I was a combat engineer in the army reserves for 6 years. An e tool has always been part of my kit and I keep one in each of my vehicles for emergencies.
Oooh Rah! I've got two. One lives in my truck. Not every DI instructed their recruits that the E-Tool can be used as a seat after digging a cat hole. Can't say enough about having a folding E-tool in ones kit.
Lot of reasons I went with the Cold Steel shovel instead in the mountains of va. Almost as good as a machete for brush, the ability to put a long handle on it for rocky soil or snow, and light weight. A cross piece for the standard handle to turn it into a “T” handle would be easy enough to do. The trifold fell short for my needs. I liked your vid. Good info and presentation.
Thank you, Kurt! I appreciate your feedback and you taking the time to share your experience with us. That is how we all learn together! Have a great weekend. -Hg
I’ve been using the Ozark Trails version for a few years now, but Ive been wanting a Ames like I was issued in the Army for a while now. About a week ago I picked up the Fox Outdoors version at my local Army Navy Surplus Store for $35, and then on my way home I stopped by the thrift store and to my surprise they had an Ames 87 with the ALICE pouch in very good condition for $10. My conclusion is the Ozark Trails is a good alternative but has one flaw for me; the head in pick axe configuration is slightly angled back towards the handle which is great as a pick axe, but if the user is familiar with the Sgt seat use it is completely incompatible with that. The Fox Outdoors version is 99.9% identical to the Ames, but funny enough it is more level than the Ames when using as a seat. As for it’s durability only time will tell as I haven’t been able to put it through its paces yet. I will say the OT has one thing that the other two don’t that imho is an improvement; it has a washer between the nut and head that makes it a lot easier to loosen the tool after use. I’ll be keeping the OT and Fox version in my vehicles, and the Ames with my camping/survival gear.
I have the Fiskars/Gerber NATO Folding Spade which came with a really nice black Cordura pouch. Chosen after seeing s review from a former soldier whom was issued the model during his military service and whose long term opinion was that it was an excellent piece of kit. Whilst expensive in the UK, I wanted something which was high quality and compact, and I needed to be confident that it wouldn't break during use. The design, materials and construction are excellent in every respect, and this tool will certainly outlive me! Edited to add that I overcame the lack of saw teeth on the edges by buying a Silky F180 lightweight saw. Whilst I now have hatchets an axes, I prefer to saw rather than to chop, and upgraded my sawing capabilities with the inclusion of a Silky Gomboy Curve Outback and the Silky BigBoy 2000 Outback after seeing just how fast and efficient the larger Silky saws were on a Survival Russia video. With my Gerber spade, a Gransfors Bruks hatchet/axe, a Silky saw, a Mora Companion Heavy Duty Stainless fixed blade knife and a Victorinox Huntsman SAK, there isn't much that can't be achieved outdoors, and as a cyclist/packrafter, I don't have to carry it all on my back so the extra weight isn't a problem.
Yes sir! I have a 1969 Ames. When used wisely , it will work well. But if you beat on it the handle will split at the rivets holding the handle on. When you respect its limitations it's a great tool.
I am quite familiar with this tool! This can save your life someday! There are many uses for the entrenching tool, but make sure you get one that can take a beating!
If it wasn’t for joining the military I would’ve never knew what an E-tool is and as someone who’s looking to live more off grid now it’s a great thing to have. Even if you’re just someone who wants to camp and not be as extreme as me it’s great.
It’s a tool that doesn’t look important but my personal opinion, it’s a crucial part of your equipment. Perfect for obviously digging but also a great defensive weapon
I still have mine from the time in the 80's when I was in the Dutch army. But it was fully made of steel, not with an aluminium handle. But they are great.
That's super cool dude! I got mine when I was about your age. Keep playing outside and make trouble, but in a good way kiddo. Also don't leave it outside like I did and let it get rusted.
If I could have only one survival tool it would be the cold steel SF shovel available in titanium from amazon. Mine weighs just 16oz.with some mods.I like the Ames shovel, but to heavy and too slow to get into the fight!
@@CoachHelder Oh yes. It exceeds expectations however I have yet to throw and stick it in logs. It stays in my car and I have another in a work vehicle for snow and ice..
Im wondering how long this will last when im digging and trying to pry rocks from the mattock position. How big are the rocks? Possibly too big to the point where you realize you cant move them ... Is this shovel gonna be able handle really tough prying unlike the cheaply made counter parts? I already use the cold steel spetsnaz shovel and its good and well but id love to have a good mattock because where i go there are lots of rocks and roots making it very tough but if you're really determined you could get a 2 foot hole before sundown...
Hello Bobo, it is difficult to answer a question like that because of so many variables being involved. All that I can say is that I have been using military issed etools for decades and they have yet to let me down. It is made to be portable and provide entrenching tasks in a pinch. It served me well as an active duty Marine and is still my preferred, go to shovel, in the field. I hope that helps. -Hg
Great tool! I am looking forward to buying one! Do you think they should implement something to stretch the length of the shovel? So you can use it for long periods of time while digging without the back pain it will eventually cause, among other advantages.
Hello Joao, there are other options out there that would allow for extensions to be affixed to the shovel. But for military purposes, a smaller form factor seems to work best; especially when it comes to digging fox holes. Thanks for taking the time to comment. -Hg
27th infantry regiment 7th id vet here! My daughter asked me "What is the best knife I should carry for self defense?" This was my answer. I said "Get rid of the Hello Kitty back pack...here, here's you a military surplus "hiking" pack. The entrenching tool fits right in with it, doesn't it? - plausible deniability. Innocent looking to the unsuspecting creeper, right?" She laughed in appreciation, adding "This thing can take a limb off!" I also added "As far as knives go; without making a killer out of you that's ready to die for a cause...my answer to your original question was "Whichever knife you're prepared to have used on you for two weeks in a dark basement." - A daddy's love for daddy's little girl...and this e-tool comes to the rescue all these years later. STILL serving. I salute the damned thing.
Hello Alex, there are a few good choices out there. My preferred is CLP which is what I used throughout my USMC tour for both firearms and anything that required cleaning or lubricating. -Hg
Hello, I want to get one but I’m not sure where to buy it. Would you know any websites or places that I could get one? It would really help out a lot. Thank you!
Hello Pete, the cover generally comes with (2) clips that will give you some flexibility as far as attachment possibilities. They are long clips so I have rucks that these clips can attach onto two rows at a time (making it stay in place better) or just one row of webbing. But either way, you should be good to go regardless of your configuration. I hope that helps. -Hg
How often do you take this with you when you out overnight? I have one, issued to me from the army and it weighs a fair bit. would you say that its worth that extra weight?
Hello OojiboO, I use my e-tool quite often when I am out in the field. Since it is a go-to tool for me, it warrants me carrying the extra weight. It is really up to you and your needs, as far as whether the extra weight is deemed necessary or not. I hope that helps. -Hg
Where the nut is on mine has a washer in front of it. And the washer pushes up against the base of the shovel to told it in place. Well my washer has bent. Is this due to it being a cheaper etool or is this common
Hello Martin, that is not an issue that I have encountered with these e-tools. If your shovel is a different brand, your issue may have to do with the build quality. I hope that helps. -Hg
I have a trifold E-tool as well. however, mine in manufactured by Gerber. it looks like yours is manufactured by ames. in your opinion, can the Gerber model function as well as the Ames mode? thanks
Hello Antonio, I have never reviewed the Gerber tri-fold so I wouldn't be able to give my opinion on it. Thank you for commenting and if I do run across the Gerber tri-fold, I will update this comment. Have a great day! -Hg
Hello Joesolo13, I had a similar issue with one of mine. I actually used WD-40 and a wrench to get it loose. I used some padding around the wrench so that I wouldn't damage the nut. Once I did, it was good to go. Let me know if that works for you. Good luck! -Hg
Hello Ken, I's say that a simple whetstone & some oil would do the trick. For any serrated edges, use a diamond file. Be careful not to go to crazy; I bet it has a hell of a lot of stories that it can tell.. ;-) -Hg
Hello Dylan, I have used various rust-oleum metal spray paint over the years, basically, whatever I had in stock that was black matte. Here is an example of one of the cans that worked best for me: amzn.to/2vZvDU5 Whatever you decide to use, let me know how it goes. -Hg
I'm certainly partial to it for the way that it has performed for us in the past. But then again... My foxhole digging days are over. ;-) Thanks for sharing your experience, TNN. -Hg
Looking for videos explaining a real need for a shovel on a camping not a military trip... havn't found any yet but I did notice 90% of the comments talking about how great these are also point out that they serve... as someone not needing a trench to hide from bullets and only addicted to camping, I have never needed a shovel for a task that I could not do with my bare hands, a stick, hip knife or my froe (it is sort of a cross between a hatchet and a machete lighter than a hatchet but able to split logs almost as good as one.) However, I intend to start a cross country hike in the late spring or early summer. Does anyone know a single reason a shovel could save my life aside from liberals peaceful protesting with the guns they don't want me to have for self defense? I won't be going into major cities and liberals shouldn't be a threat.
There is a link to the blog post in the description. Here it is again, Cosmo: coachhelder.com/review-military-issued-tri-fold-entrenching-tool-e-tool/ Let me know if you end up getting one. -Hg
I'm not really sure, Cosmo. Mine was issued to me. Wherever you get it from, make sure that the manufacturer is AMES and it is made in the USA. The specs on the Amazon listing do state that. But I certainly cannot vouch for them. -Hg
Not part of my survival kit, but definitely part of my expedition kit. I made a detailed video about the 41 additional uses of this tool: ua-cam.com/video/6a3F2LyRF2A/v-deo.htmlsi=-Q1MQkLqvPvD160Q Enjoy!
I hated this E-tool.I was issued the old M1943 back when i was in the Army in the 1980s.The Army still had shit loads of these from WWII,Korea,and Vietnam.Besides being heavy they took more punishment when i had to dig a hole.In fact when i was a kid my Dad gave or issued one to me along with my older Brothers who also had one.On the weekends my Dad would volunteer us kids to go digging tree stumps for our neighbors.Sort of my Dad's way of goodwill to the neighborhood and prevent us from having any fun or fucking up as kids back in the early 70s.The tri-fold shovels which dated back to late Vietnam and early 70s were not so good on hard ground but they were easy for the sandy soil of Ft.Benning Georgia.Germany was hard soil and frozen ground in the winter sucked like Ft.Carson,hard clay in Panama,and Schofield Barracks Hawaii.The tri-fold did not work well.I still have the old M1943 in my truck for emergencies to dig myself out of and still works.Good video if it worked for you otherwise morons like me never could figure that shit out.....
Thank you for your service & thank you for sharing your experience with us! I appreciate the detail in your comment & for you taking the time to share it. Have a great day & Semper Fi! -Hg
I didn't, Daniel. It was issued to me in the United States Marine Corps. If you check description on the video, there is a link to my blog post. You will find a link in that blog post as to where you can get one. -Hg
I have just uploaded an extended tutorial in which I show 41 additional uses of the standard NATO E-tool. Check it out: ua-cam.com/video/6a3F2LyRF2A/v-deo.htmlsi=P9dL7CefwDTxwDeL And BTW: Thank you for posting this. The fire poker stuff I learned from this video (I didn't think before that it works better for fire when locked in this position) :).
You're stronger than I, that's too much steel for me and I go with a 10" big knife, folding saw, 4-5" belt knife and a pocket knife (Probably a few pocket knives because I have a problem...)
@@teddykennedy7053 it's a 10qt deep dutch oven and I'm baking a cake over an open fire without charcoal briquets. Are you sure that you have used a DO in the field? -Hg
Full Blog Post With More Info And Specs:
coachhelder.com/review-military-issued-tri-fold-entrenching-tool-e-tool/
I was a combat engineer in the army reserves for 6 years. An e tool has always been part of my kit and I keep one in each of my vehicles for emergencies.
Very cool! Thanks for sharing your experience with us. 🍻
Oooh Rah!
I've got two. One lives in my truck. Not every DI instructed their recruits that the E-Tool can be used as a seat after digging a cat hole. Can't say enough about having a folding E-tool in ones kit.
Thanks for sharing, efromhb!
Semper Fi!
-Hg
I just got a Ames 1972 E tool for $10. As a former Army Ranger I tell you is was money well spent. Just get one.
Thank you for sharing your info with us. Thank you for your service & for your support on my channel; it is appreciated!
Semper Fi. -Hg
You can buy the Ozark trail etool from Walmart for $10 also...
Is that the one that also has pick in it?
the walmart one SUCKS ASS. flimsy and bends, the ames etool does not
The German e-tool is an exact copy of the US version but much higher quality. It's forest green rather than black.
Lot of reasons I went with the Cold Steel shovel instead in the mountains of va. Almost as good as a machete for brush, the ability to put a long handle on it for rocky soil or snow, and light weight. A cross piece for the standard handle to turn it into a “T” handle would be easy enough to do. The trifold fell short for my needs. I liked your vid. Good info and presentation.
Thank you, Kurt! I appreciate your feedback and you taking the time to share your experience with us. That is how we all learn together!
Have a great weekend.
-Hg
I’ve been using the Ozark Trails version for a few years now, but Ive been wanting a Ames like I was issued in the Army for a while now. About a week ago I picked up the Fox Outdoors version at my local Army Navy Surplus Store for $35, and then on my way home I stopped by the thrift store and to my surprise they had an Ames 87 with the ALICE pouch in very good condition for $10. My conclusion is the Ozark Trails is a good alternative but has one flaw for me; the head in pick axe configuration is slightly angled back towards the handle which is great as a pick axe, but if the user is familiar with the Sgt seat use it is completely incompatible with that. The Fox Outdoors version is 99.9% identical to the Ames, but funny enough it is more level than the Ames when using as a seat. As for it’s durability only time will tell as I haven’t been able to put it through its paces yet. I will say the OT has one thing that the other two don’t that imho is an improvement; it has a washer between the nut and head that makes it a lot easier to loosen the tool after use. I’ll be keeping the OT and Fox version in my vehicles, and the Ames with my camping/survival gear.
Great info, thanks for taking the time to share your experience with us. 🍻
thanks for filling me in about oiling the crevices, just got one from a buddy that was early 2000”s spec ops, says its never let him down 🤟🏼
Glad that I could help! 🍻
-Hg
I have the Fiskars/Gerber NATO Folding Spade which came with a really nice black Cordura pouch.
Chosen after seeing s review from a former soldier whom was issued the model during his military service and whose long term opinion was that it was an excellent piece of kit.
Whilst expensive in the UK, I wanted something which was high quality and compact, and I needed to be confident that it wouldn't break during use.
The design, materials and construction are excellent in every respect, and this tool will certainly outlive me!
Edited to add that I overcame the lack of saw teeth on the edges by buying a Silky F180 lightweight saw.
Whilst I now have hatchets an axes, I prefer to saw rather than to chop, and upgraded my sawing capabilities with the inclusion of a Silky Gomboy Curve Outback and the Silky BigBoy 2000 Outback after seeing just how fast and efficient the larger Silky saws were on a Survival Russia video.
With my Gerber spade, a Gransfors Bruks hatchet/axe, a Silky saw, a Mora Companion Heavy Duty Stainless fixed blade knife and a Victorinox Huntsman SAK, there isn't much that can't be achieved outdoors, and as a cyclist/packrafter, I don't have to carry it all on my back so the extra weight isn't a problem.
Thanks for sharing, Felix! 🍻
-Hg
Exactly the tool I have had for twenty years, all weathers' no complaints, it ain't light but right for a fight.
Excellent! Thanks for sharing your experience, Matthew.
-Hg
bought a new one that’s apparently an import and being used an actually US one in scouts this one hods up really well
Thanks for sharing, Jayson.
-Hg
Yes sir! I have a 1969 Ames. When used wisely , it will work well. But if you beat on it the handle will split at the rivets holding the handle on. When you respect its limitations it's a great tool.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
-Hg
ALICE lovers complain about rivets bfeaking on the frame. Just re-rivet any that breaks!
Thanks for your Service ! TAKE CARE..
The honor was mine.
Thank you! 🍻
-Hg
I am quite familiar with this tool! This can save your life someday! There are many uses for the entrenching tool, but make sure you get one that can take a beating!
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us, K S.
It's Appreciated.
-Hg
These are great for snow and winter. I've used mines to break apart stubborn ice that's encrusted on the pavement.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
-Hg
If it wasn’t for joining the military I would’ve never knew what an E-tool is and as someone who’s looking to live more off grid now it’s a great thing to have. Even if you’re just someone who wants to camp and not be as extreme as me it’s great.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. 🍻
Thanks I needed to know because i have this same e tool and i am going on a survival trip so I wondering if I should bring it
Be safe and good luck, Gopnik!
-Hg
@@CoachHelder thanks
It’s a tool that doesn’t look important but my personal opinion, it’s a crucial part of your equipment. Perfect for obviously digging but also a great defensive weapon
Thank you Jedi, I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us! 🍻
-Hg
I got a M1943 Entrenching tool. Don’t have much use for it but it’s pretty neat.
Thanks for sharing, Trabant!
Happy New Year!
-Hg
I still have mine from the time in the 80's when I was in the Dutch army. But it was fully made of steel, not with an aluminium handle. But they are great.
I have a trench digger its military green I use and I'm only 10 years old
Excellent, Rey!
Good Job!
-Hg
I’m older ha
That's super cool dude! I got mine when I was about your age. Keep playing outside and make trouble, but in a good way kiddo. Also don't leave it outside like I did and let it get rusted.
@@godmachine8207 All Good, Thanks for checking in!
-Hg
yo me too, but i have the cold steel one
If I could have only one survival tool it would be the cold steel SF shovel available in titanium from amazon. Mine weighs just 16oz.with some mods.I like the Ames shovel, but to heavy and too slow to get into the fight!
Thanks for sharing your experience with us; It's appreciated!
-Hg
thinking of using this for motor recreation. snowmobiling, 4 wheeling, heck even snowboarding
Sounds like an excellent application for the e-tool. Let me know how it works out for you, James.
-Hg
Went with the CS SF Shovel. No moving parts, no weak spots.
How do you like it? Have you gotten to test it out yet?
-Hg
@@CoachHelder Oh yes. It exceeds expectations however I have yet to throw and stick it in logs. It stays in my car and I have another in a work vehicle for snow and ice..
Thanks for sharing. I need to pick one up. I'm a fan of CS but mainly for their training blades.
Be safe and thanks for taking the time.
-Hg
Im wondering how long this will last when im digging and trying to pry rocks from the mattock position. How big are the rocks? Possibly too big to the point where you realize you cant move them ... Is this shovel gonna be able handle really tough prying unlike the cheaply made counter parts? I already use the cold steel spetsnaz shovel and its good and well but id love to have a good mattock because where i go there are lots of rocks and roots making it very tough but if you're really determined you could get a 2 foot hole before sundown...
Hello Bobo, it is difficult to answer a question like that because of so many variables being involved.
All that I can say is that I have been using military issed etools for decades and they have yet to let me down. It is made to be portable and provide entrenching tasks in a pinch.
It served me well as an active duty Marine and is still my preferred, go to shovel, in the field.
I hope that helps.
-Hg
After seeing this video it's sure as hell going into my camping bag
Hopefully there will be some cool surprises in there.
-Hg
Perfect for metal detecting 😊
I just got one at a flea market for 5 dollars with the cover too
Great find! Hopefully I will get that lucky one day. ;-)
Thanks for sharing & good luck with it.
-Hg
Great tool! I am looking forward to buying one!
Do you think they should implement something to stretch the length of the shovel? So you can use it for long periods of time while digging without the back pain it will eventually cause, among other advantages.
Hello Joao, there are other options out there that would allow for extensions to be affixed to the shovel. But for military purposes, a smaller form factor seems to work best; especially when it comes to digging fox holes.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
-Hg
I really dig your furry assistant.
Thank you!
I was a t a flea market any got it for 5 dollars and the sheeft!!!!!
Great find, Luke!
-Hg
Been looking at them this past week...several types. Haven't decided yet
Let me know what you decide on, D.
-Hg
I saw too many of them break while I was in. That's the only reason why I don't buy one.
OOOrah Brother. I agree have a couple of them .
Semper Fi.
-Hg
I like to keep my sog tool for camping at WWII GI spec: keep one side sharpened for use as a weapon.
Very cool, Devon.
Thanks for sharing.
-Hg
Yes those are great mine is sharpened to
my question is with all the rotating parks and foldable points, will not make the tool a little "brittle"? oc it have his uses, but the durability?
It is a well built tool and can certainly take a beating considering it's design.
-Hg
nice review men thank you
Thank you! I appreciate your support. Have a great day! -Hg
Hits someone with the E-Tool in the head...
THATS ALOT A DAMAGE
Sean The fish keeper *goes in all the way* Oh dDaDDy iTs iN dEep
Oi that's sharp m8
Boy, do I have a great product for you!
Amazing review
Thank you B-Boy04, I appreciate your support!
-Hg
27th infantry regiment 7th id vet here! My daughter asked me "What is the best knife I should carry for self defense?" This was my answer. I said "Get rid of the Hello Kitty back pack...here, here's you a military surplus "hiking" pack. The entrenching tool fits right in with it, doesn't it? - plausible deniability. Innocent looking to the unsuspecting creeper, right?" She laughed in appreciation, adding "This thing can take a limb off!" I also added "As far as knives go; without making a killer out of you that's ready to die for a cause...my answer to your original question was "Whichever knife you're prepared to have used on you for two weeks in a dark basement." - A daddy's love for daddy's little girl...and this e-tool comes to the rescue all these years later. STILL serving. I salute the damned thing.
But you have back her hello kitty back pack too, right?
Good, I just wanted to know that the container attaches to a belt or MOLLE. Thanks for the vid!
Glad that I could help, Sean!
-Hg
What is your preferred lubricant for keeping it oiled?
Hello Alex, there are a few good choices out there. My preferred is CLP which is what I used throughout my USMC tour for both firearms and anything that required cleaning or lubricating.
-Hg
Yes I have an old e-tool it says Ames 1967
Very cool! Sounds like a Vietnam era issued shovel.
Great review - thank you
Thank you for your feedback, very appreciated!
-Hg
Nice Review! I might pick one up.
Thank you, Alex! I appreciate the support!
+Coach Helder's Survival Gear Reviews No problem.
Hello, I want to get one but I’m not sure where to buy it. Would you know any websites or places that I could get one? It would really help out a lot. Thank you!
Here is a link to one listed on Amazon:
amzn.to/3Pv2Z0y
-Hg
Good Video/Work/Info.
Thank you, I appreciate your support!
-Hg
A good piece to have but I much prefer a full handle, steel core and overcovered wood frame for the look, attachable pick, saw, hammer or axe side
Sounds like a great piece of gear, Alexandru!
Thanks for sharing.
-Hg
Hey Coach, on the off chance that you still reply to these older videos. Does this rubber cover work with MOLLE or just ALICE?
Thanks!
Hello Pete, the cover generally comes with (2) clips that will give you some flexibility as far as attachment possibilities. They are long clips so I have rucks that these clips can attach onto two rows at a time (making it stay in place better) or just one row of webbing. But either way, you should be good to go regardless of your configuration.
I hope that helps.
-Hg
Coach Helder that helped out tremendously! Thank you so much for the fast and detailed reply.
Excellent Pete, Glad that i could help!
-Hg
WarriorZeroProject.com
How often do you take this with you when you out overnight? I have one, issued to me from the army and it weighs a fair bit. would you say that its worth that extra weight?
Hello OojiboO, I use my e-tool quite often when I am out in the field. Since it is a go-to tool for me, it warrants me carrying the extra weight. It is really up to you and your needs, as far as whether the extra weight is deemed necessary or not.
I hope that helps.
-Hg
Thanks
You are welcome!
-Hg
This shovel is totally similar to that one www.hessenantique.com/Bundeswehr_Tri_Fold_Shovel_NEW_p/3118662.htm which is made in Germany
Thank you for sharing!
-Hg
Oh, looks like it is simply a shovel of NATO standard
Where the nut is on mine has a washer in front of it. And the washer pushes up against the base of the shovel to told it in place. Well my washer has bent. Is this due to it being a cheaper etool or is this common
Hello Martin, that is not an issue that I have encountered with these e-tools. If your shovel is a different brand, your issue may have to do with the build quality.
I hope that helps.
-Hg
I don’t know if you will see this but a channel called Military Videos tv copied your video
Thank for the head's up TBR, Much Appreciated!
Enjoy your day.
-Hg
WarriorZeroProject.com
I have a trifold E-tool as well. however, mine in manufactured by Gerber. it looks like yours is manufactured by ames. in your opinion, can the Gerber model function as well as the Ames mode?
thanks
Hello Antonio, I have never reviewed the Gerber tri-fold so I wouldn't be able to give my opinion on it. Thank you for commenting and if I do run across the Gerber tri-fold, I will update this comment. Have a great day! -Hg
+Coach Helder's Survival Gear Reviews, thanks!
You are very welcome! -Hg
love your voice... brother
Thank you, I appreciate the kind words.
-Hg
its just hard for me to believe anything that folds wont break.
They do break, no doubt about that. But they do usually stand up to a fair amount of abuse before that happens.
-Hg
I bought one recently but the nut is totally seized, you think just oiling it would loosen it up?
Hello Joesolo13, I had a similar issue with one of mine. I actually used WD-40 and a wrench to get it loose. I used some padding around the wrench so that I wouldn't damage the nut. Once I did, it was good to go.
Let me know if that works for you. Good luck!
-Hg
@Amanda Garnett
Sure Amanda...
That is a cool thing from the 1980
I ended up finding the old tool my Dad had and it's gotten very worn. Any tips on sharpening or oiling? It's hard to open and the edges are dull. D:
Hello Ken, I's say that a simple whetstone & some oil would do the trick. For any serrated edges, use a diamond file. Be careful not to go to crazy; I bet it has a hell of a lot of stories that it can tell.. ;-) -Hg
What type of paint do you use
Hello Dylan, I have used various rust-oleum metal spray paint over the years, basically, whatever I had in stock that was black matte.
Here is an example of one of the cans that worked best for me:
amzn.to/2vZvDU5
Whatever you decide to use, let me know how it goes.
-Hg
these things are NATO standard issue, was a solid tool but hated having to dig with it, wouldn’t have been so bad if I was 2 foot shorter
I'm certainly partial to it for the way that it has performed for us in the past. But then again... My foxhole digging days are over. ;-)
Thanks for sharing your experience, TNN.
-Hg
Looking for videos explaining a real need for a shovel on a camping not a military trip... havn't found any yet but I did notice 90% of the comments talking about how great these are also point out that they serve... as someone not needing a trench to hide from bullets and only addicted to camping, I have never needed a shovel for a task that I could not do with my bare hands, a stick, hip knife or my froe (it is sort of a cross between a hatchet and a machete lighter than a hatchet but able to split logs almost as good as one.) However, I intend to start a cross country hike in the late spring or early summer. Does anyone know a single reason a shovel could save my life aside from liberals peaceful protesting with the guns they don't want me to have for self defense? I won't be going into major cities and liberals shouldn't be a threat.
Allows you to dig a deep enough hole in order to take a nice dump. I dont know about you, but that constitutes as being a life-saver for me. 😁
-Hg
Where can i get one of these shovels?
There is a link to the blog post in the description. Here it is again, Cosmo:
coachhelder.com/review-military-issued-tri-fold-entrenching-tool-e-tool/
Let me know if you end up getting one.
-Hg
I've seen reviews on there saying its not the REAL E-tool issued shovel, but im not sure.
I'm not really sure, Cosmo. Mine was issued to me. Wherever you get it from, make sure that the manufacturer is AMES and it is made in the USA.
The specs on the Amazon listing do state that. But I certainly cannot vouch for them.
-Hg
Not part of my survival kit, but definitely part of my expedition kit.
I made a detailed video about the 41 additional uses of this tool:
ua-cam.com/video/6a3F2LyRF2A/v-deo.htmlsi=-Q1MQkLqvPvD160Q
Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing your info with us.
I hated this E-tool.I was issued the old M1943 back when i was in the Army in the 1980s.The Army still had shit loads of these from WWII,Korea,and Vietnam.Besides being heavy they took more punishment when i had to dig a hole.In fact when i was a kid my Dad gave or issued one to me along with my older Brothers who also had one.On the weekends my Dad would volunteer us kids to go digging tree stumps for our neighbors.Sort of my Dad's way of goodwill to the neighborhood and prevent us from having any fun or fucking up as kids back in the early 70s.The tri-fold shovels which dated back to late Vietnam and early 70s were not so good on hard ground but they were easy for the sandy soil of Ft.Benning Georgia.Germany was hard soil and frozen ground in the winter sucked like Ft.Carson,hard clay in Panama,and Schofield Barracks Hawaii.The tri-fold did not work well.I still have the old M1943 in my truck for emergencies to dig myself out of and still works.Good video if it worked for you otherwise morons like me never could figure that shit out.....
Thank you for your service & thank you for sharing your experience with us! I appreciate the detail in your comment & for you taking the time to share it. Have a great day & Semper Fi!
-Hg
Entrenching tools, giving soldiers lumbago and sciatica by the time they are 30.
Keeping Motrin in business since 1775. :-)
-Hg
BOCW?
If you know what I mean, you know what I mean.
Yep
Now let’s see if it’s good with zombies
I haven't seen any zombies lately so it must work. 🤣
Good Stuff, Dan!
-Hg
Infantry Scouts will use this weapon to play shovel tag with the enemy's face
😉
What brand is it
It is made by Ames from what I was told when it was issued to me.
-Hg
Coach Helder Thank You
You are welcome, Daniel.
Enjoy your day!
-Hg
Where did you buy it
I didn't, Daniel. It was issued to me in the United States Marine Corps. If you check description on the video, there is a link to my blog post. You will find a link in that blog post as to where you can get one.
-Hg
I have just uploaded an extended tutorial in which I show 41 additional uses of the standard NATO E-tool. Check it out: ua-cam.com/video/6a3F2LyRF2A/v-deo.htmlsi=P9dL7CefwDTxwDeL
And BTW: Thank you for posting this. The fire poker stuff I learned from this video (I didn't think before that it works better for fire when locked in this position) :).
Very cool!
I also appreciate your support and am glad that you found the info useful. 🍻
Worst melee weapon
Best in zombies
For all intents and purposes it’s a shovel meant to dig holes and fill up sandbags so you don’t get blown to pieces by artillery.
knife
tomahawk
shovel
saw
machete
Very nice, Daniel!
-Hg
You're stronger than I, that's too much steel for me and I go with a 10" big knife, folding saw, 4-5" belt knife and a pocket knife (Probably a few pocket knives because I have a problem...)
Yeah, that’s smart. Let’s shovel hot coals while wearing sandals.
Hey Devil Dog I noticed you are a Ham, my call sign is KD2HAL
Sweet! My call is W2NTC.
73, Brother!
-Hg
Coach Helder 73s to you too brother.
Stay in touch, Harry.
-Hg
You don't tighten it correctly
breaks easily
Someone has never used cast iron to cook.
Why would you say that?
-Hg
@CoachHelder It's cast iron! You only need 6 to 8 charcoals on top to cook.
@@teddykennedy7053 it's a 10qt deep dutch oven and I'm baking a cake over an open fire without charcoal briquets. Are you sure that you have used a DO in the field?
-Hg
@@CoachHelder got ya!
@CoachHelder Absolutely positive. I cook with cast iron at home because the heat level doesn't fluctuate in a cast iron.
I don't think the Russians can afford these anymore
Semper Fi Devil Dog
Semper Fi, Harry.
One For The Corps! ;-)
-Hg
Coach Helder Ooooooooorrrrrraaaaahhhhhhh!
Coach Helder see that you are a fellow HAM my call sign Is KD2HAL
Junk. Look up the SOG spetsnaz combat throwing shovel. It works.
Axes, knives, darts, pussy shit. I, a real man, throw *shovels.*