Water Scoop Handle

[hobbes_lives]

A user in another forum posted a link to a Backsaver Grip that is used on yard tools. It looked like a good fit for a water scoop, so instead of having a handle welded to my scoop, I purchased one from Ace Hardware to try out. I replaced the hardware to hold the handle on with stainless steel bolts and locking nuts that I purchased from Ace too.

Here's a link to the tool...

http://www.backsavergrip.com/

I've attached some pics of my modified scoop...

 

[Daniel A.]

That is really cool is there enough play to put a rubber gasket between the shaft and handle so it can't slip. Dan

 

[hobbes_lives]

If the rubber gasket was thin, it would be possible to fit it in, but I really don't think it'll be necessary. My scoop's shaft is 1.25 inches diameter, and the handle fits snugly, like it was made for it. Additionally, there are a total of six bolts holding the handle on, three on top and three on the bottom. They do provide a piece of rubber in their hardware to compensate for smaller sizes.

 

[Daniel A.]

LOL

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Go to a flea market or farm sale and find a old broom rake or the like with an Oak handle...May take some experimenting to hook it on the scoop with bolts but properly attached its lighter, will float to the top if dropped and will take the strain if you find an old oak handle. New handles are basically junk wood used on broom and rakes and wouldn't last one trip....

 

[hobbes_lives]

Ya know, I had a hard time wording that reply appropriately, and it still got a laugh.

 

[deerman]

I've used the backsaver handle on my water scoop for over a year and a half and it works like a charm !!
To keep the scoop from sinking when i let go i just added some noodle foam(kids swim with them all colors too) to the upper handle
by way of a few tie wraps that you can get at wal-mart for a few bucks total cost and you can make a screen float with the rest...theres pics posted on this fourm of some the people have made,good luck

 

[hobbes_lives]

I finally headed over to the coast yesterday and got a chance to try it out. It wasn't really that helpful. I think it would work better if I slide it down towards the scoop more, but I don't want it to get in the way while digging. Grrr. Any suggestions?

 

[hobbes_lives]

Follow up: I slid the handle down to the top of the support bracket and that worked much better. I found out that it does get in the way of digging 2' deep holes, but is still doable and worth the trade-off.