Beach Sand Scoop Advice

[midalake]

10 hours ago, mcjtom said:

I was thinking between 10 and 15 mm, for wet sand/surf and dry as well, easy to shift sand through but still retain things (maybe not the smallest)?  Also figured that 1.5 mm thick plate is plenty?  Does it sound reasonable?

I run holes slightly larger than 9/16. If you wash the sand out of your scoop [like I do] any hole's smaller take too much time or are not effective at all.
Yes, a few small items might slip through. If I think there is a small target, I walk it up the beach and dump it. 

I see everyone using 1.5 mm thickness. Not all stainless steel is created EQUAL>>>>Quality metal makes a difference!  HH 

 

[kac]

Very good prices too. My RTG is about worn out. I prefer the basket style scoop over the others especially since I do more beach combing than wading.

[tvr]

On 5/25/2022 at 3:26 AM, strick said:

The aluminum handle scoops will turn your hands dark so you will want to wear gloves. I bought my wife one when we first started but now it just sits as she would rather use my light weight starve with carbon fiber handle which is my favorite scoop. I agree with getting a smaller scoop 

. Strick

Paint the aluminum handle with truck bed liner spray. The skin staining stops, there is a better grip to pull up a full scoop and the handles don't heat up as much in the sun.

[kac]

20 hours ago, tvr said:

Paint the aluminum handle with truck bed liner spray. The skin staining stops, there is a better grip to pull up a full scoop and the handles don't heat up as much in the sun.

I tried bed liner and it does work but not for that long. Might be better off with grip tape like the stuff used on bikes. I took the easier way out and lent mine to a buddy so he has a scoop to use and black hands ?

[midalake]

1 hour ago, kac said:

I tried bed liner and it does work but not for that long. Might be better off with grip tape like the stuff used on bikes. I took the easier way out and lent mine to a buddy so he has a scoop to use and black hands ?

I don't know how anyone can hunt without a light pair of diving gloves. Been water hunting with gloves for 25 years.  ?

[Joe D.]

   If your a sifter; and not all of us are BTW (i scoop and kick, on land anyway!), Then having a scoop insert, weather DIY, or bought, is a nice way to alter an existing scoop with little expense! Who wants to buy multiple scoops to cover different situations (travel not withstanding)! Many of us already do that with our detectors and coils; that's enough expense!!?

As a recent example, Kac has been experimenting with different configurations, made on his printer! (seen elsewhere on the forum)! Or you can create one, or a few, that meet your requirements!???

[geof_junk]

On my kayak paddle I use a Self-adhesive Silicone Tape, Waterproof Silicone Rubber Adhesive Repair Tape, Bonding Rescue Wire Hose Silicone Self Fusing Tape.  It is very durable and provides a good gripping surface.

[tvr]

On 9/16/2022 at 7:42 AM, kac said:

I tried bed liner and it does work but not for that long.

Got to prepare the surface. Just spraying on the scoop handle without cleaning and a surface brushing or sanding of the surface will make it not last long. Do it right and it lasts well.

[kac]

2 hours ago, tvr said:

Got to prepare the surface. Just spraying on the scoop handle without cleaning and a surface brushing or sanding of the surface will make it not last long. Do it right and it lasts well.

I did that but depends on the aluminum. 6061 it would hold up much better as it is harder than some the other aluminum. I used an extension pole from a snow rake. Had a detachable end I put into the scoop so I can pop it apart and it fits in the back of my car. Don't think it is 6061 as it seems really soft.