How do you carry a shovel while Metal detecting?

[Luke99]

For those of you that use a mid size shovel with a handle. How do you carry it?

[kce]

I have fixed a strap to mine and carry it over my shoulder an old seat belt from a car is what i used.

[MoBob]

Carry it on my shoulder like a ball bat !

[dewcon]

mine is 24 inches long and fits in a hammer holder on a belt. Its all i need.... very heavy made from an old spade. and cut out using a garden trowel and a gage and a dremel cutting tool.

Dew

[~Alan~]

I just drag mine behind me, with my free hand.

[LAYNE SHALE]

I use a military 3 way folding entrenchment tool, it fold up and fits in a backpack for transport and its really lite to carry why you are MDing.

[eli]

Dew, that digger looks great, I have an old spade that might just like that treatment, thanks for the pic and the inspiration!

I also use a three-part folder, a Gerber and it comes with a sheath so, if I wanted, I could carry it on a utility belt or Alice pack.

It's a very handy tool and folded, it's a handy upgrade in 'digging power' if it's needed and doesn't alarm folks when you walk into the park.

It occurs to me that in a pinch, it could keep a dog or villain off you, something being discussed in another thread. One side edge is corrugated, to aid with chopping and the other is straight, either will deliver a mortal wound when applied with force, should the flat of the shovel not deter!

[sirwalle]

I drag it to. I do have a army shovel. Thought of the holster for it. But my pants would start going down. Because of all the weight. And who wants the belt buckle cramming in your gut?

[Surf Master]

Click Lesche on New England detectors site,wont break,easy to carry with the T,dig from a standing position,no more sore hands ,blisters,joint hand pain,and its a security weapon,i used hand diggers for years,got 2 of these shovels,your wife might go in half with you because she will plant all her flowers with it to,so to answer your ? why are you still using a hand digger

[Lightningjack]

When I use my 31 inch Sampson shovel if I don't carry it over my shoulder my detector will pick it up, even holding it waist high will drive the machine nutz..

[Surf Master]

mine has never gone off i carry the t on my side,i have the most sensitive detectors out,besides gold detectors,my f75 se cranked out wont go off,i dig the plug standing up,then when i have to dig under the plug i put the F75 se on the left side,dig,pinpointer dig,so i don't know what you are doing wrong,i also carry it at my side level,no detection EARL

[Lightningjack]

Originally Posted by Surf Master

mine has never gone off i carry the t on my side,i have the most sensitive detectors out,besides gold detectors,my f75 se cranked out wont go off,i dig the plug standing up,then when i have to dig under the plug i put the F75 se on the left side,dig,pinpointer dig,so i don't know what you are doing wrong,i also carry it at my side level,no detection EARL

Sorry dude!! I don't know what to tell ya & why the heck would I make something like that up...Maybe you should get a AT Pro..

[dewcon]

Im an ole retired Army guy and like those folding shovels. But it takes time to get them ready every time to dig... time means coins left in the ground. Mine now has serrated cuts on one side and even depth marks... it was easy to do with a grinder. I still cut my slits with a butcher knife because most shovels really leave a gap and the flap doesnt always look as clean. But thats me. Ive not noticed the detector picking it up, but its on my hip where it doesnt get in the way. Nice couple of hour project. Ive not noticed it being picked up by my ML... but its on my hip. It will when you put the detector down if you get to close. I have a friend who has one of the Tee handle ones.... great tool even in a park, but he still has to carry it. To me its like beach hunting... i hate carrying or dragging that heavy sand scoop... especially after a few hours of more swigging than digging with the heavy ML.

Dew

[eli]

If you'd like to carry a military type shovel folded on a belt, you should look to a web belt with butt pack straps, or whatever the kids are using these days.

Basically, it's nothing more than a pair of suspenders, but it keeps the gear comfortably in place and you can also add a canteen and some small ammo pouches, for carrying spare batteries, a gps or two-way radio when you're hunting with friends.

These are formost designed to allow movment, a grunt has to be fast on and off his feet and properly adjusted, they are quite comfortable, considering what all they do.

As I mentioned, butt packs are also used with this sort of gear so that's another option for carrying your kit and you can add a poncho, with or without a liner for warmth, for 'iffi' weather days and don't forget a lunch and thermos of coffee.

[robby4570]

Originally Posted by sirwalle

And who wants the belt buckle cramming in your gut?

Do some sit-ups or crunches, that will take care of that gut!

[eli]

I should add, if you're a bit wide in the middle, you might want to look for older web kit, pre-1980 or so, because around then, the military started weeding out soldiers that didn't meet the new fitness requirement and older gear was available for some pretty sizable guys.

[Darkman]

Like Sir Wally and Alan I just hold it by the handle and drag it behind me, As a bonus I leave a trail so I never get lost

[Surf Master]

I tell the truth Jack,and have top of the line detectors not 2nd best : lol:,try upgrading to a Etrac,stretch your shaft,and your arms out,i am 6'3,my coil is no were near my 31 inch Lesche T shovel,don't feel sorry 4 me,i feel sorry for you,i wonder how you keep your finds,without your detector going off !

[scruffy]

At Canadian Tire in the gardening section they have an ultra lightweight with telescopic handle ...shovel. I have mobility issues and this shovel is soooooo easy to tote around and digs well...

[Silversmith45]

If you plan on using one of the military style folding shovels, get a genuine Military one. I've tried cheap copies and they bent the first time I tried using them. I have two of the military ones and never have had any problems with them. As a rule, i never take any kind of a shovel to a park.