There is nothing more frustrating than getting signals from potentially valuable treasures and lacking the right tools with which to dig them out. As such, you must always ensure you have the right digging tools in your bag before heading out for your next metal detecting excursion. The best digging gear is capable of digging out your targets with ease and precision with minimal damage.
The good thing is that there are thousands of metal detecting digging tools out there to choose from. They can, however, vary greatly in terms of type, size, shape, build quality, and price. Also, the tool you choose will depend greatly on where you’re trying to detect and the type of terrain.
For that reason, we’ve come up with a detailed review of some of the best digging tools that can help you recover your targets quickly and easily.
Summary of Top pick
Our top pick goes to the Garrett Edge Digger, which is specially made from heavy-duty steel for exceptional durability and strength. It also stands out for its amazing performance, cutting through even the toughest roots and hardest soils like a laser.
Lesche 1V_WWMFG-32-SER T- Handle Heavy Duty Metal Detecting Shovel
The Lesche, the 1V_WWMFG-32-SER shovel is a must-have digging tool for relic hunting on extensive grounds, in farm fields, and woods. Featuring a solid build, made of aircraft-quality steel with serrations on one side; this shovel allows you to make the most of your excursion as it cuts and digs through roots and sods like a laser.
Measuring 31 inches long and boasting a comfortable T-handle, this shovel allows for convenience and ease when spending your time hunting. (Currently out of stock but you can still get the 18 inch here.)
Pros
- Weighs less than 3 pounds, making it easy to carry and comfortable to use
- Solid construction works well without bending
- Long enough to use without much bending
- Has a comfortable T-handle
- An excellent belt holster
- Allows faster and cleaner digging
Cons
- Can be expensive for some
Anaconda NX-5 Long Handle Shovel
If you’re looking for a lightweight yet incredibly strong and sturdy shovel, the Anaconda NX-5 won’t disappoint you. This shovel is specially made using tempered steel for enhanced hardness, strength, and durability, which means that this shovel can serve you longer.
This 31-inch long shovel flaunts a black powder-coated finish with a 9-inch blade that has serrations on both sides. The sharp serrated edges penetrate even the hardest ground with ease so you can recover your treasures with ease.
On top of being lightweight, this shovel features a 5.5 inches wide handle, which makes it comfortable to use even with only one hand.
Pros
- The grip handle feels soft and comfortable
- Sharp teeth make cutting through stubborn roots and hard soils easy
- Lightweight design makes it convenient to carry
- Heat-treated blade ensures enhanced durability
Cons
- Highly-priced
>>Check current price on Amazon
Lil Digger Double-Serrated Shovel
Featuring a unique double-serrated design, the Lil Digger 29” shovel is one of the ultimate metal detecting digging tools. This shovel boasts a 4 by the 8-inch blade with nicely serrated edges and slightly angled at the sides, for easy cutting of roots and digging plugs while recovering your treasures.
Another thing that sets this shovel apart is its outstanding build quality featuring a strong fiberglass shaft and reinforced with heavy-duty steel at the neck joint. It also has a large heavy-duty T-handle, which makes handling the shovel while digging easy and comfortable for you.
While it is a strong shovel, it’s also super-lightweight, so you can carry it around without getting tired.
Pros
- Strong and durable construction
- A highly versatile shovel
- Has an extended socket for added strength
- Comfortable T-handle and nicely balanced
Cons
- Can be small for taller detectorists
>>Check current price on Amazon
Lesche Digging Tool
Lesche Digging Tool is in-arguably one of the best metal detecting trowels out there, mainly due to its robust, top-quality construction.
For extreme durability, this digging tool is made of heavy-duty, heat-treated steel so it is resistant to corrosion. It is also well welded up so you can use it without worrying it will be damaged or broken.
The blade has serrations on one side, so you can cut roots, sod, and weed effortlessly. This digger is available in two different versions, so depending on which hand is your dominant hand you’ll want to choose the one with serrations on either the right or left side.
It also comes with a belt sheath, which makes carrying it convenient and comfortable.
Pros
- Super strong and durable
- Comes with a sheath for easy carrying
- Cuts weeds, roots, and sods with ease
- Has a lifetime warranty
- Rubberized grip handle makes it comfortable to use
Cons
- Can be expensive for some
>>Check current price on Amazon
DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector Digger
DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector Digger is another excellent digging tool that’s well-built to last longer while cutting through even the toughest roots using either side. This makes it a perfect digger for both left and right-handed detectorists.
This digger has a long and nicely angled blade with sharp serrations so you can cut stubborn roots and plugs effortlessly with just a few strokes. The blade is also wide enough, so you can remove large amounts of dirt with each scoop.
This digger also comes equipped with a rubberized handle for a comfortable and firm grip each time. The welds on this digger are of the highest quality, so you can rest assured it won’t fall apart anytime soon.
Pros
- Large sheath makes inserting and removing the digger easy
- High-quality welds ensure a more sturdy build
- The blade is long and well-angled and super-sharp
- The handle offers a comfortable grip
Cons
- The sheath could be made sturdier
>>Check current price on Amazon
HONUTIGE Detecting Stainless Digging
The HONUTUGE Beach Sand Scoop, stands out as the preferred option for beach hunts, due to its high-quality, corrosion-resistant stainless steel construction. This durable sand scoop features a compact and lightweight design with 2mm hexagonal holes for sand to sift through effortlessly for a quick and simple treasure hunt on the beach, surf, and underwater.
(Click here to see our top 5 scoop recommendations)
The shovel is incredibly sharp, so it can cut through with ease while removing a significant portion of sand with each scoop. The handle features a rubberized grip for added comfort and has the capability for an extension.
Pros
- Features a solid and extremely durable construction
- A rubber handle provides a comfortable and secure grip
- Made using top-quality stainless steel that’s corrosion-resistant
- Has an excellent washing ability
- Can be used either handheld or attached to a pole
Cons
- Can be quite expensive for some
>>Check current price on Amazon
Pro Knee High Sand Scoop
If you’re a beginner detectorist looking for an affordable yet incredibly reliable scoop, then you can’t go wrong with the Pro Knee High Sand Scoop.
This sand scoop is well-built using heavy-duty aluminum and features a 20-inch long handle, so you can use it without having to bend too far. The handle comes equipped with a rubber grip that makes it comfortable to use and easy on your hands.
The scoop holes measure less than a quarter-inch, which allows you to sift out the sand and reveal your finds without them slipping through. It’s also lightweight, so you can use it for hours without getting tired.
Pros
- Comes at an affordable price
- Works well in dry sand
- Rubber grip provides a comfortable handling
- Has many holes for quick sifting
- Lightweight enough for easy handling
Cons
- The scoop could be made a bit stronger
>>Check current price on Amazon
Garrett Edge Digger
The Garrett Edge Digger is hands down, the best digger currently on the market. This is mainly due to its high quality, lightweight design, and portable construction, accompanied with a serrated blade that takes on the toughest roots with ease.
This digger is made of a high-quality and durable stainless steel blade designed with serrated edges, which helps to cut through even the hardest things effortlessly. It also features a remarkably lightweight and compact design with a sheath, so you can easily mount it on your belt for secure and convenient carrying.
It is also ergonomically designed with a large handle and finger grooves, so you can get a firm, comfortable grip while digging out hidden treasures.
Pros
- Made of high-quality material for enhanced durability
- Has an ergonomic handle for a secure grip
- Compact and lightweight enough for comfortable use
- Comes with a sheath for easy and hands-free carrying
- Gets through tough grounds and roots with ease
Cons
- The rubber gripping can come off when used with force
>>Check current price on Amazon
| Name | Dimensions | Material | Weight | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett Edge Digger | 11.9 x 11.9 x 1.7 inches | Stainless Steel | 0.19 pounds | All types of soils |
| Pro Knee High Sand Scoop | 23.2 x 7.9 x 4.5 inches | metal | 1.55 pounds | sand |
| HONUTIGE Detecting Stainless Digging | 11×7×3 inches | Stainless steel | 3.25 pounds | sand |
| DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector Digger | 13.4×3.5×5 inches | alloy steel | 1.32 pounds | Hard sod and soil |
| Lesche Digging Tool | 6 x 6 x 4 inches | heat-treated steel | 1.1 pounds | Rough roots, compacted soil, weeds |
| Lil Digger Double-Serrated Shovel | 28.25 x 6 x 2 inches | Alloy Steel, Fiberglass, Metal | 3 pounds | heavy vegetation, sod, and hard soil |
| Anaconda NX-5 Long Handle Shovel | 32 x 7 x 2.35 inches | Heat-treated steel | 3.84 pounds | hard rocky soil |
| Lesche 1V_WWMFG-32-SER T | 36.7 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches | Heavy Duty Metal | 3 pounds | Tough roots, un-manicured lawns |
Conclusion
From scoops and shovels to digger knives, there is a wide range of digging tools that can help you uncover your treasures pretty fast and clean while metal detecting. Make sure that you choose a digging tool suited to the type of terrain where you’ll be hunting. Also, make sure that the digging tool you choose is comfortable to use and within your budget.
