The thrill of hearing the promising beeps of your metal detector can be exhilarating, and you can’t wait to grab your shovel and dig in to discover the treasure.
What happens if you don’t have a metal detecting shovel or the shovel you do have breaks at the worst moment, and the plastic scoop you carry for metal detecting, as it is lightweight proves to be nothing more than a toy? We have found the perfect tools that won’t let you down.
There are certain qualities of great shovels that determine if they are right for the job. Metal detecting requires sturdy tools that will last a long time and keep their sharpness.
Table of Contents
Characteristics to Look for in a Metal Detecting Shovels
1. Material
Depending on what type of soil you’ll be digging through to reach your prize, choosing the right shovel for the job is crucial.
Steel shovels are best for metal detecting as it often requires heavy work, like digging through roots and rocks.
2. Shovel collar
The shovel’s collar is the meeting point of the blade and the shaft.
The collar section is where many shovels break.
A collar forged in one piece is the sturdiest and is considered the better shovel, which is also a bit more expensive. If this part is not sturdy enough or doesn’t have a secure hold, it may snap.
Quality shovels have collars that offer a strong connection and won’t get damaged during heavy work.
3. Step
The step of a shovel is vital for precise digging.
Shovels with a step allow you to use your body weight to push the shovel into the ground and dig and not overwork your arms and back.
4. Blade
A sharp blade that cuts like a knife through butter is the best for digging in any ground.
Our pick for best metal detecting shovels
There are dozens of great shovels you can find; some work well in any digging situation, while others are better at slicing through roots that might get in the way of accessing your treasure.
Below is our choice of the best shovel option depending on the type of soil you find yourself metal detecting.
Types of Soil and Metal Detecting Shovel Match
For digging dirt or hard-packed rocky soil
This heavy-duty shovel is perfect for deep digs that require strength and durability. Made of high-quality steel, it is lightweight, has a sturdy collar, and steps on both sides for easy ground penetration.
Anaconda NX – 5 Long Handle 31 Inch Shovel
For digging clay
This shovel is fit for any challenging soil, but its serrated edges are great for tough clay. It’s the perfect width for big plugs and has an extra-long shaft that lets you stand tall.
Lil’ Digger 29# Heavy Duty Double Serrated Shovel
For digging mud
Generally, it’s best not to dig through muddy soil if you don’t have to.
It is messy and complicated to search in as the mud can obscure your vision as it clings to the treasure. Despite the challenge, if you detected something promising in a muddy patch, it can be hard to resist.
Lesche Ground Shark Relic Hunter Shovel for Metal Detecting and Gardening is suitable for soft soil, but it’s sharpened edge can also deal with challenging areas.
If you need to scoop up mud, a better way to go can be a round-tip shovel. Bully Tool 14-Gauge Round Point Shovel comes with a fiberglass shaft, and you can pick between a D-Grip or a long handle.
Lesche Ground Shark Relic Hunter
Types of Sand and Metal Detecting Scoops
For digging in the sand
Whether you prefer detecting along the beach, in wet sand, or even in deeper water, we have you covered with our selection of best sand scoops.
What makes a great scoop?
Honestly, the only important thing for a perfect scoop is its material.
Stainless steel scoops are the best, as they hold up well after multiple uses in the water.
Aluminum is also a good material for a scoop, as it is light in weight and doesn’t rust.
Aluminum doesn’t have the best strength, so if you want to be confident your scoop is sturdy, stainless steel is the way to go.
Our pick for best metal detecting scoops
With the best materials in mind and considering your dig area, we have found the best scoops for dry and wet sand, as well as for deep digging in the water.
For digging dry sand
With holes big enough to quickly sift sand but not too big for your treasure to fall through, this sand scoop works excellent in dry sand.
The scoop is made out of stainless steel. The handle for this scoop is not included which means you can customize to your specifications. Carbon fiber or fiberglass handles for lightweight or long usage, with or without a D ring handle for comfort.
For digging dry or wet sand
If you don’t want to bend down too much, this scoop comes with a knee-high handle, and it’s easy to use.
With a kick, you can pick up the sand easily, whether it’s dry or wet, which means this scoop is versatile both along the beach and in the shallow water.
The scoop is lightweight, made from aluminum and will last a long time.
RTG Kick it Aluminum Beach Sand Scoop
For deep digging in sand
This stainless-steel model is best for deeper digs.
What’s great about this scoop is that it is ideal for any sand.
It can be hand-held or used with a shaft, so you do not need to bend down. The shaft is a separate purchase.
CKG Lightweight Beach Diving Sand Scoop
Metal detecting is a wondrous adventure.
Whether we are finding lost jewelry, coins, or relics, our curiosity is peaked, wondering the story of how the object came to be in the location you found them and what the value is.
Whether you’re detecting in sand, dirt, clay, or mud, you need a tool to do the digging for you.
Something dependable and lasting. With our finds, we are sure your finds will be easier than ever.
