Metal detecting tools include more than only a metal detector itself. Digging tools are among the most important items to get before going treasure hunting. You are not going to dig the finds out with your hands, are you? So one of the first items to purchase is the metal detecting shovel handy enough for digging bigger holes. In addition to the digging shovel, you will probably need a digger knife and a sand scoop. The more various locations you are going to visit, the more various metal detecting digging tools you are likely to need.
Some may believe buying a brand shovel makes little sense, like, this is only a shovel, what can go wrong with the non-branded one? Yet, the best metal detecting shovel is the one which makes your task easier, not harder. So opt for an ergonomic and handy one, and ooops, it seems only relevant brands eventually manufacture decent shovels. And the same thing with metal detecting sand scoop and other items. To get more info on all these products, check our review below.
Having a nice and high quality set of items means you will never find yourself lacking the most needed accessory because it suddenly breaks. The worst thing about those cheap products is that no one can predict how long they will serve, and when they eventually let you down. So if you would like to have your back covered at all times, especially in distant trips, buy branded goods.
White’s Ground Hawg Shovel
Radius Root Slayer Nomad
Lesche Sampson Pro 31″ with T-Handle
Grave Digger Tools 27″ Snubnose T-Handle
Anaconda NX-5 Standard 31″ Shovel
On the one hand, you can go and buy a usual all-purpose shovel in the construction store. It will be really budget-friendly and will show seamless operation of dumb digging for long years. On the other hand, the question is whether you want to have a really ergonomic, lightweight, well-balanced shovel with a shorter or longer than standard shaft, decent blade, and easily transportable? If yes, then you should probably go for something better than the construction store production.
Buying a shovel from a brand is not weird; this is an investment into reliable functioning, less blisters on your hands, and normal transportability when travelling to distant locations. This is why we have provided a review of the best shovels for metal detecting.
This is the branded shovel by White’s and it means that is developed especially for diggers. The White’s Ground Hawg Shovel shovel has a comfortable handle, a wide grip that does not look very ergonomic, and a cutting blade which, as you have already guessed, is shaped like a spear (it is not). The cutting blade is rigged, so the digging will be easier.
This model is really good, it has tons of positive comments both from treasure hunters and also gardeners… yeah. Still, this shovel is equipped with carbon steel shaft, has ergonomic grip that reduces stress on the wrists, and a V-shaped cutting blade. Even more amazing is its lifetime guarantee (while the item #1 in our list has a limited warranty!).
This is branded shovel that is also made especially for metal detecting, and that it is by a brand makes it better than the item #3 in the list. However, it is fair to state that it has high quality metal tubing, which makes it light but strong, a sharp blade to simplify the digging, and the whole thing is heat treated for enhanced endurance.
This is a good option, but if you can buy one of the first two – go for it. The Grave Digger 27″, though, is medium sized and convenient, with a handy grip and a V-shaped cutting blade that looks pretty threatening. In case you want a smaller item, this one may be just for you.
This is a good shovel, but it is a new product on the market. However, Anaconda NX-5 shovel is a very strong competitor for the #1-3 products at the list. This tool has a comfortable soft grip, heat treated head, lightweight steel handle.
Garrett Edge Digger
White’s Digmaster Digger
Lesche RS Digging Cutting Tool With Sheath
Wilcox 10 X 2″ Stainless Steel Trowel
Root Slayer Trowel With Holster
In addition to the shovel, you will most probably need a digger knife. Why? Because shovel is good for taking out really big finds, or for removing the upper layer of soils to get the smaller finds. After you have roughly located the potential find and dug out a hole, you need a more accurate instrument. Moreover, you are likely to kneel on the ground for further pinpointing and checking the dirt, so manipulating a shovel will become problematic.
Digger knives, on the other hand, are convenient, small, functional, enable the user to complete different tasks with a single tool, and act with increased accuracy. Even a total noob will be able to take advantage of a high quality digger without any previous training.
This is one of the best diggers available on the market, and obviously it is so high quality because the manufacturer is Garrett! This one pound digger knife with serrated blade is super reliable and handy to cope with. Has a sheath for belt mount in the kit.
As one of the oldest metal detecting brands in the world, Whites just could not stand it making a really cool digger knife. The double serrated edge, cutting blade with engraved ruler measurements made of heat treated steel, handy anti-slip grip show that the tool was made with the needs of the user in mind.
This is a quality digger by a famous gardening tool manufacturer. The tool is less ergonomic than the previous two, has no sheath, and one-edge serrated blade looks less cool. But it will still perform its functions, so you can totally opt for this one.
This is a very popular trowel, but to say the truth, it is not the best option for metal detecting. Opt for one of the first three items if you can. This tool is super affordable, and it seems to have all that’s needed, except a handy grip and serrated blade. However, detectorists generally prefer to this trowel.
Generally this digger is very similar to the previous one, just the brand is not as popular. The knife looks decent and promises functionality and adequate operation. Most buyers are okay with it, but not all. So if you can purchase a better one, just do it.
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You may be surprised to find out that your usual shovel or digger knife won’t work on the beach, because guess what – yeah, the sand is pretty loose, especially the dry one. So you risk burying your find even deeper when trying to dig it out with a usual tool. So, if you are a passionate beach treasure hunter, you should think of buying a proper instrument for yourself. And after you’re done, you will be able to make the tea in it. Just kidding.
Okay, anyways beach search is a more complicated type of search in metal detecting niche, so you generally need some additional stuff for successful prospecting. Get a scoop as well to make sure your treasures do not slip away the last moment.
This sand scoop is one of the bestest in our list due to its design, quality, and reliability. This model is made of very lightweight (weighting only 1.98 lb) stainless steel, promising durability and useability for long years of exploitation. You might be surprised, though, how much a brand-made colander can cost, but believe us, this will be a one-time investment into your comfort.
This is a decent instrument for your productive seashore prospecting. Its high quality stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, and the manufacturer promises best user experience in any conditions, including dry and wet sand, underwater, sand with stones and shells, and even clay.
This model is of a decent quality, plus it is equipped with a longer handle that is supposed to simplify the user’s efforts. You will probably have a less sore back using this scoop. However, it has a very obvious disadvantage – apparently its holes are a bit too wide, and some small jewelry will be able to slip away.
A great option for healthy money, this bundle has a hand-held scoop and the one with a longer handle. Made of galvanized steel, these scoops have to function long years. However, they also have somewhat large holes.
Compared to all the previous sand scoops that are made of metal, this one is a cool option to use together with the metal detector (or pinpointer), because you can immediately scan the bucket and check whether the find is in there. The metal detector will not react to the plastic scoop. The only drawback is that with time, the scoop can break. But you can totally use it together with one of the previous models.
Gloves. First of all, gloves will protect your hands from dirt and injury. The main requirements for the gloves are convenience, no metal parts, and they have to be thin to provide sensitivity to the hands. Based on our own experience, we note that the best cheap gloves are regular garden gloves, and the most durable are the tactic ones. They last longer, easier to put on and take off, do not let the dust in, and allow the hands to breathe.
Find Pouch or Bag. It will help to preserve the integrity of the findings and also protect your pockets from dirt. Having pockets full of dirt and sand is not a good idea. You can buy tactic pouches from military uniforms as an option.
Water bottle. Never forget to take water, unless you do not plan to stay longer than an hour or two. Backpack, bag, or special carrying case for all the above mentioned items. You will need a place to put the metal detector, the shovel, and the rest of equipment. Also, it is better to have a separate pocket, or a separate bag for the finds.
First Aid mini kit. While some believe this is not an obligatory item, in fact it is. So never neglect having the first aid kit.
Actually, this is the minimum list of the most necessary equipment for metal detecting. But if you want to get even more pleasure from this hobby, dig more productively, and enhance your own safety and comfort, the list can be somewhat increased.
Additional metal detecting accessories
This is the entire set of the metal detecting equipment for successful and comfortable metal detecting.
As you can see, just metal detector is not enough for productive prospecting. However, all these additional accessories like digger knifes and scoops give you a chance to dig your spotted treasures up carefully and safely. Invest into your own comfort and buy reliable tools.
Hi detectorists! I’m Michael Moore, founder of this website, and a dedicated treasure hunter since 2013. If you want to be posted about the most recent news and updates in metal detecting, releases, and trends, subscribe!
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