Best Folding Shovel?

[Square_peg]

My favorite is the classic U.S. Army shovel with both the spade and pick. It's tough and really works. Keep one in my rig.

 

[Alocksly]

Where there's a will there's a way! Does the friction fit loosen with on/off's?
I guess some pine tar might work.

Or drill out a larger hole and JV weld in a metal threaded socket so you can use a machine screw.

I use my old (US) army E-tool which I repainted red so I can find it when I put it down in the woods. I also have my dads even older 'Nam era E-tool with the short wood handle and a folding shovel/pick combo. Folding shovels have a nice advantage over a "fixed" model as the blade can be set in a 90 degree configuration which, as already mentioned, helps out when trying to scrape out a shallow trench in, say, a crawlspace or scrape mud/snow out from around your tires.

 

[Baumgarden]

Or drill out a larger hole and JV weld in a metal threaded socket so you can use a machine screw.

I use my old (US) army E-tool which I repainted red so I can find it when I put it down in the woods. I also have my dads even older 'Nam era E-tool with the short wood handle and a folding shovel/pick combo. Folding shovels have a nice advantage over a "fixed" model as the blade can be set in a 90 degree configuration which, as already mentioned, helps out when trying to scrape out a shallow trench in, say, a crawlspace or scrape mud/snow out from around your tires.

Good idea. JB weld is the duck tape of epoxies. So many great uses. Although I stick with my original suggestion to D dogstar that a through bolt would be more durable if it's feasible.

Your JB weld comment got me thinking

Better make that a through bolt

I recently picked up a "kids" shovel at a Menards. It's metal and wood, light weight, has the step turned forward, and super cheap. Intentions are to cut it down to a packable length that still allows for a somewhat comfortable use and put it on the side of a pack. I am considering putting a D handle on the end but am looking for ideas for a smaller solution.

instead of a D handle I'll JB weld a nut into the top and put a threaded rubber bumper (round ball peferably) that is of a larger diameter than the handle, just enough I can get a finger on each side and the ball in hand for grip.

 

[John A. Larsen]

I also tested the Glock shovel, and was digging as fast and as hard as I could, when the two piece handle came apart, separate from each other. This happened twice, but I was able to get it back together both times, but it did scare me. For normal use it should work just fine. As far as the standard U.S. folding shovel, the Gerber/Fiskars model is better designed as the locking collar is located just below the handle, not on top of the shovel head, where it is more likely to be clogged by dirt. I had written to Fiskars in Finland and they sent me one of their shovels, still have it. At that time I was doing some work on another project and ran across the USMC Project officer for a new e-tool, and sent him the information on the Fiskars model, which I believe the USMC adopted. John

 

[scdub]

I carry this in the family SUV.


Called the “trunk shovel” from a company called Bully Tools. US made and very solid steel construction. I got my kid a folder many years ago to play with but it wore out and never really felt very solid so I decided to avoid folders when I was looking for a new camping/emergency shovel.

 

[Dav1]

I spent some time researching shovels and ultimately ended up with the longer handled CS shovel. Im quite "enthusiastic" /like to use force when digging using a shovel and a folder just wouldn't hold up. The CS goes fine on my rucksack and really isn't difficult to carry on a backpack/rucksack etc...

 

[w]

I like this one.View attachment 2027317

 

[JM2]

East German folding shovel is a handy item. Swapped mine off long ago with much regret.

I have a couple of the short kid sized D handle shovels now. I actually got them out of the trash where someone had throwed them out. Got about 5 of them.

Pretty handy for keeping in the car.

The Ames folding e tool is heavy as crap but solid. I’d rather just have a non folding shovel.

 

[other memory]

It’s not a folding shovel, but it’s still lite and compact. Reliably durable. Great value too, it was inexpensive. $19 if I recall. Recommend. Spetsnaz shovel. I think it’s the cold steel, but I don’t remember.

.

 

[The Blacksmith]

If I wanted a folding shovel I'd get the venerable old AMES USGI trifold E tool.

+1

As sturdy as grandma’s fruitcake.

It’s venerable and old for good reason.

This is what I use.

 

[The Zieg]

I carry this in the family SUV.

View attachment 2027103
Called the “trunk shovel” from a company called Bully Tools. US made and very solid steel construction. I got my kid a folder many years ago to play with but it wore out and never really felt very solid so I decided to avoid folders when I was looking for a new camping/emergency shovel.

With the flat profile of the head almost parallel to the handle, that thing really is an entrenching tool more than what most would call a real shovel. I like it!!

Zieg

[Edited to correct geometry faux pas!]

 

[anthonycastorena2014]

+ 1 for Cold Steel Spetznaz shovel. Doesn't fold but I would bet you anything it is more practical and durable than any of the above. A contestant on the show alone used it and it kicked ass.

 

[The True North]

The older NATO-spec tri-folders are great. I prefer the West German ones.

 

[SimplyMinded]

I forgot boat paddle and kitchen knife knife.

That's the best commercial for a tool I've seen in my entire life.

 

[Hammer67]

And does anyone know any makers that make a super high end folding shovel?

Yes:

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[Duriensbane]

Only one ive used was what i was issued in the USMC, and i bought a surplus one last year. Never had an issue with the one i was given, probly wont have an issue with this one either.

 

[Square_peg]

I forgot boat paddle and kitchen knife knife.

That's the best commercial for a tool I've seen in my entire life.

You do realize that the first time it's used as a shovel both the knife edge and the saw edge will be rendered useless, right?

 

[Alocksly]

Who do you guys think makes the best folding shovel? And does anyone know any makers that make a super high end folding shovel?

If all else fails, you could buy a regular shovel of decent quality and send it to Best-Made for a $200 paintjob.

 

[Hammer67]

Bully used to make a 3/4 shovel, which is what I keep in the back of my truck. Doesn't seem like they offer it anymore, but their Trunk Shovel is hard to beat for the price.

 

[TheTip]

How about this:

I've tried to summarize everything in this video. Note that I use it like this all the time (not just when doing this video) and it's as sturdy as it was the day I bought it, after so many years of abuse. No other shovel that I've seen can withold like that.

I hope this helps!

PS: I'm not selling anything, nor am I associated in any way with any seller, reseller, or manufacturer of gear.