What size post hole digger do I Need?
Picking a post hole digger that is 4 inches wider than the post is generally what is recommended. However, that may need to be adjusted depending on certain factors. There are several factors that influence the proper size for a post hole digger. Here are some of the additional factors that you should consider.
What is a post hole digger called?
Automatic diggers are also called augers, which is named after their special blade or bit that curls around a single central shaft and rotates as it digs into the ground. There are 2 types of automatic post hole diggers or augers: gas-powered or electric.
How much power does a hole digger have?
Most automatic hole diggers have either a 2 or 2.5HP engine or 1200-watts/110-volts motor for an electric model, which can produce a maximum of 250 RPM and loads of rotating torque. With this much power and centrifugal force, the digger will be able to move a lot of earth quickly and has the ability to make a lot of holes in a short amount of time.
How big is a post hole digger?
A 12-inch auger, best attached to a heavy machine, will create a hole large enough for a 6×6 or 4×6 post and plenty of concrete. Smaller augers, like 4- or 6-inch options, are appropriate for light-duty work (like mailboxes) as well as metal fence posts for chain-link fences.
How wide should a post hole be?
Dig post hole so diameter of the hole is 3 times the width of the post (i.e., the hole for a 4” wood post should be about 12 inches wide). The depth of the hole should be 1/3-1/2 the post height above ground (i.e., a 6-foot tall fence would require a hole depth of at least 2 feet).
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. For a six-foot-high fence post, we would need a hole that's 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter.
Is 8 inch hole big enough for fence post?
Therefore, the 4x4 post will likely fit into a hole drilled by a 6" diameter auger. However, this leaves less than 1/2" at the widest part for cement or dirt to be packed in to secure the post. For this reason, an 8"-10" auger would work much better and provide the necessary fill space for cement or tamping.
How deep should an 8 foot post be in the ground?
For an average fence post, about 6 to 8 feet tall, prepare to dig a post hole about 2 feet deep. To install a fence post, you'll need a shovel or post digger, a 6-foot level, soil, and gravel or crushed stone.
What is the fastest way to dig a post hole?
There's no question about it — the fastest and easiest way to dig post holes is to use a gas-powered earth auger. Fill the tank with gas, position the auger on the ground, fire it up, hold on tight and watch the soil come streaming out of the hole.
How many bags of concrete do I need for a 4x4 post?
How Much Concrete For A 4×4 Fence Post?Depth50 Lb Bags10″-14″216″-22″324″30″432″36″5
Is 18 inches deep enough for a fence post?
The general rule of thumb when setting a post is that the depth of the post's hole needs to be one-third to one-half of the actual above-ground height of the post. So, a six-foot-high finished post ideally needs to be buried three feet into the ground.
Can you put dry concrete in a post hole?
0:131:37How to Set Posts in Concrete (without mixing) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBecause there is no mixing you simply pour it into the hole. Dry. Then add water when digging yourMoreBecause there is no mixing you simply pour it into the hole. Dry. Then add water when digging your post hole it is important that the diameter of the hole be three times the width of the post.
How deep should fence posts be grounded?
2 ftThe 2 ft Rule Lawsons experts recommend you should dig a hole which has a depth of 2 ft (24 in / 600mm) to ensure you have a stable timber or concrete fence post.
Should fence posts be set in concrete?
Do Fence Posts Need To Be Set in Concrete? No, fence posts don't need to be set in concrete, and there are plenty of other ways to fix your posts if this feels a bit too permanent. If you are using wooden posts, concrete may actually be the worst option.
How far apart should fence post be?
8 to 12 feet apartMost fence posts can be spaced 8 to 12 feet apart. While this is a general criteria, it doesn't cover all scenarios. For instance, high tensile fence can have larger spacing, requiring line posts every 15 to 20 feet for field fence styles, and as much as 20-30 feet for high tensile barbed and smooth wire.
Our Top Pick For The Best Post Hole Digger
Our top pick for the best post hole diggers is the Earthquake 43cc 2-Cycle, 8-inch Earth Auger Post-Hole Digger. If you have a new fence to erect o...
What Is A Post Hole Digger?
A post hole digger sometimes called an auger, is the ultimate tool for smaller earthmoving tasks and it is a must-have tool for any DIY maintenance...
How to Choose The Best Post Hole Digger
To be able to find the best post hole digger for your outdoor chores, you need to think about the type of digging projects that you have to do and...
Do I need to call the gas/electric/cable companies if I’m replacing an existing fence?
Yes. Regulations usually require you to call because you may be digging deeper than the previous post holes, or a gas/electric/cable line may have...
How long does it take to dig a post hole?
It depends on the type of soil you’re digging in. Rough, rocky soil or hard clay will take longer than soft dirt or loam. In softer dirt, you’ll pr...
Can the handles on a post hole digger be replaced?
Yes. Replacements for wooden handles can be found at most hardware stores. Those are usually generic. If your post hole digger has anything other t...
What is a post hole digger?
A post hole clam digger, also called post hole pincer or simply post hole digger, is a tool consisting of two articulated shovel -like blades, forming an incomplete hollow cylinder about a foot long and a few inches wide, with two long handles that can put the blades in an "open" (parallel) position or a "closed" (convergent) position.
How big is a hole dig tool?
The tool is used to dig holes in the ground, typically from a few inches to a about a foot in diameter, for general purposes such as setting fence and sign posts or planting saplings. In operation, the tool is jabbed into the ground with the blades in the open position.
When was the pole digger invented?
Clam-type pole diggers seem to be a relatively recent invention, newer than earth augers. A patent was filed by J. Lawry of Lenior City, Tennessee in 1908. The patent has the traditional clam-shell design with an extra spike in the center.
What is the best tool to dig holes in the ground?
An earth auger is another tool that is used to dig holes in the ground, consisting of a rotating shaft with one or more blades attached at the lower end. A hand-powered auger is generally easier to use than a clam-type digger, and can in principle dig deeper.
How deep can a post hole digger dig?
The manual post hole digger can dig holes up to 4-feet deep and it works best in soft and loose soil.
What is a post hole digger made of?
A quality manual or automatic post hole digger should have blades or a bit that is made out of high-grade durable carbon steel, which gives it that extra strength for digging into the hard ground and create the holes you need. As opposed to manual diggers, an automatic digger may come with interchangeable 4, 6, 8, or 12-inches auger blades, so you will have a lot of digging versatility.
What is the best auger for vibration?
If you are going to be working for long periods, consider the Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger which has anti-vibration foam grip handles that are designed to reduce fatigue.
What is a gas powered post hole auger?
A gas-powered post hole digger/auger is also referred to as a one-man auger as this type of digger can usually be operated by one person. These extremely powerful machines are made out of high-grade steel that is very durable and rust-free, so they are the perfect choice for working in tough outdoor conditions.
What is the best post hole digger?
The best manual post hole digger is one that has fiberglass triple wall construction handles which means the handles are built to last and comfortable to hold. If you have a lot of digging, consider a digger which features an innovative handle design that protects your knuckles during the digging process.
How much power does a hole digger have?
Most automatic hole diggers have either a 2 or 2.5HP engine or 1200-watts/110-volts motor for an electric model, which can produce a maximum of 250 RPM and loads of rotating torque. With this much power and centrifugal force, the digger will be able to move a lot of earth quickly and has the ability to make a lot of holes in a short amount of time.
How long should a digger handle be?
Most manually-operated diggers have a handle that ranges from 47-60-inches long, so if you are a tall person, a 60-inch handle will make the digger easier to operate.
Key considerations
Post hole diggers have long been known as knuckle busters. Cushioned grips, or a larger spread between the handles in the closed position, is something to look at before you buy.
Features
For a long time, post hole diggers had heavy-gauge steel blades and wooden handles. The blades haven’t changed, but the handles have. Now you have some choices that will make a difference.
Post hole digger prices
The low price point on post hole diggers is anything from $25 to $35. These are basic post hole diggers with wooden handles and no rubberized grips or added features.
Tips
Always call the gas and electric companies before you start digging post holes. If you cut one of their lines, it’s not only dangerous, it can also be very expensive because they’ll probably send you a bill for the damages.
What is a post hole digger?
As they’re alternate name suggests, they are a simple clamshell-like tool that you shove down into the hole, close together and then lift, removing any waste earth. Post hole digger or clamshell digger.
How deep should a post hole be?
The width of the post hole should be 3 times the width of diameter of the post. For example, if you are erecting a 6 foot high fence using 4 inch fence posts, the posts need to be 6 feet above the ground. 6 divided by 3 is 2, therefore the depth of the hole required is 2 feet. As the post is 4 inches wide, 3 multiplied by 4 is 12, ...
What type of soil is best for a fence post?
If you have loamy, peaty, sandy or silty soil, this soil-type is fairly light and easy to work with and in turn fairly easy to dig through, but if you have a heavy soil such as clay or a chalky soil that’s full of stones, using a manual auger will be hard work. Manual fence post auger.
Can you leave a fence post hole unattended?
One final point to note when it comes to digging fence post holes is the hole itself. Never leave any post holes that have been already dug unattended. If you need to leave the area you’re working in for any time, cover all of your post holes over with a suitable piece of ply board or similar.
Can you dig a hole with a shovel?
Technically you can dig a hole with a standard shovel, but the hole will always be as wide as the shovel itself and this may be too wide or too narrow, depending on the shovel. Also, trying to remove earth from a hole that’s fairly deep using a shovel is back-breaking work.
How deep can a post hole dig?
However, too many extensions can cause the machine to be difficult to lift or place in the hole. Generally speaking, auger lengths over 5 feet can become difficult to manage.
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 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.
Why use a long handle digger?
Long-handled manual diggers allow for exerting more leverage in the hole for scooping dirt and rocks, making it less likely to lose the soil back into the hole as the tool comes out. They also can dig deeper. Generally speaking, wider handles are better for powered units.
Can you dig a hole with a shovel?
While it might not seem like a lot of work to dig a post hole or two with a shovel, the size of the hole needed can end up seeming enormous. Owning a post hole digger means the opportunity to make holes almost anywhere in the yard without a large-scale excavation project or mess.
1. Research the product and company before making a purchase
The decision to buy a product is an important one, and you should never make it lightly. Research the company before making your purchase.
2. Make sure you buy from a reputable seller
It is why it's essential to buy from a reputable seller. Whether you're buying on Amazon, eBay, or other stores that offer used products for sale, make sure they are legitimate sellers before committing your hard-earned money.
3. Check for reviews of both the product and the company on sites
When shopping for a new product, it's essential to do your research and read reviews. You should be concerned with the quality of the product and how satisfied people are with their purchase experience from start to finish.
4. Look into warranties, return policies, and guarantees that come with your purchase
When you purchase a product, it's essential to look into the warranties and return policies that come with your purchase.
5. Compare prices to make sure you're getting the best deal possible
We all know that the best post hole digger is expensive. So, when you are trying to buy a product, it's important to compare prices for different brands and see if there is an opportunity for savings before making your purchase decision.
6. Read all instructions carefully when buying the best post hole digger
A good product will come with instructions. If you read the directions, follow them to a tee, and don't expect anything extra from your purchase than what was promised in the marketing materials, then it should be all smooth sailing!
Conclusion
When it comes to buying the best post hole digger in 2022, many factors can affect your decision. This article gives you six tips on how to buy the best possible version of whatever you're looking for. Give these recommendations some thought before making any future purchases and see if they help!
Overview
A post hole clam-shell digger, also called post hole pincer or simply post hole digger, is a tool consisting of two articulated shovel-like blades, forming an incomplete hollow cylinder about a foot long and a few inches wide, with two long handles that can put the blades in an "open" (parallel) position or a "closed" (convergent) position.
The tool is used to dig holes in the ground, typically from a few inches to a about a foot in diame…
Comparison with earth augers
An earth auger is another tool that is used to dig holes in the ground, consisting of a rotating shaft with one or more blades attached at the lower end. A hand-powered auger is generally easier to use than a clam-shell digger, and can in principle dig deeper. It naturally creates a round and straight hole, but only of a fixed diameter. A clam-shell-type digger, in contrast, can be used to dig holes of any shape and any diameter greater than that of the open blades.
History and patent info
Clam-shell-type pole diggers seem to be a relatively recent invention, newer than earth augers. A patent was filed by J. Lawry of Lenior City, Tennessee in 1908. The patent has the traditional clam-shell design with an extra spike in the center.
External links
Media related to Post hole diggers at Wikimedia Commons