20 Best Shovels For Metal Detecting (2023 Updated)

Before I purchased this I used a treasure wise sheathed digger as my primary tool for plugs and it worked great. However , this tool has made digging so much more quicker, cleaner and deeper. It cuts like butter through the ground and leaves a precise plug that fits back perfectly into place.

I still do use my hand digger when I get to searching in the hole to poke around in the loose dirt looking for the target. I always knew about these shovels but never thought I needed one until I used it and now it is a staple in my detecting arsenal.

Great buy and welcomed addition. Happy Hunting.

With awesome durability this shovel makes quick and easy work in extracting plugs from the ground. The shovel is lightweight and easy to carry.

Great product that slices through hard clay like butter!

This was a really good decision. The Nokia Marko shovel is very sturdy and durable. It’s really convenient having the shaft being able to adjust to different heights. Whether on a slant hillside or level ground under foot the convenient factor is hard to beat.

As always appreciate your customer service dept. ( go Hanna ) luv’n the Nokta premium shovel, digs into the ground like a knife through butter. Everyone should have one, the adjustable shaft length is a bonus ! Thanx again n y’all stay safe Da Wolfman.

Solidly built, all stainless steel, sharp digging point. Overall excellent shovel.

It is a definite must have no regrets at all! I have been looking for one. I was unsure about it, because I was going to use it for a lot of water searching and sand at the beach. I bought one of the smaller cheap ones and it was pretty much pointless.

This one had a bigger search area, more of a shovel design on the front and a bigger catch basket. I was skeptical, because it was made of plastic as well. However I couldnt have been more wrong. It is not cheaply made in the slightest bit.

It has cut down my search time by about 75%. Then a couple seconds of shaking and your item is in the bottom of the basket. I cannot even express how awesome it performs. Ive only had it a few weeks and already found hundreds of items and its just a solid as the day I bought it.

If youre in the market for one and dont want to spend a million dollars. This is definitely the way to go!.

I was amaized at the quality and lightness of the very well balanced scoop, the rounded bottom makes it easier to dig in hard sand as well as soft sand, holes are slightly smaller that clog with heavy wet sand but the other features out weigh that problem, you just shake it out a bit more.

digging trowel is nice , would like to see brighter color so you don’t forget it. again you can leave next to the hole. will buy another much cheaper & Better than metal one that you have to move away from hole you just dug, no interference with detector sounding off.

Would buy this over a metal sand scoop very durable, light and thick and filters sand out perfectly. Found many items with ease.

Bought a new XP Deus metal detector and that machine detects the metal! Honestly my hands hurt so bad from all of the digging with my little Gator tool so I decided to take the plunge and buy the Mini Sampson.

What a difference! This tool has a handle length of just enough to get great leverage, but not too intrusive looking when going to private lands. With a 7″ blade length, if you have good pinpointing, you usually pull the target out in one scoop.

Faster digging equals time savings which ultimately means more finds. If you are hesitating on buying the Mini Sampson due to the price, take it from me. it’s worth EVERY penny!.

I used the Lesche Sampson 18” double edge mini shovel for the first time today. Wow, I was very impressed with its quality construction and performance. Cuts through roots and provides good leverage.

Purchased one for my brother too. Highly recommended.

Good size and ease for digging with still has good leverage, and light weight for carrying long distances for relic hunting. Over all a great useful tool for the job!

I purchased this shovel to better dig through hard soil and it definitely does the job. It’s very sturdy and has no problem getting to the target depth. It’s built like no other digging tool I’ve used.

I can’t imagine it would ever break.

This is the best shovel Ive ever owned !! Was a little skeptical paying the price for it , but after using it , its well worth the money ! Cuts thru grass and roots with ease !! Highly recommend!

I’m sure glad I bought that ANDICONDA SHOVEL,NX-6. NOW THAT SHOVEL MEANS BUSISNESS, IT’S GOT SOME WEIGHT IN IT BUT WHEN I GO SOUTH WITH THAT BLADE I’M ONLY APPLYING VERY LITTLE PRESSURE AND THE BLADE IS DOING THE REST OF THE JOB, IT CUTS RIGHT THREW THE ROOTS, AND HAVING THE SERATED EDGE ON BOTH SIDES,MANDITORY! ANOTHER BEST THING ABOUT IT, IT’S MADE IN U.

S. A. ,THE WELDS ON IT ALL LOOK SOUND,WELL FABRICATED. AND I’M GLAD IT HAS A “T HANDLE”ON IT,THEIR MORE VERSITAL.

I am very impressed with my EST Survival Shovel! Extremely versatile, well-made, and easy to carry. I used it to clear small trees limbs/brush and to dig holes, and was able to really reduce the amount of gear that I had to pack.

EST also has fantastic customer service (fast and helpful).

We got the shovel and a piece came broken. I reached out and they got right back to me and sent a replacement! My husband is super excited about getting to use it. I picked this shovel because of all the great reviews and you can’t go wrong with their customer service!.

The is not just a mere shovel. It would , will live up to its name “Survival Shovel “. Great , versatile, compact , disassembled to have with you, can store under seat , emergency bag ( to bad their bag currently sold out , I’d purchase one ).

Would be nice though to see the availability of a sheath /bag to secure / carry it assembled if you wanted that option ( even though the current one comes with can be adapted , just another option be nice to carry fully assembled ) In my opinion Best of the Best , do yourself a favor and go for it.

Well worth every $. Thank you EST Gear.

Pro: The design is nice. It is a convenient size, although it could be a little longer for taller people. Con: I can bend the metal scoop with my hand. I have not used it yet, but I would bet It does not hold up too long.

Poor looking welds and the metal looks like tin instead of steel. This could be a good product if the company used better materials and better welds. Overall, you would be better off spending around $100 and buying a scoop that will last.

This one will turn out to be disposable after it breaks, and that is not a good thing.

Good value for the money. Grandkid was able to make it structurally fail rip between two holes on its first outing. Installed a hose clamp around its radius for extra support. Should be ok now(?).

This is a Christmas gift for my Granddaughter and suits her needs well. I prefer a more rugged, long handle unit but for her needs this school is Perfect.

Love it,Roots-Rocks-hard soils no problem. I can still dig when I am sitting or on my knees

This is very heavy duty and expect it will be much better use than my other shovel

Love this digger tool! Just need my time for using it.

I’m really pleased with the build quality. Looks very nice. The one thing I am disappointed on is the sharpness. This thing is duller than a butter knife. I have both a lash and a whites groundhog and both are much sharper.

Even the serrated part. Obviously the one with the orange handle is my whites.

I would give it a higher rating but it is so dull i will have to sharpen it before use. the cutters on the side are useless they are so blunt and dull. It is well made but too high priced to be so dull.

i would not recommend it over a predator or grave digger shovel.

Hands down best digger out there. Buy this and you wont need anything else. Fast shipping and great products…

Very Sharp and durable. Inexpensive and comes with a nice sheath.

Good digging tool really speeds up the process of getting to the targets more holes dug more treasures . Thank you EBay.

Strong and does the job

Very happy with this shovel. Cuts through grass & roots with precision. Highly recommended.

This shovel is a beast. A little lighter than a regular shovel but just as rugged. It travels easy.

Sturdy collapsible shovel. Heavy, great quality for the price.

I recently purchased this shovel, so I can’t speak to it’s power or durability- as I’ve not yet used it in the field. However, out of the box, it is very easy to set-up and seems very solid, with heavy steel components on shaft and spade; the composite handle and spade lock seem very sturdy, as well.

I will be using this shovel for campfire pits and other light-duty purposes. This shovel is not intended for any real heavy duty uses and should not be judged on that criteria. For light duty tasks, it should serve my purposes quite well.

The storage bag is a nice addition, as well. Kudos, Harbor Freight!!.

This is a great little portable and collapsible shovel. Keep one in my trailer and one in my Jeep. Never know when you might need it. One edge is serrated and could be used as a hatchet. Folds up easily and doesn’t take up much room.

The handle and screw locking mechanism is a hardened plastic and the spade is metal. Even comes with a cool little bag to fold it up and keep it in.

I think this could be the very best gardening tool I have ever used!! I have always enjoyed the Fiskars Brand, durable, sharp clippers, hand tools that have dual uses etc. , but I have never used a larger size tool, such as the Fiskars Fiberglass Drain Spade.

It is wonderful!! I needed this tool but I never knew this design of “shovel” was available. It is strong, made of fiberglass, heavy gauge and still light weight and easy to use. The steel head of the spade is designed with riveted connections, and makes cutting through roots easy.

I planted 8 perennials and it was smooth and much easier with this product. The narrow design is perfect for planting. I also like my flower beds to be straight and neat in design, cutting through the grass edges is so much easier because of the shovel design.

I love to work in the yard. This is a perfect size and design of shovel for me. Thanks Fiskar for making another tool with a perfect design, for so many uses for my yard and flower gardens. I absolutely recommend this product for yourself or for a wonderful gift for a loved one.

. . . AWESOME ! ! !

Not a heavy pull band. It is an ok for the price standard band,but as slingshots go, IT IS NOT HEAVY PULL. Could rate it better if it were advertised as what it is.

These digging tools are great for metal detecting. They are an exceptional value.

I paid extra for USA made. It is a heavy gauge metal but awkwardly designed and shaped. Cheap aluminum brads and a plastic grip. The fiberglass handle is hollow not solid. I am about to purchase another shovel, but I am going with something else.

Likely a Seymour even though they are imported. I would not buy again.

Seems to be well-made, although I haven’t had a chance to use it much yet. I got it to remove burr weeds. If you’ve never used one, you just throw it in the dirt because it’s weighted, and it’s flatter than a standard shovel, so it’s great for prying up roots.

No stomping on it needed, which saves your knees. Since it’s heavy, I was looking for a fiberglass handle, and this one fit the bill.

After snapping my wood handle on my old shovel trying to dig out bushes I tired this Bully Tools shovel. Wow! What a difference! This thing is build well and seems indestructible. Most important, it go the job done easier than expected.

I recommend this shovel.

Sturdier than I thought it might be for it’s size and folds up quite small for easy packing away. Yet to be fully tested, hence 4 stars, but it goes through the, admittedly, fairly sandy soil in my garden with no problems.

Perfect little “cat hole” shovel I keep with my bikepacking kit at all times. Lots of sharp edges though so be careful when unfolding and folding it.

I’ve bought 4 of these over the years and a couple others from china. These are thicker metal and more ergonomic. They work better, even though they look similar.

Have not gotten to use yet, but looking forward to it!

Good heavy made shovel work good

Been looking for a good flat bladed coal shovel for awile. Looked at several but most were to narrow and prices much more. This one fit the bill perfectly and was priced right. Bought 4 for family members.

Blade is wide enough and handle just right length. Has been perfect for all the snow this winter. All in all great product at a reasonable price. Very satisfied.

Good quality metal shovel. I am going to use as a backup (second) snow shovel, which it is perfect for, and for moving gravel. Great product for the money.

Great shovel for snow… and breaking up some ice. It’s a little heavy but that’s ok… quality shovel for winters in MN

I’m a professional landscaper and have been using this shovel for about a month. Nice and sharp and seems to be keeping a good edge through tons of abuse. We work mostly with rocky hard clay and, for a shovel, it cuts in really well.

The quality is top notch. welds seem strong and smooth. And not excessively heavy for an all metal shovel. Great product!.

This is the man! It does the job! Built to last. I have a history of breaking handles on shovels, forks and spades. This is all metal. I like the width of the face and beveled design. Cutting edges can be kept sharp with the file.

I also got the added piece for foot to contact. It may be too heavy for some folks to lift repeatedly but it will dig with ease. I let my weight and weight of spade aided by sharp edges do the work instead of hacking at the ground with my arms.

Gauge the thickness of each bite, set yourself a comfortable pace and you can move some dirt! Last spade I will ever have to buy!.

I am a sixty year old avid gardener living on 9 acres of Appalachian rock and red clay. My husband and I go through many shovels annually because the handles shatter. We use pick axes to start planting holes.

We break tines off tillers. This shovel however is an engineering marvel! I am able to dig planting holes with little effort in less than a minute! Outstanding tool!!.