Now that you’ve chosen a metal detector and are ready to go on an outdoor treasure hunt, you need a tool to help you dig down to the bottom and find what you’re looking for.
Sometimes the target is hidden just beyond your reach. Depending on the bottom, you may need a completely different tool to dig on a completely different surface. You should also look for tools that are sturdy, lightweight, and easy to carry, as they can be transported with other tools.
To help you choose the best equipment for your detector, we’ve reviewed a number of tools that will be extremely useful to all amateurs and professionals. We then looked for places where you can buy these tools online without encountering fake or plagiarized reviews.
Before you do anything, you want to check out the principles and laws of digging in your chosen space.
1. Art Cool Removable Folding Shovel
If you’re going to be prospecting a fairly large area, you’ll need a versatile tool. Yeacool’s Detachable Folding Shovel is a particularly sturdy, lightweight multipurpose tool that’s compact enough to fit in the tightest of spaces.
It comes with a convenient carrying case that attaches to your backpack and can be removed when needed. The comfortable, non-slip rubberized surface ensures your hands won’t be sore during long workouts. The shovel has a serrated blade on one side to cut through dirty dirt and a flat blade on the other. When you need to get into a narrow crevice, the Yarkour bends the head of the shovel 90 degrees and quickly turns into a pick.
When you get tired of traveling in search of precious metals, this bottle opener is also ideal for opening a beer or soda.
Extras:
- Made of super-carbon metal
- 1.1 lbs.
- Can be used as a pick, bottle opener, or bill opener.
- Comes with a carrying case
- Fully collapsible.
What we like:
- Looks great in matte black
- Easy to clean
- It doesn’t fall down.
We don’t have many of these:
- A little small for a big deep dig.
Must Read: 8 Best Cheap Metal Detectors Under $100
2. The Garrett Edge Digger
Garrett is a respected name in the steel detector business, so it’s no surprise that they maintain the same excessive habits for their various equipment and tools. One of the company’s most popular products is the Edge Digger.
This black digging knife has knurled enamel on both sides and a sharp point that allows you to get to the bottom of the target when digging. The blade has a non-slip guard to keep your hand from slipping down when digging in coarse dirt and a rubberized coating for a better grip. The Edge Digger also comes with a personal sheath that simply attaches to your belt or backpack.
This high-quality tool gets the job done in no time and handles tough, wet soil and turf, even in the most difficult situations. Use it horizontally to remove troublesome stones and particles, then dig with the dual-blade to break up the soil.
Optional:
- Comes with a soft handle.
- 7.5 inch digging shovel
- Weighs 1 pound
- Made of carbon metal
What we like:
- Ideal for solid soils and root systems
- Small size
- Strong enough to dig up stones
We don’t really like this option:
- The sheath is weather resistant
3. CKG Stainless Steel Metal Detecting Equipment.
A powerful tool for all-weather work. The CKG digging tool is available for detectors who often have to search in mud and dust.
It is made of durable chrome-plated steel and has an anti-corrosion coating on the tip. This handy little shovel is thin enough to penetrate narrow crevices and reach small targets. One blade is serrated to cut roots and invasive weeds, while the other blade is clear to cut small branches.
There’s a lanyard at the top of the tool to keep your hand from slipping when you dig. It also allows you to attach a belt or backpack, and there’s a cutout at the top to insert a long stake handle if you don’t want to get your knees dirty. There’s a bottle opener on the side to keep things fresh.
Extras:
- Made of chrome-plated steel
- Mounted on the belt
- Rustproof end
- Sharp and serrated edges
What we like:
- Ideal for use in dirt and sand
- Weighs only 6.2 ounces
- Easy to clean and store
We’re not big fans of this piece:
- Twist your own thread
4. Redcamp Navy Folding Shovel
This folding shovel could be described as a naval tool, but we’ve found it useful for digging up targets while scouting as well. This model was chosen because its 8.2-inch shovel head is wider than the Yeacool shovel, allowing it to dig a larger area.
Unlike the Yeacool shovel, it has a triangular shape that allows you to dig with more force. It is made of high carbon metal and comes in two colors: purple and black. Its triangular shape makes it easy to break and carry. It is necessary to unscrew one of the parts to avoid the risk of it bending while digging.
One side of the shovel head is serrated to cut through soil, roots, sand, and snow. If you need to cut through very hard ground, simply slide the shovelhead 90 degrees and fold the pick, which is made of the same durable, heat-treated metal.
Options:
- Can be used for digging, chopping, hammering, and scraping
- Weighs 2.5 pounds.
- Includes a carrying bag
- Serrated and a sharpened edge
- Folding pickaxe
What we like:
- Suitable for use in the cargo area
- Can be viewed from the front or at an angle
- Does not bend when weight is applied
We don’t really like this piece:
- It is too large to wear on a belt
Also See: 6 Best Rock Tumblers In 2022
5. SE Prospector’s Choice 12″ Seleted Edge Digger
The best product from SE, the outdoor, research, and survival tool consultants, is this 12″ digging tool. Its slim design makes it ideal for creating long, narrow, and deep holes to find small targets.
The heat-treated carbon metal allows you to break up soil and remove rocks on approach, which can be a tedious task. The dual serrated blades break up the soil cleanly, making digging easier and allowing you to make deep, clean cuts through weeds and tree roots.
This tool is very lightweight and has a sheath that can be attached to your belt to carry it wherever you go. It also has a large handle and blade protection against stone impact.
It’s a reliable tool for most soils that you’ll use again and again while hunting.
Options:
- 7.5-inch double-sharpened blade
- Heat-treated carbon metal
- sheathed
- Extra-large comfort grip
What we like:
- Low cost, high efficiency
- Highly visible orange handle
- Can dig in deep red soil
We didn’t really like this piece:
- The sheath is not waterproof
6. National Geographic Shovel And Spade
If you haven’t heard of National Geographic, you shouldn’t go out. In addition to the steel detectors for the little ones, we now have a set of a sand shovels and a small shovel.
This set is ideal for inexperienced people who want to use the new steel detector to locate treasures hidden under the beach sand. It may be plastic, but don’t be fooled. It’s very sturdy and won’t snag on appliances.
The little shovel gently digs up sand and dirt, and the inner tracks simply filter it out and separate it from the target. Each is ultra-light and simple in design, making them easy to carry for long periods.
These tools aren’t designed to explore all-terrain or unload laborious dirt and rocks, but they do make for a fun day trip with family or colleagues in search of silver, relics, and even gold nuggets.
Extras:
- Made of durable plastic
- Weighs only 12 ounces
- Two independent tools in one area
What we like:
- Can pick up large amounts of sand and dust.
- Easy to grip spatula for small hands
- Does not weigh you down
What we don’t like:
- Small holes don’t catch small targets
Also See: 8 Best Metal Detectors Under $200
7. Sahara Sailor survival shovel
We chose this last tool for the hardcore detective and those who search in many environments. The Sahara Sailor Survival Shovel is also probably the most expensive item here, but it’s highly motivated.
First of all, it’s made from durable military-grade carbon metal and aircraft-grade anodized aluminum tubing, so it won’t bend, break or warp in the harshest of environments. It can be extended to 30 inches to reach deeper areas, or reduced to moderate size for use as a paddle.
Like all trowels, the head can be bent 90 degrees to use as a hoe, and the serrated edge can be used to break up soil and cut roots. One of the best features of this shovel is the wide selection of multi-tool accessories. It includes a knife, screwdriver, whistle, and ice crusher. It’s not the lightest shovel, but it makes a great addition to your backpack and saves you from having to carry other tools while hunting.
Extras:
- Made of military-grade carbon metal.
- 12 different functions and tools
- Fully collapsible
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
What we like:
- Can be stored in a small camouflage pattern case
- No plastic parts of any kind
- Comes with a shoulder strap
What we don’t like:
- Instructions are not included.
