Best Post Hole Augers Reviews & Ratings
A post hole auger is a DIY staple and will come in handy for a wide range of activities around the house. As well as ice fishing, a post hole auger is an ideal tool for installing a new fence, erecting a mailbox or signs and digging up holes in the garden or yard for planting trees and crops. Their versatility, high-end and sturdy construction, and effortless performance makes them a must-have tool for any serious homeowner or DIYer. The market is home to a wide array of post hole augers. You can elect to go for the simplicity of a manual model or a powered one if you prioritize speed and ease of use.
Our Top 3 Picks
[srpshortcode id=”21151″][/srpshortcode][srpshortcode id=”21152″][/srpshortcode][srpshortcode id=”21153″][/srpshortcode]
For greenhorns who lack the requisite information and knowledge to facilitate making an independent and informed choice, this buying guide is for you. In the next section, we’ll diligently walk through the essential factor to keep in mind as you look around. Thereafter, you’ll find comprehensive and informative reviews of our top 10 picks. Let’s dive in it, shall we?
10 Best Post Hole Augers
1. XtremepowerUS V-Type 2 Stroke Gas Post
The tool comes with a high-performance motor that packs a bunch and therefore takes the hard work and time away from completing otherwise time-consuming and back-breaking projects like installing a fence. You’ll love the ease and speed with which it digs up holes up to 2.5 feet in depth without breaking a sweat. A unique feature of the tool that sets it apart from other competing models is the variable speed feature. With this, you can superior control over digging speeds, making the machine a perfect choice for digging up various soil types. Whether it’s soft or hard-packed soil, it won’t pose the slightest challenge to the immense power this machine packs.
The electric ignition makes for quick and effortless start-ups while the handles are not only ergonomically designed for comfort but also provide superior traction. The generous limited lifetime warranty is yet another reason to consider it.
Demanding projects like installing a fence, planting trees, shrubs, and ice fishing require the use of an equally high-end post hole auger. The XtremepowerUS V-Type 55CC is that tool. It performs exactly as advertised. You'll never look back, ever.
Offers hassle-free control and manoeuvrability
Drills smoothly, quickly, and effortlessly
Cost-effective
Easy to start
Floods with ease
2. Southland SEA438
Boasting a perfect blend of ease of use and powerful engine, the Southland auger has all the nifty features that make short and quick work of the toughest and most tightly packed soils. The first outstanding feature is the dependable, high-performance 43cc engine capable of attaining impressive speeds of up to 316 rotations per minute, enabling the user to drill holes quickly and efficiently. Coming with a rugged, heavy-duty 8-inch drill bit, you’ll be drilling holes up to 2.5 feet in depth in a fraction of the time it takes with conventional methods.
The exceptional performance of the Southland SEA438 comes as a surprise considering that it costs way less than high-end models. Even more surprising is the high-end construction and the ease of assembling it.
Starts with ease
Ideal for heavy-duty use
Detachable handles for effortless use and storage
Affordable
Nothing significant
3. Seymour Structron Hercules PD48
The tool is a perfect choice for frequent, heavy-duty, professional use. Appreciating that the head is the highest stress point, the brand thoughtfully uses a high-quality fibreglass handle with a fibreglass core insert to reinforce the connection to this point. This, coupled with the use of rugged, top-notch steel for the construction of the blade and shaft, ensure the product can withstand loads of wear and tear that come with frequent, professional use. The handle is of course cushioned for comfort and a firm grip.
In all, the Seymour Structron Hercules is an industrial-grade, cost-effective, high-performance, and effective post hole auger that enables you to dig several holes quickly and easily. It’s long-lasting and ideal for tough and dense soil types, such as clay.
Powerful, reliable performance
Quiet and a cinch to use
Budget-friendly
Sturdy, long-lasting construction
Not suitable for sandy soil
10. Landworks Heavy Duty Eco-Friendly
The tool has a powerful motor capable of impressive speeds of up to 320 rotations per minute. That’s 40 RPM faster than our previous pick and a lot faster than the vast majority of tools out there masquerading as post hole augers. Coupled with its heavy-duty, high-capacity lithium battery, the tool is capable of digging up to 30 holes on a single, full charge, a feat other models will struggle to accomplish. It has a reputation for digging holes consistently, efficiently, and with minimal effort.
Additional features include a bright LED Surface light for convenient illumination when lighting conditions are less than ideal. Ejecting the tool when it gets stuck is also quick and efficient as it features a revolutionary reverse torque control (RTC) feature. And because of its high-end construction, it easily withstands hardy, extreme use.
While the Landworks is a tad heavier than its competitors, it's remarkably easy to use. It's powerful, eco-friendly, lightweight and portable, and digs holes smoothly, efficiently, and quickly.
Boasts powerful, quick performance
Eco-friendly and quiet
Has useful LED light
High-performance choice
Heavy at 35 pounds
5. Earthquake 22777
With a slew of high-performance and convenience features, this is not your everyday auger. It seamlessly brings together a powerful 43cc 2-Cycle E43 powerhead, a 36-inch long, and 8-inch thick earth auger that together enable it to go through an array of soil types like a hot knife going through a piece of cake. Further, the ingenious design of the machine, especially the fact that it features fishtail points, replaceable cutting blades, and flex coil shock absorbers allow for superior control and more precise drilling. If it weren’t for its high price tag, the Earthquake 22777 would have easily the first spot from XtremepowerUS.
The only downside, as is the case with most gas-powered augers, is the need to mix gas with oil in certain ratios to achieve optimal performance. The gas tank is, however, translucent to enable you to keep an eye on the remaining juice so you get stranded unexpectedly.
An ideal choice for breaking up all soil types, the Earthquake 22777 works efficiently, reliably, and smoothly. It takes the frustration away from digging deep holes for the installation of posts, planting, and several other demanding tasks. And it comes covered by a 24-month warranty for the engine.
Power 43cc engine for quick, effortless digging
Easy-to-replace blades
Best bang for the buck
Easy to use, robust, and long-lasting
Versatile
Not tall enough
6. Fiskars Digger
Boasting a powerful motor and fastidious construction, the tool pulls no punches in simplifying heavy-duty projects like fence installation, planting, and ice fishing. The tool conveniently comes with offset handles optimized for digging postholes up to 12 inches in depth, a feat weak, humdrum models out there would struggle for hours on end to achieve. The innovative design of the handles also prevents your knuckles from rubbing against one another while digging and guarantees holes that are up to one foot deeper than conventional post hole diggers.
Digging holes can be time-consuming and energy-draining but with this digger's 6.5-inch diameter blade spread, sharp blades, and robust offset handles, it's can be a quick and easy endeavour. The tool is also cost-effective, a cinch to use, and highly portable.
Durable all-steel construction
Reasonable and justifiable pricing
Easy to use
Easily and quickly digs deep
Requires lots of effort
7. Ames - 2701600
A high-quality yet cost-effective choice, the auger is a perfect choice for digging post holes for decks, fencing, footings, and planting. With a 6.2 inch long head and blades featuring durable and rugged construction from steel carbon, the tool packs incredible digging power. Unlike standard models that struggle to go beyond 2.5 feet, the post hole auger has no difficulties digging up to 3-1/2 feet into various soil types, thanks to the pointed tempered design of the blades.
One feature that sets this product apart is the fashioning of the handle to double as a ruler. The entire length is clearly and permanently marked, enabling you to tell precisely how deep your hole is. And with a weight below than 10 pounds, the tool is not portable by easy to control and manoeuvre.
For quickly and effectively breaking tough soils, you need a workhorse built to withstand the demands and rigors of the project. And in the Ames digger, you get exactly that kind of tool.
Worth every penny paid for it
Perfect for hard-use applications
Comfortable, anti-slip handles
Heavy-duty construction
A tad heavy
Handles are susceptible to breaking
8. Seymour 21306 AU-S6
The simplistic, humdrum appearance of the Seymour 21306 can be misleading. Because it lacks several unnecessary features, the tool does what it was built for with superior efficiency. The solid maple T-handle together with the riveting of the steel blade to the rugged iron yoke provides all the force required for effortlessly and quickly digging into various types of soils. Whether you’ll be working on soft or tightly packed loam soil, the twisting action conveniently takes the time and effort away from any hole digging endeavour, assisting you to put up the fence or plant in an entire garden in a fraction of the time it would take users with cheap, run-of-the-mill alternatives.
If you want a cost-effective, dependable, and high-performance post hole auger to use for quickly and easily digging up holes in variously soil types, take another look at the Seymour 21306 AU-S6 Iwan Auger. The sharp blades, user-friendly t-handle, and lightweight design are hard to overlook.
Rugged, long-lasting construction
Cost-effective
Firm maple handles
Versatile
Handles aren’t cushioned
Requires effort
9. XtremepowerUS 43cc
As mentioned earlier, it is an undisputed workhorse. It boasts a high-performance, reliable 2-cycle, 43cc, single cylinder, forced air-cooled, gas-powered engine. Given the powerful performance of the engine, the tool effortlessly reaches bit speeds of up to 280 rotations per minute, enabling the user to quickly, accurately, and efficiently drill holes in all types of soils, even the most tightly packed clay soil. A versatile choice, the tool is also compatible with augers with diameters ranging from 6 to 10 inches. It comes with an 8-inch bit that’s ideal for an all-around performance.
To spare your hands and other body joints the vibrations that come with drilling into tough and tightly packed soils, the tool features an anti-vibration foam grip for dissipating or dampening the vibrations. You can use this tool to dig holes for hours on end and not once will you have to take a break to let your hands recuperate because of vibrations, fatigue, or blisters.
Powerful gas-powered engine for impressive speeds
Easy-to-monitor fuel level
Versatile
Comfortable grip handle
Problems starting in cold weather
4. Bully Tools 92384
The ingenious design of the tool takes the time and effort away from demanding projects like landscaping, farming, and gardening. The construction of the 7-inch blade from pro-grade steel means that it can withstand hardy, extreme use, breaking through the toughest soil types with remarkable speed and ease. With a little determination, you can dig one hole after another for installing your fence, reducing a week-long project to two-days at most.
As with all things American, Bully Tools 92384 excels at its work. It's a workhorse that efficiently demonstrates its mettle by how easily and quickly it breaks up hard soil, allowing you to dig up holes for planting trees and shrubs, install poles, and even ice fishing. A generous limited lifetime warranty gives you the confidence and peace of mind to work to your heart’s content.
Offers great bang for the buck
Long-lasting construction of blades and handle
Ergonomic and easy to use
Comes with a generous warranty
Not ideal for tightly packed soils
Criteria for Choosing the Best Post Hole Augers
Power Source
In choosing a post hole auger, you’ll have to choose between motor-powered and manual post hole augers, each coming with its fair share of upsides and downsides. A manual auger comes with the advantages of affordability, lightweight and highly portable design, and outstanding simplicity in design. It’s a perfect choice for light- to medium-duty earth breaking.
The only downside is that it requires some serious muscle and upper body strength for pushing down into various soil types. Under motor-powered post hole augers, you can choose among battery-, electricity- and gas-powered models. They’re all come with plenty of power for effortlessly and quickly drilling holes. However, they’re also more expensive than their manual counterparts.
Performance
This boils down to the size of the motor and the blade. For better, quicker, and easier results, choose one with a bigger motor and larger blade. Large blades are ideal for piercing through tough or densely-packed soils as they have a knack for scooping copious amounts of soil. If they feature a pointed design with tapered ends and wide tops, their performance will be more impressive.
A big motor also translates to more power which in turn takes the time and effort away from digging through tough soils. For occasional hole digging around the house, consider going for a model sporting reasonable motor and blade size.
Convenience
A post hole auger should be all about performance. One feature that substantially enhances ease of use is cushioned or ergonomically designed handles. As well as enhancing comfort, they also facilitate a secure, firm, and non-slip grip and minimize the likelihood of knuckle collision, hand fatigue or strain.
As for versatility, the post hole auger should be compatible with a wide range of auger blades for effortless drilling on a wide range of soil types. A lightweight design augments manoeuvrability, controllability, and portability. If you don’t care for fumes or noise, then a gas-powered post hole auger won’t be an ideal choice.
Construction Quality
Drilling holes through tightly-packed soils exposes the blades or bits to loads of attrition. If the post hole auger is poorly made, the blades and even the handles can easily give in after just a few uses. Consequently, it’s paramount that you choose a model suitable to the soil type you want to drill through.
Tough soils require that the blades be forged from high-end materials to withstand loads of attrition and heavy, extreme use. A handle made from fibreglass or steel offer superior resilience, strength, and durability compared to those made from wood. If possible, ensure the model comes with a warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the advantages of a manual option over a powered one?
A: The advantages are manifold. As well as offering superior control and versatility, manual post hole augers are also incredibly safe, cost-effective, longer lasting.
Q: How do I stay safe while using one?
A: First off, it’d be prudent to always wear protective clothing like gloves and goggles. Also, if you’re using a gas-powered model, smoking won’t be a wise thing to do. Also, use both hands to give you superior control, which is important considering the speeds at which the blades can rotate.
Conclusion
A post hole auger is a solid and indispensable tool for any serious DIY enthusiast, homeowner, or professional who wants to plant, fence, ice fish, and dig holes without putting in too much time or effort.
So long as you work within your budget and keep an eye out for the essential features we discussed earlier, finding a post hole auger that best suits your needs should be a breeze. Our list features the best of the best. They’re relatively cost-effective, easy to use, powerful, and very effective. Choose prudently.
