Metal detecting can be an exciting hobby, especially for those who love history, geology, and treasure hunting. It can be a great activity for a wide range of people — including older adults to office employees bonding over a team-building exercise.

While it may seem like a simple activity, having the proper metal detector and the right digging tools is essential for successful and efficient metal detecting. While a standard garden shovel may work in most cases, certain artifacts can be fragile and require a more delicate touch, which can be achieved with more precise digging tools.

Metal Detecting Shovels

While there are various digging tools, the metal-detecting shovel is perhaps the most crucial tool in a detector enthusiast’s arsenal. Shovels are handy for recovering objects that are deep in the ground.

A shovel can be an excellent companion for a detecting on beaches or other sandy areas. They’re typically made of lightweight, durable materials like aluminum or stainless steel. Sand scoops have a blade with small holes or slots along the bottom that allow sand and small debris to sift through while retaining larger objects such as coins, jewelry, or other metal artifacts.

Picks

Picks are commonly used to recover buried objects from soil, rocks, or other hard surfaces. It typically has a long handle made of wood, fiberglass, or metal, with a pointed or flat blade on one end. Picks can be used to break up hard soil or rocky ground to make it easier to dig with a shovel or other digging tool. The pointed blade of the pick can also be used to loosen rocks or debris that may be obstructing a buried object, making it easier to access and recover the object.

Diggers

In addition to shovels and picks, there are a variety of digger tools that can be used for more precise digging. For example, trowels are small, handheld tools with pointed blades ideal for digging precise holes. Detector enthusiasts can use these tools in softer soils, or whenever they need to remove small rocks or roots that may be in the way.

Then there are Lesche diggers which are small, handheld digging tools that are specifically designed for metal detecting in small, precise holes in hard-packed clay, sand, and gravel. Some digging tools feature serrated edges, which can be useful for cutting through tough roots or compacted soil.

Maintaining and Storing Digging Tools

Digging tools, especially high-quality ones, can be a significant investment for metal detector enthusiasts. As such, a responsible detector enthusiast should properly maintain and store their tools if they’re to be used effectively for years to come.

Cleaning

After using your digging tools, clean them thoroughly to remove any dirt, mud, or debris. You can do this with a garden hose or a bucket of water — depending on the tool and how dirty it is. Doing so can extend the lifespan of your tools.

Sharpening

Over time, the blades on your digging tools can become dull or damaged. To maintain their effectiveness, be sure to sharpen them regularly using a sharpening stone or other sharpening tool.

Storage

When you’re not using them, store your digging tools in a dry, secure location. This will help prevent rust and other forms of damage, as well as protect them from theft or loss.