There are many options available when it comes to prospecting equipment, and shovels are no exception. There are countless types you could go for, and while some are cheaper than others, you often get what you pay for. So with that said, in this article, we will list some of the best shovels for gold prospecting and gold panning. We will look both at regular, full-sized shovels, as well as portable ones that are easy to carry through your prospecting ventures.
Here are the best shovels for gold prospecting and gold panning:
- Fiskars Gardener’s Pointed Spade
- Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Digging Shovel
- TABOR TOOLS Shovel with Round Point Blade
Table of Contents
Important Considerations When Buying a Shovel
Before we look closer at the different variants, we just wanted to make you aware of some of the considerations we have as prospectors and gold miners. Even though a shovel is a really simple piece of equipment, there are now many options and aspects to consider.
Weight
The first and perhaps most obvious aspect is the weight of the shovel. Many older shovels are exceptionally sturdy and will last a lifetime. However, most prospectors appreciate a shovel that is lightweight and easy to carry. As a prospector, you will often cover quite some distances, especially if your sites are far from roads.
Having a lightweights shovel will make everything easier, and leave you with more energy to do actual prospecting.
Material
Shovels consist of a grip, shaft, collar, kickplate, blade, and tip. Most shovels are normally made out of either aluminum or solid steel.
- Aluminum: Not recommended for gold prospecting, as it’s too weak and prone to breaking.
- Solid Steel: Solid steel is a sturdy and heavy material that will cope with most heavy-duty jobs. This is a good choice for most prospectors.
- Titanium: If you have the money to venture into the premium segment, you probably want to go with a titanium shovel. Titanium is lightweight and even sturdier than steel, which makes it the ideal material for prospectors who value portability and durability. In addition, titanium won’t rust or corrode, which sometimes is an issue with steel shovels as you will be working quite a lot in waterways.
The most durable shovels are those that are made in one piece, as they won’t break at the collar point.
Another thing to take into consideration is how the handle and blade are attached to the shaft. A screw or press-in connection tends to have a short lifespan, while a bolt usually is more long-lasting.
Shape
The most suitable shape of shovels depends largely on what type of material you will be working with.
There are three types of blade shapes:
- Flat edged blades: Most suited for loose soils and dirt, as well as for scooping
- Round Blade: Best for soft soils and dirt, that aren’t too compact.
- Pointed blades: Most suited for gravels and compact materials.
In other words, as a prospector dealing with gravels and pebbles, you should go for a pointed shovel.
Ergonomics (Important)
Working placers is really heavy work, and it’s important to have a shovel that doesn’t put unnecessary strain on the user. One tip is to choose a shovel with the right height. Ideally, the shovel should reach up to 4 inches below your shoulder when standing upright.
Summary
To summarize, a good shovel for gold prospecting should have the following traits:
- Be made of steel or titanium
- Have a pointed blade
- Not be taller than 4 inches below your shoulders, when standing upright.
- It’s ideal if it’s made in one piece
Best Shovels For Gold Prospecting and Gold Panning
Here are three really good shovels for gold prospectors. As you see, two of them are made by Fiskars, which happens to be a favorite brand of mine. Their shovels simply are built to last, which I’ve witnessed over and over again with the tools I’ve got from them.
Fiskars Gardener’s Pointed Spade
This is a pointed gardener’s spade with a total length of 57.5 inches, which is suited for digging in hard, stony soil. This makes it a rather good fit for digging in gravels, which is the most common material you will face as a prospector.
The only downside I could notice is that it isn’t made in one whole piece, which would have made it more durable. However, this is a sturdy product that definitely is worth its price. Especially considering Fiskars’ good reputation for creating long-lasting quality products.
- Material: Steel
- Total Length: 57.5 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
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Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Digging Shovel
If you’re instead into D-handles that offer more secure two-handed control, this might be a good shovel to take a closer look at. Its pointy blade makes it ideal for tough soils and gravel, making it easier to penetrate into the ground.
Even though the handle is covered by plastic, the frame of the shovel, including the handle, is made of steel.
Another benefit is that the step is fairly large which creates a comfortable platform for your foot. This makes it much easier to dig deep even in the toughest of soils/gravels.
- Material: Steel
- Total Length: 48 inches
- Weight: 5 pounds
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TABOR TOOLS Shovel with Round Point Blade
This shovel has a smaller shaft than the other ones mentioned and is easier to carry on trips. It measures 27 inches from top to bottom, and has a shaft made from fiberglass. In contrast to wood, fiberglass won’t chip or splinter, and remains easy on your hands as the material ages. The blade itself is really solid and made of tempered steel that can easily take rough handling.
Pros:
- It’s quite small, which makes it easy to carry. Also suits children, would they want to join you prospecting.
- It has a comfortable non-slip D-handle that provides a good grip, with or without a glove
- Not that expensive
Cons:
There have been reports that the finish could come off quite easily
- Material: Steel and fiberglass
- Total Length: 27 inches
- Weight: 1.85 pounds
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Best Foldable Shovels For Gold Prospecting and Gold Panning
Sometimes you just want a really compact and portable option, and that’s where the foldable shovels come in. Most of them have quite a small shaft, so it might not be that convenient for shuffling gravels hours upon hours. However, for the occasional prospecting trip where you’re just trying out the area, they are really convenient! I have one myself that I carry with me most of the time, even if I’m also bringing a larger shovel.
Here are two great foldable shovels!
Coleman Folding Shovel
This foldable shovel is a quite cheap option, but still, its blade is made from really durable tempered steel. Weighing in at 1 pound and folding three times, this is a shovel that won’t take up much space and that can be carried easily in a backpack.
One extra feature is that one of the blade’s edges is serrated, making it easier to cut through roots.
However, one thing to keep in mind is that the large nut that keeps the shovel raised is made of plastic. I can see how this might become the first part to break!
Pros:
- Really cheap
- The blade is made of steel
- One edge is serrated
Cons:
The nut keeping the shovel erect is made of plastic and could break. There are other shovels (like the one listed below) that are made completely from metal and might be a better, although more expensive option.
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GRMUAIT Camping Shovel with Pickax
This is a really versatile camping shovel made of heavy-duty alloy steel that not only works as a shovel, but also as a pickax. It’s quite small, with the folded dimensions being 6×9 inches.
Here are some of the features I find quite interesting:
- One edge of the blade is serrated and works as a saw.
- You can switch between using the pick or shovel which are mounted separately on either side of the shaft and extend independent of each other.
- It comes with a pouch that can be attached to a belt loop for easy and quick access.
- The grip is made of rubber, which makes it more convenient to use.
Pros:
- Several tools in one package
- Comes with a pouch
- Sharp, serrated edge
Cons:
- Some people might consider it a little small
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If you are looking for other equipment for your gold prospecting ventures, we recommend you take a look at our recommended gear page for prospectors. There you will find the best equipment ranging from vials and tweezers, to larger gold sluices.
Conclusion
There are many types of shovels you could buy, and while I’ve given you my personal favorites in this article, I haven’t tried out all of what’s out there. Have a look around Amazon and see if you find something that resonates with you and your budget. Just keep in mind the points I shared in the beginning of the article, and you will increase your chances of buying the right product!
Happy prospecting!