The most common digging tool is the shovel. It combines the ability to dig out soil from the ground and carry it away from the soil to make it easier to dig deeper. However, using a hoe is more convenient since the tool requires less effort from you. These tools, however, can only help excavate in soft terrain. In case you encounter tough grounds, you will need an earth auger, which uses fuel or electricity to dig and is more effective.
Soil tends to pile up around the hole you are digging out or inside it as well, which tends to be a nuisance to excavators, especially when soil collects in the hole during the digging process. This soil needs to be removed from the location using a ground cloth, shovel or plastic bag, depending on the amount of dirt you will be removing. Some of these items can be bought at a hardware store or a local convenience store while others, such as the ground cloth, can easily be made at home from old pieces of clothing.
Working in darkness is very strenuous, especially if you are working in very remote areas where there are no direct power sources and lights. Flashlights and headlamps come in handy in these situations to help light up the digging area. Carry extra batteries in case you will be working for long hours. You do have other alternatives, such as paraffin or oil lamps, although not recommended because of the fire hazard they pose.
Metal detecting requires you to cover large areas, sometimes in limited time. Therefore, people tend to work in groups to help them cover larger areas of land in less time. However, communication between the people in the group is vital for security reasons and also to keep others informed in case of any findings.