Garrett diggers -2

[voodoo]

Just wanted to let folks know about my Garrett diggers...that's right plural. I have to say I actually like the Garrett digger and I can cut a decent plug with it. That being said the handle on the digger is garbage. I took my brand spankin' new Garrett digger out and the end of the handle split open after about three to four hours of hunting. When I got home I was taking the pictures and the whole handle slid right off. (you can see glue on the handle but it obviously wasn't holding anything.) So I contacted the store where I purchased it and they sent out a new digger right away. After four digs with the new digger same thing happened. I contacted Garrett directly, sent pictures, and they said they were redesigning the handle and grip. A few weeks later (it was already winter by this point so I didn't mind t wait) I received my new digger which I haven't used yet. It looks the same I don't see any mods to the handle. Anyhoo here are some photos of the first digger, but the first two looked the same. Oh yeah and the inside of the handle was rusted out on both. (both were used during hot dry conditions no rain). View attachment 963586

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[Ole # 7]

Those Chinese bicycle grips just ain't what they used to be!!!

 

[Msbeepbeep]

And I was thinking about getting one, think I'll wait a while!

 

[voodoo]

when I get the old digger out of storage I'll post the mod I did on the first one (the one in the pic). used a .30 cent end cap and Gorilla glue to glue on the cap and re-glue the grip on. When I post the mod the top of the grip looks like it will flake off. I used it on another few digs and it has been solid. I will post pics soon. I also constructed a T-Handle mod for the second digger that the grip came off. I have not installed the T handle yet. I'll post later on the T-Handle mod. Cheers for now.

 

[dustytrails123]

Same thing with the lesche i got acouple years ago the grip isnt glued worth a hoot on the handle and it kept slipping off..easy fix gorilla glued it never had a problem since

 

[voodoo]

here is the mod on the first one. grip looks flimsy but the grip and end cap are gorilla glued. Used it for the last part of last season and so far all good.

 

[dustytrails123]

I think the problem is they use that rubber cement and it doesnt hold up ...never had the gorilla glue come off but im sure it would be tough changing handle grips

 

[luvsdux]

Gorilla glue is good stuff, but be sure you want a long lasting or permanent bond.
luvsdux

 

[voodoo]

yup the only reason to use gorilla glue. Love the stuff.

 

[SusanMN]

Take a look at bicycle handles and see if the width is the same. I use them on my water scoops in place of the original all handles because they are better padded.

 

[voodoo]

yes I will probably use a bike grip on the second one I have to fix. I made a t-handle for it. so I will use a bike grip on the handle and the T section will fit over the bare handle and butt up against the bike grip. The only reason I am trying the T handle and not just a regular bike grip is I have a buggered wrist and I am looking for anything to make digging easier. If my wrist was better I would just use a regular bike grip. I agree with you 100% SusanMN. thanks for the tip and HH.

 

[voodoo]

just added grip tape to the end cap of the digger as it was slippery.good to go for this season. Now if the snow would just take a hike!

 

[justdon]

The more i see this the more iam hesitating to buy a lesche or garrett digging tool.I have a fiskars and some treasurewise tools.The 7.99 fiskars has taken all the abuse i can put out and still going strong after 8 months.I think garrett or lesche should do a better job with the handle grip.Iam sure they have heard from many people about these problems by now.Just my 2 cents worth.

 

[CincinnatiKid]

My Lesche digger has been submerged, under snow for a full winter, in mud, etc., yet still performs good as new after 4yrs. I doubt I'll need another.
Peace