The Viral TikTok Hack For Clearing Snow Without A Shovel (And Is It Worth Trying?)

Winter weather can bring natural beauty as snow accumulates, but thick layers of the white stuff on sidewalks and driveways can be frustrating to deal with. Shoveling heaps of snow from driveways, walkways, or porches is an inevitable part of the season. Apart from ensuring access and safety, clearing concrete surfaces around your home protects them from developing cracks — something you might end up with if you don't shovel your driveway after heavy snowfall. 

Traditional shovels work for the job but can be cumbersome, especially during big snowstorms. A viral TikTok trick, just one of many hacks for taking care of snow, seeks to address this problem using a material that isn't usually associated with snow removal: plywood. Multiple TikTok users have shared videos showing how they simply slide a sheet of plywood along the driveway or walkway surface to push large sections of snow forward, using the material like a makeshift plow. The simplicity of the method is catching attention, since it allows users to move larger heaps of snow and is less tedious than scooping small amounts with a shovel. This method is definitely worth trying, as it can save time and energy, making snow removal a snap with a consistent and fluid motion. Let's have a deeper look at the pros and cons of this snow removal method and see what other alternatives are available. 

What is good about this TikTok hack is you are using your using your body weight against the plywood to shovel snow away from pathways. This is a better technique than lifting snow with a shovel, since it doesn't cause muscle strain and back problems. You can also cover more area, since a typical plywood sheet is 48 inches wide, whereas snow shovels are typically 30 inches in width or less. 

However, while the plywood method may look effortless, you may struggle if the snow is too deep, and the plywood sheet is too thin and flimsy. This TikTok hack would work best when shoveling fresh snow, which weighs just 3 to 4 pounds per cubic foot; in contrast, snow that's had time to settle can weigh as much as 18 pounds per cubic foot, requiring way more elbow grease to push. This method may also not work too well the ground is uneven. The plywood can hit a groove, as commented by one TikTok user who said they didn't notice a protruding sidewalk edge and ended up with the plywood sheet ramming them in the stomach. Sure, running into an unseen obstruction with a shovel is also unpleasant, but not as dangerous because you'd normally point the shaft away from your torso. 

There's an alternative snow-clearing hack that might work if you like the idea of using plywood but want greater convenience. Instead of simply pushing the plywood along the ground, consider attaching it to the base of a hand truck to create a wheeled snow plow. This method combines the benefits of a plywood sheet's wide edge with the ease of using wheels to move the snow off a surface.

If you don't have a hand truck, repurpose an old PVC pipe, metal pipe, or even a rake by attaching it to your plywood sheet to serve as handles for your DIY snow shovel. Albeit without wheels, this setup provides better grip and control as opposed to a sheet that you must hold by its edges. When you're out shoveling snow, you'll find it easier to handle the plywood sheet and get the job done with less effort.