What do you use when the dirt is REALLY hard to dig?

[TrpnBils]

With how dry and hot it's been here lately the ground is getting ridiculous. I hunted for about 8 hours yesterday and for a little bit today and the ground is so hard that my right hand is killing me. I've always used a blunt-nosed hand spade from Lowes...and anytime I find something new to use it's always because the handle has broken off or the blade gets bent. So far I've had this one the longest of anything and it's holding up well, but I'm wondering if there is something better for tough ground.

 

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[rainyday101]

When the ground is hard and dry I stay out of our public parks so I don't leave dead plugs that really stand out to the park keepers. I'm gonna have the try the screwdriver/gasket scraper out. I hate finding 6-8" wide dead plugs. There is just no reason to dig a plug this wide on public land.

 

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[Diggin-N-Dumps]

Anyone that lives in texas knows a screwdriver or shovel isnt an option sometimes...ive been hunting a road tear out thst has been compacted the last 100 years..and its seriously like digging in a concrete parking lot...a small pickaxe is key..just stay away from the pinpointed target

 

[Lab Rat Pappy]

I use a heavy duty pry bar (12") from Harbor Freight. I grind the edges to round them and it works great in hard packed dirt as well as parking areas that have been covered in small stones. The set is quite cheap and I have had no problem with using it. I also carry it on my belt using a holster for a pair of pliers. (HF #1654/69281) GL HH Lab Rat Pappy

 

[Mach1Pilot]

Jeff,

I'm a fan of my Predator Tools Piranha.... someday we can get together for a hunt so you can try it out and form your own opinion of it.

 

[hunterbill]

I use a cordless hammer drill for the hard stuff. Though, that more of a nugget hunting tool.

 

[Ronson]

Anyone that lives in texas knows a screwdriver or shovel isnt an option sometimes...ive been hunting a road tear out thst has been compacted the last 100 years..and its seriously like digging in a concrete parking lot...a small pickaxe is key..just stay away from the pinpointed target

Holy crow, this is so true. I needed a mini-jackhammer out at White Rock Lake, a few weeks back.

 

[Msdigger22]

Any of these should do fine but u should check your local laws regarding digging before using lol

 

[penzfan]

Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job.

 

[Msdigger22]

Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 before each job.

Lol defiantly call 811 before using any of the above items

 

[mitchellf]

Use a dremel

 

[CladGrabber]

31" Sampson T-handle just ordered one from Bart. With drought and 100 degree heat this Okla soil gets wicked hard!

 

[Fixitdave]

Straight claw hammer.I use it for.hard packed gravel driveways and parking lots.its the best thing I've found for hard rocky ground.Good luck happy hunting

 

[Capt Ed]

I really like the Lesche shovel I got from Kellyco! Here in Austin, the dirt is really dry and hard packed. This shovel makes a real difference!

 

[Phantasman]

I think Lesche makes the best digging tools. The new Ranger 65 seems eligible for hard soil.

 

[Frankn]

I think Lesche makes the best digging tools. The new Ranger 65 seems eligible for hard soil.

View attachment 1047631 View attachment 1047632

It appears the handle slides over a smaller pipe that is welded to the blade. This could be a weak point.

I use the all steel A M Leonard shovel that has a hefty weld holding the handle to the blade. It has a lifetime guarantee. By the way, I have been using this one for App. 13 years and it still looks like new. Cache hunting takes it's toll on most shovels. Frank...-

 

[Phantasman]

Maybe. But I've never heard of a Lesche breaking during proper use. Plus, I'd take it's V shaped blade to penetrate the hard dirt he's mentioning over a flat tip.

And as far as steel, the ad says:

[FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica][FONT=Arial, Arial, Helvetica]The Blade is Chrome-Molly 4130 Aircraft quality steel that has been heat
treated and tempered, (one at a time) to give our customers nothing less
than the best and strongest digging tools ever made.[/FONT][/FONT]

 

[Frankn]

Maybe. But I've never heard of a Lesche breaking during proper use. Plus, I'd take it's V shaped blade to penetrate the hard dirt he's mentioning over a flat tip.

View attachment 1048684 And as far as steel, the ad says:

The Blade is Chrome-Molly 4130 Aircraft quality steel that has been heat
treated and tempered, (one at a time) to give our customers nothing less
than the best and strongest digging tools ever made.

***************************************************************
Check back with me in another 14 years. I think mine will still be working. lol Frank...-
I have used it as a prybar and chopped locks open on chests with it.

 

[Phantasman]

I bought my Lesche 85 and Lesche Samson shovel in 2006, so I don't have far to go. The Raptor is 5 years old.

My Klein 9NE's are 30 years old and any electrician will verify that they are top of the line. I've used them as a hammer, screw cutter, teeth puller and everything imaginable.



BTW- I'm getting ready to go to an East coast beach, but haven't decided which one yet. Are you close to Ocean City, or have hunt there?

 

[Frankn]

I bought my Lesche 85 and Lesche Samson shovel in 2006, so I don't have far to go. The Raptor is 5 years old.

My Klein 9NE's are 30 years old and any electrician will verify that they are top of the line. I've used them as a hammer, screw cutter, teeth puller and everything imaginable.
View attachment 1049242


BTW- I'm getting ready to go to an East coast beach, but haven't decided which one yet. Are you close to Ocean City, or have hunt there?

Yea, being a union electrician IBEW local 28 in the past, I am well aware of Klein quality.
As for Ocean City Maryland, there are over 100 blocks of beach. The heavy use 'center' is 9th St.
The beach continues for miles into Delaware. I have found everything from a boat anchor
( still attached to a boat) to a rolex on those beaches. Frank...-

 

[Higgy]

I have the Lesche Sampson 32" and its a fine shovel, but for lawns I'd like to get the Ground Shark and maybe cut the handle down to 18". It would definitely cut a tighter, smaller plug imho.