Hey guys I need some help

[wizard]

I live in the Rio Grande Valley and we have some of the hardest soil in the world... I just recently broke two shovels in 1 wk... I need your help! I would really appreciate if you guys could point me the right way!  I need a dependable shovel that is not to big and wont break in a week... I am willing to pay good money for it, as long as it is dependable, but nothing huge please.... so what do you recommend

 

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[Jeff In North Georgia]

I mainly hunt old houses that are about to be torn down or moved. My favorite digging tool is a stainless steel English gardener boarder spade or transplant shovel. The SS doesn't rust. Most have a closed shank with welded seams. They are very strong. Some have wood handles, some are composite, others are all SS. I prefer all wood or wood ones with the plastic D ring handle. Total length is usually ~ 40 - 44". Short enough to be light weight and not have to bend over as you use it to dig a plug.

The ones with all SS or a metal handle can give you false readings as you swing the coil depending on how you carry the shovel. Or you have to drag it behind you.

The steps on the shovel head are usually bent backward toward the operator. So if you have to dig deeper than the blade, these hang up. I had a friend with a torch heat them and bend them forward.


Here are some links or you can try to search by stainless steel shovel or boarder spade:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...sories&psid=SHOPPING01&sid=IDx20070921x00003d

http://www.jacksonandperkins.com/gardening/PD/36324?cid=jport0006

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160271958373

http://www.leevalley.com/garden/page.aspx?c=2&p=45712&cat=2,44813,56834

http://www.rittenhouse.ca/asp/product.asp?PG=1727

Happy digging!
Jeff

 

[beaverdigger]

Better check your local and State rules and regs. In my area you had better not get caught digging with a "bladed" knive or any digging tool that requires two hands, or feet, on certain prorerty.

 

[someotherdude]

If your soil is that hard might I suggest you consider a different approach ? Namely a masons chipping hammer. It could be used on the periphery of your target to loosen the soil before digging for extraction.

 

[CROCK of COINS]

Just look:
Predator Tools Online!
http://www.predatortools.com/

Jerry

 

[wizard]

Thanks guys really appreciate the help!!

 

[Sky Pilot]

Wizard, good post and hello! This is just a thought, but occasionally you may be lucky enough to find an old WW2 Ames Entrenchment Tool. The best place to look would be at Army/Navy surplus stores (although they are few and far between they are there!) or yard sales and flea markets. I even got lucky enough to find two at a Civil War relic shop in Chattanooga, TN. These were surplus Ames tools that had been resold to the Swiss. The deal is that to sell to another country, the brand name Ames is ground off and they are painted something besides olive drab(I'm color blind.) but if you look really close at the very top, you can still Ames U.S.A. The new version which is all metal won't hold up like the old ones, which have a wooden handle by the way. They usually come with a leather pouch that holds the head and also allows you to carry it on your belt! And yes at 45 bucks I bought'em both! Good Luck!!

 

[Montana Jim]

Just look:
Predator Tools Online!
http://www.predatortools.com/

Jerry

Agreed...

http://www.predatortools.com/

http://www.metaldetecting.com/html/Predator/Pdigging.html

I have been using a Model 85 for years.  They have shovels too...

Highly recommended... if you're willing to pay for it you'll never ever regret it.

 

[X-Terra70_TreasureHunter]

hea Heres my Tool Arsenal

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,171448.msg1249407.html#msg1249407

and no you can not beat a Lesche tool

 

[wizard]

Thanks to all who replied to this topic, i really apprecite it guys!!