I need a little welding advice with my shovels. I keep killing them

[Bev]

Ok so I'm an animal. I'm short so I really like the foundation shovels that are only about 2' long. They're light and easy to carry distances and I can really cut a plug with percision better than my digger.
I've personally killed 3 shovels so far so here is what I'm wondering.
Once Tractor Supply gets more foundation shovels in, they're going to replace these for me. I wonder if I could have my husband weld a reenforcement plate where the breaks occur. If so which side (or both?)
I know there are better shovels out there like Lesche, etc. but I'm ready to invest in one of those just yet.
Here are the latest victims.

 

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[ouachitacaveman]

If you repair these by welding, you may actually
make the metal weaker due to the heat. Furthermore, welding
may void any warranty you would have from Tractor Supply.
Looks like you're doing alot of digging !

 

[Bev]

Oh. I thought I was on to something with a plate. They are only $10 or $12 bucks but it's a PIA to keep going back every month.
Okay. Maybe I'll just start buying two atta time?

 

[mick56]

Shovels are normaly tempered steel, and the heat will soften them.

Only if Tractor Supply stops replacing them, then welding a patch on the shovel would be worth a try. Front or back shouldn't matter, or even both sides.

 

[Bev]

They are getting to know me there- They arent quite sure how I'm killing shovels but they are being pretty cool about it! I didnt know that about tempered steel. Makes sense now to me.
I looked at those lesche shovels online. I would definitely hurt myself BAD with one of those things!

 

[johnnyblaze]

They are getting to know me there- They arent quite sure how I'm killing shovels but they are being pretty cool about it! I didnt know that about tempered steel. Makes sense now to me.
I looked at those lesche shovels online. I would definitely hurt myself BAD with one of those things!

Youn want the predator Raven..

I have the lesche and i hate it


http://www.predatortools.com/The Raven - Model 25.htm


Blaze

 

[LLanos]

Bev, You just discovered how good shovels made in China are. Everyone is right, you would just be spinning your wheels trying to weld them up. I am personally eyeballing a pair of post hole diggers with broken handles. They appear to be stronger metal. Take them apart, put a new handle in one side, a little bit of trimming with a cut off wheel and give it a shot. If your husband can weld, he can do this.

 

[Viddy]

$12 at Ollie's Bargain Outlet.... True Temper always has stock over-runs

 

[Jason in Enid]

Get a Lesche shovel, it won't break like that!

 

[liftloop]

Bev


two words, army shovel, or en trenching tool

they are the best shovel out the old military ww l or ww ll


...liftloop

 

[snowdogg70]

i would try welding the front crack with a 309L rod (build up the weld to give it some thickness) then i would attach a 3/16 x 2 plate with a slight bend lengthwise to match the curve of the shovel (the bend would also give it rigidity) and i would make the plate start about 2" from the tip and go right upto where the wood is to create a triangle at the back of the shovel and i would again tig weld it with 309L rod
the 309L rod is great for welding dis-similar metals together and has some elasticity to it so it can be stretched without cracking and you wont lose any of the temper of the steel dont forget to peen your weld to minimize any stress to the weld area

 

[Bev]

Snowdogg, I'll show your post to hubby and he'll know just what you're saying!
I know someone who had an army shovel- it didnt keep up.
Blaze if I tried to use that, I'd seriously damage a limb or two! Ouch!
I'd be curious to see your post hole digger concept, LLanos!
I know the Lesche name is good but I was hoping for an inexpensive alternative, slightly modified!
I have one of those stainless steel spades but it's a bit heavy and too long. I may give it a second look and see if the handle can be shortened to accomodate my lack of tall-ness!

 

[Jason in Enid]

I know the Lesche name is good but I was hoping for an inexpensive alternative, slightly modified!

Well, the old saying is very true here: "You can buy quality once or 'cheap' over and over."

I know that your store is replacing them for free (so far), but how much are you spending on fuel to repeatedly drive there to replace it? How much time are you losing on your digging when your shovel breaks? It's not like Lesches cost hundreds of dollars, you probably spent more in fuel just replacing the "free" ones.

 

[Bev]

You're right- That's it. I'm going to start driving my husband's truck!
I think I'll muttle through and wait for Mother's Day!

 

[justanotherbarber]

Get a Lesche, it'll save you a ton of money and time in the long run.

 

[old digger]

Bev; I would like to offer you a suggestion, weld a triangle shaped piece over the break as was done in the photo below. First repair the break the very best that you can, then weld the triangle over the break. Now you want to do the welding on the back side of the shovel. I believe by doing this you will have more integrity or strength. Also be sure to grind down the welding spurs so your digging is smoother.

 

[Frankn]

Bev, I have been using a narrow planting D handled shovel called THE SHARK for 10 years digging deep for caches in some rough soils. It is all steel and I rubber plated everything but the blade. Sorry but I got it from a garden supply shop that is now gone. The new SEARS shovels are made in the USA, check them out.