How to Find the Best Shovel for Metal Detecting
By Daniel Bernzweig
After agonizing over all of your options, you've chosen the best metal detector. Now you're ready to hit the ground running and find some real treasure. The garden store trowel that your wife uses to plant bulbs bent in half the first time you used it. Most trowels are made of aluminum, which is a lightweight material. Here, we will discuss better solutions that are available.
Consider your shovel as part of your detector setup. As beginners, getting started with a metal detecting tool is less expensive than you might think. A quality tool made of carbon steel or other high quality materials is an investment that will last a lifetime. My dad always said this when I was growing up.
Tips for selecting the best metal detecting shovel:
1. Consider The Type Of Soil You Will Be Digging In Most Often:
Hard Rocky Soil
If you will be digging in hard rocky soil, choose a stainless steel digging shovel that can stand up to tough conditions.
Grass and Soft Soil
If you will be in soft soil the Lesche Digging tool, the Garrett Edge digger or the First Texas Ultimate Recovery tool are great options. They have sharpened blades that feature serrated edges, making it easy to cut grass cleanly. Your targets can then be easily recovered without damaging them.
Soil with Tough Roots
When you are working in rocky soil with many roots, you should choose a shovel with a sharpened blade and a footrest for maximum leverage. There is no better choice than the Lesche Ground Shark series.
Sandy Beach Soil
For use on the beach, you will want to choose a beach sand scoop. As we noted in our article on Guide to Durable Sand Scoops for Metal Detecting "Ultimately, you need to choose between a long, short, or medium handle sand scoop. Other factors, such as size, weight, and material, play a role in making the right choice. Let's examine these and see how they can help you identify what is the best sand scoop that will be a good match for your beach treasure hunting style."
2. Determine How Far Down You Will Be Digging?
For deep target recovery, choose a shovel with a wider blade to remove more earth. A narrow blade will be more precise. A foot rest will provide the most leverage.
As a starting point for target recovery, you will want to pick out the right tool for the type of location or environment that you will be working in. Recovery tools can generally be divided into three broad categories.
Types of Digging Tools
1. Knives for Metal Detecting
Treasure hunting knives would be the first category. Knives are great for quickly cutting dirt plugs and accelerating your target recovery. You will want to be sure to choose a tool with a no slip handle grip.
2. Stainless Steel Trowels for Metal Detecting
The next category of recovery tools would be metal detecting trowels. Unlike conventional garden trowels or spades, the metal detecting trowel is made of hardened stainless steel. Trowels come in a variety of widths and lengths to adapt to your needs. If you have a Garrett Pro Pointer or another pinpointing probe, you will want to first zero in on the target with that. Then you can precisely remove the earth with your trowel to quickly and accurately retrieve your target.
3. Metal Detecting Shovels
Metal detecting shovels round out the list. Some have a longer handle than others, but all will get the job done. Choosing where to use this tool will require careful consideration. In wooded areas and disturbed areas, shovels are recommended. When you're prospecting for gold or looking for relics, you'll see a lot of people with shovels.
In our metal detecting shovels category we show all of our models available for purchase.
Detailed Guide on Shovels used for Metal Detecting
You'll have to remove any target found by your metal detector. Use metal detecting shovels, trowels, or digging knives for this task. A metal detector shovel will help metal detectorists find targets faster and dig plugs more efficiently. Our wide range of digging tools includes high-quality metal detector shovels. Even in a landscaped sod lawn, you'll be able to remove the perfect plug of dirt and recover your treasure with the right tool.
1. What Are Metal Detecting Shovels?
Metal detecting shovels differ in their blade types and features depending on their models. The best diggers to use for treasure hunting in difficult terrain are metal detector shovels. A metal detector shovel is made up of a stainless steel shaft and a steel blade, as well as a short or long handle that differs depending on whether it is T-shaped, D-shaped, or shaped like a ball. While fiberglass might be lighter in weight, typically it is not the ideal material for a shovel handle.
Individuals can choose between long or short handles, a serrated edge, or a plain edge, as well as many other options. All treasure hunters can find the right shovel for their needs, whether they are metal detecting for fun, going treasure hunting for deep treasures, or looking for gold.
2. How Big Should My Metal Detecting Shovel Be?
A shovel is required for metal detecting and a pick for gold prospecting. A long overall length may not be necessary for hunters who typically dig in soft soils, since they don't have to dig as deeply. Shorter individuals need a shaft that is not as long. Taller detectorists will benefit from an extended digging tool. When you bend over more on each hole, you will have a greater strain on your body. Long handles offer greater ergonomic comfort whether you are treasure hunting for a long period or where you are spending a lot of time out in the field.
3. What is the Best Metal Detecting Shovel for Me?
There are a number of different metal detecting shovels available. Lesche Products, Ready Shovel, Pro Series, Fisher Metal Detectors, and the popular NX Shovel, used by KG and Ringy on the TV show Diggers, are among the top manufacturers of shovels and prospecting picks and accessories.
What kind of shovel is best for metal detecting?
This is a list of the best digging tools and metal detecting accessories available for purchase.
Lesche Products
The digging tools made by Lesche Products are some of the best. They are certainly not ordinary gardening shovels. Each of their products is crafted by hand in the United States. Every tool includes a lifetime warranty and is built to last. Lesche Shovel and tool products have been trusted by detectorists and landscaping companies for over forty years. Use these shovels in the toughest, packed hard soils. The company's products include the All Purpose Shovel, Sampson, Ground Shark, and Relic Hunter. The Lesche Digging Tool is their most popular seller for a hand trowel or spade. The digging tool has been called the perfect digging tool by many since one edge is serrated like a digging knife allowing a completely round dirt plug that can be removed from even hard soil. Lesche Ground Shark shovels are one of the most popular kinds of shovels since they come in many handle lengths, and have a serrated blade, and a footrest for leverage. With the Lesche Sampson, you can choose between a T-Handle shovel or a ball handle style shovel handle. All Purpose Shovel or Relic Hunter Shovel are great options when you need a wider blade to move more earth. Many of the world's top landscaping companies use their products. The Lesche Digging tool comes with a 12" serrated knife-style blade and a no-slip handle. You can choose between a left-handed and a right-handed option.
Pro Series
Trowels in the Pro Series are handcrafted and made of heavy gauge stainless steel with an etched ruler for precision target depth. Various sizes are available, ranging from 1.5" to 2.5" in width and 11" to 18" in length. This is a good place to look for specific digging tools in the size and shape that will match your digging style the best.
Fisher Metal Detectors
The Fisher Metal Detector Company produces quality detectors for hobbyists. In addition to the Prospector's Pick, they produce a tool called the First Texas Ultimate Recovery Tool that has a rugged sheath.
Anaconda NX-6 Shovel
NX Shovel's NX-6 is a rugged and reliable metal detector shovel. Metal detecting, relic hunting, and gold prospecting become much more fun with this shovel! It has a heat-treated steel blade with teeth on the edges for cutting roots. KG and Ringy were seen using this model on the Diggers TV show. This heavy duty model is made in the USA and is perfect for hard ground.
Ready Shovel
Suitable for use with digging tools and garden tools such as T Handles, D Handles, and Ball Handles, the Ready shovel holsters can be mounted on a belt. This leather holster is suitable for metal detecting shovels of all brands.
We are often asked, what kind of shovel is best for metal detecting? For metal detecting, you can choose from a wide variety of trowels, knives, and shovels. Choose the tool that is most appropriate for your application. Having selected the best digging tool, you will be ready to head out to the field. As a result, quality digging tools will have the ability to increase your productivity and speed up your recovery times. If you have the right equipment, you'll be amazed at how fast you can pinpoint and retrieve your targets.
Top 4 Shovels for Metal Detecting
1. Lesche T Handle Ground Shark 36" Long Shovel with 3.25 x 12" Serrated Blade
This Lesche Ground Shark shovel is 36" long and part of the Lesche Ground Shark series. The Lesche Ground Shark shovels are made of aircraft-grade steel.
Specifications:
- Handle: T Handle
- Blade Style: Serrated edge for cutting
- Blade Dimensions: 3 1/4" wide by 12" long
- Overall length: 36"
- Weight: 2.75 lbs
2. Lesche Sampson 31" Long Digger with T Style Handle and 7.5 x 4" Blade
Two tools in one, the Lesche Sampson digging tool and shovel for metal detecting! As with a shovel, it has a long handle and a pointed blade similar to that found on a trowel.
Specifications:
- Handle: T Style Handle
- Blade Style: Pre-sharpened edge for cutting
- Blade Dimensions: 7 1/2" Long x 4" Wide
- Overall Length: 31"
- Weight: 1.75 lbs
3. Lesche Relic Hunter 31" Long Shovel with 11.24 x 5.25" Serrated Blade
Relic hunting with a metal detector is an exciting experience when you use relic hunting tools like the Lesche Relic Hunter shovel. The Relic Hunter shovel measures 31" in length and is made of aircraft quality steel.
Price: $80.00
Specifications:
- Handle: T Style Handle
- Blade Style: Serrated edge for cutting
- Blade Dimensions: 11 1/4" Long x 5 1/4" Wide
- Overall Length: 31"
- Weight: 3.0 lbs
4. NX-6 Shovel 36" with T-Handle
The NX-6 is one rugged and reliable shovel made with metal detecting in mind. Perfect all-purpose digging shovel for relic hunting, gold prospecting, and general heavy duty metal detecting! Tempered steel, heat treated for durability, and teeth on blade edges for cutting roots.
Specifications:
- Total Length: 36.25"
- Blade Length: 9"
- Approximate Blade Width: 4.5"
- T Handle Width: 5.5" fits standard Shovel Holster
- Material: Tempered steel, Heat treated for durability
- Color: Black powder coated
- Teeth on blade edges for cutting roots
- Wide, non-slip cleated foot pegs
- Built-in, double-sided bottle opener!
- 100% made in Kansas in the good old USA
- Used by Team ATC, K.G. and Ringy of the TV show Diggers!
- Approximate Weight: 5 Pounds
Top 3 Shovel Holsters for Metal Detecting
1. Ready Shovel for use with D Handle Tools
The ReadyShovel is a belt mounted holster for carrying a D Handle shovel or entrenching tool from a belt. Now you can free your hands while metal detecting.
Price: $18.99
2. Ready Shovel for use with T Handle Tools
The ReadyShovel is a belt mounted holster for carrying a T Handle shovel or entrenching tool from a belt. Now you can free your hands while metal detecting.
3. Ready Shovel for use with Ball Handle Tools
The ReadyShovel is a belt mounted holster for carrying a Ball Handle shovel or entrenching tool from a belt. Now you can free your hands while metal detecting.
Price: $18.99
Top 5 Digging Tools for Metal Detecting
1. Lesche Digging Tool with Right Serrated Blade
Lesche Diggers easily cut through roots and tough ground conditions. Recover valuable targets safely and easily. Includes cordura sheath. Lesche Left digging tools are designed for right-handed users, as the serrations are on the left side of the blade. This makes it easier to pull towards you with your right hand.
Price: $34.97
2. Lesche Digging Tool with Left Serrated Blade
With the Lesche Digger, you can easily cut through roots and tough ground conditions. Find valuable targets easily and safely. Includes cordura sheath. Because the blade has serrations on the right side, it is a left-handed digging tool. You can pull it easier with your left hand this way.
Price: $34.97 - Reviews
3. Pro Series Saw Tooth Pro Stainless Steel Digging Trowel
Use the trowel the pros use to safely recover your finds. This is no ordinary digging trowel. Saw Tooth Pro Digging Trowel is trusted by thousands of professional treasure hunters. It cuts through the toughest soil conditions. Aluminum garden trowels bend under pressure. Built with extra heavy gauge stainless steel to withstand the toughest conditions. 7 1/2" x 2" blade.
4. Nokta Makro Premium Digger with Sheath
Makro Premium Digger is a high quality tool that can cut through roots and difficult ground conditions with ease. Recover valuable targets safely and easily. Includes cordura sheath.
Price: $29.75
5. First Texas Ultimate Recovery Tool
The First Texas Ultimate Recovery Tool. The Ultimate Recovery Tool has serrated teeth on both sides, a padded handle, and a cordura sheath for belt mounting. A great digging tool for metal detecting!
Price: $39.99 - Reviews
Top 5 Digging Tool Pouches for Metal Detecting
1. DetectorPro Gray Ghost Ultimate Catch All Pouch
2. Whites Signature Series Waist Pouch
3. Pro Series Deluxe Cordura Finds and Tool Pouch
Price: $29.95
4. Nokta Makro Camouflage Finds Pouch
Price: $12.99
5. Garrett Camo Diggers Pouch
Price: $10.19
Explore Your Recovery Tool Options
Your average treasure hunter may not have a concrete plan when it comes to searching for buried treasure. If you are going to use a shovel, you should take this into account. There are many shovel options for you to choose from before going out on your next relic hunt. If you make the wrong decision, then you may not come back with buried treasure. If you find yourself beach metal detecting you may choose a sand scoop instead of a shovel to dig through the sand. Stay away from a folding shovel since most are more flimsy and not made to hold up over time.
Care and Preservation of Property
A metal detectorist searching a property that a landowner has given permission to cover may choose a large shovel over a digging trowel. The shovel will give the metal detectorist the chance to excavate the item quickly. In addition, a shovel is far less tiring. Treasure hunters can also dig deep into the ground for buried treasure. Selecting the right tool for the job can make a big difference on a relic hunt. A metal detecting trowel or shovel can upgrade your searches by adding strength to your arsenal of metal detecting digging tools. Whether you are looking for beach metal or you searching with your gold metal detector, a shovel or trowel can make the experience even better.
FAQ on Metal Detecting Shovels
What is the best Type and Length of the Shovel Handle?
Choosing a tool that is built with a heavy gauge and a long handle that makes it easy to grasp will save your back. In general, lengths between 28" and 40" are standard. Shovel pole handles come in three different shapes: Ball, T, or D-shaped.
What should I look for in a metal detecting Shovel Blade?
Wider blades will scoop more earth and narrower blades will dig a more precise plug of dirt. There are two types of blades. The serrated blade has a sharp serrated edge that can be used for cutting through tough materials, while the sharp blade is mainly utilized for cutting softer materials. Blades may have pointed tips and non-pointed tips. They may also have a sharp edge on one side.
What is the best Shovel Material?
Stainless steel is a better choice than aluminum because it won't bend. Aircraft-quality hardened steel is the best choice for a quality unit. All of the Lesche digging tools are made of this type of material.
Why Use a Metal Detecting Shovel on a Relic Hunt?
You may have previously been on a relic hunt and come across some interesting targets. The problem is that the target or targets are deep in the ground. As a treasure hunter, it can take you a good amount of time to dig up the buried treasure. In addition, you may have already spent time digging by hand on your relic hunt only to come up with nothing. Not only can spending time digging by hand make you tired, but it can also frustrate you.
A well built, extra strong metal detecting shovel makes it easy for any treasure hunter to extract an artifact or buried treasure. A relic hunt can be exhausting, but a shovel allows you to conveniently and quickly dig the target out of the ground. You need to carefully consider what you want to dig up before purchasing a metal detecting shovel. A gold metal detectorist doesn't have the same wants or needs as a hobbyist in search of coins. One metal detecting tip our team suggests is connecting with a local metal detecting club in your area. Local clubs have organized outings where you can learn the finer points of digging from experienced hobbyists in your area.
Should I hunt for buried treasure with a digging trowel or large shovel?
The first factor in choosing your digging device is the treasure hunt itself. For example, if you are using your gold metal detector and you are going to metal detect a large property, you may not want to carry around a larger shovel. A small shovel or digging trowel will allow you to move around more freely. In addition, if your gold metal detector finds a target, you will want to be as careful as possible when excavating it.
The location of your relic hunt will factor into the type of digging tool needed. You may be hunting on a public piece of land or on someone's property. Therefore, you may need to make a small hole to locate the buried treasure. A digging trowel provides you with discreet holes when unearthing buried treasure. A digging trowel makes smooth circular plug holes when excavating buried treasure once you have used the serrated edge to cut the plug.
Copyright 2011 Detector Electronics Corp. - Revisions made on October 12, 2021, August 18, 2022