Shovels

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sat Feb 12, 2022 2:26 pm

$4.50 for both at a garage sale.

They both pass the 6" field test.

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... .sized.jpg

RonD2 · Post by **RonD2** » Sat Feb 12, 2022 6:20 pm

Hi Brian,
Ok, I'll bite. What's the 6-inch field test?

4x4M38 · Post by **4x4M38** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 7:46 am

Hi Ron,
Over on JeepDraw they have a couple of articles on tools, one being shovels.

Before somebody buffaloes you into ,”Nah, that’s not an Army shovel..” go take the time.

One of the authors describes a field test to determine if a prospective shovel has enough angle in the neck to fit properly on our Jeeps. Basically sit the blade flat on the ground and measure the distance from the end of the socket to the ground.

Newer shovels just don’t have that increased angle, and it’s obvious when you compare a newer shovel with one with the “proper” angle.

Without enough angle the handle will stick out away from the body.

Interestingly enough, there are numerous photos of WWII keeps with the handles sticking out at various angles.

Thing is, during the war, they needed thousands of shovels. So they procured and used what they could get.

Take care,
Brian

RICKG · Post by **RICKG** » Sun Feb 13, 2022 9:17 am

4x4M38 wrote:$4.50 for both at a garage sale.

They both pass the 6" field test.

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... .sized.jpg

http://willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules/gall ... .sized.jpg

both for four-fiddy?? Score!
What the heck is with replacement wood handles these days? Our local farm supply store used to have an entire section devoted to replacements of all types. Now nada zip..

dpcd67 · Post by **dpcd67** » Sat Feb 26, 2022 10:10 am

Go to Jeep Draw and it will tell you all about shovels; the M38 uses the same shovel as a WW2jeep; the angle of the blade has to be more obtuse than some other shovels. And if you set the blade on the ground, the handle will be more than 6 inches up; that is the 6 inch rule. I have modified standard shovels to fit M38s; cut a notch in the handle and weld it back at the correct angle.
Also, note that all shovels were procured from the civilian market and were delivered with bare steel blades and varnished ash handles. Any OD or black shovels you see were done at Org level. Which is why I leave mine natural; stands out better.
Of course, the other M series jeep, the M38A1 is another thing entirely which I know nothing about. I think it is a short one or something.

Shovels

Shovels

Re: Shovels