh. Sieht super hässlich aus aber glaubt mir Leute, es lohnt sich. Bei einem normalen Eiskratzer bleibt das Eis zu 99% immer an meinen Händen hängen, nach zwei Minuten habe ich kein Gefühl mehr in den Fingern. Dieser hässliche Handschuh ist im Winter ein Geschenk Gottes

Bought us 2 of these. Although our van is small, it's still kind of tall. My wife is also small, but not tall, but can clear the van's roof.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000KKLJSC?ascsubtag=AgEAAAAAAAAAAJj3AAAAAATQzlAAAAAAW-CahQ&linkCode=g12&creativeASIN=B000KKLJSC&tag=thewire0f-20

Yeah, sure thing!

The one I got is from Lowe's or Menards I think, but here's a beefed up looking unit that has the same features: https://www.amazon.com/MATCC-Removal-Extendable-Detachable-Windshield/dp/B07TVCSKLR/

Amazon suggests a budget pick when I'm looking at the one up above there, and the budget one actually looks VERY close to what I have. Probably the same one, maybe just with a different sticker slapped on it over in Zhongshan:
https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-583-EP-Mallory-Telescoping-Pivoting/dp/B000BQK5YY/

Meow!

Stuff.

Thanks for the contest!

That's not true though. You can get something like this which is not capable of scratching the paint and also tends to work better than a brush.

Ouch! Yeah, that can be a pain. I believe this is the brush my dad had for his suburban, and it allow me as a tiny kid to brush the whole car off. I can't seem to find one longer. Hope this helps!

Snow tires are immensely helpful. If you don't have snow tires, then Continental DWS (dry/wet/snow) are apparently a good all-season alternative.

Get a snow brush like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y3ZMTBB/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_qn6WDbA187ZDF

Keep a shovel, emergency blanket, winter hat, and a pair of gloves in your car. Freezing to death cause you spun off into a snow bank isn't fun. There's more safety related stuff you should keep in your car as well, but these are specific to winter needs.

Make sure your exhaust doesn't get blocked by a snow mound, or if you spin off the road. Death by carbon monoxide isn't fun either.

Keep more distance and drive slower than you think you need to when driving in bad weather. Also, overpasses/bridges freeze faster than the road, so expect ice there even if everything else seems OK.

Salt melts ice effectively only to about 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If temps are lower than that, exercise extreme caution, even if it's not snowing and the roads seem clear. Black ice can be anywhere. This is where snow tires will help you a lot.

Get an oil change before and after winter, even if you don't need it by the miles driven.

For ice, I personally use one of these.

http://www.amazon.com/Bully-Tools-92200-Sidewalk-Chopper/dp/B000PAQEKU

Very helpful in breaking up ice which I can then remove with a shovel.

I always use a mixture of half vinegar and half Dawn to clean the shower door. It's basically known as a homemade degreaser.

I've never let it sit for 30 minutes, but I have also never seen a shower as bad as the one in the photo...

To really help with stubborn mildew and soap scum, you should invest in a razor scraper. I personally use this one, and it's great for glass, mirrors, windows, stovetop, etc.

Melting ice with a torch is going to take forever. I recommend getting a good metal ice scraper (I have this one but there are many similar) and/or salt.

Canadian here. Get this. I have one of these and removing snow on my car takes less than a minute now and it doesn't scratch the paint like a conventional broom would.

I'd like to enter my husband for this please https://www.amazon.com/KFiAQ-2019-Scraper-Windshield-Cone-Shaped/dp/B07ZPC9TMW/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=magic+ice+scraper&qid=1574198053&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=magic+i&sr=8-14 it would make his mornings before work so much easier as we dont have a ice scraper so he usually ends up using a old card and tying to drive with only a patch scraped off.

Something like this has served me quite well.

https://www.amazon.com/Mallory-996-35-Intergrated-Scraper-Handle-x/dp/B000BPEQM2

It's metal so mostly unbreakable but the scraper is end is plastic so it could break.

I use one of these. Not this exact one, I just found the cheapest one that I could. It works amazingly well on the painters tape. Just get it under a corner and then give it a little sideways twist and the print pops right off. (You could probably just buy the blades and 3d print a handle even)

So true. It may seem obnoxious but i won’t touch my car with anything besides a SnoBrum wrapped in a microfiber towel. Only because I spent tons of time and cash polishing the paint and removing all of the swirls.

Razor and some type of solvent. Goo gone, etc.

Get one of these to scrap away the ice and snow that gets packed down on your driveway/sidewalk.

Wouldn't call it BIFL but this snow broom speeds up brushing off my car so much. I guess the BIFL version would be a push broom with softer bristles.

https://www.amazon.com/Sno-Brum-Original-Removal-Telescoping/dp/B010MFYL02/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1481922826&sr=8-5&keywords=blue+snow+brush

Otherwise, some kind of neck protection you can bring up over your face. I've been using a merino wool Buff. And thermal leggings make a big difference under your pants.

Owning a black Model S, I feel your concern. I use Fiskars SnowXpert Car Tool, which has silicone brushes:


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fiskars-3295606-Brush-Scraper-Tools/dp/B00WAZK6IE

Also, try not to actually touch the paint with the tool when removing snow, but rather just the snow itself.

You can buy them at stores too. There are even a few on Amazon.

Are you trying to break ice with that? If you are, you should be using a shovel or one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Bully-Tools-92200-Sidewalk-Chopper/dp/B000PAQEKU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1393803169&sr=8-1&keywords=ice+breaker

I have something similar to this and should probably buy another one.
https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-583-EP-Mallory-Telescoping-Pivoting/dp/B000BQK5YY/

That's a different ice scraper.

I mean this thing

Garage, then coated vehicle+remote start, then sealed/waxed car+remote start, and if you really must push a lot off, SnoBrum.

ice scraper. brutal but effective. http://www.amazon.ca/Bully-Tools-92200-Sidewalk-Chopper/dp/B000PAQEKU

you can cut the handle shorter if room is tight

Before coming across this product, I used a house broom. This one is better, no worries about paint scratches.

https://www.amazon.com/d/Snow-Rakes/Snow-Joe-SJBLZD-LED-Illum-n-Broom-Lighted/B01DTIC7EG

Get one of these http://www.amazon.com/Titan-12031-Mini-Razor-Scraper/dp/B000OEDQQW for scraping off the old caulk. Also, make sure that you really dry the area before applying the new caulk or you'll have a bad time.

You're welcome.

edit: you could use it in a fight too

There are ice remover tools(http://www.amazon.com/Bully-Tools-92200-Sidewalk-Chopper/dp/B000PAQEKU )(I forgot how to hyperlink...), they're basically a hoe without the angle and a much heavier blade. The thin blade of a shovel tries to cut the ice, the fat heavy blade does some cutting but mostly just bludgeons and shatters the ice and the weight means its more just dropping it than trying to slam it into the ground

> I just hate having to scape pyrex dishes and make my fingers hurt like fuck

Buy this, problem solved.