What do the Experienced Ones use to dig?

[dbsmokey]

Hello,

I am new to this metal detecting hobby. I have been searching the internet tirelessly for information. I have found a plethora of various digging and probing instruments. I am not sure what works best for people. Please impart your knowledge and experience in this matter. Thanks!!

 

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[Lowbatts]

Gerber folding branch saw for cutting plugs. Works great and is dirt cheap around $10. May sub keyhole saw with sturdy blade, $3.
Folding entrenching tool for working construction or loose ground around $10 also.
4" awl with a softly rounded tip for probing and poppers, about $3.
Heavy trowel with serrated edge, about $3.
Small garden shovel for deeper work where environs permit, about $10.
Plastic sand scoop for light playground work, about $10.
Metal sandscoop for heavy sand/water work, $15-$70.
Knowing you've got the right tools for the job..... priceless!

 

[Hoser John]

Sandscoop for the beach,a 3' screwdriver(don't never get close to work,it's contagious)and a knife for plugs.Worked fine for over 45 years!!Tons a au 2 u 2-John

 

[MDnoob]

Two 12" flathead, blunt screwdrivers- for marking, popping shallow targets out, chipping hard dirt, probing

Aluminum shears for cutting big roots

A machete chopped off to about 6" with a serrated edge for cutting and digging square plugs.

A paint scraper with a sharp wide edge for cutting plugs.

A frisbee to put dirt on.

 

[scotty]

I use a world war I bayonet, which has a 14" blade and is narrow, I can cut plugs, probe, and also dig with it. I still search for coins the oldfashioned way, locate and pinpoint with detector, then probe gently, for the coin, sometimes a rock will fool me when it stops the knife blade from penetrating any deeper, but usually it is a coin and I just move over a little and probe again and feel for the edge and then go by it and then pop it out of the ground. Most of the time even I can't tell where I pulled the coin out of the ground. I have a bullseye pinpointer, but usually forget about it when I am in a field of coins. I did have a small flower garden type shovel I use when digging bigger. deeper holes. I use it mainly to scoop dirt out. My old bayonet no longer has a sharp point on it, it has long since worn to a round point. After 22 years,of digging, it has reason to be worn. HH Scotty

 

[rjb]

digging

All good items submitted previously. I also use a bulb planter as a plug cutter, not expensive at most garden shops. I made 2 sand scoops from large flour/sugar scoops by drilling holes slightly smaller than a dime. Be sure to check the pile after sifting for any small piece ot jewelry or emblem that might slip thru.

 

[rjb]

A brass rod may be too soft in some ground, Yes a screwdriver will work but knock off the sharp edges with a file. I also use an old Garand bayonet that has been dulled, like it better than the screwdriver. Also the little 3 pronged gardners tool is great if the ground isn't too hard.

 

[rjb]

Almost forgot, the plug (BULB PLANTER)cutter cuts clean and I haven't had any objectIONS to using one in parks or school yards.

 

[scotty]

Eddie,
I live in Gravois Mills, on north end of beautiful Lake Of The Ozarks. Population 201. My brother-in-law lives at Caplinger Mills, which is close to Stockton. My daughter lives in Joplin. You may as well leave your detector at home, I've done found it all in Missouri. LOL. HH Scotty

 

[scotty]

Hey Eddie,
You bring the rods and i'll show you where the crappie are, I got the boat. Right now we have about 1/2 inch of ice covered with about an inch of snow. Not good for detecting or fishing. Come on Spring!! Scotty

 

[MDnoob]

Here is something I picked up the other day at Wal-Mart for 5 bucks. It will be great for cutting plugs in my yard. The silver part of it is 5 3/4" long.