Ever wondered what makes a digging tool indispensable for metal detecting? Let’s dig deeper into this intriguing world and uncover the tools that transform an ordinary hunt into a treasure trove!
Digging tools enable us to delve deeply into the earth’s soil layers with minimal effort, allowing us to unearth whatever lies beneath.
I had the opportunity to use various digging tools from different brands, thanks to my collaborations with them.
Fortunately, I tested each tool individually across diverse terrains to determine the best digging tools that offer maximum benefits for metal detecting and discovering hidden treasures.
In the remainder of this article, I will discuss these digging tools and how you can use them effectively in your next metal-detecting adventure.
I will detail the standout features of each tool, along with their advantages and disadvantages compared to others on the list.
This comprehensive review will assist you in identifying the digging tools that best suit your needs before making a purchase.
So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
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Best Digging Tools for Metal Detecting
Here are some of the best digging tools you can incorporate in your next metal-detecting trip. Please bear in mind that these aren’t in any particular order.
These are based on my likeliness to use them in the field.
These instruments could vary from metal detectorists to metal detectorists. If you have more impressive digging tools, please share them with us in the comment section.
1. Lesche Digging Tool
This handy digging tool is one of my favorite sites to use in the field. This is brought to us by the Lesche company, which also has produced some fantastic digging tools over the years.
This tool is specifically designed to dig up any substances from the ground. This can also be incorporated into gardening practices.
The blade is 7 inches long and made of chrome steel, which can withstand heavy abrasions and tears.
The lightweightness of this digging tool makes it easy to carry around and is furthermore facilitated by the easy-carry pouch that comes with the device itself.
| Pros | Cons |
| Sharp blade | Have the ability to damage your findings if you are not careful |
| Easy to carry | Have to kneel to dig |
2. Lesche Sampson T-Handle Shovel
Lesche Sampson T handle shovel can be an extended version of the serrated digging tool.
This tool has a 31-inch handle, making it easier to treasure hunt in every situation.
The t handle gives you more accessibility and easy handling, in my opinion, rather than the ball handle.
But sometimes your preference might vary. There are two variations provided by the company based on customer feedback.
If you want your shovel to have serrated edges on both sides, you can have both sides serrated shovels.
But I prefer to use the shovel with only one side serrated, which makes the blade much stronger than the other blade.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Metal tends to corrode over time. |
| Easily cut through roots with minimal damage to the trees | Even though there is a handle, it is on the shorter side |
3. Lesche Mini Sampson Serrated Shovel
This is an 18-inch version of the 31-inch serrated shovel of the Lesche range. This offers comfort and easy portability rather than the much lengthier 31-inch version.
The serrated edge helps to pierce through any hard surface and quickly reach the destinated depth.
As with other shovels of the Lesche range, this can also be used as a hand digger or a shovel.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | It tends to corrode over. |
| Easy transportation |
4. Lesche Ground Shark
Lesche ground shark is the more extended version of a digging tool. This is an exceptional and top-rated agency among metal detectorists.
The long handle allows the metal detector to stand up while digging, getting rid of the pain caused by kneeling.
Apart from that, the serrated edge acts like shark teeth and easily cuts even through the thickest of the roots.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight | Hard to carry around due to the length |
| Easy digging |
5. Predator Tools Raptor Model 31-C
The 14-inch long shovel is one of my favorites among the digging tools that I currently own.
The cushioned grip on this shovel makes it easy to use in the field without ever feeling tired in the hands.
The meal used in the production of the Raptor is of the highest quality. I have been using my Raptor 31-C for over three years now, and there isn’t a single speck of rust on the surface.
Raptor is one of the most accessible and well-designed pieces of equipment everyone should have in their metal detecting equipment arsenal.
This also comes with a carry pack, which eases carrying the tool anywhere you like.
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to carry | Some people might feel this heavy. |
| Can easily cut through hard surfaces |
6. Roughneck Micro Round Shovel
Roughneck Micro Round Shovel was recommended to me by one of my good friends, who has been using this tool for years.
Upon getting my hands on the equipment, I also recognized why he had praised the shovel.
The small, compact size of the shovel allows you to target the required areas without any trouble quickly.
The small size makes it easier to take anywhere into the field without adding much additional weight.
The small size also gives massive control over the digging process. This is one of the tools I recommend trying out if you start metal detecting.
| Pros | Cons |
| Compact Size | A little bit harder for taller people as they have to kneel while digging |
| Durable | |
| Cheap |
7. Fobachi Folding Shovel
As the name implies, this is a folding shovel. Even though folding shovels were not my favorites, this handy piece of equipment stuck with me for years.
Unlike other shovels, this doesn’t fold when applied under high pressure. That was the main thing that stood out for me in the product’s build quality.
This is a tiny, compact model that can be easily folded; carrying this anywhere is simple.
This also comes with a serrated edge.
This serrated edge on the shovel helps to cut through the roots and turf easily while digging.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable | You have to kneel while digging. |
| Compact | |
| Highly portable |
8. Evolution Pro Cut Spade
This is regarded as the most famous spade among the metal detectorists.
One factor that massively helped it become the crowd favorite is the ability of this shovel to dig in any terrain, from rough rocky surfaces to sandy surfaces, with ease.
But I have to warn you, this is not the cheapest of the spades on the list. But this justifies the high price tag easily.
If you are starting as a metal detectorist, I recommend you try a cheaper version and then move to the Evolution Pro Cut Spade.
But if you can afford this immediately, getting this early on your mela-detecting career will be a blessing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Well built | Expensive |
| Perfect for all heights of metal detectorists | Heavy |
9. Garrett Edge Digger
If you don’t have the big bucks to speed on the Evolution Pro Cut PSde, this is the perfect cheap alternative.
The Garret Edge Digger allows you to achieve the greatness of the Evolution Pro Cut spade but at a lower cost.
Even though less powerfully built than the Evolution Spade, this also can perform well in every terrain.
The serrated edges help the top cut quickly through the underground roots.
A carry case is included in the package, which will help you carry it around easily. The comfortable handle also makes the digging process very easy and less tiring on the hands.
| Pros | Cons |
| Portable | The sheath is of a lower quality. |
| Durable |
10. Radius Garden Root Slayer Nomad
How often have you experienced roots getting in the way of uncovering something amazing while metal detecting? This is the perfect answer to all of your worries.
A root slayer is a gardening tool that can also detect metal metal. This comes with two types of handles.
I have opted for the straight handle because the round handle doesn’t work for me.
The built quality of the equipment is in the highest order. It doesn’t break easily, even if higher pressure is applied.
A person of any height can easily use it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable | Heavy |
| Sterdy |
Congrats folks! Now you know all the best digging tool for metal detecting with their specifications, pros, and cons.
Now let me tell you some important facts you need to consider when selecting the right digging tool for your metal detecting journey.
Just keep reading!
What to Consider when Choosing a Digging Tool for Metal Detecting
Choosing the correct digging tool for your metal detecting practices might be difficult. But here are some of the tips and tricks that I use to consider when selecting a digging tool.
Blade Type and the Design
When selecting a digging tool, always consider the blade type. There are different types of blades available in different types of digging tools.
The most commonly used blade types are smooth, single-side serrated, and double-side serrated. Among these blade types, I usually go for the single-serrated blade type.
The single-serrated blade has the perfect balance among the blade types. It can quickly go through the entangling surfaces as well as the smooth surfaces.
When we consider the design of the blade, going for a v-shaped blade will help massively in the digging process rather than a flat edge design.
Material and Durability
The durability of the digging tool should be high. If the material in which the digging tool is prepared is robust, the durability of the digging tool will be maintained.
So make sure that you choose a material with high strength, which will increase the digging tool’s durability.
Another essential thing to consider when choosing the digging tool is having a lightweight material.
Because this will help massively in the field, if you have a heavy digging tool, you will likely tire yourself out quickly.
So make sure that when selecting a digging tool, you select a material with high durability and low weight, like stainless steel.
Those are the two most important things you must consider while selecting the digging tool of your dreams.
So, follow the guidelines while selecting your next digging tool for your metal-detecting practices.
So, let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
FAQs
Is the weight of the metal detecting shovel important?
Yes, lighter shovels under 3lbs are preferred for ease of use and to avoid fatigue during extended use
What makes the Lesche Digging Tool a top choice for metal detecting?
Its aircraft-quality, heat-treated steel construction and serrated edge for cutting through sod and roots make it highly durable and efficient
How does the blade size of a metal detecting shovel impact its effectiveness?
Smaller shovel heads are better for digging strategic, accurate holes, allowing quick access to objects without removing excessive dirt
Why is a serrated edge important on a metal detecting digging tool?
A serrated edge is invaluable for cutting through tough roots and soil, enhancing the tool’s overall effectiveness
What are the benefits of a T-handle on a metal detecting shovel?
A T-handle provides more leverage when digging, which is especially useful in tough ground conditions
How important is the portability of a metal detecting shovel?
Highly portable and compact shovels, like folding shovels, are favored for their convenience, especially in travel or in varied terrains
Can a metal detecting shovel also be useful for other activities?
Yes, many metal detecting shovels are versatile and can be used for gardening or other outdoor activities
What should I look for in a metal detecting hand shovel?
A strong material, comfortable grip, serrated edge, and a design that allows for precise, neat digging are key features to look for
Is it necessary to have multiple types of digging tools for metal detecting?
Yes, having a variety of digging tools, including a hand digger and a long-handled shovel, is recommended for different metal detecting scenarios
Did I cover all you wantd to know about: Best Digging Tool for Metal Detecting
In this article, I deeply discussed the best digging tool for metal detecting after testing each one of them separately under different conditions for many years.
The best digging tools for metal detecting include the Lesche Digging Tool, Lesche Sampson T-Handle Shovel, Lesche Mini Sampson Serrated Shovel, Lesche Ground Shark, Predator Tools Raptor Model 31-C, Roughneck Micro Round Shovel, Fobachi Folding Shovel, Evolution Pro Cut Spade, Garrett Edge Digger, and Radius Garden Root Slayer Nomad.
Now it’s time for you to make the decision and select the one that matches you the most.
I hope I covered all you wanted to know about the best digging tools for metal detecting. Happy treasure hunting with the right digging tool!
