How to Build a Sand Digger

Build a rotating-sleeve sand digger.

A sand digger is used to dig deep holes in sandy and beachfront locations. It is a cylindrical steel tube with a swirl-cut running halfway around and down the tube to its end. When the tube is pounded down into the sand and then twisted clockwise, the sand is driven into the tube. The digger is then lifted from the hole and pounded on a hard surface to release the sand.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• T-square
• 6-inch schedule 5 steel pipe
• Power hacksaw
• Heavy steel file
• 2-inch male-threaded steel pipes
• 2-inch female-threaded pipe t-connector
• 6-inch female-threaded steel plate mount
• 140-amp stick welder
• Acetylene torch
• Pry bar
• Heavy hammer

Instructions

1. Use a tape measure, T-square and permanent marker to measure and mark an 18-inch length of 6-inch steel pipe.

2. Use a power hacksaw to cut the pipe off square, at a right angle to its long axis. Use a steel file to clean up and smooth the edges.

3. Measure and cut a 6-foot length of 2-inch male-threaded steel pipe. Cut two more pieces of 2-inch male-threaded steel pipe, 12 inches long. Use a steel file to clean up and smooth the cut edges. Screw the two 12-inch pieces of 2-inch pipe into the facing ends of a 2-inch female-threaded pipe T-connector. Screw the 2-piece assembly onto the threaded end of the 6-foot steel pipe.

4. Insert the straight end of the 6-foot pipe into the 6-inch circular steel mounting plate. Weld the pipe securely to the mounting plate.

5. Insert the 6-inch steel mounting plate into one end of the 6-inch steel pipe for a distance of 1 inch. Weld the mounting plate to the inside of the 6-inch steel pipe.

6. Use an acetylene torch and heat the open end of the 6-inch pipe 4 inches from its end. Use a heavy hammer to pound in the bottom edge of the pipe as the torch moves around the pipe. The end result of this process is a tapered 5-inch end to the 6-inch pipe. Note: this is an imprecise measurement and an undefined ending shape -- the goal is to reduce the size.

7. Use a heavy marker to scribe a curved line, in a counterclockwise direction, around and down the 6-inch steel pipe, toward its bottom end. The line should start 2 inches below the handle end of the 6-inch pipe and end 4 inches from its bottom end. There should be approximately 1 inch of lateral direction for every 2 inches of downward direction in the line. The drawn line should extend halfway around the pipe.

8. Use the torch to cut a 1/2-inch slit around the 6-inch pipe, following the marked line.

9. Use a pry bar and heavy hammer to pound the trailing edge of the cut into the interior of the pipe by 2 inches. Do this by wedging the handle of the assembly under something solid and inserting the pry bar into the cut. Lift to open the cut and pound down on it to curve the trailing edge into the pipe. The result is a potato peeler-like slit, with the leading edge slightly raised and the trailing edge heavily lowered.

Tips & Warnings

• Lift the sand digger and pound it heavily into the sand. Rotate the digger clockwise, rocking it back and forth. Lift the digger from the sand and pound it on a hard surface to remove the sand.

• Use caution when working with power tools.

• Wear goggles and gloves when working with metal.

References

• Making Hand Tools: Harry Bryan
• Senseless: Digging Holes