Tips on digging

theedudenator

New Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2010
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23
I have been practicing in my back yard.
But I just have a full size shovel.

I want to do some parks and stuff, but don't think a shovel is a good idea.

Any tips? Or photos of how it is done?
 
sure

the best thing ive found especially for parks is of course the tool they sell for detecting but if u want just things that are easy to find use a strong knife about 6 inches long bigger is better but not always good in public areas an a pocket saw for any roots you have to cut threw an a good screw driver for prying. Cut a circle the size of a small can an use the screw driver to pop it out like a plug. thats the basic way to do it hope that helps an good luck
 
Don't take a shovel to the park, they might run you off and ban it all together. Lots of good info on you-tube, whatever you use fill your holes.
Wow, that came out sounding a little harsh, sorry:?:
 
You can buy a digger that will work in a pinch from any hardware store or Wal-mart.. always fill in holes and try and get the grass back on top so it does not look like a gopher has been tearing up the turf lol

Good luck and have fun!!
 
I am looking at the prices of diggers and that seems like crazy prices!!

i have lots of rocks and roots in my yard.

So I think I need something robust. Was not planning on spending $50 on a digger!!
 
Dan that is a great video!!! Thanks! I've just started to do some digging, as in just started on Friday :lol: and I already managed to work up a blister on my hand. You was is much better than what I was doing!!!
 
i bought a small shovel (about 2 and 1/2 ft long) with a smaller blade on it from ACE hardware for $15 and it works great for me at the park, easy to carry and light weight and it fits easily in my trunk.
 
Shovels in parks are not a good idea - people get upset if they see you digging with a shovel, and you can't blame them.

Next thing you know, metal detecting will be banned in all local parks.

Learn to dig with a knife or garden trowel - check out that video in note number 8 above.
 
I am looking at the prices of diggers and that seems like crazy prices!!

i have lots of rocks and roots in my yard.

So I think I need something robust. Was not planning on spending $50 on a digger!!

I certainly wouldn't spend that much on your first digger.
Go to a hardware store and look in the gardening section.
Check:
http://www2.fiskars.com/Products/Ya...nd-Tools/Big-Grip-Multi-purpose-Planting-Tool
Also:
go to http://www.lowes.com and search for planter's buddy. That's the one I have (I bought it at the local Lowe's).
I wish the tip of my planters buddy was a sharp as the Fiskars tip looks. I may have to sharpen the tip with a grinder. I already sharpened the edge with a diamond whetstone.
 
What would you say is the most important tool in your arsenal? I don't have a pinpointer yet but found that when I was digging on Friday that I couldn't quite get the right spot sometimes with the regular detector.
 
I can dig 8" and pull a crushed soda can out of a hole I have to
stretch to get it out of. I have an improvement on the screw driver.
It will scoop dry dirt out of a 2" hole. All I need is my Arkie digger
and an electronic pin pointer.

I'll Let Tha Pics Speak For Themselves

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Happy Huntin,
 
Howdy TabDog, where does one find a digger such as the one you are using in the photos?

Thanks!
 
Howdy TabDog, where does one find a digger such as the one you are using in the photos?

Thanks!

Hay AzWip,

I got an email from a gentleman who wanted some
more info on my Arkie Hand Digger. Well, as he
said in his email,

"one picture is worth a thousand words"

So I got about 10,000 words worth of pics for Todd
and any one else who is interested in an improvement
on tha big screw driver method of recovery.

If you can pin point real well,

this one actually scoops dirt and rocks out of tha hole,
so if you got an electronic pin pointer, all ya have ta
stick in tha small hole is tha digger and tha probe in
order to recover a target.

Todd said;

Just need a few more details, as follows:

- Overall length of completed digger.
- Length of blade section (tip to grind blend-out).
- Am I correct that you used the handle-end of the
Craftsman tool, to form the blade ?

- What brand of dip did you use for the diggin tool handle and approx.
how many coats did it take ? (Assume one container was enough.)
- Please add any other helpful hints you think of.

Thanks a-bunch for sharing your tool design with me
Tabdog.

Good Luck in the play fields/Tot-lots !!

Todd

First off,

Remember to leave a rounded knob on tha other
end to make tha end of tha handle more rounded
for comfort.

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The over all finished length is about 12". About tha
same as tha Fiskars digger.

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The "length of blade section (tip to grind blend-out)"?

That is hard to say?

Try using this photograph as a reference,

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Tha handle is about 5" long,

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And yes, the handle of tha ratchet becomes tha
blade of tha digger.

Tha Craftsman makes a 1/16" wider blade because
tha handle is flatter,

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But in actual use, I found that makes no difference.

I got this 15" ratchet at a pawn shop for $4.

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After three solid hours of grindin, I had it roughed out,

Remember ta keep dunkin it in water ta keep it cool !

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Maybe this photo will help show tha subtle shape of
tha blade,

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Here is tha plastic dip I used,

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A can is 6 or 7 dollars, and will do a digger, plus a few
other tools. But tha digger takes several coats. Just
keep re-coating until tha handle seems big enough.

It's very durable. Both tha digger and tha handle
coating.

Any questions, feel free to ask,

Tabdog
 
Awesome! Thanks for the instructions and the photos - fantastic!

I think I may give this a shot. Thanks again!
 
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