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
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
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
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
Extremus Mini Folding Shovel
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
Arcadius Round Shovel
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
Lil’ Digger 29″ Heavy Duty Double Serrated Shovel
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
Gerber E-Tool Folding Spade
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
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
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
Wilcox All-Pro 102S, 12″ Stainless Steel Trowel
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
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!