Homemade Trenching Tools

Edger

• If you don't already have a half-round lawn edger, it's a great project for trenching when you have to go through sod. When trenching through sod, consider making the blade longer so you can cut a wider swath with one action. The curved blade helps slice, rather than chop, the turf roots. Or, you can use a chevron shape to achieve a similar slicing effect.

Straight Pick

• Perhaps on of the simplest tools you can make is straight pick bar. A swinging pick helps you penetrate rocky soils and break up the dirt. It does require a very vigorous swing. With a straight harpoon-shaped pick, you stand with your back straight and use some of the weight of the tool to break up rock-filled dirt. Once you loosen it with a pick, you have finished much of the digging.

Square Post Digger

• Standard posthole diggers are round. They work very well for post holes. And their design is effective for vertical excavation because they cleave dirt and pick it straight up with a grabbing motion. The half-round blades don't lend themselves to straight trenching, though. Starting with standard posthole digger, you can cut the bottom three-quarters off with a cutoff wheel or torch. Weld flat C-shaped blades in their place. Consider making them a bit wider, like the edger. You'll have a custom posthole digger effective for trenching.

Bucket Attachment

• Ideally, a little back-hoe arm and bucket will scoop the dirt out of trench for you. If you don't have access to one, borrow from the concept. Your wheelbarrow won't replace heavy equipment, but you can build a bucket that hangs over the end of your wheelbarrow, attached to 2 x 4s. When you tip the wheelbarrow forward, the bucket lowers into the trench. You won't be able to cleave dirt away with this bucket, but you can tip it into the trench, then cleave dirt with your hand tools so that it falls into the bucket. Use the wheelbarrow's leverage to lift it out of the trench.