What is the easiest way to dig a post hole?
- Start the hole with the clamshell digger. Just establish its diameter and dig down a couple of inches.
- Use the digging bar to loosen the soil below the current level.
- Use the clamshell post hole digger to remove the loosened dirt.
- Repeat as necessary to the correct depth for the hole.
How to dig a fence post hole quickly and easily?
- Check the soil consistency.
- Rocky soils are difficult to use post hole diggers in, since a relatively small stone will prevent the cutting edge of the diggers from penetrating the soil. ...
- Very loose, sandy, and dry soils, or otherwise stubborn ground, are hard to remove from the hole, as the clamping action of the jaws is not as effective on these ...
What is the easiest way to dig holes?
- Power augers are used much like a lawnmower. It is a better idea to rent one than buy one yourself. ...
- If you have to dig many holes (like for a fence), a two-person auger is your best pet. ...
- Rocky and heavy clay ground can be difficult to dig, even with a gas-powered auger. ...
- Follow all safety guidelines when operating any machine. ...
What is the deepest hole we can dig?
Instead focus on the Kola Superdeep Borehole's unmatched 7.5-mile depth. Started in 1970 by Russian scientists on the Kola Peninsula of Russia ultimately became the deepest hole in the world—deeper than even the deepest part of the ocean—after about 20 years of digging and experimentation.
How deep do post hole augers go?
about 3 ft. deepMost augers dig about 3 ft. deep, but for deeper holes, ask for an extension rod (Photo 5), usually for no extra fee. Deeper holes are typically required for footings for decks or other structures attached to houses located in very cold climates where frost depths exceed 3 ft.
How deep can a one man auger dig?
The available depths for an auger are generally 3 and 4 feet–but there are augers that exist that allow you to drill with more width and depth. Those wielding a one-man auger shouldn't use it for any holes exceeding 8 inches in diameter. Whereas two-man augers get the job done for a maximum of 18 inches in diameter.
How deep can a 3 point post hole digger go?
40 inchesIt's the perfect tool for creating accurate holes quickly. Simply attach the post hole digger to your 3-point hitch for heavy duty hole digging, and get your jobs done fast. You can dig deep, too, since this equipment can drill to a depth of 40 inches.
Is a post hole digger worth it?
While that won't make a lot of difference if you have loamy, soft soil to begin with, for those who have hard-packed clay soils it certainly does. If your soil is very solid, or has a lot of rocks, a post hole digger is an essential tool to have.
What is the difference between a post hole digger and an auger?
Q: What is the difference between an auger and a post hole digger? The difference between the two is in how they dig holes. You thrust a traditional post hole digger into the ground and remove the soil between the scoops. An auger “screws” into the ground and transports dirt along the blade up to the surface.
Will a post hole auger cut through roots?
Post hole diggers are not capable of cutting through large roots, and it is time consuming to try and chop the root out by hand. The most effective method of installing a post through a root is to drill through it.
How big of a hole do you need for a 4x4 post?
12 inchesThe diameter of your post hole should be three times the diameter of your post. So, if you're planning on using a four-inch round or 4x4-inch square post, your post hole will need to be 12 inches in diameter.
Why is my post hole digger not digging?
Damaged blades on the auger will prevent it from properly cutting through the ground and moving the dirt up and out of the hole. Dull blades or a damaged fishtail point will also prevent the post hole digger auger from cutting through the soil. A local small engine shop or the factory can sharpen the blade on an auger.
Why is my auger not digging?
Augers can dig aggressively when their teeth are in good shape, but if not, the auger flighting must pick up the slack and absorb unnecessary wear. Worn teeth can also decrease digging capacity and force the auger to become stuck in the ground.
How well do post hole diggers work?
1:0515:21Post Hole Digger Showdown! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can definitely dig a hole with one of these guys no doubt about it especially if your ground isnMoreYou can definitely dig a hole with one of these guys no doubt about it especially if your ground isn't too intensely rocky or hard. But that's kind of true with all these tools.
Do manual post hole diggers work?
For long swathes of new fencing, manual post hole diggers are a lot of work, but they are much more efficient than digging holes out with a spade and also give you neater edges so if you decide to use cement to set your fence posts, you'll have a better set a the base as a result with less soil dilution on the edges.
Which hole digger is best?
Best Heavy-Duty Post Hole Digger If you want to dig lots of holes as quickly as possible, it's hard to beat the power of the Eco LLC 63CC Gas Powered Post Hole Digger. The two-stroke engine puts out an impressive 3.4 horsepower, and can spin its auger a staggering 8,500 rpm.
Do augers work in rocky soil?
For drilling in rocky soils, always recommend heavy-duty augers to avoid damage. These augers are equipped with a more durable tooth and side cutting blades as well as heavy-duty flighting.
How do I make my auger dig better?
Drill Wide Holes. If you're able to choose the diameter of your auger, go ahead and drill a hole significantly wider than your posts. A hole three times wider than the post really isn't too much. If you drill wide, spacious holes, you'll have a much easier time thoroughly backfilling to lock posts in place.
Do augers work in clay soil?
Augers are also great for soil that is tough to dig. Heavy clay soils, which tend to clump and stick to shovels, are no problem with an auger.
What to consider before selecting a post hole digger?
Before selecting a post hole digger, there are a few factors to think about. First, make sure the digger has the power to get the job done. It also has to be light enough to handle when working alone. This section will highlight those areas as well as point out some other factors to keep in mind when choosing the best post hole digger for your project.
How much weight can a post hole digger lift?
Manual post hole diggers are the lightest option, often weighing around 10 pounds. Even with the scoops fully loaded with rocks and soil, it’s rare to need to lift more than 20 pounds from the hole.
What does an auger do in a post hole?
On the way down, the auger excavates some soil and rocks from the hole, but it also loosens the rest, to enable clearing the hole relatively easily with subsequent passes. There are occasions where a gas-powered post hole digger will bury itself in the ground, catching on a tough root or rock.
How does an electric post hole digger work?
Electric post hole diggers work similarly to gas-powered models, but with an electric motor to power the auger. The electric motor is quieter and creates none of the exhaust fumes of a gas option. They’re often lighter, more convenient, and require much less maintenance, but that can come at the cost of power.
What is the best tool to dig holes in a fence?
Manual post hole diggers are the most common and traditional option for digging holes for fence posts, mailboxes, and lots of other projects. They look similar to giant salad tongs, with a pair of long handles and two hinged scoops on the end.
What tools do you need to dig a hole?
There are plenty of tools to help dig holes, from standard shovels to heavy-duty excavators, plus multiple types of post hole diggers to choose from. Below is a breakdown of the most common types of post hole diggers, with an explanation of how they work and what it takes to operate them.
What is a gas operated post hole digger?
When it comes to boring deep holes in a hurry, a gas-operated post hole digger is the way to go. These machines have gasoline-powered engines mounted on top, similar to those found in weed whackers, chainsaws, and lawn mowers.
What is the best way to dig for post holes?
If you are going to be doing light, shallow digging for your post holes, then a manual digger may be a good option. These devices do require a bit of work since they are not powered by anything but the person using them. However, they are generally more affordable.
What is a post hole digger?
A post hole digger provides your fence structural integrity. It does this by digging holes that are deep enough and wide enough for your needs. Picking the incorrect post hole digger will leave you unable to finish your fence. Alternatively, it could leave you doing a lot more manual work. A post hole digger is designed to help you eliminate more ...
How wide should a fence post be?
Generally, it is recommended that you provide yourself with 4 inches of wiggle room. So, if your fence post is 4 inches wide, you should consider an 8-inch post hole digger. This will provide you with enough room to properly set your posts. This is essential for erecting a post that is secure and sturdy. Though choosing your post hole digger size ...
What are the downsides of a gas powered digger?
The downside to a gas-powered digger is that they can put off fumes that smell. If you’re sensitive and don’t need the mobility, you might consider an electric digger instead.
Can you take a gas post hole digger to a job site?
This is great for especially large properties. With a gas post hole digger, you won’t need to be near an electric source.
Do electric diggers smell?
This can be inconvenient. However, for most residential needs, they are suitable. They provide all the power of a gas-powered hole digger with none of the bad smell.
Can you put concrete in a post hole?
Yes, this is a common method. For some types, you can pour the dry concrete in the post hole and just add water! This is an easy and effective way to set a post.
How far can you extend a post hole auger?
I researched a post hole auger from amazon and funnily many reviews and comments talked about how to extend this thing well over 30ft to drill wells. There are a few people on youtube who document what they do and one African mission group who shares their open source plans. Luckily we have found quite a lot of knowledge to build off of. Some people claim to extend these things close to 100ft long. The annoying part being that every 4 inches it has to be lifted out of the hole and cleaned out.
How deep is the second hole in the rock?
But it is hard to know how much damage we really did to the rock layer. 2. The second hole is 15 feet deep. It is 4 feet away from hole 1. We hit a lot of gravel in the first 2 feet but that is easily removable with a normal shovel. Hoping we get luckier at 25 feet.
What size tubing do I use for a coupler?
We used 11guage square tubing 1in x 1in welded to short segments of 1.25x1.25 tubing as a coupler. This tubing is maybe a bit overkill as after about 30ft of extensions are on it becomes challenging to balance it. The sections are quickly removable and at longer lengths I think we will have to take sections off for every bucket of dirt. We may consider switching to aluminum tubing, I regret not getting it originally as the cost is not that different.
How are feathers drilled?
The "feathers" are half round in shape with a flat inside. A hole is drilled by star drill or an air hammer in a line where the rock is to be split. Then a wedge is inserted between the half round feathers. The wedges are then TAPPED in; they are not pounded.
Can a link pick up rocks?
I use one like you are using all the time. The one in the link is made turn fast with a motor, don't bother. It will pick up small rocks, but so will the one you have. Both stumble on big rocks.
Can you dig a well with a modified auger?
We are working on digging a well with a modified post hole auger. Most methods of well drilling require lots of water in a slurry to bring up all of the extracted material. Without much water on hand this seems like a good method to try.
