Shovel for Metal Detecting: Maximizing Your Efficiency

A best shovel for metal detecting is essential for fully enjoying the hobby. While you only need a metal detector and a shovel to get started, each tool serves a specific purpose as you gain experience. In the beginning, you can use any shovel that is readily available, but over time, you’ll find that a dedicated metal detecting shovel enhances your efficiency and success.

When selecting a shovel, consider features such as a pointed tip for digging into tough soil, a lightweight design for easy handling, and a durable material that can withstand frequent use. Investing in the right shovel will make your treasure hunting adventures more enjoyable and fruitful.

I have experience using various types of shovels, and I’d like to share my insights in this article. There is a wide variety of shovels available, including portable shovels, full-sized models, soil knives, trowels, and even handmade options. In this article, we will explore the differences among these tools and help you determine which is best metal detecting shovel for your needs.

Previously, we discussed how to select a metal detector for beginners; this article will focus on tools suited for experienced detectorists. If you’re interested in learning about scoops, be sure to check out this review.

If metal detecting is a fascinating but new hobby for you, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your options. If you’re currently searching for the best metal detecting shovel, make yourself comfortable, as I have valuable information to share on this topic.

To start, we’ll cover some theoretical aspects to help you understand how each tool differs and when it’s best to use them. Following that, I will provide a list of the ten best shovels for metal detecting, complete with descriptions and recommendations.

Best shovels for metal detecting

Radius Garden Root Slayer Nomad Spade

The Root Slayer Nomad Spade is a compact, lightweight version of the renowned Root Slayer spade, designed specifically for those who enjoy metal detecting as well as gardening. Part of the Root Slayer series by Radius Garden, this spade features a unique design with a sharp, serrated blade that makes cutting through roots and soil significantly easier.

With its heavy-duty, sharp blade equipped with inverted V-shaped cutting teeth along the edges, this spade is particularly effective for slicing through roots with less effort compared to traditional spades. Its saw-shaped tip is expertly crafted with sharp edges, making it ideal for tackling stubborn tree roots.

The blade measures 9 inches long and is made from powder-coated carbon steel, ensuring durability and longevity. The innovative shank design allows for easy one-handed use, which is especially beneficial when you’re navigating various terrains. Weighing just 2.5 lbs, this shovel is lightweight yet remarkably sturdy, making it perfect for those who need to move around frequently while gardening or detecting.

The “Nomad” in its name emphasizes its portability, making it a convenient choice for gardeners working in different areas. Given its efficiency in soil penetration and root cutting, it’s equally suitable for metal detecting enthusiasts. Additionally, it comes with a manufacturer’s lifetime guarantee, though this offer is limited to residents of the USA.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Shovel Style	Nomad
Handle Style	Straight
Handle Length	31 in
Handle Material	Carbon Steel
Blade Size	9 x 7.5 in
Overall Length	40 in
Weight	2.5 lbs
Blade Material	Carbon Steel

Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel

The Radius Garden Root Slayer Shovel is a standout tool in the Root Slayer series, designed to tackle various gardening tasks with a particular emphasis on efficiently cutting through roots. Its innovative O-shaped ergonomic shank not only looks distinctive but also enhances functionality. This unique design significantly minimizes hand and wrist strain during extended use, making it a comfortable choice for all-day digging.

This multi-purpose tool effectively combines the features of a shovel and a saw, making it one of the best options for dealing with stubborn roots. The inverted V-shaped cutting blade allows you to use its narrow tip for digging, reducing soil friction and making the digging process smoother than with standard shovels.

The blade is typically made from high-quality, powder-coated carbon steel, which enhances durability and resistance to rust, ensuring long-lasting performance. Despite its robust design, the shovel remains lightweight, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. Regular cleaning and sharpening of the blade can prolong its life and maintain cutting efficiency.

While the Root Slayer Shovel excels in cutting through roots, it’s important to exercise caution to avoid damaging any finds buried in the soil. In addition to gardening and metal detecting, this shovel can be useful for landscaping, excavation, and other outdoor projects that involve digging.

Many users praise the Root Slayer Shovel for its effectiveness and comfort, often highlighting how it outperforms traditional shovels. Radius Garden typically offers a warranty, providing peace of mind for users regarding the product’s quality and longevity. Whether you’re gardening or metal detecting, this shovel can be an invaluable addition to your toolkit, enhancing both comfort and efficiency in your digging efforts.

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Shovel Style	Root Slayer
Handle Style	Radius
Handle Length	31 in
Handle Material	Resin-Encased Carbon Steel
Blade Size	13 x 10.5 in
Overall Length	44 in
Weight	5.5 lbs
Blade Material	Carbon Steel

Garrett Razor Relic Shovel

Garrett is a reputable brand in the metal detecting industry, well-known for producing reliable metal detectors and accessories that come with a level of quality assurance. Among its standout products is the Garrett Razor Relic shovel, designed specifically for treasure hunters.

The Garrett Razor Relic shovel measures 36 inches in length and weighs 61.6 ounces, making it convenient for users of all heights. Achieving the right balance between sturdiness and weight is essential for a relic shovel; it must be robust enough to handle tough soil conditions without becoming cumbersome during extended use.

This shovel is designed to fit specialized rucksacks for treasure hunters, ensuring easy transport while remaining discreet to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

Featuring a unique T-handle design, the shovel excels at removing soil from holes and digging deep with ease. Its robust steel construction is often treated to resist corrosion, prolonging the shovel’s lifespan, especially in wet conditions. This durability is enhanced by rigorous testing, ensuring it can withstand various outdoor challenges.

One of the significant advantages of the Garrett Razor Relic shovel is its versatility; it can also serve as a lever when navigating sharp climbs or slopes, enhancing its utility in challenging terrain. Users frequently highlight its effectiveness in various soil types, from sandy beaches to rocky terrains, praising its adaptability and performance.

Moreover, the T-handle design not only facilitates digging but also offers a comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. Garrett typically provides warranties on their products, ensuring customer satisfaction and product reliability. Additionally, the shovel may be compatible with other Garrett accessories, allowing for a cohesive metal detecting kit.

Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or just starting, this shovel is an invaluable tool that enhances both comfort and efficiency during your outdoor adventures.

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Shovel	Garrett Razor Relic Shovel
Handle Style	T-handle
Handle Length	25 in
Blade Size	9 in
Overall Length	36 in
Weight	61.6 oz
Blade Material	Robust Steel

Nokta Makro Premium Shovel

Products from reputable brands like Nokta Makro often come with a level of quality assurance, making them a reliable choice for metal detecting enthusiasts. Among their offerings is a versatile shovel designed to meet the demands of treasure hunters.

The Nokta Makro shovel consists of two parts, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. This feature is particularly beneficial for treasure hunters who need a compact solution for transport. The shovel is equipped with a unique arrow-headed, tooth-shaped blade that excels in cutting through tough soil and roots, making it ideal for various digging conditions.

Additionally, the T-handle design provides a comfortable grip, enhancing control and reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. A laser-printed ruler on the blade aids in measuring depth, ensuring you can accurately gauge your digging without needing additional tools.

An unexpected yet practical addition is the double-sided bottle opener, offering convenience for those who enjoy refreshments during their outdoor excursions. While it may seem like a quirky feature, it adds to the shovel’s overall versatility.

Nokta Makro products are built from high-quality materials, ensuring durability to withstand tough outdoor conditions. The ergonomic design of the shovel helps prevent strain on the hands and wrists, making it suitable for extended periods of use. Its two-part construction not only facilitates easy assembly but also makes it easy to pack into rucksacks without taking up much space.

Many users appreciate the shovel’s innovative features and durability, often recommending it for both novice and experienced treasure hunters. Beyond metal detecting, this shovel can also be used for gardening and landscaping tasks, showcasing its multifunctionality.

With its thoughtful design and useful features, the Nokta Makro shovel is a valuable asset for any treasure hunter, enhancing both efficiency and enjoyment during metal detecting adventures. Its reputation for quality ensures that you can rely on it to perform well in various conditions, making it a worthwhile investment for your outdoor toolkit.

Last update on 2024-11-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Shovel Style	Nokta Makro Premium Shovel
Handle Style	T-handle
Handle Length	Collapsible Shaft 31.5″ – 38″
Blade Size	9.4″
Overall Length	38 in
Weight	4.6 lbs
Blade Material	Stainless Steel

Pro Detector Anaconda Steel Shovel

The Pro Detector Anaconda Steel Shovel is designed for metal detecting enthusiasts who require durability and efficiency in their tools. Crafted from tempered steel and heat-treated for enhanced strength, this shovel is built to withstand rigorous digging conditions.

With a convenient length of 36 inches, the shovel features a powder-coated black finish that not only adds a sleek look but also protects against wear and corrosion. The 9-inch blade is equipped with sharp teeth on both sides, making it highly effective at cutting through tough roots and compact soil.

Designed for practicality, the handle is compatible with a standard 5.5-inch shovel holster, allowing for easy storage and transport. This feature ensures that your shovel is readily accessible when you need it, without taking up unnecessary space in your gear.

Proudly made in the USA, the Pro Detector Anaconda Steel Shovel stands out for its quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or just starting, this shovel is a reliable companion for all your digging needs.

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Shovel Style	Pro Detector Anaconda NX-6
Handle Style	T-handle
Handle Length	25 in
Blade Size	9 in
Overall Length	36 in
Weight	4.2 lbs
Blade Material	Tempered steel

• Blade length – 9″
• Total length – 36″
• Weight: 4.92
• Color: Powder Coated (black)
• Blade is made from tempered steel

Lesche Ground Shark Shovel

The Lesche Ground Shark Shovel is a specialized digging tool tailored for metal detecting, relic hunting, and treasure hunting activities. Known for producing high-quality digging tools, Lesche has established itself as a reputable brand among enthusiasts in these hobbies.

Crafted from rustproof aircraft-grade steel, the Ground Shark offers exceptional durability and resistance to corrosion. The shovel features a long handle designed for comfort and strength, ensuring a secure grip during extended use. Some models are equipped with a T-handle or D-handle, which enhances control and maneuverability.

The shovel boasts a serrated blade with cutting teeth on both sides, facilitating efficient penetration through roots, sod, and soil. The sharp serrated edges make it easier to dig through tough ground, allowing you to create neat, precise plugs with minimal effort. This design helps you leave small, tidy holes rather than large craters, a common issue with standard shovels.

In terms of design, the Ground Shark strikes a perfect balance between sturdiness and weight. It is robust enough for effective digging yet lightweight enough to prevent fatigue during use. Additionally, many models come equipped with a footstep or platform on the top of the blade, enabling users to apply extra pressure when digging into the ground.

Overall, the Lesche Ground Shark Shovel is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and functionality. Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or a beginner, this shovel elevates your digging experience, making it an essential tool for anyone serious about metal detecting and treasure hunting.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Shovel Style	Lesche Ground Shark
Handle Style	T-handle
Handle Length	24 in
Blade Size	11 in
Overall Length	36 in
Weight	2.75 lbs
Blade Material	Aircraft Quality Steel

• Length: 36″
• Weight: 2.75 Pounds
• Serrated edge for cutting
• T-Handle
• Sharp clean edge

iunio Folding Shovel

The iunio Folding Shovel is a versatile and compact tool, ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, gardening, and survival situations. Renowned for producing affordable yet reliable outdoor and survival gear, iunio’s folding shovels are well-received by users for their functionality and portability.

In the event of a zombie apocalypse, this shovel would undoubtedly be one of the first items you grab without a second thought.

Measuring 31 inches in length, the iunio Folding Shovel is adjustable to accommodate various user heights, enhancing comfort during use. It comes with a convenient case that can be attached to your belt for easy transport. The key feature of this shovel is its collapsible design, which includes a telescopic handle that can be folded down, making it compact enough to fit into a backpack or vehicle.

Constructed from durable, wear-resistant steel, the shovel’s blade and handle are built to last. The rubber handle ensures a secure grip, maintaining its integrity even after extended use. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, reflecting the manufacturer’s confidence in its durability.

The shovel easily folds for storage in a bag or backpack, making it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures.

Beyond basic digging, iunio Folding Shovels often come equipped with various multifunctional features, including a pickaxe, saw edge, serrated side, or even a bottle opener. This versatility makes it an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate having a range of functionalities in one compact design.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

Best metal detecting digging tools

Garrett Edge Digger

The Garrett Edge Digger is a specialized digging tool designed specifically for metal detecting and treasure hunting. Manufactured by Garrett Metal Detectors, a reputable name in the industry, this tool is regarded as one of the best for precise digging in parks and other public spaces. It’s especially useful when you’ve already dug a hole but still need to locate your target nearby.

Lightweight and portable, the Garrett Edge Digger is easy to carry during your outdoor expeditions. Its length is optimized for effective digging while kneeling, providing the versatility needed for various metal detecting scenarios. For added convenience, the shovel often comes with a protective sheath or cover for the blade, enhancing safety during transportation and storage.

However, it’s important to note that the Garrett Edge Digger is not designed for sawing through tree roots or stones, making it best suited for softer soils.

Constructed from durable carbon steel, the blade features sharp cutting edges and teeth to facilitate efficient digging. The blade measures 7.5 inches in length, with a total tool length of 12 inches. The package also includes a belt mount for easy accessibility and a two-year warranty, ensuring quality and peace of mind for users.

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

SE Prospector’s Choice

Sona Enterprises (SE) is a company dedicated to providing a variety of tools, equipment, and accessories tailored for outdoor activities such as prospecting, camping, and exploration. Renowned for offering affordable and practical solutions, SE caters to hobbyists and enthusiasts involved in activities like gold prospecting and metal detecting.

The SE Edge Digger serves as a budget-friendly alternative to more expensive digging tools, proving that lower cost doesn’t necessarily equate to lower quality. Made from heat-treated carbon steel, this digging tool is built for durability and reliability. It also features a guard designed to minimize the risk of injuries during use.

With a blade length of 7.5 inches and an overall length of 12 inches, the SE Edge Digger is compact yet effective, making it a valuable addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s toolkit.

Last update on 2024-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

DR.ÖTEK Edge Digger

The DR.ÖTEK Edge Digger is a versatile digging tool built to withstand high-intensity tasks, making it perfect for both gardening and treasure hunting. Its sturdy design ensures that it can handle tough soil conditions while maintaining precision in your digging efforts. This edge digger is an excellent accessory for all your gardening projects and metal detecting adventures, providing the reliability you need for successful treasure hunting.

Last update on 2024-11-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

How to Choose the best shovel for metal detecting?

Investing in a dedicated metal detecting shovel or trowel can significantly enhance your metal detecting experience and improve efficiency in recovering targets. An inconvenient, fragile, or overly heavy shovel can lead to fatigue or even break during your treasure hunting adventures, forcing you to cut your trip short.

Selecting the right shovel for digging may seem straightforward, but there are several factors to consider to ensure you make the best choice.

Types of Shovels

Full-Sized Shovels
Full-sized shovels offer the convenience of requiring fewer bends when digging, making them a popular choice. However, they can be cumbersome to transport, especially if you don’t have a vehicle. Additionally, in some locations, bringing a full-sized shovel may attract unwanted attention.

Folding Shovels
Folding shovels attempt to merge the advantages of full-sized and compact shovels. Designed for adventure travelers, these tools often feature multiple functions in one compact design, making them highly portable and versatile.

Diggers
Originally designed for gardening, diggers are handy for specific tasks. While they work well for park treasure hunting, they may struggle in clay or rocky soil. They are ideal for urban areas and can also be used on the beach, though scoops are typically more efficient for sand.

Materials

The materials used in shovel construction vary, affecting durability and performance. A shovel with a metal shaft is generally more robust than one with a wooden shaft. Opt for models made from high-carbon steel or aircraft-grade aluminum for strength and resilience across various soil conditions.

Blade Design

The blade design plays a crucial role in digging efficiency. A sharp, pointed tip combined with serrated edges can facilitate cutting through roots and tough soil. Consider wider blades for better soil removal, especially if you frequently dig in densely vegetated areas.

Handle Design

An ergonomic handle is essential to minimize strain on your wrists and back during prolonged use. Look for comfortable grips made from rubber or foam to enhance your overall digging experience.

Foot Step or Platform

Some shovels feature a footstep or platform on the blade, allowing you to apply additional pressure while digging. This feature can be especially beneficial in challenging terrain.

Length and Weight

The shovel’s length should accommodate your height and digging style. Adjustable or telescopic handles are advantageous for customizing the length to your preference. Balance between sturdiness and weight is crucial; a lightweight shovel is more convenient for extended use, while a durable one will withstand heavy-duty digging.