Have there been times when digging a trench in your lawn or garden becomes mandatory and you weren’t sure about the best way to go?

If you’ve ever needed to change the old pipes in your lawn, or install an irrigation system in your garden, then you know that trench digging is an excruciating task demanding precision and ultimate use of force.

Finding the best tool to dig a trench has not always been easy for most gardeners. There’re lots of products with different features out there in the market.

To make life easier, we took our time to review the top 10 Best Tools for digging a trench. We went further to highlight some of the most important factors to consider before making any purchase.

We also have a section for FAQs and answers. But let’s start with our top 10 picks.

IN A HURRY? Here’s Our Top Picks…

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top Rated Tools To Dig A Trench

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1# Seymour Trenching Shovel

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If all you want is a tool that will allow you to remove as much soil as possible in the shortest time, then Seymour Trenching Shovel is what you are looking for.

Seymour 48-fiberglass handle shovel is one of the best trenching tools you can find in the market. Its high-quality blade allows the user to break even the toughest ground with less hassle.

The 48-inch long fiberglass handle with a comfortable grip makes it a lot easier to use.

It’s well-designed long-shaft, and the inclination of its blade is the main secret behind its efficiency. You don’t have to bend down while digging out a hole in the ground.

The blade is shaped in such a way to allow for better penetration in both loose and compact soils. In addition, it also features a shaft made out of a fiberglass, which makes it lighter and more convenient to use compared to other similar models.

The soft material used as a cushioning on the handle reduces impacts and prevents blisters in your hands.  In conclusion, this trenching shovel is ideal for digging trenches and deep holes as well.

Things We Like:

• Durable
• Easy to use
• Nice handle Cushioning
• You don’t need to bend down to use it
• Lightweight

Things That Could Improve:

• Some users find the handle uncomfortable to use

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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2# Nupla Round Point Shovel

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Nupla has kept the design of all its tools simple but effective. The Nupla Round point shovel features a 12-inch D-handle with a blade made out of high-quality steel.

The height of its handle and the curvature on the steel blade were ergonomically designed in such a way to prevent your arms and spine from becoming victims of back strain while working.

While working on snow, ice, or damp soil, the scoops lift up, keeping the holes you dug tidy and even.

One amazing feature with the Nupla Round Point Shovel its resistance to electric wires. Both the handle and the blade are resistant to a wide variety of chemical substances.

Therefore, the shovel won’t rust or get damaged when it comes in contact with any type of chemical compound.

Fiberglass was used to make the handle in order to extend the shovel’s lifetime. This means you don’t need to be concerned about leaving your shovel outside and waking up to find that it has been damaged by termites.

Other jobs that the Nupla Round Point Shovel is suited to, apart from digging a trench include: street construction work and other farming activities.

Things We Like:

• Ideal for garden work
• Lightweight and easy to use
• Very cheap
• Fiberglass handle

Things That Could Improve:

• The blade may bend if used for heavy-duty jobs

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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3# Bully Tools Trench Shovel

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you want to transform your garden to assume that beautiful looks, the Bully Tools Trench Shovel is all you need. If you are tired of your trenches looking awful and disorganized, the solution is right here.

This shovel was designed to help make straight cuts on the ground.  Its 14-gauge steel blade ensures that the shovel offers high strength and maximum durability.

The blade is made rugged enough to allow making perfect cuts in compact soil where the blade tip of a common shovel cannot penetrate. Not even the toughest rock on the ground can stop you from achieving those perfect cuts.

In addition, the shaft is made of the best fiberglass and reinforced hardwood for maximum durability. You can apply a great deal of energy to it without worrying about bending the blade or breaking the shaft.

What’s more? Bully Tools Trench Shovel has a lifetime warranty. As such, expect little to zero problems from this excellent trench digging shovel. You can never go wrong with the leverage of this trenching shovel.

Things We Like:

• Durable construction
• Ideal for making straight and deep cuts
• Light in weight
• Fiberglass handle

Things That Could Improve:

• Not ideal for use in rocky areas

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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4# Bully Trunk Shovel

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The next tool to secure a place on our list is another Bully shovel. The Bully Trunk shovel is a compact design multipurpose Shovel. Its compact design makes it ideal for working in small areas and for storing in a car for emergency needs.

This shovel features all-steel construction with a 14-gauge steel blade. Its D-handle grip has been redesigned to provide superior comfort and maximum durability. Made with a special polypropylene co-polymer, you won’t find a better D-grip.

The Bully Trunk Shovel is ideal for digging wide and shallow trenches. The 14-gauge steel blade is very sturdy and can penetrate the hardest ground and Rocky soils easily.

If you combine its sturdy design and flexibility, digging a trench will take less time than you can imagine, and you will have perfect trenches all the time.

Things We Like:

• 14-gauge steel blade
• Durable
• Penetrates the hardest soil easily
• Versatile

Things That Could Improve:

• The tip may bend when it comes in contact with large rocks

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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5# Corona SS Trench General Purpose Shovel

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

With Corona SS Trench General Purpose Shovel, you now have all you need to start digging trenches in your lawn.

Corona SS is a sturdy and bold trenching shovel that can be used for different applications. It’s a perfect tool to maneuver through loose soil, sticky or damp soils.

Unlike most conventional trenching shovels, Corona SS multipurpose shovel has an excellent blade tip that guarantees better soil penetration regardless of the toughness of the ground.

We recommend the Corona SS Trench multipurpose shovel for ardent gardeners looking for a compact, sturdy shovel for trenching.

This shovel features a 4-ft wide handle that offers sufficient leverage for effective reach out to the ground while working.

The handle is designed in such a way to help the user experience less fatigue and prevent the possibilities of suffering from back pains.

All thanks to its V-angled blade that makes it easier to penetrate through a wide range of soil textures.

For this reason, most customers recommended Corona SS General Purpose Shovel as one of the best tools to use for digging a trench.

Things We Like:

• Sturdy construction
• Strikes a perfect balance to lift and dig-out trenches
• Perfect for a wide range of applications
• Suitable for heavy-duty applications
• Easy to grip handle

Things That Could Improve:

• Some users find it challenging placing their foot on the blade
• The handle is not great for some first-time users

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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6# Fiskars Transplanting Spade

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The next item to feature on our list is the Fiskars Transplanting Spade, which is designed to withstand large impacts.

The Fiskars transplanting spade is made with high-quality steel from the bottom to the top; this tool features a rugged, durable steel handle and blade.

The blade and the handle are connected with a steel bar welded at the opposite sides.

With an 18-gauge steel shaft and a 14-gauge steel blade, this spade promises to tackle the toughest jobs with less hassle. The steel head is long, narrow and strong, making it ideal for digging deep holes and trenches.

While this tool can be used for many different applications, the size and shape of this spade make it much easier to use.

Its extra-large D-handle allows the user to work with both hands to apply more force. With the Fiskars transplanting spade, expect nothing but precise and perfect cuts all through.

Things We Like:

• Offers maximum durability
• Ergonomic handle
• Accompanied by a lifetime warranty
• Comfortable and easy to use
• Extra-large D-handle

Things That Could Improve:

• Some customers complain about the spade been too heavy

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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7# Truper California Trenching Shovel

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Another recommended tool for digging a trench is the Truper California Trenching Shovel. This trenching shovel emerges as the most advanced shovel in the whole industry.

Featuring V-shaped blade and a lightweight finberglass shaft, the Truper California Trenching Shovel is one beet options u can get in the market.

The V-shaped blade allows for better penetration into loose soil, compact and rocky soils.

The shovel’s 14-gauge head can withstand high impacts without getting bend or damaged. The neck that connects to the shaft is made of high-quality steel for maximum durability.

The excellent D-handle is made out of a Fiberglass material to allow for better control while working.

The Truper Trenching Shovel comes with the finest resistance and flexibility anyone could ever look for.

The shovel has a protective sleeve over its handle to ensure long-lasting impression and user’s comfort.

Things We Like:

• Durable
• Feature a protective sleeve over the handle
• 14-gauge steel head
• Lightweight and easy to use

Things That Could Improve:

• The fiberglass shaft may bend when subjected to heavy-duty applications.

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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8# Ames American Drain Spade

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Are you tired of switching from one trenching shovel to another? Then worry no more. The Ames American Drain Spade is a unique piece of craft effective for digging any type of trench.

The entire spade is constructed with good quality steel to provide the user with stable and dependable durability. The Ames American Drain Spade is supported with a 47″ tempered steel handle.

Its V-shaped blade is designed to allow for easy digging of soil on narrow trenches, especially when installing phone cables

In addition, this trenching spade comes with a lifetime warranty. If you experience any malfunction, you can go for free repairs or complete replacement.

Things We Like:

• Great for transplanting
• Long-lasting design
• Effective and top performance
• Has easy-grip handle
• V-shaped blade

Things That Could Improve:

• The shovel could get broken or bend when a great deal of force is applied

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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9# Fiskars Square Garden Spade

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Looking for a long-lasting, high-quality shovel to help you cut the cost of long-run repairs and replacement? Then look no further.

You will find the Fiskars Square Garden Shovel not only effective but also suitable for a wide array of applications.

This incredible tool for digging a trench comes with a cool gripping to prevent the user from developing hand sore and cuts. This is a great feature that will help you accomplish your target plans in no time.

If you value quality over elegance, you will be pleased by the welded steel construction – and this is what makes Fiskars square garden shovel a way durable than the common fiberglass and wood constructed shovels.

The most interesting feature with this shovel is the sharpened blade which can cut into compact or dense soil easily.

This feature will also help minimize the stress you may undergo cutting through stubborn roots as you shape the soil into your desire quality.

We recommend this model for all your tough job applications.

Things We Like:

• Carries a lifetime warranty
• Durable design
• Flawless performances
• 14-gauge, well-sharpened steel blade for quick penetration
• 18-gauge steel shaft

Things That Could Improve:

• The tip of the blade may bend if it comes in contact with a hard rock

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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10# Radius Garden Stainless Steel Edger

Last update on 2023-09-04 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Although this may not look like more of a traditional shovel for digging a trench, Radius garden Slayer round tip shovel is tough to boot.

Equipped with a sharp, half moon-shaped steel blade, this shovel is capable of slicing through the toughest of ground.

The O-handle grip has 4-times the gripping surface of a D-handle grip, conforming naturally to the shape of your hands for better trench digging performance.

Importantly, this feature gives you extra leverage, strength and stamina.

With this multipurpose trenching shovel, you can easily make trenches, dig holes, bulbs – as well as use it for other construction projects.

All thanks to its round tip blade made out of an industrial-grade steel material that provides the user with the much-needed strength and resilience against stubborn ground.

The Radius Garden Stainless Steel Edger forms one vibrant tool to see you through giving your lawn or garden that awesome look.

Things We Like:

• Super strong stainless-steel blade
• O-handle which has four-times gripping surface compared to the conventional D-handles
• Provides more comfort and ease of use
• Arm relief design
• Has a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Things That Could Improve:

• The length is short

> Check Price and Reviews on Amazon <

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Best Tools To Dig A Trench Buying Guide

Digging a trench is much more than just removing soil with a shovel. It is much of a task that requires strength, skill and a combination of the right equipment.

Because no matter how skilled you are, the extra help of the best trenching tool for digging soil will make the work much easier for you.

Here are some of the factors you should consider before choosing the best tool to dig a trench.

• The type of soil

The type of soil varies from one region to another. In some regions, you may find a red clay soil which is soft in dry periods but extremely muddy when it rains.

While in other regions, you may find bedding of stones in the ground.

We advise you to find out what type of soil you are likely to be working on and then choose a trenching blade accordingly.

For hard or rocky soils, go for tools that are pre-sharpened, unfazed by rocks, featuring a foot pedal behind the steel plates.

• Level of use

If you’re going to be using your trenching shovel for commercial purposes, you’ll need a product that is not only durable but also safe to use – and that is free

from rusting.

If possible, look for a tool that can be used for more than one purpose.

• Blade

Not all tools can help you dig perfect trenches. The secret for digging perfect trenches is in the shape of the blade; it must be sharp at all times to effortlessly cut through the toughest layers of soil.

The best blade types are the V-shaped blades and the inverted ‘V’ blades. Both have point tips, which allow applying all the force at the same point to weaken the toughest soil.

An inverted ‘V’ blade has a two-point tip while a V-shaped blade has a one-point tip instead.

• Shaft

Different trench shovel brands have different materials and shaft length. The common materials used are Hardwood, Fiberglass and Steel.

Among these three, Steel shafts are the best for digging trenches. They allow applying a great deal of force when working without risking the shovel to becoming deformed.

A 16-gauge steel shaft is more than enough to guarantee the required strength. Fiberglass shafts are lightweight but could bend when too much force is applied. Hardwood shafts are also great but could easily break or spoilt by termite.

• Handle

Almost all trench shovels have straight handles. In such a case, the shaft slides through the hand, and there is no impact on the palm. However, it’s advised you put on a pair of hand gloves to prevent blisters.

Some models feature D-handles for greater control and comfort. Generally, a D-handle type of shovel allows the hands to fully rest on a flat surface.

The best trenching shovel model has a handle coated with a soft material to allow for better grip and comfort.

• Safety

You should be extremely cautious about buying a trenching shovel that is too long, especially if the place of your work is filled with too many important items underground.

You wouldn’t want to go about damaging important items beneath the ground. Most times, shovels with average length are more than enough for most people.

• Price

There are plentiful of trenching shovel models available in the market, and each model has its own price range.

Most trench shovel models are cheaper than others. The price difference between these models is very important – and the fact that one model is more expensive than the other doesn’t mean that it’s better.

Some popular models are very expensive simply because they are from a well-known brand. But basically, they have the same technical features as the cheaper models.

FAQs

We know some people may still have some doubts that won’t let them make a decision. In that regard, we hope this FAQ and answers section can helps out.

Q: Are all shovel useful to dig a trench?

A: While most shovels can be used for different applications, there are certain shovels with unique blades which are meant for digging trenches. These types of shovels are referred to as trenching shovels

Q: What are the best shovels for digging a trench?

A: Most shovels can be used to dig a trench, but the best trenching shovels are those with the following characteristics: a V-shaped or an inverted ‘V’ blade, straight head or rotated 28-90 degrees head, softcover handle, and resistant shaft.

Q: What shaft length is appropriate for a trenching shovel?

A: The length of the shaft of a trenching shovel should not be too long, and should not be too short as well.

Generally, the distance between the tip and the top of your shovel should be roughly equal to, or a bit more than the length between the tip of your feet and the midpoint of your chest.

Q: Which is the strongest material for the shaft of a trench digging shovel?

Wooden and fiberglass shafts are good and light in weight. For trenching shovels, however, shafts made out of industrial-grade steel are by far better. They are strong, durable and can be used for a wide array of applications.

Q: When and how often should I sharpen the blade of my shovel?

A: The blade of your shovel tends to lose its original sharpness as you continue to use it. As such, trenching shovels need periodic maintenance.

Whenever you feel like the blade of your shovel has started losing its sharpness, then you need to sharpen the blade. This way, the blade will keep on nicely piercing the toughest soil.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our review of the best tools for digging a trench. And now you can select from any of the products listed above.

Note, the secret of an excellent trenching shovel is in its handle and the type of its blade. Also, make sure the steel gauge of the head of your trenching shovel is between 12 to 14 for maximum strength and durability.

The shaft must also be sturdy enough so that it won’t bend easily even when great force is applied. Finally, you may need to consider a trenching shovel brand that offers a lifetime warranty.