Last Updated on June 13, 2023 by Georgie Smith
A folding shovel is a great multipurpose tool that is for digging, building, chopping, cooking and fighting among many other applications. This tool is great because it resembles a sharp spade that comes with a small handle. It is versatile and portable because it is for use at home and outside like when you are camping.
Often, these shovels will bend at the base of the spade to make it a hoe or a rake if needed. The best folding shovels come in aluminum or carbon steel material options making them durable. These materials also make them capable of handling even the most demanding tasks.
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Most are simple and only have the essential features of a sharp blade and a good handle. However, some companies offer their customers more features allowing the shovel to be dismantled to reveal hidden parts. You, therefore, need to have the features that are most important to you in mind while you shop.
Top 6 Best Folding Shovels on the Market:
| Picture | Product Name | Features |
|---|---|---|
 | SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N | – High Carbon Steel Handle – Nylon Carry Case – Powder Coat Finish |
| Lunio military portable folding shovel | – Multi-Functional – Light-weight & Portable – Durable materials | |
 | Military Survival Folding Shovel | – Multi-function – Ergonomic Design – High-carbon steel body |
 | TABOR TOOLS Folding Shovel | – Multi-Funtional – Light-weight & Portable – Durable materials |
 | Military Survival Folding Shovel | – Multi-function – Top-notch quality – Portable & Convenient |
 | FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel Multitool | – Multi-function – Top notch quality – Portable & Convenient |
SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N – Folding Shovel, High Carbon Steel Handle
A hand shovel is an ideal tool for moving snow, dirt or sand in this ever-changing environment conditions. However, the most significant challenge for most homeowners is how they will store the shovel after use.
If this has been your fear, it is time to sit back and relax as the SOG entrenching is here to help with a folding shovel. When in a folded state, this shovel occupies a small space just as a stack of paper plates. Therefore, you will not have to look for extra storage anywhere.
Additionally, the foldable shovel has a lightweight design that makes portability comfortable and convenient. It also comes with a sturdy carrying case to ensure you do not have trouble taking it from one spot to the other. This shovel also features a sturdy design with high carbon steel construction.
The material enhances its durability and stability regardless of what you are moving. You can also use the blade to cut small bushes around the compound too. It gives you the flexibility of uses as the blade can rotate to various angles to ensure you get the job done correctly.
Pros
- Convenient steel handle
- Compatible and highly portable
- Durable construction
- Lightweight design
Cons
- The size is too small
Buy from Amazon
Yeacool Military Portable Folding Shovel and Pickax with Tactical Waist Pack Army
With this Yeacool military portable folding shovel, you are ready for the worse that might come your way. A spade is an ideal tool especially when you are going for any outdoor adventures. If your car tire sticks in the mud, it can automatically help to dig you out.
The tool is space-saving and compact, which ensures that it can fit any storage. Additionally, it has a sturdy design that allows you to get it into numerous uses. This tool’s handle is convenient and will conform to any hand.
Therefore, you can comfortably work on any tasks without the risk of it slipping off your hand. It also comes with a convenient bag that ensures the smooth and fast portability of the shovel.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Highly portable with a carry bag
- Suitable for any task
- Durable and strong construction
Cons
- It has plastic connections that quickly falls apart
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RHINO Military Survival Folding Shovel and Pick with Carrying Pouch for Camping
Planning for a hiking or camping adventure but are not sure of the condition of your ideal site pack this foldable shovel in your bag. It will bring you a military experience in all your endeavors. With this military survival folding shovel, you will be ready for any environmental challenges. You can use it to move snow, dirt, or even sand that might pile around your home.
If you are out camping, this shovel can help you to dig water holes or clear small bushes too. It has a sturdy design with suitable material for stability and longevity. It folds three times to ensure you get the right size for convenient storage.
The shovel construction is lightweight, therefore making it highly portable. When folded, this tool occupies a tiny space hence making it compact and versatile. Owning this shovel does not mean that you must have ample storage space as it can fit anywhere.
Pros
- Easy to fold/unfold
- Strong, durable steel construction
- Suitable for all outdoor adventures
- Compact and space-saving
Cons
- Slightly expensive compared to others
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TABOR TOOLS Folding Shovel, Spade for Survival, Camping, Gardening, Snow Removal
Take advantage of this foldable shovel and bring a new experience to all your outdoor uses. This Tabor Tools Folding Shovel has a sturdy construction design that will ensure you have the power to control nature.
For several years, the tool has been leading in giving excellence in various adventures. The compact and space-saving design guarantees you that you can own the device regardless of how limited your area is.
You can entirely depend on this shovel for some uses. The blade functions in many styles and you will not have to carry several tools around. When going for a camping experience, you can confidently use it to dig for water within the camping area.
Additionally, with this tool in your possession, your car will never be stuck in anything as you can always dig the tires out by yourself. During fall, this tool can help maintain the image of your compound by removing all the dirt around.
Pros
- Suitable for gardening
- Compact and portable design
- High-carbon steel construction
- Comfortable bag for storage and portability
Cons
- The tool is too small
Buy from Amazon
CAMPMOON Military Survival Folding Shovel with Tactical Waist Pack for Camping
Quality is essential when it comes to buying outdoor tools. Therefore, most companies concentrate on providing you with dependable devices of the best quality. That is not exceptional with this military survival folding shovel.
The shovel will meet all your demands to ensure your outdoor adventures are full of happiness and pride. The military survival design guarantees you efficiency in any task that might come your way. The shovel’s blade can handle various tasks from removing snow and digging water holes to pulling your car tire from the dirt.
This foldable tool is actually among the must-have tools if you have an outdoor enthusiast’s mind. It has a compact design with the best construction material. Additionally, this item comes with a bag that guarantees you secure and reliable portability. You can also use it to cut small branches and clear a bush, has a bottle opener and saw too. When fishing, you can also use it to remove scales from the fish before cooking.
Pros
- Multipurpose uses
- Compact and space-saving
- Durable material construction
- Comfortable handle
- Carry bag for portability
Cons
- Plastic folding joints
Buy from Amazon
FiveJoy Military Folding Shovel Multitool (RS) – Tactical Entrenching Tool
Just as the name, Five Joy Military Folding Shovel is a 5-in-1 tool. You can separate all the tools for independent use to ensure you get a lifetime adventure. With this tool, you are sure that nothing will limit your efforts in any situation if you understand yourself.
In case of emergency, you can use it to break the car windows and free yourself. It has a saw and blade section that will ensure you have enough firewood for the camping bonfire. Additionally, you can use it to dig a fireplace or even waterholes outside the camping tent.
With all these uses, this shovel has a compact and sturdy design that will guarantee you durability and stability. The handle is ergonomic with rubber grip to ensure it does not slip off during use. Additionally, the entire set has high-carbon steel for durability. Also, this tool is rust resistant, therefore giving you the freedom of usage under all weather conditions.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Multipurpose tool
- Ergonomic handle
- Highly portable
Cons
- It has a slightly higher price tag
Buy from Amazon
Features to Look for to Help Choose the Best Folding Shovel
There are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself before you buy your shovel:
How will you be using the shovel? If you are an outdoor- fun-loving kind of person, you will need a shovel to clear bushes, help make your shelter, cut wood, and even for cooking. If you are always traveling, through rough terrain and questionable weather, you want it to be easily accessible so you can dig yourself out if you get stuck.
How you plan to use your shovel will play a huge role in your purchasing process.
If you are looking for something sturdy, look for one made from sturdy materials and one that has a robust design. If you need a versatile tool for a wide range of applications, purchase one that comes with a variety of attachable devices like a saw and breakers.
If you travel a lot, look for something portable, lightweight, and compact. Always consider how you will use the portable shovel. You will end up finding one with the features you need.
The Shovelhead
The spade is the essential part of the entire survival shovel. It gives it the ability to handle a variety of tasks other than digging. If it has serrations, for instance, it can be a saw. A sharp edge makes it excellent for cutting or splitting wood. Choose the spade depending on what you often need from your survival shovel.
Regardless of what you need from your spade, remember that it needs to be strong and durable. It should withstand all kinds of force. You should also use the trowel for the applications designed for it. If you correctly use it, one will last longer and serve you better.
The Handle
What material is your handle? If the handle is aluminum or stainless steel, make sure that it is adequately treated to keep the rust away. Most people tend to prefer wooden handles. However, they are not appropriate for a tactical tool. Wood does not withstand too must force and may split.
For wear resistance, you need steel handles and blades. If you are adding attachable extenders, make sure the handle can hold them. The attachable will get screwed to the handle. If the grip is not firm, it may not carry these attachable properly.
Portability
The length and weight of the tool will determine how easy it is to carry it around. When choosing the size, it is all about your preferences. If you are moving it in your car, the weight of the shovel will not be an issue.
However, if you have to carry it in your bag pack, you need it to fit and be easy to tote. Shorter handles make it easier to transport. A great foldable shovel should rotate at an angle of 180 degrees this allows the shovel to be a pickaxe. The more features and the rougher it is, the heavier it will be.
Extra features
The shovel may come with the following features.
- A knife
- Hand rope
- Firestarter
- Nail extractor
- Saw
- Emergency whistle
- Ruler
- Compass
- Wire cutter
- Shovel cover
- Screwdriver
- Glass breaker
- Bottle opener
- Hexagonal wrench
- Carry bag with shoulder straps
Durability
The best foldable shovel should withstand high temperatures, weathering, and moisture. It should fair well in the outdoor climate. To guarantee longevity, look for a reliable form that has already been heat treated. Check for any parts that may break off easily. If you need heavy-duty strength, avoid thin blades and handles.
Price
A clear budget will make your choices easier. The prices can range between $20 to as high as $200. In most cases, the more features you get, the more expensive the shovel is. If quality is critical for you, do not go with any of the low-priced products.
Tips and Advice:
The survival spade is excellent for the following purposes:
1. Digging and burying
You will have to stoop low to use the shovel. However, you will find that it is portable and versatile. With a sharp blade, you can quickly dig the ground for water, cover up waste, clear debris to make a fire and even bury items underground. Its ability to fold makes it both a traditional shove, a rake and a hoe all at once.
2. Saw, ax, knife
It can break down trees and clear paths. It can also build a shelter for you while you are out in the wild.
3. As a survival tool
When all your camping equipment does not work as it should, you can always trust your shovel to cover up for everything else. It doubles up as self-defense too. Soldiers use it to attack their enemies in situations where there are no bullets and are close to the enemies. It is capable of delivering incredible damage to your attacker. Do not let its compact design fool you.
4. Construction, mining, and crafting
Because of its diversity, people who work in construction and household fixing jobs can also use them.
5. Car Emergency
Its ability to collapse into a compact tool makes it great for the emergency kit. Whether you are driving in snow, mud or sand, having an emergency kit in the car ensures that you will have something to dig if you find yourself stranded. A sturdy shovel can also break through the ice so make sure you buy a strong one.
6. For cooking
Some of these folding tools have stainless steel construction that is great for cooking food by placing them directly over the fire as the cooking apparatus. If you stranded in water, then you can use it as a shovel.
Care and Maintenance
- Remove all the debris from the shovel. You can use a garden hose for this.
- If there is stubborn caked-on mud, you can use coarse steel wool to remove them
- Allow the shovel to dry before you store it to prevent rusting
- If you have been using it to move chemical fertilizers clean it thoroughly. Chemicals corrode causing wear and damage.
- Store in a cool, dry place
- Keep it close for easy access
- If you decide to store it away, use anti-corrosion treatments once per year
- Every six months, you should inspect any wooden parts of your shovel and sand them. If there are any cracked parts, consider buying a new shovel or replacing those parts. It will depend on the amount of damage you see.
- Tighten any loose joints
- Replace the rusty blade buy using lubricating oil and gently scrub off the rust in firm downward motions.
- If the edge is bent, use a hammer to straighten it out. Place it on a soft surface while hammering it.
- If the spade is aluminum, do not strain it too much when it is crooked. Aluminum tends to buckle under pressure.
- Oil the shaft when storing the shovel for months. Let it absorb the oil for about 30 minutes then wipe out the excess.
- Wait 24 hours before you apply the second coat.
FAQs:
Q: How do I know the appropriate weight for me?
A: There is no appropriate weight for anyone. The trick is to remember that the longer you have to carry the shovel, the more massive it becomes. So if you will be taking it for an extended period, choose lighter models.
Q: How do I test for durability?
A: The easiest way to test for strength is to examine how much force the moving parts can withstand. Of course, the more power it can resist, the better its durability. Also, reading customer reviews will shed light on the quality a manufacturer produces.
Q: Does the blade rotate?
A: You have to know if the blade rotates and how far. Some rotate only 90 degrees, some 180 degrees while others do not move at all. Your applications will vary significantly depending on how far they turn.
Final Thought
A tactical shovel is great for both indoor and outdoor enthusiast because they are versatile, portable and affordable. It ensures that you will always be ready if you find yourself in need of survival equipment.
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