Best Shovel For Roots?

[tabman]

I presently have the Predator Tool Dixie shovel that works great in hard ground and digging in gravel driveways, but it doesn't work all that well around small roots.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
tabman

 

[Oldguy]

Shovels and even the Lesche tool with the serrated edge are great for digging. Roots are best handled with anvil type pruning shears or a small folding saw.

 

[Phillip_in_NM]

I use a cable saw I got on Amazon for about $10. Cuts through any root in seconds. I keep it in an Altoids tin between uses.

http://www.amazon.com/BCB-Commando-Survival-Wire-Saw/dp/B003TOGIBO/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1386651649&sr=8-11&keywords=cable+saw

 

[Jim Robertson]

One of Georges Big Red Shovels with serrated edges on both sides. It is very heavy and very strong you won't brake it. I promise and it will get the job done.

 

[sprchng]

A land shark cuts through most easily but if I'm in an area where carrying a shovel is inappropriate , I use the serrated wood blade on this since I never go any where without it to begin with.
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-SwissTool-Pouch/dp/B0000224UE/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1386682867&sr=8-5&keywords=victorinox+multi-tool
I serrated both edges of a lesche with a chain saw sharpener and that is very effective as well.

 

[tabman]

I know that pruners, saws and such can cut through roots better than a shovel can. What I'm interested in is a shovel that does a good job cutting through small roots.

I'm considering Predator Tools' Piranha and Raven.

Thanks
tabman

 

[Steve O]

As a hand digger, I came across the one at 'Ace is the Place'. It has inch measurements and a serrated side like no other I've seen. It's about 12" long and I can't break it...I believe it's stainless, certainly not aluminum.
The serrated edge will cut you bad if you're not careful.

I also have a Raven, It's foot bar is nice and big. It's a beast for banging through roots if you keep it sharp....long blade too. Our soil around here is rocky with roots...It's rare that the digging is easy.

http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4825942424423946&w=175&h=177&c=7&rs=1&pid=1.7

 

[mudpuppy]

Oh great merciful vishnu Tab...this mythological tool you seek, is it one you intend to deploy on that old abandoned homestead where you found the shield nick?

Just get your old D handle tiling spade out of the shed, file a sharp edge on it, and have a Merry Christmas..! You know dang well theres some sort of cache out in that mess...better bring the heavy artillery... Can "feel" it all the way up here!
Mud

 

[Oldguy]

Tabman, below is a picture of a shovel I made just for roots. I took an "Ames #87 (US military trenching shovel), took 1/4" off of each side and hand cut saw kerfs into it. I hand set the kerfs and sharpened it so it cut roots (and even tree branches) very well.

There were two problems with the tool.

1. It was much slower than using pruning shears and I risked damaging my finds.

2. The sharp edge tool was difficult to handle, it cut clothes, gloves, and hands (Imagine welding a sharp sawzall blade to your shovel and carrying it around).

On paper the design appears sound, but in practicality it isn't that good. I eventually removed the saw kerfs from the tool and it is now a great little shovel. I guess sayings like "use the right tool for the job" and "jack of all trades master at none" are correct.

 

[tabman]

Oh great merciful vishnu Tab...this mythological tool you seek, is it one you intend to deploy on that old abandoned homestead where you found the shield nick?

Just get your old D handle tiling spade out of the shed, file a sharp edge on it, and have a Merry Christmas..! You know dang well theres some sort of cache out in that mess...better bring the heavy artillery... Can "feel" it all the way up here!
Mud

You'd think after awhile I'd find something really good. I'm mostly finding ole lead.

tabman

 

[Prep1957]

I have a friend that hunts old abandon homesteads he cuts all his plugs with cordless reciprocating saws all with 1 foot blade,the plugs look real good also,but I tell him I am embarrassed hunting with him,I have used it a time or too myself as last resort works good.

 

[larryk56]

n/t

 

[HanoverDigger]

Just got the Piranah from Lesche and from the looks of it, will take care of small to moderate roots.