Skippy SH13
Bronze Member
- Feb 18, 2015
- 1,131
- 2,376
- Primary Interest:
- Metal Detecting
So... I have a Lesche digger tool (my favorite), and a Garrett Digger tool that came in a combo pack. Both my son and I agree the Lesche is superior in every way. Lighter, stronger, slides into the dirt easier and cuts like a champ.
The Garrett works, but the thickness makes cutting sod a bit harder (I think the angle of the bend in the blade also contributes to a bit of extra friction).
This last weekend, I came home with a bruised hand, because 1) I let my 11 year old son use the Lesche, which is easier for him, and 2) I used the palm of my right hand to help "push" the digger when sawing through turf. The weird little bent edge on the Garrett Digger just constantly jutted into my palm.
I couldn't stand it any longer and today I went to the garage and welded on a piece of scrap metal to help provide leverage (and a grip point). Works LIKE A CHAMP!
It ain't pretty (I'm not a welder or painter by trade, and only care if it's functional). but basically, I took the center flat metal piece of an old lawnmower blade holder, ground down the bumps, and then welded it to the handle of my digger tool. Following that, I black sprayed the whole thing with Rustoleum flat black paint, and then dried it with a hand heat gun. Followed that up with a latext coating (clear). The latex coating was from a really old can, and it came out in globs. It does the job, and will protect it plenty, but it ain't pretty!
The digger is SO much easier to hold and dig into the ground now! Highly recommend doing this if you find you need a little extra space to put your hand (or foot, if necessary).
As with most folks, I've also sharpened the cutting edges, too.
Cheers,
Skippy
The Garrett works, but the thickness makes cutting sod a bit harder (I think the angle of the bend in the blade also contributes to a bit of extra friction).
This last weekend, I came home with a bruised hand, because 1) I let my 11 year old son use the Lesche, which is easier for him, and 2) I used the palm of my right hand to help "push" the digger when sawing through turf. The weird little bent edge on the Garrett Digger just constantly jutted into my palm.
I couldn't stand it any longer and today I went to the garage and welded on a piece of scrap metal to help provide leverage (and a grip point). Works LIKE A CHAMP!
It ain't pretty (I'm not a welder or painter by trade, and only care if it's functional). but basically, I took the center flat metal piece of an old lawnmower blade holder, ground down the bumps, and then welded it to the handle of my digger tool. Following that, I black sprayed the whole thing with Rustoleum flat black paint, and then dried it with a hand heat gun. Followed that up with a latext coating (clear). The latex coating was from a really old can, and it came out in globs. It does the job, and will protect it plenty, but it ain't pretty!
The digger is SO much easier to hold and dig into the ground now! Highly recommend doing this if you find you need a little extra space to put your hand (or foot, if necessary).
As with most folks, I've also sharpened the cutting edges, too.
Cheers,
Skippy
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