Best Post Hole Auger

Best Post Hole Auger Comparison Chart 

Best Post Hole Auger Reviews

Best Post Hole Augers: Editor’s Choice

• Earthquake 2-Person Post Hole Auger: Editor’s choice best post hole auger
• Landworks Electric: Best Electric Post Hole Auger
• DC House Gas Post Hole Auger
• XtremepowerUS Auger
• Earthquake E43 1 Person
• Vevor: Best Budget Electric Earth Auger
• XtremepowerUS Powerhead: Best Budget Post Hole Digger

Best Post Hole Augers

Earthquake 2 Person Earth Auger

This 2 man powerhead from Earthquake can really get the job done.  During testing we paired it with a 6 inch auger bit and it crushed holes like nobody’s business.  We really like the earthquake powerhead and recommend it as the best post hole digger.

Super powerful motor that definitely needs two people to handle.  When it grabbed bottom, it kicked back pretty good.

Make sure that its completely upright and starting will be no problem. The quality build is obvious and this unit can get through 100’s of holes without any issues.  

During testing we dug through hard clay, gravel and some 1 inch roots.  We are happy to report that it went through everything like a champ.  This is due to the ball bearing, alloy gear drive transmission. The output torque is 62 ft-lb to tackle those tougher soils you might come across. We recommend it as the best post hole digger for clay soil.

This unit does lack a reverse feature, which would come in handy instead of having to pull it out of the ground when digging deeper holes.

 It pushes so much dirt we were stopping frequently to remove the auger for the hole and take our extra dirt. 

We also noticed that it has to be fully upright to start.

Best Post Hole Diggers: Electric

Landworks Electric

Landworks is among the most reputable manufacturers of earth augers, so when it comes to quality, design, and functionality, you will never go wrong.

The best thing about this earth auger is you don’t need to buy gasoline to use it. This is an electric, cordless earth auger that runs through a rechargeable battery.

Since it doesn’t use gasoline, it won’t produce smog and produces less noise compared with a gas-powered auger. It also comes with a battery life indicator to help you check the battery life of your auger.

When it comes to efficiency, Landworks earth auger is one of the best as it includes a 48V 2Ah lithium-ion battery. During testing we found that we could create at least 30 holes in a single charge. It’s very efficient if you are planning to finish a specific project in one session.

If you want to create more holes on a single charge, you can change the battery and buy a 4Ah li-ion battery.

This would allow you to drill about 60 holes in a single charge. This Landworks post hole digger can be used for a wide range of tasks such as bedding plants, digging post holes, bulbs, fertilizing shrubs, seedlings, and water aeration.

You may also use it for weed and root removal. You can also use it for ice fishing because you can change the blades!  We love augers that pull double duty!

Landworks has equipped this post hole auger with an overload protector, which is meant to prevent the powerhead from overheating while you’re using it. It also has a reverse torque control button which would allow you to reverse the spin of the auger and remove dirt.

All in all, if you’re looking to step away from gas powered augers, this is a great choice.

DC House Gas Post Hole Auger

The DC HOUSE is our top choice for best tree planting auger.  With multiple sized drill bits included, you can conquer all your planting chores without having to worry if you have the right sized drill bit.  

Includes 6″ and 10″ drill bits, but there are a few options to choose from so you can pick an auger that even includes a 12″ bit along with all the others.  This also saves you cash and time, because you don’t have to order extra bits for each job.  

The 2 stroke, 63cc engine comes with an easy fuel delivery system that gives you a quick start with one pull.  The gas tank capacity is 1.5L and it’s also see through so you can keep an eye on your fuel level while you work.  

Don’t forget to fill the gear box with gear oil before getting started because it doesn’t come prefilled.  This unit kicks back when starting so make sure you have a firm grip on it.  

The 3.4HP, 2500w engine really has some power to it, and you might need 2 people if you’re drilling in harder soil conditions.

If you’re looking for a tree planting auger that crosses off all the prime features you’re looking for, the DC HOUSE is it.

XtremepowerUS Auger

During testing, we dug a ton of holes with the XtremepowerUS Auger.  Around 20 3 foot deep holes to be exact and it only took about 30 mins. This is one of the best post hole diggers for rocky soil on the market.

This 2 stroke model has a fuel mixing ratio of 50:1 2 cycle pre-blended fuel and a capacity of 1.45 gallons.  It also comes with a 6, 10 or 12 inch bit, your choice.

Larger sized post hole bits, and ice bits are available here. If your soil is sandy or easy to dig through, you might be able to get away with only having 1 person use it. But it does weigh 40lbs so if it hits something in the ground and kicks back, be ready.

The off switch seems a bit flimsy, be careful not to break it.  If it breaks, just flood the engine until it shuts off.  We recommend getting the extension bar if you have some deep holes to dig.

This post hole auger also doesn’t come with reverse.  Drilling in 12-16 inch increments is the best solution to keep your auger from getting stuck. If you need extensions to dig deeper holes, you can get them here.

WARNING: do not attempt to start this thing with the throttle locked in the on position.  I mean, that’s pretty obvious but check it twice.

Earthquake E43 1 Person Auger

This powerhead from Earthquake is super easy for 1 person to use and a beast in the dirt!  Weighing in at only 24.5 lbs, you won’t get tired moving it around, especially if you have a ton of holes to dig.

Make sure that you grab yourself an auger bit that it the right diameter for the shaft as each manufacturer has their own size.  This auger can pull double duty for you if you’re planning on ice fishing.  

When it’s cold out we found that you might not be able to get this rig started.  Open up the gas cap and equalize the pressure and you’ll be good to go. As with most augers, it doesn’t like rocks bigger than golf balls and may need 2 people to handle it as it chews up roots.

Dirt tends to get into the kill switch after awhile so clean it after each use and read the manual about taking it apart to give it a thorough clean if dirt gets in there.

This unit doesn’t have a reverse function, so after drilling down about a foot or so, you should pull it up and remove the excess dirt and debris from your hole to keep the auger from jamming.

Budget Electric Earth Auger: Vevor

This is the second electric auger for post holes that we recommend.  It’s competitively priced.  You can basically buy it for only a bit more than a daily rental from the local hardware store.

And that’s because...the Vevor isn’t battery operated; it’s corded.  You’ll have to make sure you have a long enough extension cord to reach your project.

This electric auger comes with either a 1200W or a 1500W option with rotational speed of 200 RPM.

You may find that your jobs are limited with the 4″ bit that’s included. The included bit is perfect for plants, bulbs, trees and other small holes.

Because this unit doesn’t have a reverse function, you have to manually remove it and this can be a problem if you’ve got tougher than normal soil conditions.

While it can get through standard soil, there isn’t much torque at 90ft/lb.  The upside to that is if the auger catches on roots or rocks, you won’t get thrown around.  This makes it perfect for beginners. The downside is if you encounter difficult soil, this auger might not get the job done.

The security lock is placed on the left hand side so that it isn’t accidently triggered while operating. Left handed folks will have to be mindful of not triggering the switch while in use.

When testing we noticed that if your drilling in wet soil, you need to bring up the auger occasionally and clear the dirt off the bit.

The items included in this purchase are:

• 1 x Electric Earth Auger
• 1 x Auger Bit
• 1 x Extension Bar
• 2 x Mount Pins
• 1 x Hex Spanner
• 1 x Manual

Best Powerhead Post Hole Digger for Budgets

XtremepowerUS Powerhead

The XtremepowerUS powerhead is one of the more powerful augers on this list. It can go through clays and harder soils without issues.

This unit weighs about 21 lbs without the auger bit, so it could be considered lighter than the other gas augers on our list above. With bits attached, this powerhead should reach about 30 inches, with 24 inches of drilling depth. Grab an extension if you need to go deeper than that.

If this post hole auger hits bigger roots, it has alot of torque, so you will get rocked about. If you’re using it in hard soils, it might be better to use two people due to the power of this post hole digger.

We did miss having a reverse function on this model, and had to tediously remove the auger by hand from some roots we got caught up in.

What we really didn’t like about this auger is that the warranty seems to be non existent and you can’t get a hold of customer service if you have problems with the auger.

Best Post Hole Auger Buyers Guide

What Is an Earth Auger?

A post hole auger is also commonly known as an earth auger because it works with dirt and earth when inserted into the ground.

There are a wide variety of tasks they are recommended for, ranging from putting fence posts into the ground to creating your own vegetable garden.

Overall, their main purpose is to dig holes while preventing you from doing all of the work. If there are things that can be agreed on with yard work, it’s that it’s tiring, time-consuming, and tedious.

Instead of having to mark spots to dig, and then use a shovel to do it all on your own, your earth auger will handle the load for you.

Powered vs. Manual Post Hole Augers

More often than not, you’ll find powered augers used for landscaping projects because they take the time and effort out of digging holes.

This is particularly true if the holes need to be relatively perfect in shape and at very deep depths. An alternative to a powered auger is a manual post hole auger, which may be preferable.

#1. Cheaper

Manual post hole augers are undoubtedly cheaper than powered ones. That’s because there are far fewer pieces that go into them.

Not only does it make them cheaper to manufacture but to maintain over the years as well. If you’re working on a tight budget, choosing a manual auger is still the better alternative than using a shovel.

#2. Low Maintenance

There aren’t many moving pieces in manual augers, which means that you won’t have to worry about replacing parts as much as you would with a powered model.

Also, manual augers are built rather simply, which makes them more user-friendly. If you’re just getting into the world of landscaping, a manual one can teach you how an auger should be used.

#3. Zero Emissions

Unless you’re opting for an electric post hole auger, you’re going to be faced with putting emissions into the atmosphere as you run the equipment. With a manual auger, which doesn’t require gas or propane to run, you won’t be exposed to toxic chemicals and fuels that burn poorly.

#4. Lightweight

If you know you’re going to need a portable auger, a manual post hole auger is your best bet. It’s more lightweight than any other variation. Without the need for an engine, carburetor, fuel tank, and wiring, it’s substantially lighter and better for travel.

2 Types of Post Hole Augers

Depending on the intensity of the project, you can choose from either one- or two-man auger bits.

One-Man Post Hole Augers

A one-man post hole auger features two handles on either side of the motor. It also has a long shaft, which is known as the threaded auger bit.

When you power the device on, the auger will start to turn into the ground, digging a hole as it goes deeper into the earth. You can then switch from forward to reverse in order to pull the auger back out of the hole.

How deep can a one man auger dig?  That depends on the length of your bit.  Some post hole augers also come with extensions shafts.  Typically post diggers can drill anywhere from 30 inches to 46 with an extension shaft.  If you have to dig deep, make sure you get an auger with a long bit and extensions.

Two-Man Augers

The alternative to a single-person auger is one that is used by two people at the same time. This is typically the best option if you’re installing a deck or putting load-bearing posts into the ground. Designed with two sets of handles instead of just one, there are a few other differences as well.

Two-man earth augers typically have a far heavier weight because they are being used for more heavy-duty projects.

They also have powerful engines, which makes them larger in size; most weigh anywhere from 50 to 70 pounds. Compared to a one-man auger, the two-man models have an engine that is two to three times stronger.

Beware the Kickback

If you’re drilling in soil with roots or rocks, and your auger hits those while drilling, it may kickback. Kickback describes when your auger moves in a counterclockwise direction against you. This can happen each time you drill a hole so be prepared.

Accessories for Your Earth Auger: Dirt Auger Attachments

No matter if you choose a manual or powered dirt auger, you’ll have the ability to select an assortment of accessories that make it easier to use.

Extra attachments also give you the ability to use one tool for a variety of tasks. Some of the most common dirt auger attachments include:

Auger Bits

Are post hole augers interchangeable?  You bet they are.  You can find several different types of auger bits at different diameters, depending on the hole size you need to drill.

If you’re planting a tree, you might need a larger bit than if you were inserting a fence post. For people who know they’ll be using their augers for more than one project, investing in a few smaller and larger bits is a good idea.

Make sure you maintain your auger bits by periodically sharpening the bits, or drilling holes will become a huge chore.

Extension Shafts

Likely, you’ll also need to reach different depths depending on what you’re doing around the yard. For example, digging a hole for load-bearing posts will take you deeper than if you’re planting a tree.

To help make it easier to reach better depths, you’re going to need extension shafts, which can easily be attached to your existing dirt auger bits.

Hip Pads

Some augers come with these already built-in, but if you can’t find a model with one, we recommend that you add one yourself. Hip pads let you throw your body weight into the auger without hurting yourself.

These attachments can be just as important as ergonomic handles that help to prevent cramping and injury.

Magnetic Post Level

Grab yourself a level like this that comes with a magnetic strip and a rubber strap to make sure that everything you plumb or posts that you install are level.

How to Buy the Perfect Post Hole Auger

The perfect post hole auger should give you the ability to easily dig holes, regardless if you choose a powered or manual version. It’s important to look for the features listed below before buying an auger.

#1. Quality Blades

The blades of your auger are important because they give you the ability to dig holes. With badly constructed blades, or blades made of low grade steel, they will break immediately after coming in contact with anything under the surface other than soil.

They are also prone to chipping and cracking the more you use them. Some of the highest-quality blades are made from carbon steel or stainless steel, which makes them tough enough to chew through packed dirt without any damage.

You’ll also find that they’ll last longer when maintained for example wiping them down after use to prevent rust.  

#2. Heat-Treated Gears

As augers rely on torque to pry away at the dirt, their gears are put under intense stress by making the bit turn consistently. With heat-treated gears, you won’t have to worry about them burning out and deteriorating quickly when you’re working with heavily packed earth.

#3. Anti-Vibration Handles

This is more of a convenience than a necessity. However, anti-vibration handles make it much more comfortable to operate your auger for an extended period.

You aren’t as likely to experience hand numbness and discomfort. Also, you’ll notice the fatigue in your arms will be substantially less when using a powered auger.

#4. Reverse Gear

Not all post hole augers come with reversing gears, which means you’ll have to pry the auger out of the ground once you’ve finished digging.

If you’re caught in a root system, it can be much simpler to have a reverse gear, instead of having to manually get the bit loose from any debris.

#5. Finger Controls

Having access to all of the buttons and switches to operate your auger at your fingertips is essential. This gives you the ability to easily start the machine as well as to quickly stop it, if necessary.

Most of the top-tier hand post hole auger designs feature easily accessible controls. You’ll want to be able to manage the throttle as well as the power buttons with ease.

#6. Versatile Attachments

It’s likely you’re going to want to use your post hole auger for more than one task, especially if you enjoy ice fishing as well. You also won’t want to have to buy two separate augers when you can easily find a motor that is designed to handle both earth and ice digging.

Ensure the model you choose enables you to use various attachments that cover all of your favorite activities. Another important part of versatility is the ability to attach third-party bits to the auger instead of sticking to the same brand.

This allows you to shop around the best deal for attachments, even if they’re from another manufacturer.

#7. Extreme Weather Protection

You never know what type of weather you’ll be working in, as you might need an auger on the hottest days of summer or in the middle of winter.

Ideally, the auger you choose should be prepared to be used in extreme cold and heat with minimal effort.  You shouldn’t have to spend an excessive amount of time trying to start the motor in cold weather or keeping it cool in the summer.

#8. Bit is Long Enough

Make sure that the auger bit is long enough for the projects you plan on completing. You can buy an extension for your auger you decide to purchase, just make sure that it fits the shaft before buying.

Electric vs. Gas and Propane

If you’ve decided you want to purchase a post hole auger, you’ll need to make the decision between electric, gas, and propane.

Gas augers are known to have the most power, but they also require the most fuel and are messy to work with. Propane is far less of a hassle to work with, as you only have to switch out canisters, but they are heavier than gas.

Finally, you can choose electric models, which has far more advantages than gas and propane. With electric augers, all you have to do is recharge batteries for power.

What’s more, they are rated as the most lightweight option. Though they likely won’t have as much power as gas, they still carry enough to drill multiple holes in one sitting.

Can you Rent a Post Hole Digger?

You bet, you can rent one down at the local hardware store usually.  Renting is a good way of saving some cash if you just need to drill a few holes.  If you will need your auger more than once or twice, think about buying one instead.  Then you know the auger is in tip top shape every time you use it.

When renting an auger, it’s important to carefully read and understand the rental agreement, including any details about the rental period, cost, and any additional fees that may apply. Be sure to also check the condition of the auger before you rent it and make sure you know how to use it safely and effectively.

Most rental equipment companies will require a deposit and even payment in full before you leave the store. They will also ask for a ID and a credit card. Make sure to ask about the rental company’s policy on maintenance and repairs, in case the equipment breaks down during the rental period and what they will do if it does break down.

But really, for the cost of renting one, you should just grab one of the best augers we discussed above and then you will have it on hand for any drain emergency at any time of the day or night.

Should you Rent or Buy a Post Hole Digger?

Renting seems like a great idea to save some money on buying an auger. But in reality, there are a number of cons to renting an auger.

Others before you may not have taken care of the auger and it doesn’t function as it should. Perhaps the rental store isn’t maintaining the auger.

Also, you have to consider how many times you’ll be using a post hole digger. If it’s more than once, maybe you should consider buying one.

What if you paid for a short term rental auger and you run into some unexpected situations on the job site. You now need the auger for a longer time period but you have to return it because of late fees etc.

Where to Find a One Man Post Hole Auger

Equally as important as knowing what to look for in a one man post hole auger, you’ll need to know where to find one.

The best resource you have at your disposal is the internet, as you can browse through numerous products in one place. Not to mention, you’ll be able to browse from the comfort of your own home.

Online, you can take a look at several manufacturers including Earthquake, StrikeMaster, Eskimo, and Jiffy. You’ll have access to all of their specifications as well as customer reviews, which will be invaluable in helping you to make the perfect decision.

How Long Does it Take to Drill a Hole with an Auger

The time it takes to drill a hole with an auger can vary depending on several factors such as the size of the auger, the type of soil or material being drilled through, and the depth of the hole. A rough estimate for drilling a hole with a hand-held auger is around 15 minutes to drill a hole 1 foot deep and 6 inches in diameter. However, the time can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances.

Powered Types of Post Hole Augers

There are 5 ways to power a dirt auger:

Electric: ice fishing and post hole augers can be battery powered.

Propane auger: Ice fishing and post hole augers can come propane powered.   

Gas auger: Just like propane, augers can come gas powered.  You can use them for ice fishing or drilling post holes. 

Tractor auger: Also known as a 3 point auger, these augers attach to a tractor and are the most powerful you can buy without getting a commercial/industrial auger. 

Gardening Auger: Typically used by gardeners, soil augers are smaller in size and are designed to remove topsoil and dirt. Most often, people will use these augers to plant flowers, vegetables, and more. 

Conclusion

Knowing the pros, cons, and features of the best post hole auger will give you a tool that you’ll reach for and use more than anything else in your shed. With the ability to easily dig holes with limited labor, installing fences or decks will become substantially easier.

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