Big Dig mod

Thank you Stephen!

I'm gonna give that a try … maybe extend a smaller bead doen each side of the handle too.

Where can I find Sugru?

Where can I find Sugru?

Just order some!

I did not find brick&mortar retail outlets (doesn't mean there aren't any)

Can be ordered from (also through) Amazon.com but after figuring shipping the best cost for the quantity 3×5 gram package was from ordering thru sugru.com … might have best price for the 5x8gram package also but I did not check that.

@ Jim: "I'm gonna give that a try … maybe extend a smaller bead down each side of the handle too."

That's actually what I did first, but after using it a bit, I decided it didn't really add any functionality, so I cut the sides off….which is when I discovered that it's very easy to cut the silicone off!

Steven-

I like the idea of the silicone on the end! Always wanted to play around with that stuff.

Here was how I modified my Big Dig. A good length of ZPacks 1.25mm Z-Line Spectra Cord. Serves as a handle and a holder of spare Spectra line if needed for anything. Comes in at 20g.

Love that the Big Dig cuts through roots easier than anything else I've ever used!

KJ

Nice! A little easier on the hands at the sides of the handle, plus some emergency cordage!

Great idea!

wrapping handle momentarily with bandana is too complicated?

One could wrap auto door edge trim or similar around the handle edge and then wrap it with para cord as shown or even use TripTease guy line cord to hold it on.

Put more Plasti-dip on it.

http://www.plastidip.com/

MB

I don't carry a bandana. Just a few small Lightoad towels, and they would definitely wind up with cuts in them.

Plus, I don't want anything I'm wiping down my shelter interior or cook pot with to be around me or in my hands when taking care of and covering up "business".

KJ

I prefer not to add anything to the item when I may already have gear that can be dual purposed, since they're already being transported. Super light, strong thin cord that can be used to replace a guy line, medical, equipment repair, etc., now also becomes a really grippy trowel handle.

Great ideas all around! …I'm just keepin' it frugal.

KJ

@ ALL

Lots of great ideas here. I had heard of, and seen pictures of, cord wraps and tape wraps, but never Sugru before Stephen put me on to it. I'm going to get some and play with it, but it may add more weight than I (or you) want. An option not mentioned is to put a little piece of duct tape, Leukotape, or your personal favorite on the handle end.

However, I'm always interested in improving my designs. Ken's idea of more plasti-dip was worth trying, but just for the very end of the handle (so as not to add weight), and I like the results. See the photos. As of today, all trowels I ship will have this "handle-end enhancement" treatment. Added weight is negligible. The average Big Dig even with this beefed up handle end still weighs just 16 grams. Can you dig it?

I figured you were using it already. Just use some more. Thanks Robert.

NM, found it