Digging tools

[SilverQuest]

I am getting started in MDing. Getting started in that I have a machine (ACE 350)but havent been out to scan and dig yet. What do the experienced members of the forum recommend. I have a spade and the digging instrument offered in the package (plastic Piece-Of-S@#t.). To me the spade would make a large hole (to large), but I have gotten signals 6-8 inches deep. The plastic wont hardly penetrate the ground. I am thinking garden tools might work, but will have to wait until spring to buy those seasonal tools.

Thanks for all input.

[Mzjavert]

You need a nice heavy duty trowel. You can buy one from Garrett or these folks http://www.dixie-metal-detectors.com...&cPath=100_103

[sniffer]

the best you can buy is a Lesche hand digger or a shovel from Predator tools

[Keppy]

I have been doing this for 40 years and i like the Lesche digger. Predator makes the orange handle one now..... www.predatortools.com

[Sandman]

I hate the thought of a shovel, but in the woods or fields it is OK. Mostly if it is to deep for coin popping I just leave it since I'd have to go down on my knees. But the tool I use is shown below. It is a Fiskers garden spade and can be gotten anywhere garden supplies are sold for around $6.95. I've found the slot on the point is good for slicing roots.

[Keppy]

I hate the thought of a shovel, but in the woods or fields it is OK. Mostly if it is to deep for coin popping I just leave it since I'd have to go down on my knees. But the tool I use is shown below. It is a Fiskers garden spade and can be gotten anywhere garden supplies are sold for around $6.95. I've found the slot on the point is good for slicing roots.

Sandman........I was thinking of trying one of those .... I think that lowes might have them............... And for $6.95 i can't go wrong......

[Roland58]

I like the digging tool that Sandman referred to, but, I use something else that is very similar. I have a Japanese Hori Hori knife: http://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Garde.../dp/B0007WFG2I

This knife takes and holds a great edge.....it come to you very sharp. I didn't care a lot for the handle, plus, other critics were concerned about the lack of a guard to keep your hand from slipping down onto the blade. I bought some very inexpensive foam ATV grip covers from a local motorcycle shop and put one over the handle. That made it wonderfully comfortable and did lessen the possibility of slipping down onto the blade when digging. For surgical plug cutting in a park, these are the ticket. I'm thinking Sandman's suggestion would probably work in a comparable manner.

[goldentruth]

I was at Lowes and i found a Stainless Steel Spade with a thick wire/tang 1/4 inch which runs into the handle.
What is nice. it has a Navy Blue Silicone type strong rubber that is soft on your hands.
You can find it in the garden tools dept.(While you are there, check out the long wood handle with attached small attached disk/magnet mounted on the end $10.00!) (a knee saver/probe for trash iron metals to save time.) Ace Hdwe has a good light weight Matock if later you nugget-Shoot for Gold Nuggets.
Good luck, you have a lot of good advice here.

[Roland58]

I was at Lowes and i found a Stainless Steel Spade with a thick wire/tang 1/4 inch which runs into the handle.
What is nice. it has a Navy Blue Silicone type strong rubber that is soft on your hands.
You can find it in the garden tools dept.(While you are there, check out the long wood handle with attached small attached disk/magnet mounted on the end $10.00!) (a knee saver/probe for trash iron metals to save time.) Ace Hdwe has a good light weight Matock if later you nugget-Shoot for Gold Nuggets.
Good luck, you have a lot of good advice here.

How about a picture or two of this stainless spade? Thanks.

[biggmike]

I have been doing this for 40 years and i like the Lesche digger. Predator makes the orange handle one now..... www.predatortools.com

Keppy's answer should have ended this discussion IMO

[okdiggermark]

I have been doing this for 40 years and i like the Lesche digger. Predator makes the orange handle one now..... www.predatortools.com

Keppy's answer should have ended this discussion IMO

Yep! Lesche for me too, thanks!

[calisdad]

Don't leave home without that "(plastic Piece-Of-S@#t.). " Pretty hard to scan your digs without it.

[Roland58]

I have been doing this for 40 years and i like the Lesche digger. Predator makes the orange handle one now..... www.predatortools.com

Keppy's answer should have ended this discussion IMO

Are you talking about this answer or the one where he says he was thinking about trying the one from Lowe's for $6.95?

[Keppy]

I have been doing this for 40 years and i like the Lesche digger. Predator makes the orange handle one now..... www.predatortools.com

Keppy's answer should have ended this discussion IMO

Are you talking about this answer or the one where he says he was thinking about trying the one from Lowe's for $6.95?

I was talking about the best digger ...Lesche ... The problem with those $6.95 diggers if you get in to some hard ground they will not dig in and will break.... They are for loose soil like in your garden........... For doing what we do we need something like the........ Lesche Digger.........

[gleaner1]

I make my turf spades out of old shovels. Pics soon.

[Roland58]

I have been doing this for 40 years and i like the Lesche digger. Predator makes the orange handle one now..... www.predatortools.com

Keppy's answer should have ended this discussion IMO

Are you talking about this answer or the one where he says he was thinking about trying the one from Lowe's for $6.95?

I was talking about the best digger ...Lesche ... The problem with those $6.95 diggers if you get in to some hard ground they will not dig in and will break.... They are for loose soil like in your garden........... For doing what we do we need something like the........ Lesche Digger.........

I knew what you meant......just shakin' your cage. And, yes, the Lesche is an excellent, well made, heavy duty digger that will last until you lose it (you probably won't wear it out).

[EastKyMiner]

the best you can buy is a Lesche hand digger or a shovel from Predator tools

The best.

[okdiggermark]

the best you can buy is a Lesche hand digger or a shovel from Predator tools

The best.

Yes, and who scans their digs while still in the shovel anyway? I thought we all used pinpointers and went straight to the target....

[biggmike]

The best.

Yes, and who scans their digs while still in the shovel anyway? I thought we all used pinpointers and went straight to the target....

You're right okdiggermark... I wonder if people actually run the coil over each scoop of soil? I do it the traditional way of cutting a plug about as deep as I think the target is then pinpointing my way to the target. (I think that's the traditional way) I don't really scoop that much soil I guess. Just wondering.

[sniffer]

I use my predator shovel when I go out in fields or wooded areas. usually one scoop and it's in the shovel