Which Shovel for Digging?

[JaWi.]

Wondering what tool or shovel you all use went out in the fields, old run down sites etc. Not something I would use on private lawns, schools, parks or any site where leaving it like you never were there is important. , It would seem a small shovel type would save a lot of bending etc.????

 

[Sneakyweasel]

I use a stainless steel treeplanting shovel. A bit heavier than a regular shovel, but well nigh indestructible.

 

[roadapple]

Sampson 31 inch T- handle cuts clean plugs and is great for most any digging !!!!

 

[Mega]

My main digging tool is usually a stainless border spade cut down too a shield shape with a strong ash handle,i also have 3 various size special digging spades for site specific uses like say a small width one for when on manicured lawns or sites that have animals on so that i dont dig big holes so that the animals cannot hurt themselves.

For deep pasture use when hoard hunting i use stainless spades again but with longer stainless handles for not only the additional depth but also during the summer months the ground here in the UK can be like concrete,so a sturdy shaft is required,of course you could buy lighter fibre glass shaft digging tools but i feel you get what you pay for reliabilty wise,nothing worst than say when you are away on a weekends detecting trip and your handle snaps on your digging spade.

If you do tot lots or what ever you call them then small digging tools are usually the weapon of choice,in my finds bag i always carry a 'Hori Hori digger' great for digging neat holes in manicured lawns,but as yet have never had a offer too dig the main lawns at Buckingham Palace from the Queen

 

[After-1-]

The one that I use the most is 8" blade knife, The blades of the knifes are spring steel and handles are micarta. The shovels are made from 4.5" OD Stainless pipe and Stainless shafts and handles -----The short blade knife I for Planted Club Hunts-----also spring steel-----------------after1--------

 

[HaroldILL.]

I use The biggest "hand trowel" made. I think it the lesch T-12 model? Neat plug or not shovels are a No-No in any open area were a busy body might see you as they just see shovel even it is a Samson lesch small type.

 

[gregD]

I just use a "drain spade" for my big shovel.... Its narrow so it cuts deeper....and has a long blade so i can dig a 6" square hole up to 16" deep and still be able use my foot to push it into the dirt..... They are tough and they cost me about 10-12$ at the local hardware store

 

[Cameraniac]

I'm partial to Predator tools. These are the Raptor and Big Red shovels.

 

[Cameraniac]

I screwed up in the previous post. That is not the Raptor, it is the Ranger. Used to have a Raptor, sold it, and then went with the Ranger because I wanted a shovel with a D-handle. Sorry for any confusion that I may have caused.

 

[Stoof-tabsallday]

Sampson T handle non serrated.

But after looking at design, I'll be copying and making my own from now on. Super simple.

 

[Everetteb]

I was wondering the same for shovels. I'll be digging in the hilly wooded area that I know from past experience has more large rock than dirt. I was much younger when last there, this trip is going to give me a workout as it is, I've been watching the Lesche Ground Shark 40”/36" on the bay which doesn't look like it will take too large a bite, and I can go deep if necessary. I hope they are not too heavy as there is going to be a lot of hill climbing and long walks to get to where i'm going. Thanks for bringing the topic up JaWi!

 

[MassSaltH2O]

Great question. For beach hunters, you cant beat the Lady Floral by Seymour.
Other than beach hunting (and gardening) I would not recommend it for metal detecting.
Happy hunting, Kev

 

[bootyhoundpa]

For farm field hunting i just use a standard 3ft pointed shovel simular to the one in the above post.. you can find them at yardsales for $5 or less... farm fields only though,no crops,no roots, digging is easy peasey... and i still cover my holes like i was never there.... nice thing about using 3ft shovel is you only have to bend down once target is out of the hole which saves wear and tear on knees and back

 

[nam1969]

I use my entrenching tool . it folds and has serrated edge .

 

[HanoverDigger]

I use the Lesche Piranah...serrated on both sides.

 

[staffydog33]

I use this.....it's the mutt's nuts!!!

image upload without registration

 

[AlanTN]

Predator Tools "Model 76 - Intrepid". Currently on sale and in stock. It is one hell of a digging tool. It's like a short handled version of the Piranha.