- Ice scraper
An ice scraper is a handheld
tool for removingfrost , ice, andsnow fromwindow s, usually onautomobile s. Basic scrapers have aplastic blade andhandle , though some have blades made out ofmetal . More complex models often includebrush es to help remove collected snow, orsqueegee s to remove water if the ambient temperature is near themelting point .Fact|date=December 2007 Alternatively, the handle can be inside aglove -like enclosure to help keep the user's hands warm and dry while using the scraper.Fact|date=December 2007The blade of an ice scraper is usually flat if it is made out of metal, though some varieties include ridges that can be helpful if it is necessary to break up a sheet of ice (such as what collects in
freezing rain ). Plastic blades tend to have a more complex shape with several thick "fingers" linked together.Fact|date=December 2007 This form helps the blade to flex, since most modern car windows have a slight curvature. The "fingers" also often have ridges on top, so the scraper can be flipped over to break up thick ice.Fact|date=December 2007 More complex designs exists to improve ice clearance on curved glass on automobiles. [ [http://www.immnet.com/articles?article=1811 Injection Molding Magazine ] ]It usually only takes a few minutes to clear the windows of a car if frost has collected overnight.Fact|date=December 2007 When there is snow, it can usually just be cleared by brushing away, though some snow directly pressing against windows can turn into ice, especially if the car was warm as snow began to collect. This remaining ice usually requires the use of a scraper, but is easily removed. Ice collected in freezing rain is the hardest to clear away, since it can form in a smooth layer. Clearing such ice often requires chipping away small regions, and slowly expanding them. People frequently report that they have to work for 20 to 30 minutes to clear windows (and
rear-view mirror s) on cars that are covered in ice.Fact|date=December 2007 By warming up the car and activating therear-window defogger prior to using the scraper, work can proceed more efficiently.Fact|date=December 2007 (some cars advise against prolonged idling to "warm up" the car. An alternative to scraping is to use lukewarm water to remove frost and ice, immediately followed by the wipers to prevent refreezing on the windshield. This often has the beneficial side-effect of demisting the inside of the windows as heat is conducted through the glass. Very hot water should not be used as there is a risk of cracking the glass.Fact|date=December 2007References
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