Looking for a grub hoe/eye hoe/digging hoe/azada.

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Squashfan

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Jun 6, 2012
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I need to dig a shallow trench (less than 2 feet deep) for a new rain water drain pipe. I have sharp shovels and a trenching spade, which I have heard is just for clean out following a machine trencher. Some people say that there is an easier way, using a grub hoe/eye hoe. It is said to be easier to use than a shovel for trenching. I don't know if it is or not but I would like to try one! I am very open to suggestion of other manufacturers to look for but so far I see about three well known manufacturers: Seymour, Chillington and Falci. The Chillington looks really nice but isn't available in the USA. I do see one company that sells the Falci in the USA but I don't know if they are reputable. Not surprisingly, the Seymour is pretty widely available but the quality looks to be just kinda so so. I am not positive where it is made but I think I could get it in head only form pretty cheaply. I am thinking I will try to source the handle locally to avoid buying a screwy handle sight unseen. If you know of an other manufacturer to looks for, please let me know!
 
Squashfan, I recently, in September, put in a French drain in my backyard. Using a trenching machine is certainly easier but for me that would mean renting one, transporting it, feeding it, cleaning it up, and returning it on a timeline.

I've found that the square eye (Adze/English?) grub hoes used for fire/trail work to be handy.

My brother and I made quick work with them. He's a pipe-fitter so he got to supervise for the most part. I don't feel bad about loaning them to my neighbors either.

They can move a lot of earth but don't replace a good shovel (have to scoop and remove what you don't use as back-fill)

There are a lot of models but I often find them here for less than the cost of a replacement handle. Some have markings but I haven't really taken the time to clean them up beyond not dropping dirt on the shed floor.

Here is an example - not the best photo:

 
I have connections both to Seymour and the Falci distribution network and all of the Falci sellers I've seen carrying hoes are reputable ones. I personally own the largest of the Seymour hoes and though the head is forged in China the quality of the steel, heat treatment, and forging is actually pretty nice! The Italian-made hoes, of course, are a big step up, but there's really nothing wrong with the Seymours, either. Either way, a good eye hoe will definitely make your job WAY easier, as I've done it myself. They're an under-appreciated tool class these days and they need to start getting the attention they deserve again.
 
The best way to hand trench is with a pick and shovel. Use a long pointed pick, sometimes called railroad pick or a clay pick. Pick both edges of your trench and then scoop it out. Stand in your ditch once you have a couple of feet of it dug.

If you want a high quality American made grub hoe then you can buy a Warwood from the railroad tool supplier. We buy a lot of these for our local trail crews. Better than the import stuff.

http://www.rrtoolsnsolutions.com/catalog/TrackTools1.asp
 
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I like using a hoe for digging the trench because you can easily use it much like a 90° shovel. For cleanup I use a rice shovel, which has enough of a lift to the neck that it rides the ground easily without requiring you to lower your stance.
 
Had a nice reply typed out and it got lost. The square eyed grub hoe looks like it is design for a shorter, axelike handle. Not quite what I am looking for because I want one of these to replace my garden hoe. Given the short run of the trench and relative shallowness, I think it will be easiest to dig by hand. Cheaper too.

Fortytwo, if you vouch for Seymour it has got to be decent. I had seen an uncomplemtery review of the Seymour on the jungle river. But that person doesn't know there stuff like you do, Fortytwo. Is there a chance you could give me the inside diameter of the eye on your Seymour? If it isn't too much trouble, the narrow and the wide diameters would be very helpful to me.
 
Yeah, the head may be made in China but if it weren't for the thing being stamped with the country of origin I would never have guessed it. It's good, hard steel and of good form. Needs sharpening out of the box, but that's par for the course. After you take care of that then it's good to go.

Mine is specifically the American pattern eye hoe, and the handle is 1.75" diameter above the eye and 1.62" below it.
 
Cool! I will have a look around for the right size handle. I am hoping to find a rake or similar handle that I can repurpose. Those measurements will really help me when I am looking around.
 
You're not gonna' find a rake handle that'll fit. It's not shaped at all like a rake handle is. I'd suggest buying the actual handle they make for it. It's good quality USA ash and has the correct taper on it so all you do is tamp it down snug and install the retaining nail.
 
Well the idea was to find a rake that the opposite end from what you are supposed to use is wide enough to use for the hoe's eye. Don't think to hard about it. I tend to come up with crazy ideas. Life is more fun that way! :eek:
 
That'd be a pretty thick rake handle. You'd have more success trying to find a round-ended shovel handle, but even then most I've seen aren't that thick at the end, and don't have enough meat to work with to form the correct taper.

Little chance of buying a "screwy handle" because the handle is round, so you can orient the grain to your liking during the installation process.
 
Finally got around to ordering this in, 6 months later. Life has this way of happening. How do you gents suggest I orient the grain? I need to smooth that handle some more. It is really rough under the laquer, or what ever the coating is.
 
What make/model did you end up with? Generally having the grain oriented in the direction of applied force is the preferred way, but folks have their own thoughts on the matter.
 
Seymour. It was readily available. I got the 4" grub hoe and am thinking about a 7" or 8" eye hoe. I was able to use it then pop the head off, so I may not order a second handle yet.
 
Not a bad hoe, is it? :D I've beaten the tar out of mine and never once had a complaint with it. Takes and holds quite a decent edge.
 
Put a really good edge on it and dug into my front flower bed forgetting that is 50/50 rocks and dirt. Oh well, five minutes with a file will sort it out! Just knocked the apex off. Still is sharp enough to dig with. Saw a folding hand sickle on line when I was ordering my hoe. I reminded me of you, lol.
 
I would recommend getting a clean out shovel specifically made for cleaning trenches. They are generally available at specialty contractor supply stores. They have a narrow blade and are shaped like a spoon typically on a long handle, with a fair degree of angle on the handle, designed for cleaning out trenches. I used them for cleaning out trench footings prior to pouring concrete. This along with a pick mattock and sharp shooter shovel are what we used on short runs of trench, whether for concrete, plumbing or electrical.
 
I already have a trench and sharp shooter shovel. Thanks for the suggestion. I am sure there is a pick lieing around here I could put a new handle on. Been wanting a cutter mattock or a fire axe, which I have forgotten the name of, for removing roots.

Forgot to add. The grub hoe feels funny in my hands compared to the standard garden hoe. I think the handle is slightly shorter or something. It takes some getting used to, for sure. Maybe I should start a hoe thread?
 
Squashfan said:
I already have a trench and sharp shooter shovel. Thanks for the suggestion. I am sure there is a pick lieing around here I could put a new handle on. Been wanting a cutter mattock or a fire axe, which I have forgotten the name of, for removing roots.

Forgot to add. The grub hoe feels funny in my hands compared to the standard garden hoe. I think the handle is slightly shorter or something. It takes some getting used to, for sure. Maybe I should start a hoe thread?
Click to expand...

I started one a little while back.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1285748-Hoes-Have-Blades-Too
 
Grub hoes and eye hoes are totally different beasts than garden hoes. They're chopping tools, while garden hoes are dragging/scuffling tools.
 
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