Skip to content

Post Hole Digger Digging Tools CountyLine 3-Point 2023

Post Hole Digger

Post Hole Digger Digging Tools CountyLine 3-Point 2023

A post-hole clam digger, also called a post-hole grapple or simply a post-hole digger, is a tool that consists of two jointed shovel-shaped blades, forming an incomplete hollow cylinder about a foot long. and a few inches wide, with two long handles that can place the blades in an “open” position (parallel) or in a “closed” position (converging).

Source online for latest & high-quality products from Verified Wholesale Suppliers! Offering smart sourcing tools for buyers to find China Products, Manufacturers & Suppliers. Reliable Exporters. 45 Years of Experience. Wide Range Of Products. Effective Sourcing.

Get A Better Deal On Bulk Post Hole Digger. China’s B2B Impact Award. Quality China Products. SGS Audited Suppliers. Highlights: Mobile App Available, A Comprehensive Service Platform For Foreign Trade, Helping You To Trade Easily And Safely.

The Fiskars post hole digger features a unique handle profile that prevents you from banging your knuckles together when digging holes. The offset handles allow …Find post hole diggers at Lowe’s today. Free Shipping On Orders $45+. Shop post hole diggers and a variety of outdoors products online Steps: 1. Mark the center of each hole on the ground.

Images for Post Hole Digger Tools

Bestseller No. 1
Fiskars 60" Steel Posthole Digger, Long-Handled Construction and Yard...
  • IDEAL GARDEN DIGGER: Long-handled steel posthole...
  • MAXIMUM POWER AND PRECISION: Offset handles let...
  • LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Welded, 14-gauge,...
  • QUALITY GARDEN TOOLS: From tree pruners to garden...
  • INCLUDES: 1 Fiskars 60" Posthole Digger; Full...
Bestseller No. 2
VNIMTI Post Hole Digger Tool, Heavy Duty Post Hole Digger with...
  • Sturdy and Sharp Steel Blade: The blade of the...
  • Special Handle: The post hole digger is made of...
  • Reliable Structure: Heavy-duty post hole digger...
  • Dimension: With an overall length of 58 inches,...
  • Range of Application: The VNIMTI post hole digger...
Bestseller No. 3
AMES 2701600 Post Hole Digger with Hardwood Measurement Handle,...
  • IDEAL USE: Used to dig fence post holes and in...
  • STRONG BLADE: Post hole digger with durable...
  • OVERSIZED CUSHION GRIP for comfort
  • MEASURING STICK on the handle for digging more...
  • NORTH AMERICAN HARDWOOD HANDLE for strength and...
Bestseller No. 4
VEVOR Post Hole Digger, 52cc 1450W Auger Post Hole Digger, Gas Powered...
  • Powerful Engine: VEVOR Fuel-powered Auger features...
  • Sturdy & Durable: The drill bit is made of alloy...
  • Efficient Operation: Equipped with a 1.2m...
  • Effortless Operation: The 30-inch alloy drill bit...
  • Complete Accessories: We ship the main unit and...
Bestseller No. 5
Nohovu Post Hole Digger Manual, Heavy Duty Post Hole Digger with...
  • Sturdy & Sharp Blades: The manual post hole digger...
  • Thickened Fiberglass Handles: The heavy duty post...
  • Solid & Reliable Construction: The sharp blades of...
  • Dimensions: The heavy duty post hole digger is 58...
  • Product Use: The manual post hole digger can be...
  1. Seymour Structron Hercules

Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48

  • Post hole digger
  • Designed for frequent, heavy-duty, professional…
  • Fiberglass handle with fiberglass core insert for…

Check Current Price

If you want a manual post hole digger, the Seymour post hole digger is your best bet. Built with layered fiberglass handles wrapped around a solid inner core, these are meant to last. The steel blades easily cut through roots and hard soil. Padded grips top the handles, ensuring that you’ll always have a secure grasp on your tool. It cuts out and lifts out neat, round bites from the soil. This may require some muscle to use, but for manual options, this is really the best post hole digger and a solid tool to keep around.

Overall Best Gas Post Hole Digger

2. Earthquake 43cc 2-Cycle Powerhead

If you’re looking for the best post hole auger in the gas category, look no further. The Earthquake has a very solid 250 RPM two-stroke motor that can easily handle turning the auger bit through any soil type. In addition, it’s got a very wide variety of auger bits and even depth extenders available, as well as replacement tips. The handles are designed to be anti-fatigue handles, reducing the vibration levels significantly. All in all, if you want to easily clear that space for your new tree or for your deck post, this is going to do it quickly, easily, and with a minimum of fuss with this choice for the gas best post hole digger.

Overall Best Electric Post Hole Digger

3. Goplus 1200W Electric 110V 1.6HP Post Hole Digger

Goplus 1200W Electric Post Hole Digger 110V 1.6HP Earth Soil Ice w/ 4″ Auger Bit

  • 【Strong and Durable】This auger drill bit is…
  • 【1200w Fine Cooper Motor】Rated un-load rotary…
  • 【Safety Automatic Lock Switch】Features two…

The best post hole digger in the electric category goes to the Goplus. While it comes with only a single bit, other auger bits are available for this model. It neatly slices perfect holes into the ground, and can chew through tree roots or rocky soil without a problem. This one might not work if you’re going ice fishing and are looking for the best post hole digger to take in the middle of nowhere. Its limitation is the requirement for power. However, for pretty much any normal situation, this is the perfect electric option, and you don’t have to fuss with a gas can or draining the tank when you’re going to store it away.

Best Budget Post Hole Digger

4. Bully Tools 92384 Manual Post Hole Digger

Bully Tools 92384 14-Gauge 7-Inch Post Hole Digger with Fiberglass Handle

  • 100% Made in the USA
  • Commercial grade
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Let’s say you have a small project, and a small budget to accompany the project. You don’t have to go without a post hole digger, though. The Bully post hole digger features triple-reinforced fiberglass handles paired up with a set of 12-gauge steel blades. For the average homeowner, this is plenty to get needed repair work done or to put up that birdhouse or free lending library in the front yard. As with all manual post hole diggers, some strength is required to use it. All things considered, this is a sturdy tool that will dig all the holes you need it for in the average residential setting, and for the price, this is the budget-friendly best post hole digger choice.

Other Good Options – Post Hole Diggers

5. V-Type 63CC 2 Stroke Gas Post Hole Digger

XtremepowerUS Post Hole Digger w/ 8″ inch Auger Bit Set V-Type 63CC 2 Stroke Motor Gas Post Hole…

  • Recoil Start – Engineered with a manual recoil…
  • Widely Application – XtremepowerUS Post Hole…
  • 3/4″ Shaft Size – Post hole diggers are made…

This post hole digger is also a great model. While I don’t consider it the best post hole digger in the gas category, it’s worth checking out if you want to save a few dollars. The Earthquake has a much wider variety of auger bits available, and that variability in purpose gives it the clear edge over this one. Despite that, this model is also quite good, and is an excellent choice if the Earthquake isn’t available to you. And, let’s face it, you’re just boring holes in the ground. If you’re doing standard fence installation only, this is all you’ll need.

6. Hiltex 10425 Electric Earth Auger

Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger with 4″ Bit 1, 200W and 1.6 hp Powerhead

  • POWERFUL: 1,200 Watts, 11 Amps and 1.6 HP high…
  • HOLE DIGGER: perfect for installing fence post,…
  • SAFETY LOCK: prevents danger from triggering the…

Guided Search Filters – Post Hole Diggers

  1. Stand directly over the hole location with your feet spread shoulder-width apart. 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 …Find Post Hole Digger Drill Bit. Check Out 1000+ Results from Across the Web. 100+ Million Visitors. Information 24/7. Trusted by Millions. The Complete Overview.

Post-hole augers and post-hole diggers are specialized tools for fence building with which everyone may not be acquainted. There is a big difference between these two tools.

Fence Building Tools

Here’s a list of some basic tools used in fence building. You should have most of these tools on-hand in your garage or shed.

  • Post-hole auger
  • Post-hole digger
  • Shovel and wheelbarrow for mixing concrete
  • Power saw
  • Hammer and punch
  • Carpenter’s square, level, and mason’s line

Post-Hole Augers – Post Hole Diggers

Post-hole augers may minimize the effort you’ll have to expend on digging the holes because they are mechanized tools. Unless you have a lot of time, these power tools are almost indispensable if you’re installing a long fence. Post-hole augers can often be rented from your local rental store.

But do not think of a post-hole auger as being a silver bullet or a sure-fire solution to digging holes for fence posts. There are at least two potential problems associated with using these “giant corkscrews”.

  1. They are difficult to control. In fact, you may need to enlist someone else’s help in operating this power equipment.
  2. They are not very effective at penetrating soils laden with clay or studded with stones.

Post-Hole Diggers

Post-hole diggers, which are sold at many large hardware stores, are used for the same purpose as augers, but that is where the similarity ends because these are manual tools employed in fence building. This tool looks like two skinny shovels joined together by a flange where the shovelheads meet the handles.

The best post hole digger, you say? Why would you ever need that? Well, let me give you some reasons.

You’re about to install the deck of your dreams, but you just realized that to do it, you need to have 6″ wide by 30″ deep holes that can accommodate your deck posts as well as the concrete footing around them.

Maybe you’re preparing to put up that birdhouse that your cousin got you for your birthday, and want to be sure that it has a sturdy pole that won’t shift, so you’d like to bury the post about 18″ deep.

Or you’re planting a new oak tree for fall color in your back yard, and need to clear a nice deep hole that can accommodate the large root base of your three-year-old sapling.LEARN MORE

Whatever the reason, if you have a deep hole to dig, you need a post hole digger. But what’s the best post hole digger, and is there a good reason to use that instead of just digging a much larger hole with a shovel? Let’s explore the topic in detail and find the right tool for your needs.

Best Post Hole Digger Choices (Manual, Gas, Electric): Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger PD48Check Current PriceGoplus 1200W Electric Post Hole Digger 110V 1.6HP…Check Current Price

Best Manual Post Hole Digger: Seymour Structron Hercules
Top Best Gas Post Hole Digger: Earthquake 43cc 2-Cycle Powerhead
Best Electric Post Hole Digger: Goplus 1200W Electric 110V 1.6HP Post Hole Digger
Best Budget Post Hole Digger: Bully Tools 92384 Manual Post Hole Digger
Other Good Choices:

  • V-Type 63CC 2 Stroke Gas Post Hole Digger
  • Hiltex 10425 Electric Earth Auger

What is a Post Hole Digger?

In its simplest form, a post hole digger is a device used to dig or bore out a deep hole suitable for placing a post in the ground. However, these handy devices can be used for more than just a post. They’re surprisingly effective at removing dirt from somewhat hardened soil for planting or amending, and can be used to create larger-sized holes as well as single post holes. They can also be used to help start trenches for doing irrigation, or other similar deep digging tasks.

There’s two essential styles: post hole diggers that bore out a hole, and those which scoop out a hole. Either way you choose to go, it’s a great way to move soil for your current project.

But why would you need a post hole digger if you have a shovel? This has a lot to do with the size of the hole you make. A standard shovel head is going to make a much larger hole than you might need, and that means that the soil around your post is going to be softer from being moved. 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.

Types of Post Hole Diggers

Whether you’re willing to use brute force or would prefer a little mechanical aid, there’s an option that will work for you!

Manual – Post Hole Diggers

These manual diggers are a scooping mechanism which requires a little muscle. They’re great for light to medium-level digging. If you’re looking to plant a small bush or tree, are extending your irrigation trenches, or are building a fence, these should work well for your needs.

Manual post hole diggers are essentially a pair of curved blades on the end of two long handles. To use them, you push them down into the soil. The curved blades will cut down into the soil. You can then pull the handles outward and lift to take a deep bite out of the ground, lifting the soil out of the way.

Gas

If you’ve got a larger hole that you need to bore out, or rocky soil, you might consider a gas post hole digger. These are essentially handheld augers that bore out a round hole. They will easily cut into even the hardest-packed clay. Drilling out the post holes for your fifty-foot fence will be a breeze with one of these. In addition, a gas model is the best post hole digger for rocky soil, as it typically has enough power to move the rocks out of the way.

Typically constructed of steel, there are variable blade widths available. The wider the blade, the wider the hole you can bore. Most of the commercially-available gas augers do not bore much deeper than three feet, but that’s plenty for most yard work.

Electric

Electric models are quite similar to gas models, just without the smelly gas fumes. These are great if you are within easy range of a power source, and tend to run significantly quieter than their gas counterparts. However, if you are installing new fencing on the outer reaches of your multiple-acre property, you may find it more difficult to get power to where you’re at.

Electric post hole diggers also have a selection of augers available, with variable blade widths and similar options to gas models. However, weight-wise they’re about the same as a gas model.

Features To Consider – Post Hole Diggers

Let’s go over some features you’ll need to know about when you’re in the market for the best post hole digger.

Manual Post Hole Digger Features

While a manual post hole digger is a fairly basic piece of equipment, there’s a few things to look for.

The handles of your post hole digger are the most important thing to consider. While older diggers had wooden handles, those can get weaker with age and break down. Most quality diggers are available with fiberglass handles that are reinforced for added strength. This is critical if you’re going to be going through tougher or rockier soil, as the handles are what provides the leverage needed to dig.

Some handles have a modification to their ends which allows you to bring them together closely without your knuckles bashing together. Others are straight. Either option works, but be sure they’re sturdy enough to handle the task.

Another consideration is the length of the handle. That length determines how easily you’ll be able to get leverage on your post hole digger. Longer is better for two reasons. The first is that a longer handle gives you more leverage in general. The second is that the longer the handle, the deeper your hole can be. Both are important factors. I find a 60″ handle is usually about perfect for me.

The other aspect of the post hole digger that you should be attentive to is the joint where the two scoop-shaped blades join together. Be sure it’s a strong joint, preferably one which won’t loosen easily. While the blades are generally constructed sturdily, they’re useless without a secure swivel point.

Gas Post Hole Digger Features

Without a decent motor, your gas post hole digger isn’t going to do what you want it to do. The better options are 2 to 2.5 horsepower motors which have enough power to get the task done. If the digger that you’re looking at is a lower-powered motor, I do not recommend it.

The auger, or the bladed bit that attaches to the motor, needs to be constructed of high-carbon steel. Anything else may be a liability, as it could snap and cause damage to you or your post hole digger if it hits something solid. Most gas-powered post hole diggers have interchangable augers available in sizes from 2″ through 10-12″ diameter, depending on the size of hole you need to dig.

There should be extremely sturdy handles on your post hole digger. After all, you’re going to need to hold on tightly to them to control it. If you’ll be working for a long period of time or doing multiple holes, you may want to consider handles with anti-vibration padding. These help reduce the level of vibration that shakes the arms and upper torso, thereby allowing you to work longer.

The weight of your automatic post hole digger is also something to take into consideration. Most units are lightweight enough that one person can use them. However, in more difficult soil conditions or uneven terrain, you may need a second person to help control your digger.

Electric Post Hole Digger Features

The majority of electric post hole diggers have a 1200W motor. Anything less than that strength just won’t be effective.

I have yet to find a cordless electric post hole digger that works well. The models I would recommend all have power cords attached, usually short. Be sure you have an extension cord which can handle the power needs of your digger, as well as a nearby power source. Anything far away from a power source will likely require a manual or gas post hole digger.

Otherwise, you want to take into consideration the same aspects as with gas post hole diggers. You are going to want high-carbon steel augers, particularly on a device that has interchangeable augers. You need sturdy handles, and may want to consider anti-vibration padding. And weight is still something to be aware of.

Before Digging Your Hole – Post Hole Diggers

Before you start to dig, you need to be prepared.

Heavy clay soils or rocky soils should have been given a good soaking over the prior few days to allow the soil time to soften up a bit. You want to wait at least a few hours after the last soaking so you’re not drilling into mud.

You want foot and leg protection, even with a manual model. I know, this should go without saying, but you need to be wearing heavy shoes and long pants. For a manual, this is mostly to protect your feet and legs from the edge of the steel blades. With a gas or electric model, this also protects your feet and legs from flying dirt and rocks. Eye protection is also a good choice, just in case any rock shards start to fly.

If you’re working on an uneven surface, like the side of a hill, you want a second person to assist. If you’re off-balance, your hole may not be straight down, and it may be harder to control the machine. A manual post hole digger can be easily adjusted. A vibrating, heavier machine is trickier.

For gas types, be sure that the fuel tank is filled with fresh fuel and that the carburetor isn’t gunked up from a long period of storage. Make sure it’s functioning in advance of digging day!

Best Post Hole Digger Reviews

Images for post hole diggers

  • hydraulic
  • gas powered
  • manual
  • tractor
  • lowes
  • fence post
  • heavy duty
  • walmart
  • hand
  • old school
  • antique
  • small
  • kobalt
  • diy
  • sketch
  • electric
  • power
  • old manual
  • kubota
  • seymour

Overall Best Manual Post Hole Digger

The Goplus has distinct advantages on price and bit availability. But I have to give the Hiltex post hole digger some credit as well. It has a reasonable auger bit selection, but what strikes me the most is the variety of lengths that they offer as well as widths. With lengths of 6″, 8″, and so on, you can drill precisely to your intended depth with no guesswork. While it’s not the best post hole digger in the electric category, it’s a firm contender and is well worth the money.

Choosing the Best Post Hole Digger

The type of post excavator you choose will depend entirely on your intended use and, of course, on your budget. If you opt for a one-man pole excavator, you will have a choice between electric or gas. For 2 person machines, gas is the only option. When looking at particular models, there are a few guidelines you need to follow to ensure that you are really getting the best post excavator.

Power Source – Post Hole Diggers

For the post hole excavator to work well, it must have the power to dig up some heavy dirt. Dense clay can jam some machines and gasoline engines are probably best for these situations.

A single person gas post excavator should have a 40-50cc engine size to handle an auger up to approximately 12 “, although most are best suited to an 8” auger. Two person post excavators can do much more, with an auger capacity of approximately 14 ”and this requires an engine size of 150-200cc. The smallest engines are usually 2-stroke and the largest 4-stroke. A decent post excavator from a reputable brand should have the engine well matched to the specifications of the bit.

The most important thing to consider when choosing a gasoline engine is reliability and ease of service. I can’t stress enough how important it is to stick to well-known brands when it comes to gas-powered pole excavators. These engines will not only be the most reliable, but you will also be able to get parts and service.

An unknown brand is just that: unknown. This means you don’t know what kind of quality you are getting, and you won’t know where to look for replacement parts. That is if you can get them, no matter a dealer who serves you.

Auger – Post Hole Diggers

The part that does all the work is the auger and it must be of good quality. A high carbon bit is a must as they won’t break or wear out too easily. Fortunately, many bits are interchangeable between major brands and this is another reason why you should stick with well-known brands.

There are two secondary factors that are not strictly about the bit, but rather safety and ease of use. One is a clutch. On a powerful two-person post excavator, a clutch is a must. When a powerful high-torque motor and wide auger backs up, serious injury can occur.

A clutch will disconnect the auger from the motor when it encounters an obstacle. Smaller one-man pole well excavators typically don’t have a clutch. These don’t have the power to do as much damage in the event of a kickback. Although you could still get a nasty arm twist if this happens and a clutch can be a good idea if you don’t have a lot of force to hold the machine.

Another thing to look for is a spring damper where the bit meets the power head. This makes the post excavator much more comfortable to use and improves its overall safety.

Handless – Post Hole Diggers

Last but certainly not least, take a look at the handles. They should be able to accommodate your best working height and this standard on all post excavators. The handles should be strong as the machine handles a lot of torque. For your own comfort, padding is always a good idea as there is a lot of vibration.

The weight of the machine will also affect the ease of use. Larger augers will weigh more and there is nothing that can be done about it. Although the power head will remain the same regardless of the auger you use. For a single person post hole excavator, 20-25 LBS is a reasonable weight for the power head. A two person post excavator will weigh about twice this weight (maybe a little more) and 50-55 LBS is quite reasonable for these machines.

How much does a post hole digger cost?

The total price for labor per hole is $74.36, coming in between $42.24 to $106.48.
…dig a post hole national average cost.

cost to dig a post hole
National Avg. Cost (labor) for 1 hole$74.36
National Cost Range (labor) for 1 hole$42.24 – $106.48

What is the best post hole digger? They’ll save you both time and stress on your back.

  • BEST OVERALL: Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger.
  • Top BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: XtremepowerUS 1200W 1.6HP Electric Post Hole Digger.
  • BEST UPGRADE: Landworks Earth Auger Power Head Steel 6″ x 30″ Bit.
  • BEST MANUAL: AMES 2701600 Post Hole Digger with Hardwood Handle.

What is a post hole digger called?

post hole digger can also be known as a clamshell digger, due to its resemblance to the seaside shell. … The two shovels work simultaneously by digging into the ground to create a hole and then removing any loosened soil by clamping together.

What size hole does a post hole digger make?

Dig post hole so the 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.

Searches related to post hole digger

  • post hole digger for tractor
  • rent post hole digger
  • Best post hole digger gas
  • post hole digger amazon
  • best post hole digger
  • long handle post hole digger
  • post hole digger auger
  • post hole digger Walmart

15 Best Nursing and Pumping Bras full Reviews Guide 2023

11 Best Nursery Glider, Rocker & Recliners

9 Best Portable Indoor Propane Heaters Small, Gas Heaters 2023

Water Dispensers Hot/Cold, Water Coolers, Culligan Ice Makers 2023

Post Hole Diggers

Last update on 2024-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API