Question for those who use shovels.....

[Digger]

I know this isn't the right forum to post this. But I'm hoping the Moderator will let it slide for a couple days. Then I can move it.

I just acquired a Raven Model 25 made by George Lesche of Predator Tools. (by the way, if you are reading this post George, thanks for making the rubber foot pads available. This thing is AWESOME). I've always used handheld digging tools in the past. But as my youthful health fades away, I wanted something that would keep me from having to get up and down all the time. I had planned to simply carry it in my left hand, as I detected with my right. But now I'm thinking about attaching it to my belt, and let it "drag" behind me. For those of you who use a shovel in rural and non-populated areas, do you carry it or fasten it to your belt?

I don't want this to turn into a Pro-shovel vs Anti-shovel discussion as I'm going to be using this out in the middle of nowhere. I'm just looking for some ideas on what works best for you. Thanks in advance for your responses. HH Randy

[attachment 243062 Predator20Tools20Model202520Raven202011-012620001.jpg]

 

[squirrel1]

I use a 40" lesche ground shark. It needs to be sharpened just a tad now. Will do that this week.

 

[Porschephile]

I carry a shovel in my left hand and detect with the right. Works beautifully. Would not want it around my waist though...

 

[Yeasty]

I'm 65 and carry a 32" Lesche Sampson T-Handle Shovel in my left hand. It's a great tool but it does wear on me after a few hours. It would be nice to have a lighter, belt mountable digger with the same capabilities.

 

[Gso125]

I just got the predator lesche t- handle shovel and took a hike in the woods with it yesterday. I had shorts on and keep hitting my leg do I dragged it behind me with what ever arm that was free or over my shoulder. It would be nice to make some sort of belt holder that covered the blade and swiveled. Just an idea.

 

[mtwolf2270]

I carry my sampson T Handle in my left hand and detect with my right hand

 

[cadman_us]

When I use the Sampson, carry it in my left hand and swing with my right hand. When I use the 38" Ground Shark , I just drag it along beside/behind me, just have to be watchful where the coil is in relationship to the shovel...lol

 

[etracjoe]

I either carry in left hand or through up over left shoulder. You can probably modify a hammer clip from a carpenters toolbag to work for you but I find that it would be a bother to get out and would probably be annoying bouncing on the leg. Dragging behind may be also annoying due to it getting caught on roots, trees brush and feild stubble. There is really no "easy" way.

 

[Jedi]

It would be nice if they had a backpack style sheath for one so you can keep your
other hand free.

 

[MXTerer]

It actually has a somewhat smaller wooden handle that's about 5' long and works great, not heavy like a regular shovel. I wish lesche would put some of their blades on wooden handles.

 

[Ray-Mo.]

I did make a sheath one time that fit in the middle of my back on belt that worked nice as well.

 

[Gso125]

Mine is actually the New Piranha Model 35 by predator and I did a search and they do make foot pads and a sheath for it. But I can't tell if it has belt loops to carry it. They do save the knees a bit.

 

[jtram]

Digger
I have the Raven as well as a smaller Lesche shovel as well. The Raven is heavier with the T handle the other has a ball handle. If the Raven had a ball handle I would be the best for me because you can drop the handle through a D cell flashlight ring attached to your belt and take off. I have tried to find something to attache to my belt so I could do the same thing to the Raven but as the others I find myself dragging it along behind me.

One idea that I have had but can't find what I am looking for yet would be a hammer holder that the T would fit down in and the handle could hang between the two loops just like a hammer would on a tool belt. Or modify the T to a ball handle.
JMHO
Jim

 

[LUCKY ME]

How about a young good looking blond or red head to carry it for you? Then you would forget about metal detecting. Hmmmmm go figure!

 

[Jedi]

Could you drill a hole thru the handle and put a braided boot string thru the hole
tie it and clip it to a caribiner?

 

[Gso125]

Could you drill a hole thru the handle and put a braided boot string thru the hole
tie it and clip it to a caribiner?

You got me thinking, the blade already has holes and a the t-handle is hollow I'm going to dig through my crap for an old adjustable strap for a gym bag or rifle and carry it like a rifle on my back. !!!

 

[jtalley007]

Digger, I too used to use an army trench shovel and when I got a signal I would swing into action and drop down on my knees.

That was when I was full of pee and vinegar, now I use a landscape shovel with 16" blade,I dig as much as I can without bending over and just put the finishing touches on the hole and use pinpointer at the end of the dig.

I have a really bad low back. I think sometimes I will drag it along as well. depending on how thick or viney the woods are.

Hope this helps,

Jerry

 

[Ray-Mo.]

I have some that measure about 1" x 2" by 1/4" that would hold it with no problem at all

 

[TIM CLARK]

Digger here how I carry my shovel . I hook it on my belt . I had to cut a inch out of the center so the handle will go though and I rapped tap around it to help keep the shovel from siding and I take the strap and rap it around the handle. If you have a ball handle shove I think it will fit though it without cutting out the center. I do not no if I can say where I got it but I got it at Menards.

 

[Larry (IL)]

You will find that if you carry it in your left hand you will have to let it drag it behind you while holding onto the handle or up on your shoulder. It WILL interfere with the CTX if it gets too close.