Good tools for compacted sand / rock?

[Chris Miller]

We're out here in SW Texas in the Chihuahuan Desert and the conventional diggers and stuff just aren't working for us. Shovels cannot penetrate the ground and the hand trowels are nearly worthless too. For other digging around here we've had to use a 20lb rock bar and it's not a whole lot of fun and I cant imagine carrying one around all day.

Any thoughts on better tools for digging this sort of ground? How about some sort of sifter too since everything we dig up is loose sand / bentonite.

Appreciate the feedback!

 

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[fishguy]

garret has a nice pick they sale, but also check out the retailers on here I saw plenty of prospecting hand picks for around $40.

 

[team sidewinder]

After lots of research I have ordered a Royal Prospecting Gold and Relic Pick. I like the fact that the Royal pick has flush mounted magnets. Royal has several length handles for their picks and a new one with teeth on one end for breaking up rocks or very hard earth. You might want to give Royal a look are in stock at Gold Rush Trading Post and Amazon.com.

 

[cudamark]

Sounds like you have both extremes. As mentioned, a small rock pick and a strong probe that can be driven into the ground and used as a lever to break up the crust. As for sand, get a beach scoop. Depending on the extent of that kind of hunting, you can go from mild $20 scoops to wild $300 scoops.