Modified Digging Tool - second try

[gvanvekoven]

Well - internet decided to hiccup on me so I will try this one more time.

Made a few modifications to my my homemade digging / plugging tool. Redesigned it from the inside out. Did away with the alluminum top portion and replaced it
with some tubular steel. Expand from the top now instead of the bottom, and tried to make it look a little more streamlined. Plugged up the hole at the end of the spade shank with epoxy to keep the mud and dirt out of the shaft. This also keep dirt and trash out of the internal locking mechanism. You twist it to lock it in place. It will not slip up and down on you this way.

Overall length (expanded) = 32 inches
Overall length (contracted) = 24 inches
Weight - approx. 2 pounds

Anyone who would like to throw one togeather, I can provide a list of materials and instructions of sorts.

When things slow down, I may attempt to adapt it further by adding some sort of flipper that will push out any stuck plug from between the spade sides.
Something simple I hope.

No plans to try to make any money on the thing. If I get it perfected - anything I come up with will be free to anyone who enjoys the sport and finds the thing usefull.

 

[gvanvekoven]

Just got back in using the new tool. Didn't find any coins today, but dug up a few interesting things. Lots of trash (pull tabs galore!).
Dug around 30 holes with it and it held up very well. I didn't have to go down to ground level once using the new tool. Good thing for
my knees. No apparent wear and tear on the tool. Had to wash some mud off of it when I got home - but other than that - just as
good as new.

 

[treasurefiend]

Great job, it looks like something that would be in Home Depot... Meaning get a patent before someone steals your idea. Like I said I would make one if I could, but im in an apartment.

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

made some home made diggers and such over the years. Fun to do!