TM 9-243
TYPES AND USES
Digging tools are designed for the breaking and digging
of soil. Common types of digging tools are the
longhandled and D-handled shovel, spade, posthole
digger, and auger.
LONG-HANDLED SHOVEL
The long-handled shovel consists of a curved, shaped
steel blade attached to a long wooden handle. The
lower metal edge of the blade is tapered to help it cut
into the ground. The long-handled shovel is used for
heavy digging, especially when it is necessary to throw
or move dirt a substantial distance.
D-HANDLED SHOVEL
The D-handled shovel resembles the long-handled
shovel except that it has a shorter handle with a D-
shaped handgrip at the end. The D-handled shovel is
used for light work or for digging in cramped, tight
places.
SPADE
The spade, like the shovel, has a steel blade attached to
a wooden handle. The blade may be rounded, pointed
or square in shape and the handle may have the D or T-
shaped handgrip. The spade is used for heavy digging
or in confined areas.
POSTHOLE AUGER
The posthole auger is a long tool made up of a steel
shaft that has two shovel-like blades at one end. The
blades have curved faces which are hinged to permit
slight movement with the concave surfaces of these
blades facing each other. The posthole auger is used to
bore holes in the ground for posts, poles and explosive
charges.
POSTHOLE DIGGER
The posthole digger has two concave blades similar to
the posthole auger except that each blade is fastened to
a long, wooden handle. The blades are hinged at the
top so that separating the handles will close them and
moving the handles together will open them. Like the
auger, the posthole digger is used to bore holes in the
ground for posts, explosive charges and similar jobs.
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