Metal Detecting Shovels and Diggers: What to Use and How to Leave No Trace
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Your digging tool decides how much mark you leave behind, and that decides whether you're welcome back. Here are the common options by listing, and the rules detecting groups publish. We haven't tested them.
Hand diggers
Lesche Digging Tool & Sod Cutter
A 7 inch blade, 1-3/4 inches wide, serrated on the right side, with a belt holder; made in the USA, per the listing.
Lesche Digging Tool & Sod Cutter
- 7 in. blade, 1-3/4 in. wide; right side serrated, per the listing
- Belt holder included
- Made in the USA
Garrett Edge Digger
Garrett's hand digger with a sheath, 7.5 inches per the title.
Garrett Edge Digger with Sheath
- Hand digger with sheath, per the title
- 7.5 in. (title)
Long-handled shovels
The 36 inch T-handle shovel lists a double-serrated 7.3 x 4 inch blade at 2 pounds 9 ounces, made in the USA. The DRAGONXT shovel is also 36 inches with a T-handle, listed at 3.4 pounds.
36 in. T-Handle Metal Detecting Shovel
- 36 in. overall; 2 lb 9 oz, per the listing
- Double serrated blade, about 7.3 x 4 in.
- Made in the USA
DRAGONXT 36 in. Metal Detecting Shovel
- 36 in. with T-handle, per the listing
- 3.4 lb
- Sharpened blade
Leave no trace
- Refill every hole. Garrett: "I will always fill the holes I dig." FMDAC: replace the ground as it was, and on grass leave no damage or visible trace.
- No shovels on grass. FMDAC says a shovel isn't appropriate for a grass area.
- Skip bad conditions. FMDAC says not to detect when the ground is too wet or too dry to recover targets without damaging the sod.
- Carry out trash. Garrett says to carry all rubbish and dug targets with you when you leave.
- Keep holes small. The Forest Service describes detecting as digging small holes rarely more than six inches deep. A pinpointer helps.
We couldn't find an official step-by-step for cutting a sod plug, so follow local rules and the land manager's guidance. See metal detecting laws.
FAQ
Shovel or hand digger?
Hand digger on grass; FMDAC says no shovels there.
How deep are the holes?
Rarely more than six inches, per the Forest Service.
Do I have to refill?
Yes.