What kind of digger for schools, parks, etc?

[Massbaycolonist]

Ho. I was doing mostly beach hunting. But the beaches are all sanded in here. So I have just started coin shooting with a VLF. I have a regular sized spade. For hunting schools, parks, playgrounds, etc., what is the best kind of digging implement? Is it not cool to use a regular size shovel in these areas? Thanks,

 

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[johnnycat]

I have never used anything but an awl or coin popper in a park. I can normally reach coins in the 4" range. No mess.

 

[treasuredog]

Ive used a gator digger for years. What ever use,just be sure to bury your holes and throw your trash away. That way you can show you are a responsible person.

 

[godisnum1]

Ames Planter Buddy - $13.78
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=248710-48340-2500800

Bran <><

 

[godisnum1]

I've heard all the hype over the Lesche and how great it is, and I'm sure everyone is right...
However, I've been at this MDing hobby for a couple years now, and THing for around 5 years.... and honestly, the Ames trowel has worked great for every terrain I've used it in so far, especially the rocky soil here in Missouri.
I have no problem with anyone who wants to drop 60 bucks on a trowel, but I'd rather be known as a beach boy and have 45 bucks more in my wallet for other MDing gear...

Bran <><

 

[Libralabsoldier]

Many folks here in the Dallas area use the Ames, as I do myself. If also doubles as a mean gardening tool, if you can dig that....

 

[godisnum1]

Many folks here in the Dallas area use the Ames, as I do myself. If also doubles as a mean gardening tool, if you can dig that....

Hey Lib, have you found this sheath for it?? I've been using it for a while and it works pretty well...

Bran <><

 

[Libralabsoldier]

nah, actually I use a canvas "man purse" for my diggers, my pinpointer, and my junk finds.

 

[godisnum1]

Nice... that's not a bad idea. Don't think I've heard anyone talk about using a shoulder bag like that... pretty cool!
I keep a pack on my back whenever I'm out, to hold whatever else isn't already on my web belt (pinpointer, trowel, and finds pouch)

Brna <><

 

[Argentium]

Hi Bran ! I just wanted to weigh in on this one - I use a lesche - but recently bought a planter buddy for a

backup unit cause the price is so kind . Man I was very unhappy with the planter buddy , it didn't feel good

in my hand and I found it much harder to cut or dig in turf and dirt - it seems to be well built , but the Lesche

is just the cat's pajamas in side by side comparisons . The lesche is pricey , but you've only got to buy it

once ! Okay that's my long winded blather on this thread - (no I'm not employed by Lesche ) Argentium.

 

[Libralabsoldier]

I hear a lot of guys brag about their Glock until I outshoot them with my HiPoint too........

 

[Argentium]

I don't believe that relating first hand experience with both of the tools mentioned in most of the replies ,

constitutes "bragging" Do you ? Argentium.

 

[Libralabsoldier]

There just seems to be a slavish devotion to overly expensive tools on here, that is a direct corelation to guns as well.

 

[godisnum1]

Hi Bran ! I just wanted to weigh in on this one - I use a lesche - but recently bought a planter buddy for a

backup unit cause the price is so kind . Man I was very unhappy with the planter buddy , it didn't feel good

in my hand and I found it much harder to cut or dig in turf and dirt - it seems to be well built , but the Lesche

is just the cat's pajamas in side by side comparisons . The lesche is pricey , but you've only got to buy it

once ! Okay that's my long winded blather on this thread - (no I'm not employed by Lesche ) Argentium.

Hey Argentium (cool s/n btw)...
Well that's a fair assessment, as you've used both. Kinda makes me wonder a little bit. But I just have to throw this out there as well... I lost my previous Ames digger over Christmas vacation back in Florida. Myself and my (ex) fiancee looked high & low for it, but wasn't able to recover it. Had I lost a Lesche, I would've had to face dropping ANOTHER $60... and to be completely honest, $120 for a digger just isn't justifiable to me. Now 26 bucks... yeah, I can definitely manage. I just try to be a good steward with my money wherever possible. I did drop $145 on my Vibraprobe a couple years back, and the only reason I don't regret it is because of the vibration alert. Can't really get "vibration-only" on any other probe. Maybe someday I'll jump on the Lesche bandwagon... but I guess for now, I'm content with my Ames.

Bran <><

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Nothing beats a Lesche overall, but for parks I prefer the Trans-Mississippi Digger. It cuts a very regular 2" wide plug and you can reset it without any evidence of the hole if you're careful.

With practice it will pull a 6" deep plug that slides right back in place. I flip a three-sided cut and that helps keep the grass alive.

$29 (in 2007) at 918.832.8064

 

[LI Tom]

I've seen my buuddy snap 2 Ames diggers in 2 years.Buy 1 Lesche and you are set forever.Do not use a shovel in a park,that is a sure way to bring the wrath of park workers down on you.

 

[tabdog]

I don't cut plugs.

They make a mess in a lot of places, especially when
it's dry.

I made my own design out of a Craftsman 15" long
1/2" breaker bar.

Aluminum can recovered at 8". You can see tha result.

Never knew old Tab was ever there.

Happy Huntin,Tabdog

 

[Libralabsoldier]

I think the elitism dripped out of your post and all over my computer desk.

 

[johnnycat]

This is getting a little out of hand but...I don't buy expensive things to make me feel good. I worked hard for my money, (Like many of us) and I buy things that are going to last and therefore, (In my mind) are worth it. Before I bought my Lesche I had an Ames tool and bent it out here, in our at times, hard desert soil. However, the Ames tool worked great in public parks. Also, expensive doesn't necessarily make it good. You have to do your research before plunking the green stuff. When you stab your digging tool into the dirt and it goes in less than 1", that is the time you are glad you are using a quality tool.

 

[Born2Dtect]

I like to hunt the sand in playgrounds so I carry a short handled sand scoop. I also carry Gator on my web belt, also having a multipocket pocket pouch, with a handheld pinpointer. I really abuse the gator digger, but I would have had to buy 4 or 5 lesser diggers if I had not purchased it 4 years ago.

Sometimes using a lesser quality digger does not save time or money. If I can dig more finds because I can push my equipment I find more finds per hour/week/year. A digger is to dig, not to brag about, "How much or little it cost".

Ed D.