The besttool for cuting roots.

[Ray S S]

As new as I am to this wonderfull hobby of metal detecting there is still so much to be learned yet. But I do have a tip that might help some of you with the roots that are in the way of your find. In looking at all kinds of digging
tools I haven't seen anything that looks like a very easy tool to cut them. Especially in just a small hole. I can't
afford any of the expensive tools so I use a drywall saw. Some of you might not know what it looks like. It is similar
to a hunting knife in size. A hardened, tempered blade, 6" long, 1 inch wide at the handle and with a sharp point it
is sometimes called a jab saw because you put the point against the drywall and smack it with your hand. It goes
through it and saws out the hole. The handles used to be just round like a thick screwdriver handle but are better shapped for the hand. Because of their shape and size with very sharp teeth it is ideal to jab it in and cut the roots
without making the hole bigger. They sell for anywhere from $5.00 up to $15.00 in Home Depot or Lowe's or any store that sells carpentry and drywalling tools. If you try one of these I am sure you would like what it will do for you.

Hope someone can make use of this little bit of info.

Ray karenray08

[MEinWV]

K-ray, the best little root cutter I have used is a regular Ginsu steak knife. They are dirt cheap dollar store items, and they go through roots like butter. The blades are thin and they work great on manicured lawns when cutting a plug, just takes a little more time and care to get the plug out. Give it a try and lets us know what you think!

Good luck and HH!

[Ray S S]

Hello, MEinWV, Thanks for the reply. I'll try one of those knives you mentioned. It sounds like it would do a good job on thoseroots, too. I'll have to try it out and compare it to my little saw. They are probably both about the same with thethiness of the blades there is very little resistance from the dirt, making it easy to cut through roots no matterhow thick the root is. Thanks again for the tip. Good hunting to you too. Ray karenray08

[diggemall]

These little beasts work great - cut through roots like a hot knife through butter plus the blade retracts into the handle when not in use

Diggem

[CanUDigIt]

Hey karenray08! I use the 7 in 1 planter's buddy. I got it at Lowe's but I hear it's at Walmart too. The one edge has a saw and the other is like a knife. I have used it for over a year and love it!

[Ray S S]

Thanks, guys for the replies and pics.

CanUDigIt That 7 in 1 Planter's Buddy looks like a good name for it with all the features it has. I'll take a look
at it.

Diggemall, your suggestion looks good too. With the blade open, it is about like my drywall saw, but I like the
part about being able to fold it like a pocket knife making for better carrying. I see on your avatar you are in
North East wisconsin. When I was a kid I went to a church camp in Crivitz, Wis. every summer for 1 week in August for
5 years in a row. Started when I was 9 years old and the church paid my way fot the first 4 years. On the 5th year my mother went as counsler so sister and I got in free. It was on Sand Lake, small and surrounded by woods.
Good memories from those camp days. Boy that seem like it was so long ago that the Big Dipper must have been still
just a cup. LOL.

Thanks again for the replies.

Ray karenray08

[dahut]

I use a drywall/compass saw