Here are the metal detecting digging tools I use.

What metal detecting digging tools do you use?

When I started off, I used a cheap garden hand tool.  I constantly struggled to dig even small holes, especially in hard, dry ground.  When I purchased my Garrett AT Pro, I bought the Adventure Pack which came with some additional accessories.  One of those was the Garrett Edge Digger.

The Garrett Edge Digger has a strong carbon steel blade with a series of cutting teeth.  It is 12 inches in overall length, but has a 7.5 inch blade.  It has a blade guard to protect your hand as you are working it into hard ground.  The rubberized handle is comfortable and easy to grip, even when wet.  It comes with a handy sheath, so you can keep it readily accessible right on your hip.  It retails for around $40.00, but you can always find it on sale for much less.  For a small digging tool, the Garrett Edge definitely gets my vote.

For a little more muscle, I picked up the Lesche Sampson Pro-Series shovel.  It is crafted from high quality aircraft steel and has a very solid feel to it.  This model has the T-handle, which makes it easy to carry around and use.  From end to end, it measures about 31 inches overall.  The blade is 7.5 inches long and 4 inches wide, and has some pretty sharp edges.  This things digs great, allowing you to use your foot for leverage.  You can pop clean plugs out of the ground with ease.

I like using just the Garrett Edge Digger if I am out on public property.  There is a negative stigma when people see you with a larger shovel, and it can give them the impression that you are going to be digging large holes.  I will sometimes take my Lesche Sampson on public property, but always have this with me for any private property hunts.  The blade is not much bigger than the blade on a hand tool, but the leverage you get with it makes it so easy to dig.

No matter where you are metal detecting (public or private property), always make sure you have permission and always make sure that you fill all your holes.  Preserve this hobby for current and future generations by leaving the ground in just as good of condition as it was when you found it.

And I would love to hear what digging tools you use!  Feel free to leave a comment below.  Happy Digging!