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Best Post Hole Digger
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Model
There are three types of post hole augers available in the market: manual, gas, and electric. Manual augers or traditional post hole diggers does the typical scoping mechanism which requires some physical work. If you’re new to gardening and would like to try your hand on landscaping, this is a good beginner’s tool. It is relatively cheaper and can be used to do small to medium digging for planting bushes or a small tree. It is usually characterized by curved blades attached on the handles on both sides to scoop soil when you hit it on the ground and release it once you pull the handles outwards.
Gas diggers are specifically made for creating holes in the rocky soil. Also known as a ‘Two-man auger’, gas diggers are also made to create bigger holes. These are meant for heavy-duty use and can even penetrate hard packed clay soils. Gas powered diggers should be used with caution since it can have potentially life-threatening effects if not used properly. Just like any post hole diggers, this is intended for soft soil digging. It is not intended for rocky soil environments since it can get stuck a rock and you may have a hard time pulling it out or getting it unstuck. If you’re boring hole for fencing and pole purposes, go for gas-powered models. These types are usually made of high-quality steel with different blade widths. Just keep in mind that wider holes will require wider width coverage.
Electric diggers are a special type of augers that works like a gas auger except that it doesn’t emit smelly fumes. If you’re within easy range of a power source, this would be a great addition to your tools. Compared with gas models, these are relatively quieter. The challenge, however, is getting it plugged to a power source if you’re planning to use it to create multiple potholes for fencing in a large farm. PTO (Power Take Off) post hole diggers use hydraulics and will require extensive skill to use this equipment. It requires the use of a tractor with an embedded PTO and is used for frequent digging. These are made for heavy-duty use and can only be manipulated by a skilled professional.
Materials
Post hole augers have varying qualities. Commonly, these instruments are made of carbon, steel, or wood. It is important that before you shopping for an auger, consider the plains on which it will be used. The quality of these augers will depend on the kind of soil it needs to penetrate. Just think: a wooden type won’t be up to par for rocky soil.
If you’re planning to purchase out of convenience for boring small holes in your backyard, a manual auger might be a good choice. These are cheaper and does a good amount of boring capacity fit for personal gardening activities. Steel post hole augers, on the other hand, are sturdier. These are fitting for frequent use and boring into harder soil elements. But these types do come at a higher cost so you may need to think about whether investing in this type of tool is necessary for your activity.
Size
In this section, we focused not on the size of the machine, but the size of the hole that it can create. Drill bits in augers works almost similar to that of your regular drill. In post hole augers, these blades (or bits) are bigger and are usually made of quality carbon steel for maximum durability. These are essential to drilling holes in harder surfaces requiring extra strength to dig holes. Compared to manual diggers, automatic ones can be changed to different blades. It usually ranges from 4 to 12 inches auger blades that suit your preference. For the holes, this will vary depending on the drill bit’s diameter. Usually, drill bits create holes between 2 to 10 inches in diameter. It will help to create the right holes by using the poles as your guide before drilling.
Weight
Augers are used to make creating holes easier for you. In any gardening activity, you would want something comfortable to use so it makes the task easier. For post hole diggers, these usually come light and easy to manipulate. These make for a perfect garden tool to use along with your shovels for planting new shrubs or trees. Automatic diggers may require some skill to maneuver it. To get better control, this device may require an extra person to assist you with the task. It might also be difficult to drill holes in hard and rocky surfaces so work with caution.
Safety gear is essential in operating both gas and electric powered augers. Since it is anticipated that you will be creating holes in challenging terrains, you must have all the necessary gears to keep you from harm. Furthermore, fumes from gas-powered augers may require you to wear a mask. Rocky particles might also come in contact with your skin and face as you drill. It is also important to wear face masks, special eyewear, overalls, and gloves for this activity.
Features
There may be some added features for these augers to create a positive user experience. Comfort may be one factor to consider when buying a post hole digger. The activity in itself can be a source of discomfort especially if you’re using manual types. However, the comfort for gripping the handles could be a source of relief for users. You would want something that is easy on the grip, smoothly maneuvered and lessens knuckle collision. Some handles have rubber cushions to solve this problem. Furthermore, most handles are made of wood or fiberglass. Fiberglass is favored by many garden enthusiasts because it’s sturdier and last longer than wooden types.
Bigger blades hold larger soil capacity and have better digging power. Since there are various types of materials used in creating these blades, if you’re planning to use this product for the long term, it may be best to go for sturdier ones. As for the ground component, choose blades with tapered ends and wider tops for soft soils such as the case with gardening. But for gravel and hard soil, opt for pointed ones to chisel through these surfaces. Diameters may vary depending on the bit so you need to be sure to get approximate measurements for the hole you’re going to need.
Consider the price of these products. There could be some tasks that you can do using standard augers. Remember that the sturdier the product, the pricier it gets. For some gas and electric types, it may come at a higher cost. However, long-term use will greatly benefit you since you won’t have to worry about replacements or renting one anytime soon. Powered type augers (electric and gas) usually have reverse options. It may be best to consider reverse features since there will be times your auger might get stuck in a rock or deep down in the dirt. Pulling these off manually may cause some back pains. Some electrically powered augers have rechargeable batteries. This is an ideal option for those wanting a less noisy device to dig holes, especially in your backyard. It can also be ideal for creating holes in the ice for fishing purposes. Keep in mind that special features like these may be more expensive.
Top 10 Picks
1. XtremepowerUS Gas
This is a good starter type of gas auger fit for household use. It is packed equipment for creating holes as deep as 2.5 feet.
Read moreModel
This is a gas-powered type with interchangeable drilling bits. The rated power output is 1090 Watts.
Materials
Blades and handle are made of industrial-grade steel. This is built for intermediate to heavy-duty digging.
Drill Bit and Diameter Size
For this package, it comes with three bits: 4”, 6”, and 10” bits. These are suitable for home use in creating holes for fences or poles. This is engine powered with a 2.5 HP.
Weight
The auger set (motor and bit) weighs approximately 30 to 40 lbs. It can be manned by one person but will require skill to maneuver the equipment.
Features
This set comes with 3 types of bit. If you’re planning to get a starter type of post hole auger, this is a good ‘first’ choice. This is gas-powered and makes drilling easier and faster. It is made of steel and built for creating multiple holes. This is a 2-stroke and air powered post hole digger and creates a displacement of 5cc. You can dig holes as deep as 2.5 feet with this equipment.
2. Southland
A good post hole digger for a one-man deal. Butterfly handles make it easier to dig holes whether for garden shrubs or backyard poles.
Read moreModel
This is a gas-powered auger and can dig 8” of holes. It comes with a 43 cc 2-cycle engine and reaches high speeds of 316 RPM.
Materials
It is made of steel. It can is a good tool for intermediate to heavy-duty digging.
Drill Bit and Diameter Size
The auger comes with 2 types of bits: 8” and 6” (sold separately).
Weight
This item weighs 40 lbs. It can be easily manned by one person with the butterfly handles holding up more support.
Features
If you need a quick fix for your gardening and post hole activity, this is a good product to purchase. Butterfly handles make it easier to keep your equipment in an upright position with ease. It can easily be assembled with manual recoil start. This package comes with two wrenches, spark plug tool, and a bottle of premix oil ready for use. This auger also comes with a 2-year warranty.
3. Seymour
This is a traditional post hole digger fit for general use. It makes home gardening so much easier.
Read moreModel
This is a manual type of auger. It can dig into a variety type of soils fit for gardening to intermediate uses.
Materials
This auger’s blade and shaft are made of steel built for enduring tough soils. The handles are made out of wood.
Drill Bit and Diameter Size
This product doesn’t have a drill bit. It can bore from 6 to 8-inch diameter holes with its adjustable yoke. Blades can dig through different kinds of soil.
Weight
This product only weighs 8.5 lbs. It is suitable for manual digging.
Features
This is a sturdy manual digger for quick digging in your backyard. The price may be similar to renting a gas-powered type but this you can use as long as you can. Sharp heavy-duty steel blades and shaft provides the leverage for you to dig holes for your plants or poles.
4. Fiskars
This is a manual auger fit for household and gardening use. This is ergonomically designed for comfort and durability.
Read moreModel
This is a manual-type post hole digger is favored by garden enthusiasts. It is fit for small to intermediate digging.
Materials
The shaft and blades are made of durable steel. It has a 16-gauge shaft made of steel for long-lasting use. It can penetrate soft to clay soils.
Drill Bit and Diameter Size
This doesn’t have a drill bit. The 14-gauge blades are made of stainless steel and dig well for most soil environments. It can dig up to 4 feet deep into the ground.
Weight
This is a little heavier compared to similar products. This manual digger weighs 10.45 lbs.
Features
This is a good hand tool to have with you for all your gardening needs. It is also a good item for digging soil for poles. You can dig a hole up to 12 inches deep into the ground with ease using this tool. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to dig without hurting your knuckles. Rubber grip also keeps your hands from getting blisters. Handles are made of fiberglass.
5. Ames
This tool is made for heavy-duty digging. It is a good tool to have for manual gardening activities.
Read moreModel
This manual auger is fit for taking out soil for fences, flowers, and digging holes for poles. It’s lightweight and easy to store.
Materials
The handles are made of quality hardwood with cushioned grips. The shaft is made of steel for maximum penetration.
Drill Bit and Diameter Size
This product doesn’t have a drill bit. The blades are made of steel carbon with a head 6.2 inches in length. It can dig up to 3.5 feet below the ground.
Weight
This product is lightweight and portable. It weighs only 8.75 lbs.
Features
You get value for your money with this manual digger. It is a great tool to have for small garden tasks to digging holes for poles, fences, and mailboxes. This tool has a 60-inch length shaft with cushioned handles to make digging more comfortable. The warranty is limited.
6. XtremepowerUS Electric
Convenient and easy to use electric auger fit for home use. It is ideal for drilling holes for ice fishing, installing fences, and planting trees.
Read moreModel
This is an electric type of auger. It has a capacity of 1.6 HP and runs on 1200 Watts.
Materials
The blades and shaft are made of stainless steel grade material. It can penetrate hard soil elements such as clay.
Drill Bit and Diameter Size
The drill bit comes with a 4” diameter. The length of the bit is about 30 inches.
Weight
This product weighs 28.5 lbs. It will require some physical exertion to hold and maintain this equipment.
Features
This is a sturdy electric auger for home use. It can dig through tough soils in your backyard for fences and trees. It efficiency penetrates soils with ease and less effort compared to manual diggers. This electric digger doesn’t have a load speed (200 RPM). This product has a 1-year warranty for its parts and engine.
7. Landworks
Dig whenever and wherever you want. This cordless electric-powered auger is portable and won’t require power outlets to get you digging for home and outdoor uses.
Read moreModel
It’s an electric type of auger with a 2 Amp hour lithium battery installed. It can dig up to 30 holes in one charging.
Materials
The product is made of carbon coated steel. For safety purposes, this auger is embedded with an overload protector to keep it from overheating.
Drill Bit and Diameter Size
It has three types of bit: 4”, 6”, and 8” bit diameter and 30” steel in length. It is fit for intermediate to heavy-duty use.
Weight
For an electric type model, this auger is lightweight and portable. It only weighs 22 lbs.
Features
Users find this product a go-to item when it comes to post hole digging. This product doesn’t have the smelly fumes and noise but delivers efficient results to that of a gas powered one. Electronic quick stops keep the auger from overheating. With a 2 AMP fully charged battery, you can already dig 30 holes at 86 Watts. For a 4 AMP battery, you can dig 120 holes at 177.6 Watts.
8. Titan
Heavy duty augers fit for tractor use. This equipment will allow you to dig into hard rocks and cement.
Read moreModel
This is a PTO model fit for professional digging. It works on most soil types.
Materials
Construction grade steel ensures you’re getting maximum penetrating action. It can be used in various landscapes and may not be efficient in using for small gardening activities.
Drill Bit and Diameter
It is intended for drilling larger holes. This 12” bit can dig up to 24” deep.
Weight
This equipment should be attached to a tractor for it to be used. This tool weighs 242 lbs.
Features
This product uses a 3 point connected made for construction uses. This is ideally used for large properties requiring digging through rocks, hard clay soils, and even concrete. It runs on 60 HP for efficient digging in less time and effort. These 12” augers can dig up to 24 inches into the ground for securing construction posts.
9. Tool Tuff
This is an efficient heavy-duty post hole digger for construction uses. This is ideally for Cat 1 & 2 tractors use.
Read moreModel
This is a PTO model for professional digging activities. It fit Cat tractors for optimum use.
Materials
Construction grade steel is used for the blades to ensure durability for digging hard surfaces. It may not do well for gardening use.
Drill Bit and Diameter Size
This auger comes in five types of bit: 6”, 9”, 12”, 18”, and 24” diameters. Lengths may vary from 36” and 48”.
Weight
This product weighs roughly around 550 to 600 lbs. The auger needs to be attached to the tractor to work.
Features
This PTO equipment is used for industrial activities. Ideally fits Cat tractors for efficient use. This product comes with a 6-month warranty. Its gearbox features a 3:1 reduction ratio for extra safety measure.
10. Earthquake
This is a quality 2-person auger that efficiently digs holes for household and other outdoor use. Fit for intermediate to heavy-duty uses.
Read moreModel
This is a gas-powered model that uses the Kohler engine. It is intended to be used by 2 persons for maximum digging capacity and maneuvering.
Materials
The blades are made of alloy steel to dig through rocks and hard clay. It also features a ball-bearing alloy transmission.
Drill Bit and Diameter
This auger comes with a bit ranging from 2” to 10”. The diameter of holes can range from 10” to 14”.
Weight
For a gas-powered auger, this is a good weight to handle. This product weighs 55 lbs.
Features
This post hole digger is powered by Kohler engine, a well-known supplier of quality generators. It has a 173 cc capacity and can run 4 cycles. Alloy steel gears with 3” centrifugal clutch ensure you’re getting more for your purchase. It is a good auger that you can use for a long time.
Sources
- , Best Post Hole Digger: How To Pick One And Which To Buy, Gardening Blog
- , Best Manual Post Hole Diggers 2019 – Top Picks & Reviews, Handyman Blog