Updated on Oct. 02, 2024
Need to set fence posts, install a sign or plant a sapling? Get a post hole digger, also known as an earth auger. Here are 7 of the best around.
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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. It also comes with three auger bits ranging from six to 12 inches in diameter.
“Very powerful machine,” writes an Amazon reviewer. “Used this machine to do nine footings for a deck. The attachments are great.”
via amazon.com
Full-size post-hole diggers/earth augers are all well and good, but what if you only need to make small holes? This garden auger bit features a 3/8-inch hex end meant to engage with the chuck of a handheld drill. Available in various lengths and diameters, this product will make quick work of any garden-sized holes on your to-do list.
Reviewers praise its tough, rugged design. “The construction of the auger out of a heavy-gauge steel and very solid welds of the auger to the shaft gave it the strength not only [to] bore in loose soil but compacted clay soil as well,” writes an Amazon reviewer. “There is a heavy coat of paint on the auger which will help protect it from corrosion.”
via amazon.com
If you’d prefer to go old school with your post hole digging, look no further than the clam-style, manually operated Ames 2701600 Post Hole Digger. With sturdy steel blades, strong hardwood handles, a comfortable rubber grip and factory-applied measurements, this is as premium as traditional post-hole diggers get.
“Very sturdy piece of equipment,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “I needed to plant some trees in my yard, (very rocky soil) so I purchased this digger to dig said holes and plant said trees. It worked, and the depth measurement printed on the side of one of the handles is very handy.”
via amazon.com
Manually operated auger-style diggers are a great way to dig your holes and get an upper-body workout at the same time. If you like multitasking, Rougneck’s Earth Auger Drill is an solid choice. Built light and strong, the durable steel blades are coated with tough, rust-resistant paint and the handles in comfortable rubber.
“Excellent auger-type post-hole digger that is hard to find,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “This one is well constructed and has a very well designed handle that is beefy enough to take the torque that’s required to use it effectively.”
via amazon.com
If you want to do some serious post hole digging and buy the best tool at a great price, the GardenTrax 43CC Earth Auger is the one for you. Not only is it large and powerful, but it costs at least 20 percent less than most similarly powerful units. With a 2.8 horsepower engine, even the hardest soil will soon give way, according to reviews.
“Works fine in our hard red clay!” writes one Amazon reviewer. “Let machine do the work and hold on! No wear apparent so far, dug 8 holes. Just follow the directions!”
via homedepot.com
Gas-powered tools offer the most power, but battery power technology is quickly catching up. Case in point: Ryobi’s 40V HP Brushless Cordless Earth Auger. At a fraction of the weight of fuel-burning units of similar size, this tool puts out an impressive two horsepower, outperforming many smaller gas models. Its brushless 40-volt batteries provide great energy efficiency.
Reviewers are pleasantly surprised by this tool’s power compared to gas units. “I was very skeptical about electric versus gas as I didn’t think it would get the job done,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “I was wrong. This thing powered through Georgia clay just fine. The battery lasted around six posts at a time, but I had an extra two batteries from my blower.”
