Dig Holes Faster With a Post Hole Digger

Use a post hole digger to dig up earth for fence, railing and post installation. Unlike traditional digging tools such as the shovel, this tool creates a completely round and tight hole for support beams, light poles, birdhouses, plants and more.

A manual hole digger has two long handles that are moved back and forth to thoroughly grind up earth. Consider this type of digger for creating holes anywhere you need to without a fuel source. For less labor and time, a gas-powered post hole digger uses a powerful drill to create the holes you need. This machine can also dig into harder ground — even if it contains rocks or clay. While a manual digger works for simple planting jobs, a gas-powered drill can create holes large enough to re-plant trees.

Digging a single hole may not be much trouble with a post hole digger, but building a fence with multiple posts may call for a heavy-duty tool.

How to lay out and dig a post hole?

Digging Post Holes

step 1

Mark the center for the first post on the ground. It should be set back half the width of the post from the string.

step 2

Dig the first post hole. Local building code will dictate post hole depth and diameter. Typically, the diameter is triple the width of the post (12 inches for a 4-inch-by-4-inch post). The hole depth should be below the frost line. Typically, this means to a depth of 30 inches (24 inches for post, 4 inches for gravel and 2 inches below ground level).

step 3

Dig the second and third post holes.

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  For panel fences, don't dig additional post holes until the first three posts and panels are installed. This allows you to make adjustments as needed for spacing posts and panels.

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  For component fences, you may continue digging post holes as long as you're sure that the distance between the posts will be at or less than the length of the horizontal rails.

  
  

What is the easiest way to dig a hole for a post?

You can use a post hole digger or power auger to dig the hole. A post hole digger is a manual tool and will get the job done in average soil. If you have hard, rocky soil or a lot of roots – you may want to opt for a power auger. Many home improvement stores have them available for rent.

Hole augers vs post hole diggers

Post hole diggers and augers both perform a similar job but each tool has it’s advantages depending on the depth and surroundings, here is how to choose.

Should I choose a hole auger or a post hole digger?

Post hole diggers focus on one task – they dig holes for posts, whereas a hole auger is suited for a wide variety of tasks around the garden.

Post hole diggers rely on more work than a hole auger, these heavy hand tools are basically thrown hard into the soil with force then lifted out. The harder you throw them, the deeper and faster you dig – but it’s also harder to prise the digger out. Simply dropping the post hole digger into the ground and scraping the surface of the soil out is inefficient and time consuming. A hole auger with wide handles can be operated simply by rotating the top with much less work and is less jarring on your joints.

A post hole digger can go potentially dig deeper than the typical 3 feet depth of a hole auger, but due to the plier design of a post hole digger it may create wider holes at the top. If the diameter of an auger blade is 9 inches wide then it will always create a tidy 9 inch wide hole, whereas a post hole digger with a 9 inch footprint may end up disturbing a much wider area of garden, plants and landscape around the hole.

Before choosing a hole auger or post hole digger evaluate the potential depth of posts, number of holes, if comfort is important, the size of holes, types of soil and if this will be the only task you want to do.

Q:What is the fastest way to dig a post hole?

A:The fastest way to dig a post hole will depend on several factors, including the size and depth of the hole, the type of soil, and the tools available. Here are some tips for digging post holes quickly:

Use the Right Tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job, including a post hole digger, shovel, and digging bar. A post hole digger is a specialized tool designed for digging round holes that are the right size and shape for fence posts.

Wet the Soil: If the soil is dry and hard, wetting it can make it easier to dig. Use a hose or watering can to moisten the soil before digging.

Dig in a Spiral Pattern: Instead of digging straight down, try digging in a spiral pattern. This can help to loosen the soil and make it easier to remove.

Use a Digging Bar: A digging bar is a long, heavy bar with a pointed end that can be used to break up hard soil or rocks. Use the digging bar to loosen the soil before using the post hole digger.

Use a Power Auger: If you have access to a power auger, it can be a fast and efficient way to dig post holes. Power augers can be rented from most hardware or tool rental stores.

Get Help: If possible, enlist the help of a friend or family member to speed up the process. One person can hold the post hole digger while the other person uses the digging bar to break up the soil.

Overall, the key to digging post holes quickly is to have the right tools and use the right 

Q:What is the fastest way to dig a post hole?

A:The fastest way to dig a post hole will depend on several factors, including the size and depth of the hole, the type of soil, and the tools available. Here are some tips for digging post holes quickly:

Use the Right Tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job, including a post hole digger, shovel, and digging bar. A post hole digger is a specialized tool designed for digging round holes that are the right size and shape for fence posts.

Wet the Soil: If the soil is dry and hard, wetting it can make it easier to dig. Use a hose or watering can to moisten the soil before digging.

Dig in a Spiral Pattern: Instead of digging straight down, try digging in a spiral pattern. This can help to loosen the soil and make it easier to remove.

Use a Digging Bar: A digging bar is a long, heavy bar with a pointed end that can be used to break up hard soil or rocks. Use the digging bar to loosen the soil before using the post hole digger.

Use a Power Auger: If you have access to a power auger, it can be a fast and efficient way to dig post holes. Power augers can be rented from most hardware or tool rental stores.

Get Help: If possible, enlist the help of a friend or family member to speed up the process. One person can hold the post hole digger while the other person uses the digging bar to break up the soil.

Overall, the key to digging post holes quickly is to have the right tools and use the right techniques. By following these tips, you can make the job faster and easier.

Q:What is the difference between a post hole auger and a post hole digger?

A:A post hole digger and a post hole auger are two different tools that are used for digging post holes.

A post hole digger is a manual tool that consists of two handles and two metal blades that are shaped like semi-circles. The blades are placed into the ground, and then the handles are squeezed together to close the blades and scoop out a section of soil. This process is repeated until the hole is the desired depth and width.

A post hole auger, on the other hand, is a power tool that uses a rotating blade or bit to dig the hole. The auger is usually attached to a gas-powered or electric-powered motor that drives the blade into the ground. Augers come in a variety of sizes, from small handheld models to larger models that are attached to tractors or other heavy equipment.

The main difference between the two tools is the level of effort required to use them. Post hole diggers are manual tools that require physical effort to use, while post hole augers are powered tools that can make the job easier and faster. However, post hole augers can be more expensive and require more maintenance than post hole diggers.

Both tools can be effective for digging post holes, but the choice of tool will depend on the size and scope of the job, as well as personal preference and budget.

Q:How deep to bury a post without concrete?

A:The depth to bury a post without concrete will depend on several factors, including the size and weight of the post, the type of soil, and the climate in your area. Generally, a post that is not set in concrete should be buried to a depth of at least one-third of its total length, and in some cases, up to half of its length.

For example, if you have a 6-foot tall post, it should be buried to a depth of at least 2 feet, and possibly up to 3 feet. This will help to provide enough stability and support to keep the post upright and secure.

However, it's important to note that posts that are not set in concrete may be more susceptible to shifting or leaning over time, particularly in areas with high winds or heavy precipitation. To help prevent this, you can use gravel or crushed stone to help secure the post in the hole, or use other methods of bracing or anchoring to help keep it upright.

Ultimately, the depth to bury a post without concrete will depend on a variety of factors, and it's important to consult with local building codes and regulations, as well as a professional contractor or engineer, to ensure that your post is installed correctly and safely.

Q:Should I wet the ground before digging post holes?

A:Yes, wetting the ground before digging post holes can be helpful in some cases, particularly if the soil is dry or compacted. Wetting the soil can help to soften it and make it easier to dig, which can save time and effort.

However, it's important to note that wetting the soil too much can also make it too muddy or wet, which can make digging more difficult. Additionally, in areas with heavy clay soils, wetting the soil can actually make it harder to dig, as the soil can become sticky and cling to shovels or post hole diggers.

If you decide to wet the soil before digging post holes, use a hose or watering can to moisten the soil, rather than flooding the area with water. This can help to control the amount of water and prevent the soil from becoming too muddy or wet.

Overall, wetting the ground before digging post holes can be helpful in some situations, but it's important to use your judgment and consider the type of soil and other factors before doing so.