Shovel for metal detecting.

[hunter12]

I always use a Lectshi digger. There are some places where the digging is hard, old saw mill, old gravel pit grounds., state forrest land. I'm looking into getting a shovel possibly. These places I won't have to worry about the size or neatness of the plug and hole. Any suggestions.

 

[Ronstar]

I use the 36” double cut Lesche (4.5 x 7.5”) almost everywhere. I know what your talking about tho when your in a place not sensitive to digging. I assume your speaking relic or cashe digging? A short handled standard type shovel is quick and dirty and Ive seen a “root slayer” style used as well so its maybe a preference thing.
I will touch briefly on one item we all need to remember. On state, federal, and private timber corporation grounds, if you cut through roots and the tree dies or becomes diseased etc the owner can collect up to three times the estimated value of the tree at maturity. This is a civil court proceeding, not criminal (unless they can prove damage was intentional) I have seen this happen in Idaho (law basically the same across the states), once with a xmas tree cutter and once when some couple tried digging seedlings for their own landscape. Trust me, that got expensive.......

 

[surfman]

I just went and bought a 4’ D handle spade and cut and shaped it the way I wanted. Perfect for field hunting and will even cut a really neat plug.

 

[still looking 52]

You need a shovel that swivels, that way you can use the same shovel for digging or chopping.

 

[relicmeister]

Crossover tool you can use almost anywhere but works in rocks and roots is a lesch raptor fitted with a D-handle from a worn snow shovel.

 

[hunter12]

Thank's all. Ronstar, I would mostly be out in fields and cleared trails. I still have my army entrentching tool, lol shovel, but's I think I need a shovel with a longer handle.

 

[IDXMonster]

The ”standard” for a long time has been the Sampson 31” T-handle shovel....many reasons why. People obviously use other shovels...but that’s the standard.

 

[Coinboy007]

I use a 36 inch version of the Lesche made by predatortools with the serrated edge.

 

[IDXMonster]

I use a 36 inch version of the Lesche made by predatortools with the serrated edge.

You might know CB....George Lesche is the namesake of the Lesche line, but somehow a family breakup sent him away minus his company, and he then started Predator. At least that’s the way I understand it. I’m sure there are more details than that involved but yes, Predator tools and shovels are VERY good from what I hear from other users. Expensive but very durable and purpose made...my next shovel will be a Predator.

 

[Coinboy007]

You might know CB....George Lesche is the namesake of the Lesche line, but somehow a family breakup sent him away minus his company, and he then started Predator. At least that’s the way I understand it. I’m sure there are more details than that involved but yes, Predator tools and shovels are VERY good from what I hear from other users. Expensive but very durable and purpose made...my next shovel will be a Predator.

They are great. I have the Ultra Eagle and the raptor digger. The ultra eagle is very similar to the Lesche

 

[IowaRelic]

Go to Lowe’s and get a Kobalt trench spade. 25$. Cut the handle down. I’ve been using mine for years and it shows no signs of slowing down. Really tough. Makes a neat and deep plug too.

 

[Ted S]

The ”standard” for a long time has been the Sampson 31” T-handle shovel....many reasons why. People obviously use other shovels...but that’s the standard.

I bought this one and it works great! Thanks for the tip Kevin!!

 

[Dig2Deep]

I use a White’s Ground Hawg shovel and love it. Works good for me in the woods and in places I have to be clean. My Buddy bought a Lowe’s shovel and cut it to his ideal digger. Both good options in my opinion.

 

[hunter12]

Thanks all. Happy New Year.

 

[wildwilly]

Iowa relic, I did the same thing with the Kobalt trench spade. I modified the blade to suit me then replaced the handle with a lightweight fiberglass pole and a tight fitting aluminum insert. Also used a lot of JB Weld. I love that stuff. The shovel is also a lot lighter which means a lot to ole' guys like me.

 

[Confetrit]

I use the Lesche 31' T handle Relic Hunter shovel w\serrated edge for cutting roots. It is a quality shovel and handles rough ground well. It has never failed me in our Georgia Red' clay.

 

[IowaRelic]

I use the Lesche 31' T handle Relic Hunter shovel w\serrated edge for cutting roots. It is a quality shovel and handles rough ground well. It has never failed me in our Georgia Red' clay.

Yep that’s a good shovel. Mine met its match in frozen Iowa dirt. I repaired it, then it got stolen. I’m thinking the 18” lesche would be useful. Sometimes it’s easier to cut a plug on your knees with a short shovel when there’s lots of surface roots and such.

 

[Coinboy007]

The predators have a stronger weld as well.

 

[laplander]

These are a couple shop built diggers I built. Tile spade in their previous life cut down and fitted with steel handles make the perfect recovery tool. The blades are roughly the same shape as a lesche digger but about twice the size. Older the better on the blades.
HH Jeff

 

[Minelab Pirate]

After watching this video, I got a Grave Digger "Tombstone" shovel. Best shovel I've owned!