Best Digging Tool Yet - UltraDigger

[jgedde]

This has wildly successful for me and costs relatively little compared to top quality metal detecting digging tools - and performs better to boot. A little bit of DIY is necessary, though. I call it the "UltraDigger"

The "UltraDigger" starts life as an Ames True Temper Green Thumb 7-in-1 tool gardening tool. It's very well made from heavy stainless steel - no rust, no bending.

The tip is designed to be a weed puller and isn't particularly useful for digging in hard ground as it is flattened. But with a bit of modification, it makes a first rate digging tools, plug cutter, and root cutter.

Just reshape and sharpen the tip as in the photos using a bench or angle grinder (or if you've got time and energy - a good file).

The forked tip cuts through hard ground easily. To cut a root, simply straddle the root with the fork and strike the handle with your palm. The root is cleanly cut. This works well up to 3/8"-1/2" roots.

The serrated sides make cutting a plug of grass a breeze.

[attachment 127810 digger1.jpg]

[attachment 127811 digger2.jpg]

Cheers,
John

 

[Cupajo]

Works for me!!

CJ

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

Looks just like the one I use ,sharpended the same way best tool going

 

[Elton]

Broke at Blade and Handle connection.........

 

[7centsworth]

Sorry , but I just broke mine at the blade and handle just like Elton. I really like them though Lo@%$ has them for 13.00.

 

[marcomo]

A fine tool for the price, jas long as you don't use it as a prybar with big iron!

 

[sqwaby]

I didn't like the shape of the handle top so I rounded it off with disc sander.

 

[silversmith]

Now.....if you had been using a "U.S. .30 carbine bayonet knife" you'd never have broken it off anywhere. You can you can use 'em for a pry bar.

 

[Stagecoach]

I love mine and you can't beat the price.

 

[mikeothmer]

I have one just like it but in heavier soils it got to be tough digging.Then I got a Nebraska Sod Cutter and it works a lot easier. Plus you will NEVER break it !

 

[dirt fisherman]

I hate to bust anyones bubble, but stainless steel is actually a soft steel in the steel category . Looks good though. I think it would take me days to dig a hole with that little gizmo, if it held up long enough to dig it!

 

[brocantes]

Been using one for months now with no problems!

 

[JOHNMARKHAM]

i have one too, its been fine for me here in fla..

 

[jgedde]

I have one just like it but in heavier soils it got to be tough digging.Then I got a Nebraska Sod Cutter and it works a lot easier. Plus you will NEVER break it !

That's why I reshaped and sharpened the tip (see photos)... The "stock" tip is made to be a weeder and just doesn't penetrate tough ground being blunt the way it is. The sharpened forked tip not only breezes it's way into the ground, but is a first rate root cutter as well. Just straddle the root with the tip, and strike the handle. Bye bye root.

Can you post a link to the Nebraska Sod Cutter?