Following on from Chipps’ issue 80 editorial on diy trail maintenance, I was pondering what to tool myself up with to assist impromptu repair.
Most of what I would be tackling would be dealing with drainage issues, requiring channels to be cleared or dug. Certainly not looking to be building berms or jumps, just helping existing routes survive the weather and usage.
So, anybody got experience of tools that can be carried in a backpack for days when the urge to improve the trails hits? I’m looking either at folding shovels (quite dubious about durability) or a small mattock (bulkier to carry, but tough and probably more effective). Oh, and I don’t want to spend a fortune!
Ideas, links, suggestions welcomed.
Cheers

One of these would be ideal. Can dig a surprising amount as well as cut roots, brambles etc:

http://www.willowbog-bonsai.co.uk/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=179

comes in a leather sheath.

Cheers

Danny B

Bonsai tool looks like an interesting option, though it somewhat busts my anticipated budget of £20ish. Do you have one? If so, how robust is it? Quite a few of the areas I can think of that need attention are a mix of rocky moorland and tussocky grasses (no bramble to worry about). I’d worry that hacking through the rocky bits might destroy edge.

Have a draper folding shovel in my van. Cheap enough if it doesn’t last too well but it’s all steel so shouldn’t be too flimsy.
Whole thing goes in the bag, 25cm long.
Folding Shovel.

I have one of these in my pack, very quick for suprisingly big branches, replaceable blades also

Bahco Saw

i have an ex-army folding shovel similar to the link above got it from an army surplus store years ago. also useful for camping/digging wild toilets etc. only take that riding if i’m purposely fixing something, also a cheap wilko folding saw is good for fallen branches/trees across paths

Not to carry on bike but a great trail maintenance tool is the mattock.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/roughneck-mattock-fibreglass-5lb-33/85777?kpid=85777&cm_mmc=Google-_-Product%20Listing%20Ads-_-Sales%20Tracking-_-sales%20tracking%20url&gclid=CLPS0o7qibYCFUTItAodNE0AFg

Mini digging hoe £13 plus postage.
Cut the handle down and it fits nicely in a Camelbak.
http://www.chillingtontoolsonline.co.uk/set-of-3-small-digging-hoes-p66

Cant beat a Mattock tbh. Most other stuff is too much hard work / and or snaps.

Not packable obviously – couple of us just bought a few and stashed them in the woods on foot. Move around by bike when the mood / need arises.

Cant beat a Mattock tbh. Most other stuff is too much hard work / and or snaps.

This Mattock work very well But if ou want some thing for you pack you can get mini mattock type things:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Am-Tech-500g-Mini-Mattock-with-Fibreglass-Handle-Shaft-length-350mm-Brand-New-/200903575794?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2ec6c948f2

Yeah that looks fairly robust.

Problem with all** those mini tools is that your work rate with them is agonisingly slow…

**Except a quality folding saw

Big jobs use proper tools. Mattocks, shovel, rake & saw.

But if out on a ride with small repairs in mind.

This sounds like everything you need for a mini tool kit to Drain puddle, cut overhanging branch, fill in small holes etc…

Mini Mattocks
folding shovel
folding saw

They have a standard carbon steel hori hori http://willowbog-bonsai.co.uk/store/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=180

You can do a surprising amount of work with them. They are not a bonsai tool per se – the japanese use them when collecting raw material (or yamadori as they call it) so basically digging up very established trees and shrubs.

Yes, they are robust…

Cheers

Danny B

I’ve got one of those tiny Am-Tech mini-mattocks, it’s a surprisingly handy wee thing- but you need to put in a lot of energy if you want to get much done, the tool doesn’t do any work for you like a proper mattock does. Might take the pick end off it for easier carriage.

Folding shovels… I think they’re mostly the same, “army surplus” or “nato issue” is pretty meaningless.

Anyway, this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Folding-army-spade-shovel-/321091631805?pt=UK_Collectables_Militaria_LE&hash=item4ac28d7abd

is alright. Bit too short, and the blade’s too pointy and flat, reshaped mine a wee bit. Durable enough for most work, don’t try and use it for serious hacking though. I’d get another, but I’d go for a soft bag one, this plastic box thing is too bulky.

How big’s your backpack?

8)

clicky

Its suprising how much you can dig out with a good strong stick. Find a good one in an arrow shape and you can scrape off top layer mulch really well.

[video]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b60OZhrTB6o[/video]

Forgot about that chinese one, nice.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chinese-Army-Paratrooper-Military-Shovel-Q4-with-sheath-/261172264843?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3ccf147f8b

Chinese Army Paratrooper Military Shovel

Yeah – trouble with them is they don’t last long

after you’ve had one you want another in half an hour!

😉