Hi, I need a very strong and durable shovel for metal detecting which takes a lot of abuse. Is this the one? Thanks Randy
1314648
For durability, yes this is the one. I suspect the other, cheaper ones are lighter, but this one is real mil-spec and is not phased by rocks or roots. I think I would have a hard time breaking this if I tried. After all the regular abuse I have put it through this season, the finish is completly worn off the bottom third of the blade, but there are no gauges in the surface or chips in the edge. It does rust were the metal is bare, so keep it dry and oiled.BTW, I highly recomend a hori hori garden knife for metal detecting. Most of the ones with wood handles are of decent quality(the sheaths are not, however). They are great for digging small holes less than a foot down. For durability, yes this is the one. I suspect the other, cheaper ones are lighter, but this one is real mil-spec and is not phased by rocks or roots. I think I would have a hard time breaking this if I tried. After all the regular abuse I have put it through this season, the finish is completly worn off the bottom third of the blade, but there are no gauges in the surface or chips in the edge. It does rust were the metal is bare, so keep it dry and oiled.BTW, I highly recomend a hori hori garden knife for metal detecting. Most of the ones with wood handles are of decent quality(the sheaths... » Read More For durability, yes this is the one. I suspect the other, cheaper ones are lighter, but this one is real mil-spec and is not phased by rocks or roots. I think I would have a hard time breaking this if I tried. After all the regular abuse I have put it through this season, the finish is completly worn off the bottom third of the blade, but there are no gauges in the surface or chips in the edge. It does rust were the metal is bare, so keep it dry and oiled.BTW, I highly recomend a hori hori garden knife for metal detecting. Most of the ones with wood handles are of decent quality(the sheaths are not, however). They are great for digging small holes less than a foot down. « Show Less
1314649
Yes this is a well made military original issue e-toolThe shovel/e-tool is made by Ames Mfg Co in the USAit will serve you well, it is built to last and the bottom line is it is a very useful tool...ideal for metal detecting and when sharpened can cut through roots like a small two handed hatchet...it is a 5 star item...good luck and good hunting.
1314650
The shovel is durable and is strong. I don't know much about metal detecting, but have used mine for serious gardening (e.g. root removal) and it stood up to the task. Keep in mind, the shovel is not long even when extended - plan on being on your knees. Hope this helps.
1314651
I think it would work. It is sturdy and made to dig fox holes. But it isn't large. Looks like Gerber also makes a sturdy looking shovel, but it is expensive.
1314652
I've never done metal detecting, but this is a very tough shovel. I wonder if it's short length might make your digging more tiring if you dig for longer than about about a minute straight.
1767459
The blade is nice and thick. It's not a lightweight shovel. I love mine, just used it again tonight. It's made in Canada. They understand up there.
2063973
It's great for driving stakes and for general hammering. Iv owned this knife for a yea now and iv used it for many activities. It's a beefy knife.
1032551
It will find every spec of metal in the ground. All you will be able to tell is if it is iron or not. It also dose not come with a protective coil cover and Amazon doesn't sell them. If gold is your primary goal it will pull double duty for treasure but it will be like riding a bike down the interstate. slow and you find every bump. If you are after treasure first gold second maybe look at the garrett at models. I believe they are water proof.
41813
Prior to this question I was not aware of the two types. Still not sure which I have but am getting lots of good use from this shovel this winter.
1763875
This will find anything metal and the depth it will detect may be enough to get the job done but you will look silly crawling around on your knees with something about as round as quarter. Get a cheap detector, even a used one. It is never cost prohibitive to get the right tool for the job
1351561
After posting my comment I just happen to read someone else's that says he ruined his shovel bit on the basement floor. At least thats what i think he's saying. If so then he didn't quite understand the shovel bit is not for concrete or cement. Its for hard dirt or clay. The tool has work perfectly for me and unless your using it on a daily basis or trying to bust 4 foot thick walls down this thing will work fine. yes the case sucks and the handle sucks. but with a little modifications this "can" be a great tool. Lets not forget the price either fellas... i would buy this again and again... After posting my comment I just happen to read someone else's that says he ruined his shovel bit on the basement floor. At least thats what i think he's saying. If so then he didn't quite understand the shovel bit is not for concrete or cement. Its for hard dirt or clay. The tool has work perfectly for me and unless your using it on a daily basis or trying to bust 4 foot thick walls down this thing will work fine. yes the case sucks and the handle sucks. but with a little modifications this "can" be a great tool. Lets not forget the price either fellas... i would buy this again... » Read More After posting my comment I just happen to read someone else's that says he ruined his shovel bit on the basement floor. At least thats what i think he's saying. If so then he didn't quite understand the shovel bit is not for concrete or cement. Its for hard dirt or clay. The tool has work perfectly for me and unless your using it on a daily basis or trying to bust 4 foot thick walls down this thing will work fine. yes the case sucks and the handle sucks. but with a little modifications this "can" be a great tool. Lets not forget the price either fellas... i would buy this again and again... « Show Less
1222910
I think salt water will eventually corrode any metal shovel; however, this shovel is so compact (ideal for metal detecting), very robust and sturdy. My guess is it will last years before it needs to be replaced. Besides perhaps your husband will find some treasure long before the shovel rusts out, and you both will be living on a tropical island in the Caribbean. Be sure to take the shove with you!
492486
Heavy-duty tool is made to last. Nothing compare to cheaper 18V tools, in terms of battery life, longevity and the durability.
1012544
To put it simply, yes! This knife is an excellent choice for a survival tool. It is beefy, very well made, one solid piece of steel, and can't be beaten for the money. The knife rusts easily because it's made of a mild carbon-steel and needs to be oiled; this means it is flexible enough to withstand the abuse of throwing (or chopping, or prying, or batoning) without breaking but will need the edge retouched with a sharpener slightly more often than other knives. This is the same steel used in many machetes, so liken it to that.
2059217
The one I got was from South Africa. The metal is astonishingly good for the money. Would I take it to rescue the princess in the tallest tower? No. But against blackberries it's great. Get a good sharpener and use it regularly. This is a yard tool.
1949938
I have the thirty inch shovel, this is my second season with shovel, heavy duty shovel, little on the heavy side, when I push snow with it, I just try not to lift shovel, I normally drag it back, if you have physical limits, I would get the 24, I'm 67 and I think a 24 inch is too small for pushing snow, I just work around the weight of the thirty inch, both shovels will give you years of service if your careful with them
1257912
A great snow tool. The metal strip will break off eventually and that is the ONLY part you can buy directly from Suncast. Eventually, my entire scoop wore out and I called Suncast to see if I could just buy a new scoop, as the handle is fine. Nope. They don't sell directly (except the metal front strip repair kit) to customers nor the scoop part.
284318
I'm sure it is. I have this shovel mounted on the roof of my fj cruiser for those 'just in case' moments where you might need a shovel. I haven't had to use it yet but it feels very strong and durable. It is a compact shovel so I wouldn't do a lot of heavy shoveling or for long periods because of how small it is it could take a toll on your back.I have a collapsible shovel in my trunk as well for a just in case. But I plan on using the shovel for if I get stuck in the mud etc when I go off-roading.
2278578
The shovel is very heavy duty. It reminds me of a shovel my dad had back in early 1960's. You won't see anything like it at Ace hardware, Lowes, or Home Depot. I am sure it will last well in excess of ten-fifteen years of Michigan winter use by a homeowner. I couldn't be happier with the quality of it. I'm 57 years old and I believe it will outlive me. If it don't, I'm fairly certain it will outlive my ability to push and lift it. The only reason I can think of that you would need to replace the steel blade is if you were to run it over with a bulldozer or something similar. Since I don't have a bulldozer, this is likely the last shovel I will ever buy. The shovel is very heavy duty. It reminds me of a shovel my dad had back in early 1960's. You won't see anything like it at Ace hardware, Lowes, or Home Depot. I am sure it will last well in excess of ten-fifteen years of Michigan winter use by a homeowner. I couldn't be happier with the quality of it. I'm 57 years old and I believe it will outlive me. If it don't, I'm fairly certain it will outlive my ability to push and lift it. The only reason I can think of that you would need to replace the steel blade is if you were to run it over with a bulldozer or something similar. Since I don't... » Read More The shovel is very heavy duty. It reminds me of a shovel my dad had back in early 1960's. You won't see anything like it at Ace hardware, Lowes, or Home Depot. I am sure it will last well in excess of ten-fifteen years of Michigan winter use by a homeowner. I couldn't be happier with the quality of it. I'm 57 years old and I believe it will outlive me. If it don't, I'm fairly certain it will outlive my ability to push and lift it. The only reason I can think of that you would need to replace the steel blade is if you were to run it over with a bulldozer or something similar. Since I don't have a bulldozer, this is likely the last shovel I will ever buy. « Show Less
640713
The shovel can pick up more than I care to lift. It's very wide and sturdily built. It did relieve strain on my back but the load still has to be moved. In this case my shoulders will get tired after a while. We had two big storms with in a few days of each other. After the snow plows went by on each day the snow was very high on the end of my driveway. I was able to get the yukon under the edge and tilt it back, however that time I could hardly slide the sled. I would consider that example extreme and wouldn't hold it against the yukon. One trick I've been using is spraying the bucket and the bottom with wd40 or vegetable oil to help with expelling snow. The unit was so big that I had to take it out of the box to get it in my mini van.
1284285
It can adequately find nails and other metal I've found up to several inches in. It provides a more exact target than other detectors I've tried. But it is also easy skip past a small bit of metal if the piece is large. I missed a small part of an old iron nail (140 yrs old) in a 16 ft floor board and chipped a blade on the bench planer as a result. Just go easy and careful and it will do the job.