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I got a new White's Ground Hawg Shovel in September, have used it on 3-4 hunts, and yesterday I was digging and it folded up like a cheap suit The metal tubing before the head, just bent over ? I wasn't in rocky soil, wasn't wailing on tree roots, it was normal California soil, no clay, no crazy bermuda grass roots, nothing crazy. Does anyone know if White's provides a warranty on this? I hate to loose $59 on a new "heavy duty" shovel ?

Got this on Amazon for around $10. Not too bad! Nice size.

I'm in the process of moving to Texas and will be very close to Lake Travis. I need to add to my gear a decent sand scoop for fresh water hunting, can someone recommend one that won't break the bank. I'm not sure what type of soil/sand/dirt I'm going to encounter, so, I may have to wait until I get over there later this month, thanks.

18" or 24"...….any preference and if so, why????? Thanks!!!

After I've broken several times, I've done this reinforcement. I hope it lasts a long time

http://www.equiteemfg.com/shaken-rake-sand-sifting-tool-motorized-efficient-sand-sifting-rake/ Motorized sifting plastic tined rake with screen for beach or cleaning horse barns, might be handy for small placer gravel mining and beach detecting too ?

For the longest time since I purchased my first metal detector in 1997 I've been either using my pockets or those cheap pouches that come when you buy a new metal detector. Today I bought a couple $10 pouches and used my wading belt for fly fishing. A tool belt will probably work just as good but I have my tool belt full of all the stuff that I need and I didn't feel like emptying them out ? I also bought a dandelion tool to help me dig around some of those deep targets and not ruin them. I also put a folding saw on order with a 7-inch blade because sometimes you run into a root. It is tough when you know it's a really good find and can't get to it or worse yet, put a gash in an 1875 IH that was in mint shape. Believe it or not I've had to walk away not having the proper tools and not made it back. I also put some extra dry paper towels in a plastic bag and paper towels soaked with vegetable oil in another bag the preserve relics. I have an old retainer case for good finds and also a couple Airborne containers for coins. You can separate the coins with bits of paper towel if you want. It would be cool to see what other people use for their detecting tools. I think I'm only missing a spray bottle of distilled water. Feel free to post pics or share what works for you.

Apologies if im posting a lot, but im really into this hobby. My finds arent stunning by any means, but it does show that this machine is very capable! Its only a matter of time before the treasure is found, hehehehehe. Cheers Peeps! Edit: You may think this is a lot of finds for the amount of time ive been hitting it, but kindly take note, i was informed one location was the spot of an old wishing well. LOL. Andy

Here's another, a second interesting product I've run into recently. This one has a bit of a giggle factor for me, but I could be wrong. See what you think.

Do you use a plastic scoop or cup to separate gold nuggets from that pile of dirt while metal detecting? Good use of a plastic scoop is critical as these tiny nuggets can be very hard to find. I use the "divide and conquer" method. Scoop up the material that has the nugget in it. Give the scoop a good shake to get the nugget into the bottom of the scoop. If you have a couple inches of dirt in the scoop and the nugget is on top, you may not be able to detect it when you run the scoop over the coil. I prefer to do this with the bottom of the coil turned upright so I can get the scoop right over that hot spot in the middle of the coil. If I confirm the nugget is in the scoop, I dump half in my hand and check again. If it is still in the scoop, I place the material in my hand on the ground where I can check it again later. If the scoop no longer beeps, the nugget is in my hand, in which case I discard the material in the scoop. I just split and check until I'm down to a bit of material, which in the case of these little mud covered nuggets sometimes is just a few little pieces of dirt which have to be check one at a time to find which one has gold in it. Once you get good at this it goes real fast, but care must be taken to not get a nugget in the scoop only to discard it. That is why you put all the dirt in a place where you can check it again when you are done. Sometimes you can get more than one nugget in the scoop at once. Another option is to simply put all targets in a pan and pan it all later. But since I'm following the gold I want to know just where each nugget came from so I prefer to locate them as I find them.

Been using this shovel by Radius Garden called the Root Slayer and it is amazing. sharp V cut tip to cut through roots and the serrated edges it quickly digs perfect large plugs where ever I can use a full size shovel. i also love the round handle it is big and easy to grip and comfortable. Radius Garden just release this matching hand trowel that I just got this week and it has been equally great.

I made a trip up to Tahoe for a little wading with the Equinox. No special finds to report, just coins and trash. However, I was again reminded about how hot Equinox is on low conductors. Not that it is unique in this respect, just a fact. In saltwater you automatically get rid of the tiniest targets because they get tuned out with the salt. In freshwater though it is as tiny as you want to chase. I am in general agreement with those that think chasing the tiny stuff is a bit of a time waster. It's usually tiny aluminum stuff, especially when you consider that heavy stuff will sink but aluminum likes to stay near surface. The real problem however is not the quantity of this stuff, but the difficulty in recovering it. Usually I think a person is better off continuing to look for larger, heavier rings, one of which weighs more than a handful of tiny stuff. That said, hunting micro jewelry intrigues me if I am in the mood. Right now if in deeper water and wading about all I can do is try and spot the item visually, then try and balance it on the front edge of my scoop where there are no holes. I have done this but it takes real care. Scoop with smaller slots in rear - Xtreme Scoop X2 So I was looking for a scoop with smaller holes up front to act as a tiny object sifter. Some have smaller holes to the rear like the one above, but the tiny item has to get past the larger holes to get to the rear. That would work but based on how I have been doing it so far I was interested in the holes being on the front edge. Turns out this is a hard ask but I did find this on eBay... I am tempted to get one to try, but these $200 scoops for something I do rarely and when I have a few scoops already is a bit much so I will think it over. And ask what you all think also! I think the best bet really is to go mask and snorkel and do the hand wave blast it out routine but the water is a bit chilly for that yet.

It's not a Lesche, but very serviceable for me.

Looks great at a fair price.... https://xtremescoops.com/ Anyone have any surf experience with one of these?

I don’t have one but they do have the look it will be around for you a long time . I don’t or see the need I’d have to call on it often but like so many things it’s good for it to be near when the need calls. I’d like to have another’s opinion on this shovel if you have one. I’ve seen it would have come in handy to beat off the number of kids I’ve had around me while detecting . haha Really I’ll help any young person in anyway I can if they show interest in detecting. Even to the point of giving them a detector. This may be another item I may have to come home with from that Treasure Show. Chuck

I bought this digging tool of White’s at a Treasure Show in Temple Tx. One year ago. It just so happens that same show is this weekend. The tool had a good feeling in my hand but at first it was a little bulky but I do have big hands so I told myself it will work, The next thing I was looking at was the sheath. I know you’re asking yourself what’s the big deal about a sheath. The thing is most sheaths don’t have brads in the corners where the blade goes in . Here is where it will start to show it’s age if it don’t have the brads. The blade will start cutting away at the material the sheath is made of. You can see a brad on each side of the sheath and that alone tells you it will be around for a long time. I’d say a digging tool is no better than the sheath you carry it in. Chuck

Aldi is selling a very nice digger shovel for only $8.

Cat" Power

So, one of the reasons the equinox appealed to me was because its such an all around detector, including being able to use in the water. So, now that I have a waterproof detector, I'd like to try doing a little freshwater lake and river detecting. I don't want to spend a lot on equipment since its not something I'll be doing a lot of. I was looking at the Quest Scoopal anyone have an opinion on it, or recommendations on something else? What other equipment do you need for water detecting?

I just don't like the scoops with a longer sharp point on the digging end as they tend to rotate as you dig down. I prefer the more rounded tip. Now if I could just find a scoop with absolutely NO HOLES?? My lower back doesn't like gold digging in the creek when I am bent over doing it or throwing rocks. Severe lower back pain afterwards. Any suggestions? If I had me a beach scoop with no holes and a kick thing in back, I could dig standing straight up I think and just lift the scoop up to my highbanker or sluice and maybe wear a lower back support thing. as well. The joys of being over 60 and stuck at an office desk job all week. Most of my running around at work stopped after our mainframe computer was junked. Network is nice but no legwork nowadays. -Tom

So i found a guy who makes custom metal detecting pouches, its called jolly roger leather works, his name is ken and he started making pouches just this january. He has really great pouches i have ordered one and have spoke to ken a few times now and talk about great service, unbelievable. I am not affiliated with him i just happened across the website and the day after i found him he happened to be on the beyond sight and sound podcast. I just wanted to put this out there if you are like me and just really want something nice and customizable and something to last a very long time you should really check him out. I am super excited about his pouches.

I thought I'd compile a list of things that are useful in our world, but that often make some of us say "no kidding, where did you find that?" 1. Floating buddy: This device can be easily constructed from common materials. wood, pvc, chicken wire, staples and zip ties. 2. Push in to screw on connector: allows less common push in connectors found on machines like the Land Ranger Pro to receive more common screw on coils. Can be purchased for $19.95 3. Flashlight/pinpointer holder: very handy for hunting at night in the cooler hours or mounting an underwater flashlight for underwater hunting. Easily holds a pinpointer as well. Can be purchased for around $5-$8 4. Waterproof box for Garrett Ace series: simply unmount your Ace 250-400 control box, mount this box in its place, and insert control box into the waterproof housing. Can be purchased for around $90 5. Folding shaft: relatively new device that can convert your metal detector into a fold and go. A little pricey at around $50. 6. Audio jack light/vibrator: great for the deaf or hearing impaired to be able to enjoy or remain in the hobby. Prices range from several dollars for the light and up. Price and availability of the vibrator varies. 7. Golf tees as markers: great for temporarily marking spots and questionable targets for later investigation or digs. As little as $9.95 for 120 8. Earth Magnets: grab a rope, toss it into lakes, rivers, streams etc and you're magnet fishing. Of course it will not work on non-ferrous metals, but then sometimes ferrous metals house non-ferrous items. Prices vary from $20 and up depending on pull.

Gday folks and Merry Xmas to all Could anybody please tell me who the manufacturer of the Hook and Spoon red tipped crevice tool is, this would be mostly appreciated thanks

Nope, I don't have a shovel - Lesche for parks, pick for prospecting. Your question would be great for a new thread. Haha, Steve...I assume the leche means you are not just doing surface work....you got to dig for the deep silver. Do you cut a plug or go for the slit, pry the cut open and then dig? fred