The Best Digging Tools for Metal Detecting

  • By: Admin
  • Date: January 29, 2024
  • Time to read: 10 min.
Digging Tools for Metal Detecting

If you’re a treasure hunter, you’ll know that metal detector accessories and especially the digging tools for detecting are an important part of your kit. But which ones should you buy?

We’ve got some recommendations and below that, we give you some tips to help make sure that you’re buying the right equipment for your needs.


So what should we be looking for when we’re shopping for digging tools for metal detecting?

Firstly, we want something that is lightweight and easy to carry. You’ll be doing plenty of walking and digging, so you don’t want to be lugging around something heavy. One problem with lightweight tools is that they can be less durable.

The trade-off between weight and durability may not matter to you if your metal detecting hobby doesn’t involve much digging, but it’s worth considering when looking at the best options for a detectorist who wants the best digging tool available.

Second of all, we need it durable and strong enough for the job at hand – metal detecting!

You’ll find that a lot more often than not there are rocks or roots in your way when looking through an area with detectors…so make sure whatever shovels/trowels you’re buying are strong enough and has the strength to cut through them.

You don’t want to find yourself in the middle of a hunt, only to find that your plastic shovel lacks the strength needed and is too weak and you can’t dig deep enough.

And third, we want something that has a comfortable grip and is easy on the hands – metal detecting can be a tiring job so it’s important not only for your own comfort but also because of safety reasons!

You don’t need blisters or soreness in order to make this hobby more difficult than necessary. One of the best ways to protect your hands when detecting is to wear gloves. We have some of the best gloves for metal detecting here.


What Digging Tools Are Available?

When we talk about digging tools for metal detecting we are talking about a variety of different digging tools that can be used to help us find treasure.

The best digging tool for metal detecting is going to depend on where you are searching, as well as your own personal preferences when it comes down to what’s most comfortable to use

Trowels 

Digging Tools for Metal Detecting

Trowels will be needed when you have located the target and you want to dig it up, you will need a trowel. You need to make sure that the trowel is sharp enough to cut through the dirt and that it has a strong grip handle.

Spades and Shovels

Digging Tools for Metal Detecting

Spades are another essential on the list of digging tools for metal detecting – these come with many variations and they can also be used for different purposes but the most common use is going after targets that have been buried in hard ground.

They can also be used for digging down into sand or snow, should you be metal detecting in the winter. You can use these for digging down before you get on your knees, to search further with your trowel.

If at all possible try to buy metal detector accessories, especially digging tools that have been specially designed by the detectorists themselves.

These are often designed by people who are metal detecting enthusiasts themselves and they have a better understanding of what you need.

Although this is not as crucial as buying quality products, like those listed here.


Shovels

Other than the obvious, one thing that detecting shovels and spades have in common is their design. Most are compact with narrow heads which may be pointed or curved, with some even having a serrated edge. Here are some of the best metal detecting high-quality shovels available today


Radius Root Slayer Shovel 

Radius Root Slayer ShovelCheck it out on Amazon

The Radius Root Slayer Shovel is the perfect digging tool for unearthing that long-lost treasure especially if you like a larger digging tool with a strong shovel handle.

Its durable serrated blade can withstand the toughest of soil while also being sharp enough in order to penetrate the hard-packed ground.

This heavy-duty shovel proves its worth with its reinforced foot placement so you can push down all over the surface effectively without it collapsing under pressure.

The V shape on the blade makes precision cutting easy and has a wide step range, meaning you don´t have to worry about damaging your feet when digging down for that deeply buried treasure!

If you are looking for a heavy-duty metal detecting shovel tool you won’t go wrong with the Root Slayer.


Our Verdict

Radius Root Slayer Shovel
The Radius Root Slayer Shovel with its V-shaped powder-coated carbon steel blade makes digging into tough dirt simple. The shovel head is strong so it can withstand years worth of wear and tear while the handle provides a comfortable grip for more effective work when digging down for that deep treasure!

Extremus Mini Folding Shovel 

Extremus Mini Folding ShovelCheck it out on Amazon

This lightweight, easy-to-carry military outdoor mini shovel will make digging up your metal detector finds a lot easier.

It’s made with 2.5lbs of powder-coated carbon steel and rugged wood saw edge and tactical shovel teeth, so you can get the job done and get through that packed hard earth. The best part is that this is a mini foldable shovel with multifunction capabilities.

It works great as a snow shovel too, should you be detecting in the winter and need to dig your vehicle out. It also folds compactly into a FREE carry case for easy transport!

It is 18″ long when extended but only 9″ x 6″ when folded making this an ideal digging tool to have in your backpack. You’ll never want to go detecting without your military foldable shovel.


Our Verdict 

Extremus Mini Folding Shovel
The Fold-Up Shovel is a shovel that's small enough and light enough to take anywhere and keep in your backpack until you need it. It has been designed with many advanced features, including an ergonomic grip handle for maximum comfort, which also adjusts up or down to fit you perfectly.

Arcadius Round Shovel

Arcadius Round ShovelCheck it out on Amazon

Strong and lightweight, this mini-round pointed heavy-duty shovel has a straight-edge blade with a short strong shovel handle.

The Arcadius round heavy-duty shovel is made of steel that has been heated and pressure treated to make it extra durable.

The hardwood handle will handle any type of ground. And the sharp edges of the blades are ideal for detectorists who need to dig into hard ground.

The balanced Poly D-grip can easily accommodate a gloved hand much easier than T-handle shovels can. This heavy-duty metal detecting shovel tool will last you a long time and could pay for itself with one dig!


Our Verdict

Arcadius Round Shovel
The Arcadius Round Shovel is a multi-use shovel for all your detecting needs. Whether you need to cut, scoop, dig or lift, this high-quality shovel will get the job done. The Arcadius round shovel features a sharp blade and an ergonomic handle grip that provides maximum comfort and control while using this digging tool.

Lil’ Digger 29″ Heavy Duty Double Serrated Shovel

Lil' Digger 29Check it out on Amazon

This shovel is 29 inches long and weighs less than 3 pounds. The blade is 4″ x 8″ with a slight angle to the sides to engage the serrated saw teeth when pushed into the hard tough soil.

The center spine adds rigidity and strength, while the larger steps provide a two-to-one advantage in applied pressure to the point.

Heavy steel boss at the neck joint for re-enforcement, fiberglass shaft and an oversized heavy-duty handle make this shovel a workhorse!

And with the added bonus of the serration on the tough blade edges, it really is one of the top shovel digging tools available today.


Our Verdict

Lil' Digger 29
The Lil' Digger is a lightweight yet powerful digging tool that will take care of your digging needs. It's 29 inches long and 6 inches wide and under 3 pounds, so it's easy to carry with you wherever you go.

Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade

Gerber E-Tool Folding SpadeCheck it out on Amazon

The Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is a compact, lightweight digging tool that is perfect for any detectorist.

This durable mini shovel has incredible strength and can withstand extensive use in a variety of environments and features an anodized shaft and a locking mechanism to keep it open when you need it most.

It also includes one serrated side to give you extra power when digging in tough environments. This emergency shovel has a durable construction that will last for years of heavy-duty use, making it the perfect addition to the detecting bag.

This serrated edge and tactical shovel is an ideal addition to your metal detecting arsenal.


Our Verdict

Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
The Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade is the perfect digging tool to get through the toughest ground or even to just to keep in the car as an emergency shovel. The serrated edge on the head gives this shovel multifunction capabilities. It makes it easy to cut through roots and other obstructions that might get in your way. Made from exceptionally high-quality carbon steel, you can expect nothing but exceptional reliability, robustness, durability, and ease of use

Trowels And Diggers

It can be hard to find a “cheap” digging tool. A normal garden trowel lacks the strength that we need and just won’t cut it; you’ll have to be prepared to pay more for quality digging tools that will last. Metal detecting trowels are a good way to keep holes small and neat, especially if you want to recover an object without compromising it by using a shovel.




Edward Tools Bend-Proof Trowel

Edward Tools Bend-Proof Garden Trowel - Heavy Duty Polished Stainless Steel - Rust Resistant Oversized Garden Hand Shovel for Quicker Work - Digs Through Rocky/Heavy soils - Comfort Grip (1)Check it out on Amazon

The Edward Tools Bend-Proof Trowel is made with a patented aluminum alloy that won’t rust in any condition. Many detectorists have put this trowel through the paces and it has emerged unscathed.

The design of this transplanter trowel will not bend under pressure- making it perfect for digging deep plugs in hard soil type conditions or really tough ground.

Other features include an oversize trowel head which makes for quicker work as the soil can be moved in greater volume.

And with a Lifetime warranty which means that if any issue arises with your transplanter trowel and they will replace it.


Our Verdict

Edward Tools Bend-Proof Trowel
The Edward Tools Bend-Proof Trowel is a must-have detecting tool for any type of environment you may find yourself in. It features an ergonomically designed handle and the blade guaranteed to be unbendable. The aluminum blade is rustproof and sleek, allowing it to be left out in the rain without worrying about corrosion!

Wilcox All-Pro 102S, 12″ Stainless Steel Trowel

Wilcox All-Pro 102S 12' All-Pro TrowelCheck it out on Amazon

Crafted from high-quality materials, the Wilcox All-Pro 102S 12″ Stainless Steel Trowel is an excellent trowel for detecting.

The stainless steel plate provides a sharp point and edges to cut through tough dirt quickly for effortless searching.

It has an easy-to-clean surface and has a handy depth gauge stamped on its surface, you’re always aware of how deep you are going into the soft ground.

It features a rubber grip handle with ribbing that ensures it is comfortable in your hand while you work. It also has a very handy strong wrist strap.


Our Verdict

Wilcox All-Pro 102S 12
The Wilcox All-Pro 102S, 12 inch Stainless Steel Trowel is a reliable strong tool for metal detecting. It has an ultralight, rugged 16 gauge stainless steel blade with a pointed tip to cut through even the toughest soil with ease. The handle is made of heavy-duty plastic and coated for a comfortable rubber grip when digging. With its lifetime warranty and proudly handcrafted in the USA, this high-quality tool is worth investing in!


Conclusion

It can be hard to find a “cheap” digging tool. A normal garden trowel lacks the strength that we need and just won’t cut it; you’ll have to be prepared to pay more for quality digging tools that are made for the job in hand and that will last.

Metal detecting trowels are a good way to keep holes small and neat, especially if you want to recover an object without compromising it by using a shovel.

So, if you’re searching for a durable digging tool that will last you a lifetime, go no further than the trowels described above!

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start digging! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced treasure hunter, having the right metal detector accessories can make all the difference.

And now that you know which ones to buy, there’s no excuse not to get started. Happy treasure hunting!