The 5-1/2 in. clay spade turns a paving breaker into a powered digging tool, driving a broad, flat blade through compacted clay, hardpan and dense soils that stall a hand shovel. The 5-1/2 in. width moves serious material with every stroke in utility trenching, foundation preparation, drainage runs and septic excavation. Hex shanks run 7/8 x 3-1/4 in. through 1-1/4 x 6 in., with a slotted shank for electric breakers.

Crews that trench in mixed ground often carry both widths the narrower 4-1/2 in. clay spade for stiffer clay, this one where the ground gives and dedicated clay & trench diggers are the lighter-tool alternative for all-day digging. The spade is part of our blade tool steel lineup, cut to fit the paving breakers we stock.

• 5-1/2 in. wide flat blade dislodges and lifts compacted clay and dense soil in one stroke
• Hex shank sizes: 7/8 x 3-1/4, 7/8 x 4-1/4, 1 x 4-1/4, 1-1/8 x 6 and 1-1/4 x 6 in.
• Slotted-shank version available for electric paving breakers
• Wider face clears trenches faster than narrower spades in yielding ground
• Applications: utility trenching, foundation prep, drainage and irrigation, septic systems, landscaping
• Stocked by Crowder Supply in Denver in every shank size

5-1/2 in. Clay Spade FAQ

Will it fit an electric jackhammer?
Yes — alongside the five hex sizes for pneumatic tools, a slotted-shank version is made for electric paving breakers.

Which shank size do I order?
Match your breaker’s chuck: 7/8 x 3-1/4, 7/8 x 4-1/4, 1 x 4-1/4, 1-1/8 x 6 or 1-1/4 x 6 in. hex. The paving breaker buyer’s guide lists which chucks the common breaker classes carry.

5-1/2 in. or 4-1/2 in. width?
The 5-1/2 in. blade moves more material per stroke in yielding ground, while the narrower 4-1/2 in. spade concentrates the blow in stiffer, drier clay — mixed-ground crews often carry both.