I don't remember the exact year, but hardware stores and home centers suddenly dropped metal snow shovels in favor of junk plastic. I could hear those dreadful plastic scoops cracking and popping all over my neighborhood! I might buy a snow shovel with a carbon fiber scoop, but the cost to manufacture would be high. Janitorial supply companies still sell all metal snow shovels. I own three that were purchased about 10 years ago. They are in perfect condition, except for the steel strip that is riveted to the front edge of the scoop. A few seconds of grinding or drilling and the rivets are gone. The question is, does anyone sell replacements? If not, I could use 1½" steel flatstock (1/8" thick). What is the best solution?

I found this compressor in my dad's basement. A guy that did some work left it a few years back: perhaps he left it cause it was no good. I haven't turned it on yet but I was looking it over and opened the bottom tank pressure release valve and a little bit of rust particles came out. I picked the compressor up and moved it side to side and there is some debris - rust - in the tank. The compressor has a label near the release valve saying the pressure should be released every 4 hours or so to avoid condensation build up, which can lead to rust. Is it possible to clean the tank out and that it will still run? Or should it not be messed with as the integrity of the tank may be compromised? I wouldn't be running it at high pressure. Only would be used with an HVLP spray gun. If it can be cleaned, what are my options? I unscrewed the pressure valve and moved the compressor back and forth to get some of the debris out. About 3/4 to a full teaspoon of debris came out. Can I turn the compressor on with the pressure valve off? - will that send the debris out the opening? If that isn't safe, what else can I do to clean it? Also. Do I need to use some kind of sealant or tape on the pressure valve threads when reattaching it?