Root of all evil

[ModernMiner]

Consider this a branch off of "The Best Digging Tool" post.
I'm just curious as to what alot of you use out in the field when you encounter tree roots? Does anyone bring a pruners or shears with them, or do reply on the saw edge of some of your diggers? Quite honestly, I bought a Lesche digger recently, and wasn't too impressed with the saw edge, or the amount of dirt it could dig out of a hole due to the thin width of the tool. Not trying to offend any of you die-hard Leschers out there. It just didn't seems to cut through the roots too well. It just kind of skimmed across like a butter knife, even on roots about 1" in diameter. I resorted to chopping away at them instead with the 3' tall shovel I like to dig with.
Any input on what you use would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
MM
P.S. Before anyones asks...."Yes, I WAS using the right end of the Lesche tool."

 

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[papa]

MM, before I got my tool from AP,I used a mini e-tool.One side of the shovel blade is serrated.Touch the edge up with a file,and you are good to go.

 

[TheSleeper]

Lowes has a locking foldable root saw, folded its like 7 inches long, shark teeth eats right though a root.

With my assualt vest i can carry everything >> sorta like inspector gadgit

 

[diggummup]

I don't know about the Lesch digger.I've been using this for the last 2 years at least and it hasn't broke yet.It's 11 inches long, double edged,one side serrated and very sharp,made in Japan and I found it at a yard sale for a buck.I have cut through roots up to 2 inches thick.Most of the time they are less than an inch thick though.It's real good for cutting plugs.Wish I knew where to get another one just in case this one does break,or rather when it does.I do carry a small hatchet for big roots.I'll have to check out that root saw that sleeper mentioned though.

 

[Pulltab Parson]

I got this Gerber exchange-a-blade saw at wally world for about $25.00, or you can get it on-line as well here is a link

http://www.backcountry.com/store/GER0075/c3/s5/Gerber-Exchange-A-Blade-Saw-with-2-Blades.html

Its a nice saw and its very light

 

[lucky1777]

Don't know why you are having a problem with your lesche. I have cut roots over 2 inches with mine. Try to sharpen it and see if that helps.

 

[flip]

I also use the gerber like toby's. Its great for roots too big for the pruners.

 

[Ridley]

I bought this to chip out hard packed (dry) clay and quickly discovered it slices through tree roots usually with one swing!


Brick Laying hammer. Lowe's $16.00. Belt loop Ace Hardware $5.00. Finding a pulltab under a 6 inch root- priceless.



Ridley

 

[Monty]

Speaking of tools, what do most of you use to carry around your digging equipment? I have an electricians pouch that fits on a belt and will carry my hand held pinpointer, my gloves, a couple of digging tool and has a pocket for things like batteries and to put my small finds in. Problem is, when I get everything in it it tries to pull my pants down around my knees! I tried my turkey hunting vest but the sharp digging tools would eventually cut through the canvas. I keep my digging tools razor sharp because it makes digging so much better. I have a pair of snips that will cut through smaller roots quickly but the big ones I have to hack or saw with my digging tools. Monty

 

[Pulltab Parson]

Hey Monty

You can pick up a pair of capanter suspenders at Lowes or Home Desprate for about $10. They are great! I used them when I was an electrician, they could really hold up the weight, and they generally keep your pants from falling down as well

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Speaking of tools, what do most of you use to carry around your digging equipment?

I use an AWP carpenter's belt bag (and belt) from Lowe's. Dyed green with Rit dye. The side leather pieces have sheath-like pockets that the trowel can slip into. Cost less than $10 (as did the plastic & padded knee pads)

If I hit a root in the woods or my own property I use the shovel shown. Tip is chisel sharp, one edge has teeth. It's offset like a Lesche for a good foot push. If I hit a root in a park I probe around it with the coin probe (rod in a golf-ball).

 

[ModernMiner]

Don't know why you are having a problem with your lesche. I have cut roots over 2 inches with mine. Try to sharpen it and see if that helps.

Lucky,
I'll sharpen it & give it a try again. It is brand new, so I thought it was ready to use.
Thanks,
MM

 

[EDDE]

green folding root saw cheap 10 bucks

 

[EDDE]

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,68735.msg499368.html#msg499368
post gear for the year
its alot most is doubled up in case i lose or break something

 

[Monty]

Charlie, your tool holder is almost identical to mine and it is tough enough to keep the diggers from poking through. I have my handheld pinpointer in one of the side loops and my small nippers on the other loop. Guess I need a bigger belt and a set of those suspenders. Thanks guys for the pics. Monty

 

[TheSleeper]

Monty, here is what i use, it has loads of pockets with velcro and snaps, a web belt that you can put any mil type item on and best of all it is suspended from your shoulders so all the weight feels like nothing. You can do a search on ebay for them under " load bearing vest " most are under $20 bucks.

 

[Night Stalker]

You have to keep your Lesche sharp - it's hard to get a good edge on it, but once you do, it's their for a long time. I put mine on a wheel and tapered the abrasion all the way down to a polish and buffing wheel. It shines like a new nickle and it's razor sharp!

Night Stalker

 

[swingman]

After breaking an expensive pair of pruners, I now use a sheetrock saw. Sharp, widely-spaced teeth...takes a little elbow grease, but works well. Nice yellow-topped handle, to help find it easier when it slips out of my pouch.