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Digging a trench is not easy, and not only does it take physical strength and determination but also mental resilience. After all, moving around loose soil is not the most exciting thing in the world, right!?
To make your life easier, choosing the correct trench digging tools is essential.
Trench digging shovels come in many different shapes and sizes. However, selecting the wrong one will cause you to spend more time digging and less time enjoying yourself.
In this article, you will learn about the best digging shovels for trenches.
My top pick is the Seymour S702. It has a long handle and is built with maximum durability, making it one of the best trenching tools on the market.
5 Best Shovels For Digging a Trench
Seymour Trenching Shovel
Unsure of which shovel to buy? The Seymour Shovel is our top pick for digging trenches.
The Seymour S702 Trench Shovel is a shovel that’s made to last. Created with steel and a fiberglass handle, it can stand the test of time when in use.
The blade and the handle are also securely attached to each other, which means it won’t break on you as some products do!
The 5″ wide blade picks up enough dirt. However, it could be a little larger. On a more positive note, customers have used this tool to cut through clay soil – with great results!
This shovel features a long handle to reach deeper trenches. It also prevents you from bending over too much, which contributes to back strain and injuries.
What I Like...
- Made to last.
- Blade and the handle are securely attached to each other.
- Can be used to cut through clay soil.
- Long handle prevents you from bending over too much.
What I Don't Like...
- Blade could be bigger
- Doesn’t have a D-handle
Similar Product: Bully Tools Round Point Shovel
Tabor Tools Shovel
The smaller shaft (Handle) helps shorter people dig the perfect trench.
Tabor Tools Shovel is suitable for people under 5 feet tall and those who want to dig small trenches.
It’s got a D handle that prevents strain on your hands and helps with moving dirt. It’s also lightweight enough for carrying to the garden, yard, or paddock.
This shovel does not work well with tough soil since it’s not the most durable on the market.
It’s best for softer ground like loamy soil. Otherwise, we recommend going for another model on our list that’s capable of more heavy-duty digging.
Furthermore, the stainless steel construction prevents rusting over time, ensuring your looks great for several years to come.
What I Like...
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- D handle is comfortable. Allows for less strain on the hands.
- Good for small trenches
- Prevents rusting over time
What I Don't Like...
- Too small for large trenches
- Not the most durable option
Similar Product: Hooyman Shovel
Yeacool Camping Shovel
Want something versatile? The Yeacool camping shovel has many different functions.
The Yeacool shovel is one of the most popular outdoor shovels on the market.
It has a unique design that folds out into 5 different tools; shovel, pickaxe, saw, bottle opener, and nail puller (for repairing shoes). It’s no surprise this versatile tool has attracted many buyers.
The best thing about this collapsible camping shovel is its compact size. Folded up, it can easily fit in your backpack or suitcase with space leftover.
Many buyers have also praised its design because it’s lightweight but also durable. You can use this one with confidence, knowing it will last several years of regular use. The only exception may be if you were to put too much pressure on it while digging up hard soil (it may bend under such force).
That being said, most buyers have stated that the product held up well over time and is an excellent tool for survivalists.
Also, there are steel bolts at each joint to keep everything locked in place, adding to its security measures. This is great when using it as a shovel, as it helps prevent injuries.
What I like...
- It’s lightweight, but also durable
- Versatile enough to do 5 different tasks
- Compact size so you can take it anywhere
- When folded up, it fits in your backpack or suitcase
What I Don't Like...
- Best for smaller trenches
- Not recommended for taller people
Similar Product: AugTouf Military Camping Shovel
Rhino USA Survival Shovel
The Rhino USA Shovel is super compact, which is great for when you’re on the go.
The Rhino USA Survival Shovel is not the best trenching tool on this list, but it’s still pretty good.
It has two sharp edges. One side of the shovel is serrated and can be used to saw through wood or ice.
The other edge is smooth and helpful in chopping wood (up to about 3 inches in diameter) or breaking up hard soil (when pounding against something like another rock).
This shovel will not work well on rocks unless you bash them with another rock; there are sharper shovels out there that are better suited for this task.
Another thing this shovel cannot do is cut through thick roots; if your trench needs to go under roots, use an axe or a saw.
The Rhino USA Survival Shovel comes with a removable fire starter to help you make fires.
This shovel can also be used as a whistle, bottle opener, saw, and fish scaler. It’s made of stainless steel, so it won’t rust easily, but the sheath might become damaged if left outside in harsh conditions.
Please take note of the size (this shovel is small compared to most). However, it’s more portable, which is essential for all the survivalists out there.
I recommend getting one for your car or camping bag because you never know when you will need to dig a trench.
What I Like...
- Small and portable, making it easy to carry around
- Has a fire starter, which could come in handy in a survival situation
- Can also be used as other tools, such as a saw or bottle opener
- It won’t rust easily
What I Don't Like...
- Doesn’t have D-grip handle
- Is not made in the USA, as advertised
Similar Product: Zunelotoo Military Survival Shovel
Ashman Drain Spade
The long blade makes this shovel perfect for digging narrower trenches.
Most shovels usually bend and break with tough digging, but the Ashman Drain Spade is made tough, so it’s strong enough to handle whatever you through at it!
With sharpened edges for cutting roots and a lightweight body, digging a trench won’t take much effort.
The Ashman Drain Spade’s narrow design means you can navigate through those tight spaces with ease. Depending on the type of trench you’re digging, you may not need this feature. However, it’s always great to have!
Even better, the comfortable D grip helps you get more leverage when picking up and transporting loose soil.
That being said, there are some downsides to this product.
Due to the long handle design, it might prove difficult for people under 182cm in height. It may cause shorter people to overextend their arms, which can be uncomfortable for long durations.
What I Like...
- Tough and strong
- Easy to cut through roots.
- Lightweight body makes it easy to maneuver.
- D grip gives you more leverage when picking up and transporting loose soil
What I Don't Like...
- Difficult to use for people under 182cm
- Not the best for wider trenches
Similar Product: A.M. Leonard Nursery Spade
How To Choose The Best Shovel For Digging Trenches
Handle Length
Shorter handles put more strain on your back and neck from bending over so much, so it might not be a good idea if you have a history of back problems.
A longer handle means you won’t have to bend over all the time. This puts less stress on your back and makes trenching a more enjoyable experience.
With that being said, it’s all about finding the balance. The taller you are, the longer shovel you’ll need. On the other hand, smaller people can get away with a shorter handle.
Steel Blade
Steel blades are more durable and stronger than aluminum blades.
This means that if you’re using your shovel to break through different types of hard soil, like clay, sand, or rocks, you won’t end up snapping the blade like you would with an aluminum blade.
Steel shovel blades also won’t chip or crack as easily as aluminum blades will. This means they last longer, and your investment in the shovel is better protected over time.
Sharpness
When choosing the best shovel for the job, it’s important to consider the blade’s sharpness.
The sharper the blades are on your shovel, the easier they will dig through challenging terrain. In this instance, when digging a trench, you’re bound to encounter some kind of hard soil which means that having sharp blades is vital.
Jagged edges can also come in handy when you encounter tough roots while digging.
When using a tool, it’s vital to maintain the blades in their best condition to ensure that they work efficiently and effectively whenever needed.
Non-Slip & Comfortable Grip
A comfortable grip is important when choosing a shovel for digging trenches because it prevents your hands from slipping.
A comfortable grip also makes it easy to move rocks and heavy soil without losing your balance.
Using a slip-resistant handle means that it has tiny nubs on it. These make it harder for dirt, water, and mud to get stuck on the handle giving you more control over your shovel.
An easy-to-grip handle also helps with mobility by ensuring your hand doesn’t tire out as much, allowing you to work longer without getting fatigued.
Lightweight
When choosing a shovel for digging trenches, it’s crucial to choose a lightweight one because it makes it easier to move the loose soil and dirt.
A lightweight shovel is also less tiring to use, which means that you’ll be able to work for more extended periods.
FAQ
What is a Trenching Shovel?
Trenching shovels are specialized shovels that are used to dig through tough terrain.
They have a sharp point and squared blade sides. The sharp point et you dig more efficiently than other types of shovels. In comparison, squared sides help produce better trench walls.
How can I make digging easier?
It’s essential to choose the shovel that best suits your needs. Balance, sharpness, and non-slip grip are all qualities that you should look for when making digging a trench as easy as possible.
The better your shovel, the easier it will be!
How can I make digging easier?
It’s essential to choose the shovel that best suits your needs. Balance, sharpness, and non-slip grip are all qualities that you should look for when making digging a trench as easy as possible.
The better your shovel, the easier it will be!
How long does it take to dig a trench with a shovel?
It depends on how deep you are trying to dig. Generally, if your trench depth is 3 feet deep and 3 meters long(without backfill), it should take you around 1 hour.
Keep in mind, this number may increase depending on the length of the trench.
What is the easiest way to dig shallow trenches?
Try breaking up all the dirt where you are planning to dig with a pickaxe before doing so.
Then, transfer this excess dirt somewhere else so there isn’t anything hard underneath where you’ll be working. This is how someone might go about building a moat, for example.
Final Words
These days, we all know that it takes more than a regular shovel to get the job done. That’s why we need trenching shovels—specialized blades for digging through tough terrain.
Trenching shovels have a sharp point and squared blade sides. The points help produce a better trench wall, and the squared sides allow the shovel to dig more efficiently than other types of shovels.
Plus, they come in different sizes, so you can choose one that is perfect for you.