trowel test

So I've accumulated a collection of backpacking trowels. I got to thinking comparing them might be fun, or at least a way to pass the time. But I like to conduct objective tests (I'm a chemist by trade and like objectivity).

I would like some ideas of what tests to perform. My first inclination is to get a 5 gallon bucket of sand and push the trowel into the sand using a luggage scale to measure force required. This way it's not just 'it felt easier/harder'.

My other thought is attaching weights to the end of each trowel to see when it bends to test prying strength. But I'm not keen on breaking them. Maybe just estimate prying strength needed and test that amount of weight.

Other ideas?
Thank you.

Most intriguing collection I've heard of in awhile.

Two capabilities I need:

Prying out rocks/fitting between them. So resistance to bending and snapping while being thin enough to fit in tight joints.

Cutting though root mats.

Not clear on how to standardize tests for those, other than potentially destructive failure-point bending for the prying part.

Let us know your progress!

Cheers,

What about comfortable use? Shape/padding on handle? Does it hurt the hand when enough force applied to push it into normally-hard earth?

Agreed, Glenn. Probably the worst time to find oneself with bloody fingers.

Cheers,

The bucket of sand is partly because I have a bucket of sand and partly to have a consistent test to repeat with each trowel.

I agree comfort is a good measure but not sure how to measure it. Maybe reverse the trowel and see if it still penetrates soil.

Speed and depth ?

I agree with Petro: time digging a standard size hole. It seems subjective, but with a little repetition I think you could easily differentiate the capabilities of different models. Small, thin, uncomfortable models that would show little resistance to penetrating the soil would be penalized because they are a PITA to use and can't remove very much material.

Dig in different materiel: sand, gravel,... and try to find some soil with consistent roots. Roots are the hardest to test for but the most common issue while in service. Inconsistency in root structure could throw off results.

Best of luck. I eagerly anticipate your results (not quite as eagerly as I have anticipated the results of digging a hole in the back country a few time though)

Inconsistency in root structure could throw off results.

Since we're designing a bulletproof test for this all-important question, the obvious answer would be to recruit about a dozen volunteers who would each dig a hundred holes to a uniform depth using each trowel, carefully recording the time required and grading such variables as ease of use on a 1 - 10 scale, corresponding to the best available indictors. These could be charted on a scatter graph, noting how they clustered.

Anyway, I'm sure the more experienced post-grad MS and PhD degrees among us could power their way past these small difficulties in study design and statistical interpretation. Then we'll have real information, not just a bunch of random data.

Did I mention I'm out of town that day?

Since I frequently don't have a lot of lead time (and am not that good at lawn darts), I don't worry about speed that much. Instead, I make digging the hole the last step instead of the first - after I have dug a perfect hole, I use a long stout stick to push everything into the hole, then cover it up. Never fails, and removes a lot of pressure. Literally.

I know - TMI (again.)

I just ordered another trowel. I think this will be the last. From this site and a couple others I think I have a few ideas, and the realization that no test will be perfect. Of course I’m still open to new ideas.

Are any of them motorized?

Yes, you would certainly want to take your time then. Maybe an hour or two or an entire afternoon.

I suspect there's a little cabin fever at work here

Well, me too. I bought a Deuce of Spades a while back, and discovered it's excellent for digging...into my hand. I finally put a bead of epoxy putty (JB Weld SteelStik) around the handle to blunt it. It added 0.3oz., but made it useable. So comfort is high on my list.

It occurs to me that when through, you'll have the necessary data to design and market the perfect potty trowel. In fact, Perfect Potty might be a good name for your new company. However, I would suggest a name that pays homage to the history of backpacking...Poopwise.

Actually, I'm still working out of the house at least half of the time. I'm just naturally compulsive

Who can forget the Ipood ?

https://www.trailspace.com/gear/sea-to-summit/ipood-pocket-trowel/

Apple got huffy and sent sea to summit a threatening letter, so they had to change the name.

I'm enjoying this thread--the more laughs we can get in this time of crisis, the better!

Here's a suggestion of trowels that should be included in the test:
5 best leave no trace trowels This article appears to be about a year old.

My favorite is the QWiz Big Dig. Probably because it came out before the others mentioned in the article.

Rocks and roots are the most important obstacles towards getting a cathole dug, especially when one is in a hurry. Glenn has a good idea for the latter situation!

The last of the test trowels arrived today. Hopefully I can get started this weekend. I plan to be done this month (I'm in no rush).

I’ve got 10 pages of specs plus completed two sets of tests. Hopefully next weekend I can do one or two more sets of tests and write a few reviews and thoughts.

The best part of any research project is to read about the fails. That's where to good stuff is.

We definitely want the second set of data - otherwise, how would we know we're getting the straight poop?

Come on, you knew someone was going to say it!

With all that data, I imagine he'll be able to determine the best one. You know, by process of elimination.

Sorry, it's cabin fever. I know I shouldn't go there. Oops, sorry again

Oh lawdy!

Digging issues aside, wonder whether this will be the hiking season I finally consider packing out the paper. I won't complete the thought.

Ironically, many years ago (no longer) I was a certified colon therapist. So I know my poop.

We've been doing that for years. Just so tired of funding TP at every campsite. Get over it...grin

The basic write-up is done. I'm going to let it percolate a few days so I can attempt to proof my own work. It's not intended for publication in a journal but I would like the grammar and spelling to exceed that found in an internet post.

Don’t forget: you cannot have a #1 pick on the list. The best trowel must be rated no higher than (wait for it) #2.

Bring back hanging !

I can't figure out how to post the tables here. A PDF version with the tables and a little more information and photos is available. I can send it to the forum moderator who can post it on this site and link it, or you can PM me your email and I will send it.

Short version: All of the trowels tested work for their intended purpose. I hope I provide enough information to aid one in determining what balance of weight, performance and cost is right for oneself.

Personally i think your fudging the issue

hmmm