what kind of shovel and axe do i use?

[ddnww]

I got some mounts fabbed up but have never had a shovel and axe for off-road purposes before. So do i just use regular size or short ones.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Shotgun axe and machine gun shovel.

 

[BusinessHippieRH]

The kind you don't mind losing... to breaking, floating away, getting caught on a limb and tearing off somewhere on the trail, or somebody "borrowing" it.

I've never needed an axe... I carry a machete with my recovery stuff. Anything that would require an ax would require a chain saw in my book, and that's just not worth it. But: I'm usually out on day/ weekend trips. For overland, I could see it coming in handy (but I'd probably just carry a small chain saw instead).

For mall-crawling, get the prettiest, most expensive ones you can find. And some locks for those brackets. I suggest:
https://www.bestmadeco.com/products/american-felling-axe?taxon_id=964&option_values[]=2267
https://jet.com/product/detail/1721...gclid=CMi61obSr8wCFQUmhgodFLUE9g&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[CXS]

Seeing that you have never had either I'm curious if you ever found a need during the past.

I no longer carry either though I used to.

 

[RunnerAK]

I carry an axe inside my rig for chopping camp firewood (Fiskars makes excellent ones for a reasonable price), but have never needed/used one for removing trail obstacles. As stated above, I'd think a chainsaw would be more appropriate for that job.

If you frequent trails where you'll actually need a shovel, get a nice D-handled one that is long enough to use while standing. I've seen people crouched down in the dirt trying to dig their stuck vehicles out with tiny E-tool type shovels and it doesn't look like my idea of fun.

 

[ddnww]

Thanks guys, as stated I've never had either but i have always carried a small folding shovel. An axe would definitely come in handy at the camp and on the trail as would a normal sized shovel.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I've tried a couple folding shovels and I have to admit that for all the bolstering of being tough the blade actually bent quite quickly in even moderate snow and dirt.

If you're gonna get a shovel or axe you may want to consider the idea of a good polymer handle. Nothing against a good lacquered wood handle, but if it's going to spend most of it's time bolted to the roof rack that wood will probably dry out and start to weather over time. Last thing you want is the handle splintering from premature aging.

I would go with a good shovel you can really dig with, a good D- handle at the end might not be a bad idea. Basically if your in a situation where you really need to dig yourself out, you want to make sure you have a solid tool for the job.

Same with the axe, depending on what you're doing with it. If you're just using it for splitting wood at the camp site you may want a maul instead, but for just breaking branches and clearing some stuff a forestry axe might be a good idea.

 

[HiVel-JR]

Probably not what you are looking for, but i keep these in the 4runner most of the time. My favorite is the red-neck throwing star....(last link)

You can break in, break out or break just about anything with these. And probably use them for recovery when out wheeling as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Military-Orig...ie=UTF8&qid=1461821307&sr=8-3&keywords=e+tool

Stanley 55-121 FuBar Forcible Entry Tool, 18" - Pry Bars - Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X27-S..._UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=02XSJQHEM8185AXH4V8E

http://www.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-94...UTF8&qid=1461821653&sr=8-6&keywords=tire+iron

 

[Drunner97]

Mine are predominately for camping purposes. I went Fiskar because of the lifetime warranty and as [MENTION=100496]blackworks[/MENTION] mentioned, I didn't want wood handles. I usually just throw them in the back when I'm out and about off road or camping. Eventually I'll get a rack to mount them to. I'm toying with the idea of drilling into the stock cross bars and putting quick fists up there for day trip runs.

Amazon.com : Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch : Patio, Lawn & Garden

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Steel...&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Mine are predominately for camping purposes. I went Fiskar because of the lifetime warranty and as [MENTION=100496]blackworks[/MENTION] mentioned, I didn't want wood handles. I usually just throw them in the back when I'm out and about off road or camping. Eventually I'll get a rack to mount them to. I'm toying with the idea of drilling into the stock cross bars and putting quick fists up there for day trip runs.

Amazon.com : Fiskars X27 Super Splitting Axe, 36-Inch : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com : Fiskars 46 Inch Steel D-handle Digging Shovel (9669) : Garden Shovel : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Not to put you on the spot, but I'm BlackWorksInc; BlackWorks is a different member apparently.

 

[zidaro]

I carry a hatchet. a gerber if it matters. not often that it gets used, but nice to have for splitting firewood or trimming a branch if its in the way camping.

I Always have a shovel. But i live in snow country and travel in the desert where sand prevails. A sharp spade and a full length handle is most important when using it in the dirt and ice. I have a big poly grain shovel i carry when its winter and i might have to actually dig myself out of a bank.

 

[Drunner97]

Not to put you on the spot, but I'm BlackWorksInc; BlackWorks is a different member apparently.

My bad, didn't even notice. :cheers:

 

[m85476585]

I carry a folding Sven Saw which would be more efficient than an axe for moving a log off a trail. I haven't had to use it for that, but it's good for cutting up (but not necessarily splitting) firewood.

I carry an avalanche shovel for snow in the winter, unless I'm backcountry skiing then it it goes in my backpack. Mine is made of 6061 T6 aluminum, and it's really strong for snow and ice, but not good for dirt. I think it's Voile brand. The T6 part in 6061 T6 is important because I recently learned that untempered 6061 aluminum is inferior.

 

[dchild]

I carry a folding Sven Saw which would be more efficient than an axe for moving a log off a trail.

+1 for the Sven Saw - light and compact

 

[nevada]

Seeing that you have never had either I'm curious if you ever found a need during the past.

I no longer carry either though I used to.

this. its been many years since I used a shovel off road. though, I do keep a small, short handled one in the tool box.

instead of an axe or hatchet I take a small chainsaw. more expensive, but much easier to use.

 

[KidVermicious]

I recommend a pulaski for trail duty, and a small collapsible shovel for light duty work (putting out the campfire, digging a poo hole, etc).

 

[Sisente]

Here is my shovel, and mounts. I don't carry an ax.

 

[Backwoods Rambler]

I mount my axe and shovel for camping and 'wheeling trips. I've used them quite a bit on both. I used to carry a shorter wood handled shovel, but when that broke due to exposure to the elements after years, I upgraded to the full steel shovel and haven't looked back.

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-Long-...qid=1461968249&sr=1-1&keywords=fiskars+shovel

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X27-S...F8&qid=1461968205&sr=1-1&keywords=fiskars+axe

 

[DannyLlama]

Carious to why I don't see too many multipurpose shovels in use as recover such as this one

https://www.amazon.com/FiveJoy-Military-Folding-Shovel-Multitool/dp/B014F0QL3K/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1547448665&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=LAPG+shovel&psc=1

 

[hinmo24t]

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I have a SOG foling military style shovel and a machete. If I'm goibg camping ill put a small wood handle hatchet in there too.