Pluggin with a slightly different digger

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I just received my new digger from Trans-Mississippi Electronics [(918)832-8064] and it dug 18 coins today on my lunchbreak. The horizontal handle - 90º to blade - does give the added leverage I had hoped for. Here is a sequence showing a plug technique for those interested and the use of this tool specifically.

I start with a plunge, then make a three sided flap with two additional plunges. The tool goes in the original cut and the flap is levered out. Anything more than about 3" will tear the plug out; and the idea is to keep the sod roots intact in the "hinge" of the plug. Additional diggings are piled off to one side until the target is reached. The nose of the tool, being flat, allows a nice even hole with a flat bottom. Nice for probing. Final shot shows all the dirt tipped back in and the plug replaced, then the dirt on top of the grass/leaves ruffed up with the edge of the tool lightly to get it below the grass. This prevents a bald looking spot on top of the grass. Good as new.

Overall the new tool seems like it will be a great addition to my arsenal. Worked great on the park soil (the photos are my own yard).

[Timberwolf]

Charlie P,

Thanks for the pics. I had thought of doing the same thing, just hadn't gotten around to it yet. The digger you bought and the one's I have work GREAT!!!

Tom

[borninok]

Hey, Charlie P., I just posted on Timberwolf's original posting. I got the other style of digger. When it came in the mail, I initially thought they must have left the digger out...it seemed so light. I guess from the pictures, I was expecting this monstrous thing. Instead, it is light.....VERY well built...and EXTREMELY SHARP. Accidentally sliced through one of my good shirts while showing it to my wife.

I initially was going to get the 90 degree angle style, but decided on what Terry called "the standard style". I haven't used it yet, but I think it indeed is going to be a great addition to my arsenal. I may end up buying the 90 degree angle one, too, just to have the variety. Of course, like my wife said....."you've only got 2 hands...what do you need another digger for?" Gee, wives.....they just don't understand men and their toys...LOL

Like I said on Timberwolf's post....now my thoughts are spinning on a sheath for it.

Thanks again, Timberwolf for your original post....I now have a new toy!

--Mel

borninok

[hsjrev]

Could somebody who has one of these neat tools tell me how thick the steel is? Looks like about 1/8" from the pics but hard to tell.
Thanks.

[cosmic]

yes it is...

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Yep. 0.1265" on my mic. A hair over 1/8".

[Ice Fishin Nut]

Charlie P., you must be either a machinist or inspector. I've been cutting metal for 24 years now and dont know of anyone else that gives that detailed of measurements!!!

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Charlie P., you must be either a machinist or inspector. I've been cutting metal for 24 years now and dont know of anyone else that gives that detailed of measurements!!!

Controller/plant accountant at a steel bending plant. Had to estimate the final 0.0005" as it fell between tics on my old ratchet clutch Starrett micrometer.

[artemis moon]

I've got the other style of this tool (with the "normal" handle) and it's great. It's impossible to break or bend and the flatness of it makes it easy to create those flaps. The only thing I find is that it's difficult to scoop the dirt out of the hole because it is so flat. The tool sells for about $38.00 from what I can remember. Another plus is that if it starts to get dull, you can hit it with a file and it will be as good as new. I'm going to consider getting this other model.

[borninok]

AM, you probably have the handle like I have...what they call "standard". It's a winner.....but later on, I may get this handle style to see how it does. Can't beat the sturdiness of these things...wow!

--Mel

borninok

[Timberwolf]

AM, you probably have the handle like I have...what they call "standard". It's a winner.....but later on, I may get this handle style to see how it does. Can't beat the sturdiness of these things...wow!

--Mel

borninok

Hey Mel,

Maybe I should make a "spook" version digger
I'm not sure what they would use it for...but knowing our government, they would figure something out

TW

[borninok]

hmmmm....I could think of a couple of things...ha/ha...once a spook, always a spook...LOL

--Mel

borninok

[hsjrev]

That looks like it began life as a lawnmower blade. The old blades from my riding mower are just about the same dimensions. It shouldn't be too hard to heat it up and cut it to length and shape it and then reharden it by quenching in oil. Of course I'd have to find a tube or pipe or something to weld on for a handle. Hmm...guess I've got a project to work on.

{edit}
Well, here's my homemade version from a mower blade and a piece of water pipe with a bicycle grip on it. It's not pretty but hopefully it will do the job. I'll test it as soon as I get some more time off.

[xscsime]

Hey Guys,

I am really interested in finding one of these diggers. I tried calling the phone number for Trans Mississippi Electronics but it looks like they have gone out of buisness. Does any one know where I can buy one of these or do you have one for sale? I have a bad wrist and I'm hoping this would be easier with less flexing of my wrist.

Thanks,

Rick K.

[Timberwolf]

Rick,

I couldn't quickly find one, like the one shown here. But here is one that is pretty close:



Dayln Digging Knife http://www.tcmetaldetectors.com/diggers.htm

TW

[xscsime]

TW,

Thanks for the fast reply. I have similar "conventional" handled diggers. I was hoping to find one with the handle mounted at a right angle to the blade. I believe it would take some of the pressure off my wrist.

Thanks,

Rick

[Timberwolf]

I hope that you can find one.
Maybe someone here on TNet would be willing to sell you theirs.

TW