Country Lore: Make this Multipurpose Grain Scoop

By Raj Chaudhry
Published on February 1, 2008
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This classic homemade grain scoop is useful for handling birdseed, chicken feed, fertilizer and more.
This classic homemade grain scoop is useful for handling birdseed, chicken feed, fertilizer and more.
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A wedged tenon secures the scoop handle to the body.
A wedged tenon secures the scoop handle to the body.
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Hardwood interior base
Hardwood interior base

A sturdy scoop has myriad uses around the homestead, from measuring feed to mixing soil. While you can buy serviceable ones at feed stores, you’ll find it satisfying to craft your own. Here’s a time-tested design for a grain scoop that’s simple to build and farm-tough.

The scoop’s body and handle are hardwood and its blade is light-gauge steel. The grain scoop pictured is made from red oak and stainless steel. But, by all means, use what you have.

For a big, robust homemade scoop, I like 22-gauge steel (0.03-inch thick). And I’ve found that 20-gauge (0.036-inch) is about the thickest you can reasonably employ. Anything thicker will be difficult to cut and bend by hand.

Use ring-shank roofing nails, sometimes called slating nails, to attach the scoop blade to the body. They are available in stainless and galvanized steel. Their broad heads work like washers, clamping the sheet metal tightly while spreading the load. Plus, their angular rings work like screw threads, capturing wood fibers to prevent the fasteners from working loose.

To protect the wood, I use Tried & True Varnish Oil, a linseed-oil-based finish. It contains no heavy metal driers and no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Grain Scoop Construction Details

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