Hand digger or shovel?
- Hand diggers and trowels: small, light and precise. The right tool for lawns, parks and anywhere you need a neat, small plug. Some parks only allow small hand tools, so check the rules.
- Long-handled shovels: dig faster and deeper with less strain on your back. Best for fields, relic sites and deep targets where you have permission to dig bigger holes.
What makes a good metal detecting digger
- Stainless or hardened steel: it holds an edge and won't bend on stones the way a garden trowel does.
- Serrated edges: grip roots and dry clay instead of skidding off them, and cut in both directions.
- Depth markings: help you judge how deep a target is, which teaches you to read your detector.
- A comfortable handle and a holster: you'll dig hundreds of holes in a season.
Dig clean, leave no trace
Cut a horseshoe-shaped plug on three sides, fold it back on its hinge, recover the target, then fold it closed and press it down. Done well, nobody can tell you were there, and that is how you keep permission to hunt. Always fill every hole. For beaches, use a sand scoop instead. New to detecting? Our beginner's guide explains what else a first kit needs, or browse all gear and accessories.
Look after your digger
Wipe the blade after each hunt, especially after wet clay or salt, and dry it before storing. A few strokes with a file keeps the edge sharp enough to slice turf cleanly. A holster or sheath protects the edge, and protects you, between digs.
