Hal, Im planning to make a digging tool like the one you use. The long one with the foot peg. You let me borrow yours during the digfest year before last. Can you provide some information? I plan to customize it to my needs but it would help to have a reference. Need to know the total length, distance from tip to foot peg and diameter of bar. Where did you get the bar? Seems to be holding up well. Is it a pry bar? I have a ten inch alignment pin that I plan on welding to the bar for the tip.

G, As you saw, it's incredibly simple but little things mean a lot...:

It's a 36 inch crow bar ( wrecking bar ? ) from Harbor Freight, $8.00...No HFrt, Home depot same size with 11 / 16th stock about $15.00

Need lots of heat to straighten point end. Lots of heat to pull open gooseneck end. Little to a lot of work can be done on the "handle, I mashed the nail puller closed and welded on a short 5/8th bolt bent and hammered that clear plastic water pipe over it.

IMPORTANT :: from tip to foot lug, TEN INCHES has been perfect. All mine have foot lug welded on the side of the shaft where the open loop of the handle is.

Hand grinder is needed to grind point and later to resharpen ( HFrt cheapie about $12. )

I made 4 different weights ( bar thickness )all must be top quality pry bar specs. I've fallen to use the larger one exclusively.

We'll compare notes at next Digfest

Thanks for your help and pictures. I appreciate the information. See you at digfest

Hal o crafty one would you be willing to make one of those guys for me? Feel free to email me if so. No worries if not.

and id be happy to pay by the way

Hey Hal,
Did you design that tool ?

sd, Sorry, I no longer have access to the shop where I did all the torch & weld work. I hope I dont put him into a business that he doesn't want ...BUT...Richard Chrisner has torch & welder...If he's willing, it doesn't take long to do the bends and weld...You do the time consuming grinding work.


K, what you see is the final evolution of 3 prototypes. It's not for everyone, I describe it as a wiggle pick for old people cause it moves so much dirt with foot pressure rather than hand torquing. Could be considered just part of ones tool kit to be used where needed and back to other tools as needed.

Thanks Hal,
I'll just show your photo to my buddy and bring him a couple of crow bars and some pizza.... We'll see what he can come up with. One can never have too many good tools. Thanks buddy

Hak your a good man thanks I just so happens i employ a good welder hes on it for me.