Packable shovel for drywashing

[G-bone]

I have been working on my "setup" for drywashing.
Collecting gear and itemizing and such.
This is a pack-able set up transported by backpack or by Bicycle/trailer.
One item on the list is a light weight shovel that breaks down to stow, but can handle a many full load of dry dirt. Looking at Whippets Shovel that they sell, I started looking around for similar. I found this guy and ordered one...

http://www.amazon.com/AAA-4005-Aluminum-Utility-Shovel/dp/B004O5B6XM

Aluminum blade and shaft with resin handle etc.
This would not be breaking into hard clumped dirt and rock but more for moving the
material after it has been broken down with pick etc. or pre-classified into hopper.

Worth a try. Couldn't make one this cheap if I wanted to.

Anyone break one of these already?

 

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[AU_Solitude]

Here's what I do - (must have access to lumber at location) pack normal #2 shovel head without handle, 1 good screw, screwdriver, camp axe or saw ---> fashion suitable shaft on site and dispose afterwards.

 

[AZADAM]

If your going to drywash, you will need a real shovel. I would break that thing in ten minutes

 

[G-bone]

Yeah probably right.
it really is a snow shovel.
So I burned $30 bucks

 

[Bodfish Mike]

last few time I have left the shovel at home and just used a one gallon bucket and a glove as one.
Small hand pick - gloves - (2) two gallon and (1) one gallon bucket and hang the drywasher over my shoulder
with a strap. Keeps it real simple and light as this is a hike in spot.

 

[stefen]

I've used a similiar shovel for cleaning my horse stalls and aisles...aluminum doesn't hold up to abuse...

A number if years ago in found a regulation GI folding shovel at a Army-Navy surplus store...still in working condition...

 

[Hard Prospector]

GI shovel works to sample or high grade spots, #2 for everything else.

 

[Hamfist]

As long as the benefits outweigh the costs, it will be fine. I've got the Whippet shovel and it works very well. The price difference may be in the grade of aluminum used. As long as you break up the material with a pick instead of using the shovel, it won't slow you down much. It's much stronger than I anticipated (the Whippet shovel). This is after about 30-40 hours of drywashing. I use a full-size steel shovel if I'm not hiking in.

 

[releventchair]

I've used a similiar shovel for cleaning my horse stalls and aisles...aluminum doesn't hold up to abuse...

A number if years ago in found a regulation GI folding shovel at a Army-Navy surplus store...still in working condition...

I've had once since the seventies , bought for trapping.
It has seen hard use and still functions.
The collar is bound again, truck bed riding too long a spell once more , but allows a pick type use in earth when used properly.
Not feather light but dependable.
Chopped ice a while back to free a stuck delivery truck.
Later to chop ice to drain road.

 

[G-bone]

As long as the benefits outweigh the costs, it will be fine. I've got the Whippet shovel and it works very well. The price difference may be in the grade of aluminum used. As long as you break up the material with a pick instead of using the shovel, it won't doesn't slow you down much. It's much stronger than I anticipated (the Whippet shovel). This is after about 30-40 hours of drywashing. I use a full-size steel shovel if I'm not hiking in.
View attachment 1283384View attachment 1283385

That was my exact thoughts in purchasing Hamfist- material already broken up and loose.
I got mine yesterday and took it outside and started shoveling stuff.
3/4 crushed gravel, hard clay type....it was working!!
I'll put her to use an see.

I like the comparison of top edge wear

The Kicker is finding this same model on Amazon (or somewhere) for darn near $10.00!!!

 

[galenrog]

If you are packing in, any folding shovel you are comfortable with. The sturdier it is, the better it is. I drive in and have several d-handle shovels packed in the truck.

 

[goldenIrishman]

If I'm down in a hole digging materials out a "D" handle shovel is my tool of choice because the shorter shaft doesn't get in my way. BUT.... If feeding a fairly tall drywasher the short handle would make it more work than it should be. I don't know about you young guys but I have learned that the idea is to work smarter...not harder!

 

[lchavezmisc]

I have the OP shovel shown. Picked it up at cal ranch and it works just fine for dry washer duty, but I wouldn't dig with it. My pick does all the hard work anyways. Now for digging, I have one of those folding Glock shovels and it has held up to some brutal abuse.

 

[cpomike13]

I got 2 of them, great thing about these, not only save on space, but weight too

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