A compact, durable spade is essential for digging
Carrying a small spade is crucial for metal detecting as it allows you to efficiently and effectively dig up your targets without causing unnecessary damage to the environment. Here’s why a compact, durable spade is essential and how to choose and use one properly.
Why Carrying a Small Spade Matters
*Efficient Digging: A small spade enables you to dig precisely and quickly, making it easier to retrieve targets with minimal effort.
*Portability: Compact spades are easy to carry and transport, ensuring you have the necessary tool without adding significant weight or bulk to your detecting gear.
*Minimal Environmental Impact: Using a properly designed spade helps minimize the disturbance to the ground, preserving the environment and maintaining good relations with landowners.
*Versatility: A durable spade can handle different types of terrain, from soft soil to rocky ground, making it a versatile tool for various detecting locations.
*Target Recovery: A good spade helps you retrieve targets cleanly and efficiently, reducing the risk of damaging valuable finds.
How to Choose the Right Small Spade
While the terms spade and shovel are somewhat interchangeable a spade is designed with a straight blade for digging and a shovel has an angled blade designed to lift, hold and move loose material. Ensure you get a spade as true shovels are difficult to dig with.
*Size and Weight: Select a spade that is small enough to be easily portable but large enough to handle your digging needs.
—Compact Design: Look for spades with a compact design, typically between 18 to 30 inches in length, that can be easily carried or attached to your gear.
—Lightweight: Opt for a lightweight spade to avoid unnecessary strain during long detecting sessions.
*Material and Durability: Choose a spade made of high-quality, durable materials that can withstand repeated use and tough conditions. Beware of using excessive leverage with fibreglass handles as they can shatter, producing a cloud of glass particles.
—Stainless Steel: Spades made from stainless steel are strong, resistant to rust, and long-lasting but expensive.
—Reinforced Handle: Ensure the handle is sturdy and reinforced, preferably with ergonomic grips for comfort. Choose T, D or round handles over straight handles.
*Blade Design: The blade design should be suited for metal detecting, with features that enhance digging efficiency and precision.
—Serrated Edges: Blades with serrated edges are useful for cutting through roots and tough soil.
—Pointed Tip: A pointed tip allows for precise digging and easy penetration into the ground.
*Portability Features: Some spades offer portability features such as folding mechanisms or detachable handles.
—Folding Spades: Folding spades are convenient for easy storage and transport. Bear in mind that they take time to assemble and disassemble and may not be as sturdy as a rigid spade.
—Holster or Sheath: Some spades come with a holster or sheath for safe carrying and easy access.
How to Use a Small Spade Effectively on Fields and Pasture (Sensitive areas like manicured lawns will be covered in a later tip)
*Digging Technique: Use the correct technique to dig efficiently and minimize ground disturbance.
—Cut a Plug: Cut a neat, circular plug around the target area. This helps you remove the target without damaging the surrounding soil.
—Flip the Plug: Carefully flip the plug over, exposing the target area while keeping the grass and roots intact.
*Minimize Damage: Be mindful of the environment and avoid unnecessary damage to the ground.
—Replace the Plug: After retrieving your target, replace the plug and press it back into place to restore the area to its original condition.
—Fill Holes: If the plug disintegrates, fill the hole with loose soil and tamp it down with your foot to level the ground.
*Work Efficiently: Use your spade to work efficiently and reduce the time spent digging.
—Target Recovery: Quickly pinpoint the target with your detector or pinpointer and use the spade to retrieve it with minimal digging.
*Maintain Your Spade: Keep your spade in good condition to ensure its longevity and performance.
—Clean After Use: Clean off dirt and debris after each use to prevent rust and maintain sharpness.
—Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your spade for any signs of wear or damage, such as cracks or bends, and repair or replace as needed.
Conclusion
Carrying a small, durable spade is essential for efficient and effective metal detecting. By choosing the right spade and using it properly, you can enhance your digging efficiency, minimize environmental impact, and improve your overall detecting experience. A good spade helps you retrieve targets quickly and cleanly, making your hunts more productive and enjoyable. Incorporate a compact spade into your detecting gear to ensure you are always prepared for successful target recovery.
Recommendations
I am not going to make specific recommendations as your choice of digging tools comes down to detecting conditions and personal preference. My own choice for searching farmland is a basic mini-spade accompanied by a purpose-designed stainless steel hand trowel with serrated edge, which is carried in its own sheath.
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