• Post Reply Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic
permaculture forums growies critters building homesteading energy monies kitchen purity ungarbage community wilderness fiber arts art permaculture artisans regional education skip experiences global resources cider press projects digital market permies.com pie forums private forums all forums
this forum made possible by our volunteer staff, including ...
master stewards:
  • Nancy Reading
  • Carla Burke
  • r ranson
  • John F Dean
  • paul wheaton
  • Pearl Sutton
stewards:
  • Jay Angler
  • Liv Smith
  • Leigh Tate
master gardeners:
  • Christopher Weeks
  • Timothy Norton
gardeners:
  • thomas rubino
  • Jeremy VanGelder
  • Maieshe Ljin

Best rugged Portable Folding Shovel - Multitool

 
Posts: 79
3
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I see a lot on the market ( Amazon) that appear to have many  gimmicks   or be very flimsy / fragile.   Mostly the kind of tool that campers would pack and use etc.   It is simply hard to tell how tough a tool will be by looking at the pictures.    Any experience here with specific models ?
 
pollinator
Posts: 701
Location: Sierra Nevada Foothills, Zone 7b
154
dog forest garden fish fungi trees hunting books food preservation building wood heat homestead
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Just get a surplus E-Tool. They suck to dig a hole with but I guarantee that they suck less than all the other options. They aren't fragile. Just make sure it's the genuine article with an NSN or you will be more disappointed than necessary.
 
master pollinator
Posts: 4991
Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b
1352
  • Likes 2
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
Few folding shovels pass the "Doug Test." I open them up, hold in a 45-degree digging position with the tip on the floor, and surreptitiously put my body weight on it. If there's flex in the blade, forget it.

I found one years ago at Lee Valley tools. It wasn't in the catalogue. It weighs a ton but at least it works. The 90-degree "grape hoe" function is sometimes handy.

Contractor grade floral shovels with shorty handles are actually much better value, and weigh less.

The best deal is a $2 yard sale shovel with a cracked handle. Chop it short and sand it down. Voila, now you've got a real shovel that fits in your car.
 
gardener
Posts: 814
Location: Durham, NC
338
hugelkultur gear urban cooking building writing woodworking
  • Likes 1
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I can't address the multitool, and it's not folding, but if you're looking for a portable shovel, the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel should be on your short list.
 
Douglas Alpenstock
master pollinator
Posts: 4991
Location: Canadian Prairies - Zone 3b
1352
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Rob Lineberger wrote:I can't address the multitool, and it's not folding, but if you're looking for a portable shovel, the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel should be on your short list.


+1. They are tough little buggers and the steel will take a machete quality edge. I have three kicking around.
 
Posts: 1510
110
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
find a ww2 surplus, built to be run over by a tank, or something like that
 
Scott Perkins
Posts: 79
3
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I dont need the gimicks though some would be nice like a knife and saw in the handle etc but I do need it to become compact/ portable folding etc.  I want to carry it in my boat and or RV  maybe truck and stow ability is
very important.    But I only want the ones that are tough.   i see some that are Stainless steel but I dont care about a little rust.  The ones that have threaded screw together hollow alum handle section extensions  would be great if they are actually engineered and mfg to be strong.    You will be amazed if you go to Amazon and type "folding shovel."
 
master steward
Posts: 6973
Location: southern Illinois, USA
2538
goat cat dog chicken composting toilet food preservation pig bee solar wood heat homestead
  • Likes 3
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator
I have a couple army surplus ones in my vehicles. They make more sense than the plastic things sold in some stores.  For me they are a last resort  tool if I am stuck somewhere.  I have only used one once. It worked
 
Posts: 83
6
  • Likes 3
  • Mark post as helpful
  • send pies
    Number of slices to send:
    Optional 'thank-you' note:
  • Quote
  • Report post to moderator

Rob Lineberger wrote:I can't address the multitool, and it's not folding, but if you're looking for a portable shovel, the Cold Steel Spetsnaz Tactical Camp Shovel should be on your short list.



These work great. I even use them to chisel I’ve fishing holes. Plies if you carry a multi tool you can use the shovel to cut a long handle then put it on with the multi tool.

P.s. lots of fun to throw.
 
Of course, I found a very beautiful couch. Definitely. And this tiny ad:
the permaculture bootcamp in winter (plus half-assed holidays)
https://permies.com/t/149839/permaculture-projects/permaculture-bootcamp-winter-assed-holidays
reply
    Bookmark Topic Watch Topic
  • New Topic