I was checking out the wooden handles at Home Depot and noticed that some handles were lightweight and some were heavier, same price and length. Would the lightweight handles be just as strong? The heavier handles appeared to be 2-3 times heavier, that would make a difference lugging the scoops thru the sand. Thanks, John
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Sand scoop handles at Home Depot....
- Thread starter John(Tx)
- Start date
WaterWalker
Well-known member
I would guess it has to do with the type of wood. Look for a hickory handle that might be hard to find. The hickory would be heavier than say ash, that would not be good especially in water as it is more hygroscopic and will will hold more dirt than the hickory. Each wood has it pros and cons. Make sure with any wood the grain is not splintering. and is smooth for the entire length. And if you are going to use it in the water, proper maintenance is a must. Clean and protect you digging friend.
The Home Depot
True Temper 48 in. Open Back Shovel Handle Model # 2037300 Internet # 100605629 Store SKU # 538566 is an ash handle per the their website.
I have broken so many handles I can not remember all of them. But they did include wood, aluminum, double wall aluminum, steel and finally stainless steel. The first four would last 1-3 years, the stainless steel has lasted over 7 and is still going strong. However it is not the lightest, but is my choice. My main use environment is salt water all year round and fresh in the summer. I understand that a fiberglass rod with a wood insert makes for an outstanding handle. However, I have never seen one myself. You could also try a titanium handle, if you have the price and can find someone that will work it to fit your needs. Two of us obsessive compulsives have yet to find that combination so we are still using the stainless steel.
The Home Depot
True Temper 48 in. Open Back Shovel Handle Model # 2037300 Internet # 100605629 Store SKU # 538566 is an ash handle per the their website.
I have broken so many handles I can not remember all of them. But they did include wood, aluminum, double wall aluminum, steel and finally stainless steel. The first four would last 1-3 years, the stainless steel has lasted over 7 and is still going strong. However it is not the lightest, but is my choice. My main use environment is salt water all year round and fresh in the summer. I understand that a fiberglass rod with a wood insert makes for an outstanding handle. However, I have never seen one myself. You could also try a titanium handle, if you have the price and can find someone that will work it to fit your needs. Two of us obsessive compulsives have yet to find that combination so we are still using the stainless steel.
I would go for strength and rot resistance in a wooden handle especially if used in fresh water. The salt water is a natural wood preservative. I used boiled linseed oil as a finish for my oak handle as I did not want it to swell in the socket mount and then be stuck.
Like a wooden baseball bat the that should never be hit on the stamped label because it will break, the handle for the scoop should be oriented for maximum strength when pulling the scoop toward you. The end grain of the wood, the butt end, should be running from the front of scoop to the back of scoop to give maximum strength and less flexibility. .
Modern wood handles are turned in a lathe but the strongest wooden handle is the hand crafted split wood handle, otherwise known as riving, as it follows the natural grain of the wood which means that you can have a smaller diameter handle that has the same strength as a fat turned handle.
Quarter sawed wood is the strongest type of wood other than riving as the wood is sawed along the grain for strength and stability.
You might need to wet the butt end of the wood of an unfinished handle to determine which way the grain runs so work up some spit and learn your woods.
Some working pioneer Museums have wood shops where a skilled woodworker will be able to make you a custom split wood handle if woodworking is not your thing.
I drag my scoop by its lanyard on the sand so weight is not the issue.
Minas man
Like a wooden baseball bat the that should never be hit on the stamped label because it will break, the handle for the scoop should be oriented for maximum strength when pulling the scoop toward you. The end grain of the wood, the butt end, should be running from the front of scoop to the back of scoop to give maximum strength and less flexibility. .
Modern wood handles are turned in a lathe but the strongest wooden handle is the hand crafted split wood handle, otherwise known as riving, as it follows the natural grain of the wood which means that you can have a smaller diameter handle that has the same strength as a fat turned handle.
Quarter sawed wood is the strongest type of wood other than riving as the wood is sawed along the grain for strength and stability.
You might need to wet the butt end of the wood of an unfinished handle to determine which way the grain runs so work up some spit and learn your woods.
Some working pioneer Museums have wood shops where a skilled woodworker will be able to make you a custom split wood handle if woodworking is not your thing.
I drag my scoop by its lanyard on the sand so weight is not the issue.
Minas man
john sullivan
New member
i made mine out of hedge, (osage orange) cut it green bend it so the scoop points down. it will bend a mile before it breaks and it floats
Here is a link to a good article on wooden handle orientation as there was a differing view that might confuse people.
Wooden handle replacement and grain orientation
Minas man
Wooden handle replacement and grain orientation
Minas man
dewcon4414
Well-known member
I get my handles from tractor supply. Very sturdy... then put a small wooden dowel in them at the bottom for added strength. I modified my StarvR scoop to keep them from moving and twisting here in the like concrete sand we have. The handle i use comes off a HOE, just cut it to the length you want. I prefer mine longer since i hunt deeper water than the wooden handles.
Dew
Dew
I tell you what..this has been a good thread! A newbie water hunter would be well advised to consider the points of various degrees of scoopage....to the uninformed or unexperienced, a good balanced, honest scoop for your conditions is what will make the difference in your enjoyment and finds. Sure, they may look expensive up front, and a trivial detail, but buddy, you will come to appreciate the design and thought that went into what may seem like a generic accessory.
Mud
Mud
dewcon4414
Well-known member
Sometimes it more about HOW you scoop. Many try to put the scoop stright down to get the largest volume of sand.....yes thats just what you are getting and if you put all your body into it you break a handle. Remember.... center the target take a reasonable scoop pull back slowly and let the scoop work its way out. If you dont get the target..... the sides tend to cave in... most targets move to the center of the hole at that time.
Dew
Dew
lawsonland
Member
I originally used the ash handle but was heavy and the diameter was large, I don't have big hands.
I found a shovel with a green fiberglass handle ($10) its lighter and has a smaller diameter.
I have dug deep and put a lot of stress on it and hasn't had a problem.
I found a shovel with a green fiberglass handle ($10) its lighter and has a smaller diameter.
I have dug deep and put a lot of stress on it and hasn't had a problem.
GeorgeinSC
Well-known member
When I got my T-Rex scoop I put the Ash handle from Home Despot in it. Was not satisfied with the handle as it is a bit heavy and when I get a real big scoop of packed wet sand it will bend a little.
I found a fiberglass handle from a post hold digger that I think will be much lighter. I drove a 3/4 inch dowel into the center hole of the handle to give added strength.
Been procrastinating on putting in the new handle as It is not a perfect fit to the scoop but I think it will lighten the scoop and be at least as strong as the wood handle.
I found a fiberglass handle from a post hold digger that I think will be much lighter. I drove a 3/4 inch dowel into the center hole of the handle to give added strength.
Been procrastinating on putting in the new handle as It is not a perfect fit to the scoop but I think it will lighten the scoop and be at least as strong as the wood handle.
used a fiberglass handle from a shovel, inserted a snug fitting dowel rod and my T-Rex weighs in at 4lbs 9oz. It works good and no problem digging deep and pulling out loads of sand, even in the water, used my digital fish scale to weigh scoop. I used my miter saw to cut the tip of the handle at 30 degrees so it would fit flush on the T-Rex. I also used 6 complete turns of duct tape so it would be a snug but not tight fit. HH