Introduction: Crovel Tactical Shovel Alternative
I like the concept of a beefy tactical shovel/crow bar/entry tool to add to my prepper inventory for my truck or the up coming Zombie wars. I really like the Crovel tactical shovel design but it's out of my price range and so here's a low cost alternative.
I'm using a 1966 military pack shovel as the core but improving the handle and adding some more functionality to the other end. The pack shovel has a decent small shovel and a pick that collapse or can be fixed into position. I decided to add a hammer/entry tool and a crow bar function to the other end.
Step 1: Remove Old Handle - Make a New One
I removed the old handle and fabricated a new one from 3/4" steel heating pipe 24" long. The shovel end has a piece of 1/2" steel pipe and a solid piece of tapered metal forced together as shown. You could use what ever you want as long as the new handle extends up into the shovel to the hinge point for max support. Drill 2 holes for 1/4-20 bolts and nuts.
Step 2: The Handle End - Triple Double Duty
The handle end has a 3/4" "T", 1" threaded section, 3/4" cap to act as a hammer/smasher and a 4" piece of 3/4" pipe flattened and sharpened on one end to act as a pry/crow bar.
Step 3: Time for Some Teeth
I cut some aggressive teeth in one of the shovel edges and sharpened the others for cutting and chopping.
Step 4: Assemble the Pieces and Paint
Assemble the pieces, paint and wrap the shaft with 45' of 550 paracord. It wrighs about 6.5lbs. It's heavy enough to do some real work or damage which ever you prefer.
Good luck. Let me know what you think.