Soil Sampler Probe (USA, Genuine, Original)

I've used this soil core sampler to do soil samples in 3 yards so far. The tube is strong enough to survive an accidental tree root. All samples came cleanly out the back end of the pipe. To be clear as to what you are getting, you are getting about a 1 foot pipe that has been tapered in on one end to a slightly smaller diameter. This will allow the soil core sample to be a slightly smaller diameter than the tube so that it can be removed easily. The other end of the tube is open so that the soil core can be removed. A bolt is provided to put on the back end of the tube to allow you to hammer the probe without damaging the opening on the back. There is a black line marking 6 inches which corresponds to the typical depth of a soil sample.What I really like about this particular core sample tool is the size. I have plenty of yard tools and I didn't want another large device to store. With this probe, I can easily put it on a shelf and grab it whenever I need it.

Probably my fault (Ok, it is my fault), tapped into a tree root and sealed both ends. Can't get the tree root out and the other end is smashed down tight.Update.CUSTOMER SERVICE IS PHENOMINAL.Ok, so, I didn't even contact the company yet, but they read my review and sent me a new one. 10 STARS in my Book, because they aren't so big that they don't listen.This tool isn't to be used for driving spikes into a rail road. A medium swing will put the soil sampler in the ground. If you hit and it doesn't move, remove and try another spot. Soil exiting the back is compact and easily removed. Just take the bolt off and voila.

This thing worked great when we tested the pasture and one of our gardens. By the time we were doing the second garden, I noticed the threaded bolt was getting had to remove. That was when I noticed that the end where you place the threaded bolt so you can hammer it in was slightly bent in . Cannot imagine how this could happen since you only hammer straight down not ever on the side of the tube. Perhaps this is rather a disposable item rather than something to be used from year to year.I used a regular hammer and it plainly says a three pound hammer is recommended; that being said it was probably my fault that I had a problem. I was contacted by seller and he put a new one in the mail the same day. Customer service was excellent! After using the new one, I think a three pound hammer is the way to go. I really like having our own tester and this one does the job.

This is all you need to collect soil samples. It is very sturdy and does the job very well. There is a clear "mark" around the middle telling you how deep to push it into the soil. Then pull it out with a little bit of "wiggling" by the hand, remove the protecting bolt at the top, turn the cylinder over and drop in the soil sample into a zip-lock plastic bag or something. If the soil does not come out easily, you have to give it a good shake or tap it a bit with the hammer. We are not supposed to touch the soil with our hands to prevent contamination but in this case we do not have to touch it.The soil should be "semi-soft". If it it too dry, it might be difficult to make it go deep enough. On the other hand, if it is too soft and "muddy" it might go in too easily and the mud might stick inside the cylinder and not come out easily enough. So, "semi-soft" soil is the easiest to collect. The "protective bolt" at the hammering end is not screwed on but merely sits at the top for hammering. It might be easy to lose and so, take care to pick it up from the lawn after use.The recommended hammer weight is "3-lbs". Make sure you use a 3-lb hammer because it might be just as important as the probe itself. I ordered the following hammer together with the probe : Trouper, 30914, 3-lb Hammer https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000KKSX3Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1The above hammer did the job very well, though you might use another brand of your choice.Probe plus hammer came out to be around $30. I think this combination is worth the price, especially for "prime" members. I would recommend both.

I have used the probe to extract approximately fifteen (15) samples. The ground was relatively soft and I used the recommended 3 lb hammer. The probe exceeded my expectations. A strike or two was all that was needed to insert the probe to a depth of 6-8 inches and the plugs were easily removed from the probe, even though the soil was sticky damp clay for the most part. I can't speak as to the probes durability as I have only used it on this one occasion for the fifteen samples. At this point, however, I am very pleased with the product.

While the design is simple, and I could have made something similar, it wouldn’t have been as well done as this tool is. The coating applied to the interior assures the sample is easily retrieved by simply turning the probe upside down. The markings on the side make it easy to determine when you’ve reached the target depth. It’s lightweight and easy to use. Hammering it into the ground is easier than trying to push a probe in with a T-handle and/or foot peg. I collected over 30 samples and experienced no trouble. Granted, I did not have a lot of clay, but I did have both wet and dry cores. Even with shipping, the price was too good to pass up. The probe came shrink wrapped so the bolt used to cover the top while hammering stayed with the unit in shipping. I received it a week earlier than expected. Overall a good value.

What can I say, it does the job. Sure it's just a metal tube and a hex nut and you "might" be able to make one yourself but the real secret sauce is in the fact it tapers on the bottom making it easy to collect a sample that will slide out the other end. Used it, got my samples, learned my soil is about as in good shape as the moons, cried a bit, then moved on. Will use it every year in the hopes the countless tons of lime and fertilizer makes my soil a place grass might actually want to grow.

Terrible product! I gave it a shot because it had 4 stars but I should have guessed it, it’s not worth the hassle. This only works for every loose, extremely loose soil. My lawn was semi soft and it still bent with the minor tappings. It’s an overpriced piece of pipe. Save ur money and Invest in a better soil probe.