Cheap ideas for a sand scoop

[wwva]

The "official" ones are outrageously expensive.

 

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[Sandman]

Starting out it is difficult to justify spending that kind of money for a quality scoop, but bad economy to have to keep buying the cheap ones that break or don't get the job done well in a timely manner.

Dry sand requires a screen type for fast sifting. Wet sand or in the water does best with the heavy duty stainless scoops.

Good Luck

 

[ivan salis]

for a hand scoop ---buy a plastic heavy duty feed scoop at a feedstore for (farm type) animals---about $5 then get a wood bit type drill bitat a hardware store or walmart a couple bucks $2-3 ---a bit smaller than a dime in size ---drill drain holes--- its basically the same one they sell for 19.99 with the "name" on them---Ivan---cost $7 to $8 and you get a "free" drill bit to boot

 

[Captain Trips]

for a hand scoop ---buy a plastic heavy duty feed scoop at a feedstore for (farm type) animals---about $5 then get a wood bit type drill bit at a hardware store or walmart a couple bucks $2-3 ---a bit smaller than a dime in size ---drill drain holes--- its basically the same one they sell for 19.99 with the "name" on them---Ivan---cost $7 to $8 and you get a "free" drill bit to boot

Hey, Ivan, you took my idea! I did that many months ago, except I already had the drill bit. After a couple of uses, I decided it needed more holes, so I drilled them. Great sand scoop now. Just be careful drilling the holes, so that they don't overlap -- if you get your holes too big, the good stuff will fall through with the sand.

 

[dahut]

My friend just got a heavy duty aluminum scoop, one of the "offical" ones you refer to. Since I hunt mostly in freshwater, I havent been using one of them. Ive used one of the mesh screen, sifter types - its tough enough mind you, but I have been avoiding spending the money on something else.

But after trying his, I am reminded of the old adage: "Use the right tool for the job." I wont be avoiding it any longer. Instead, I will be saving for one myself.

Here's the one he got and I will get as well (midway down the page - $125):

http://www.rtgstore.com/rtgaluminumscoops.htm

 

[MEinWV]

I got a grain scoop at a hardware store and drilled a scoopload of holes in it. In order to drill the holes I got a piece of log that fit in the scoop and it made it easier to drill.

Back up......I took the original handle off before drilling holes.

After that I fixed a birch dowel to it. It worked ok, but wasn't the sturdiest thing going.

I eventually found a 5' length of aluminum bar stock apprx. 3/4" dia. I screwed that on and fashioned aluminum straps and put them on like gussets, from the bar to the existing holes on the sides of the scoop. It has been working great for the past 20 yrs.

 

[ronald99]

Kellyco has nice scoops also, I purchased a 6061 and this is heavy duty alumnimun and use it at the beach, Dry or wet sand works out great,

Sandman the scoop you have pictured where did you purchase and how much please.

 

[TreasureTales]

Sandman's scoop looks very good for the job. It has the right angle to the scoop and a sturdy handle for lifting the load.

When buying a sand scoop, remember that the angle of the scoop to the handle is important. You want a sand scoop with an angle that will work well when pulled towards you.

First photo. Good angle for a sand scoop. Notice the angle of the scoop compared to the handle. Pulling it towards you will be easier, and it will hold the goodies inside the scoop better.


The next scoop is angled poorly. The handle will have to be held at an awkward angle in order to pull the scoop towards you. And you won't be able to use your foot to dig it into the sand deeper (if the target is deep). Not a good design, IMHO.

Basically, the angle made between the scoop head and the scoop handle should be less than 90 degrees -- for ease of use. An angle greater than 90 degrees will make the scoop hard to manipulate, especially when used in water or wet sand.

 

[spez401]

Over the last 10 years or so, I have had between 10 and 15 scoops. When I started, I did exactly what you're talking about... Make a cheap one, because the others are expensive. After I destroyed the first couple I made (cheap plastic... lasted 1 or 2 trips at most), I decided to get a hand-held metal scoop.

It lasted for quite a while, and then I replaced it with another just like it. After about 3 years of detecting, I started getting the longer handled models... but the cheap ones ($30-$80), because I couldn't afford the good ones ($100 +). I have had 6... count em 6 scoops that were between $40 and $90 that I utterly destroyed. Currently I have a sunspot stealth (retial is around $180 if I remember correctly). If you multiply 6 scoops (at the low price - $40 - I still spend more than one sunspot.

Granted, the sunspot is on the expensive side, but get a quality scoop, especially if you're hunting wet sand... it is an investment that is well worth the "extra" money, especially when you consider the cost of replacing smaller, less sturdy scoops.

check out these: (it is far from a complete list)
www.rtgstore.com
www.nuttallenterprises.com
www.proscoops.com
www.treasure-scoops.com

steve