what small shovel would you all suggest?
- Thread starter luked
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Thrifty Reviews
Full Member
Call me cheap ... Tractor Supply ... Photo of my $10 shovel can be found at the bottom of this thread. I love it.
http://metaldetectingforum.com/showthread.php?t=148942
Coinhunter88
New Member
Home depot shovel made by Ames, I've pried on this thing hard and still haven't broke it. It was like 12 bucks. I love it.
SoKyHunter
Full Member
The Sampson 31" serrated is pretty nice.
I do have two complaints about it though:
The shaft is a little wide for a t handle. When I carry it with my index and middle finger on either side of the shaft, they go numb. Maybe my fingers just don't like being stretched that far apart, but it might as well be an L handle. D handles might be a better choice in terms of comfort.
I'd love to use it as a walking stick while on the move, but at 6' its a couple inches too short and I have to carry it.
Also, it'll set off my AT Pro at almost two feet. I have to carry it behind my leg to avoid chatter. It may seem trivial, but on long hunts, its distracting and somewhat uncomfortable.
I do have two complaints about it though:
The shaft is a little wide for a t handle. When I carry it with my index and middle finger on either side of the shaft, they go numb. Maybe my fingers just don't like being stretched that far apart, but it might as well be an L handle. D handles might be a better choice in terms of comfort.
I'd love to use it as a walking stick while on the move, but at 6' its a couple inches too short and I have to carry it.
Also, it'll set off my AT Pro at almost two feet. I have to carry it behind my leg to avoid chatter. It may seem trivial, but on long hunts, its distracting and somewhat uncomfortable.
Surf Master
Forum Supporter
lesche sampson 31 T serrated
love them,havn't used a hand digger for year's,2 the same in the pick,you can get them at http://newenglanddetectors.com/ happy hunting Earl
love them,havn't used a hand digger for year's,2 the same in the pick,you can get them at http://newenglanddetectors.com/ happy hunting Earl
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Silversmith45
Elite Member
I have both the 31" and the 18" Sampson's. I find that I use the 18" more than I do the other. I can dig with it sitting down. It cuts through roots easily and I can carry it on my belt. I never was in favor of shovels until I got them. There are still a lot of places I wouldn't use them but it's hard to tell where I've dug, unlike whoever was digging at my favorite park with a large shovel and doing a lousy job of filling their holes.
Martin_V3i
Elite Member
I use the Mini Sampson exclusively now, unless I am in a private yard or a perfectly manicured park. Another great option is the small shovel which the Dollar Store sells for $8 bucks. Those are the 2 best options IMO. I like the super short shovels instead of 30-40" shovels. They just look better to the public eye in the places I usually hunt. martin
1948-SilverDime
Full Member
This one looks promising
Here is one that looks sturdy and promising and a decent price I thought.
Here's the link to it on EBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/140932244825?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
SD
Here is one that looks sturdy and promising and a decent price I thought.
Here's the link to it on EBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/140932244825?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
SD
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Grumpysrb
Forum Supporter
BUZZ WILSON
Forum Supporter
For the $$$ i'd get the Sampson 31.
http://www.newenglanddetectors.com/..._id=67&zenid=0a540d2df7462d26443dbe7e4472cb2b
http://www.newenglanddetectors.com/..._id=67&zenid=0a540d2df7462d26443dbe7e4472cb2b
digginpa
Senior Member
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2011
- Messages
- 285
That's what I did.
diggindeep1266
Junior Member
I cut the orange one down and used a D handle off an old snow shovel. I use it a lot along creek banks in tree roots (4" wide) and in hard packed soil. Works great for flipping a plug also. With such an angle, I found it tough to use one handed. The D handle really helps.
I "trimmed" the other one up and use it for fields, open woods, beaches befor the season starts, etc,
Martin_V3i
Elite Member
The Dollar Store $8 Black and Decker is strong. I don't own one as I love the 18" Mini. If you don't mind the price, the Mini is still my recommendation. All Dollar-labeled stores don't sell the same shovel. B&Decker seems to be the best.
Ice Scratcher
Elite Member
- Joined
- Oct 13, 2012
- Messages
- 18,347
That is what I use to cut my hole also, then I use a smaller digger from there... I carry mine on my side, I made the hanger from a hammer loop I took apart...
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HullGuitars
Forum Supporter
I really like my folding military shovel. It's an original that was built very sturdy. What I like most about it is the blade of the shovel has no curve to it so it's very flat like a razor blade cutting into the ground. People can't believe how smooth and easy I can cut a plug because the straight blade causes no resistance
Quoddy
New Member
The Predator Little Eagle works for me when I want a small shovel. Since getting the Raptor, with it's ability to scoop out dirt so well, I often just carry it.
Chipk
Elite Member
Army navy surplus
Military surplus! Tough, light and dependable
Military surplus! Tough, light and dependable
ditto......
