If you need to install a fence on your property, set up a mailbox, construct a deck, or plant a lot of trees, you need a post hole digger. A great tool for all sorts of digging applications, a post hole digger will help you to create the right size holes so that you can quickly complete your outdoor maintenance or gardening projects.
The 6 Best Post Hole Diggers
- True Temper 2704200 Post Hole Digger
- AMES 2701600 Post Hole Digger
- Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger
- XtremepowerUS Electric Post Hole Digger
- Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger (Our Top Pick)
- Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger
Our Top Pick for the Best Post Hole Digger
Our top pick for the best post hole digger is the Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger.
We highly recommend this superb earth digging machine for all your post hole digging projects.
Delivering an unparalleled powerful performance and featuring an extremely easy-to-use one-person design, the Southland digger is destined to be your new soil-busting buddy. In just a few minutes, the durable auger will blast away the dirt so you can erect a fence or plant fruit trees.
Check the price on AmazonWhat is a Post Hole Digger?
A post hole digger sometimes called an auger, is the ultimate tool for smaller earthmoving tasks and it is a must-have tool for any DIY maintenance enthusiast or gardener.
The digger, which can either be manually operated or automatic, has a solid metal head that is made up of 2 blades or a drilling bit that digs into the earth and loosen the soil so that you can remove the dirt and make the holes that you need for erecting fence posts or planting trees.
If you are a first-time post hole digger, have a look at these helpful videos on how to use a manually-operated or automatic digger.
One of the best things about a post hole digger is that this powerful and precise tool will make light work of what would normally be an extremely tiring job and it will help you to get all of your digging tasks done quickly so that can complete your projects.
How to Choose the Best Post Hole Digger
To be able to find the best post hole digger for your outdoor chores, you need to think about the type of digging projects that you have to do and what type of soil you will be digging into.
- Do you have light, medium-duty, or heavy-duty digging tasks to complete? Light to medium projects like digging the occasional hole for a mailbox, repairing a small fence, planting small bushes. Maybe you have larger-scale projects like installing a new fence around your property, building a new deck, or planting a lot of trees
- What kind of soil or terrain will you be working with? Soft, loamy soil that breaks apart easily, or is it clay or rocky soil, or terrain that has a lot of tree roots that lie beneath the surface?
Manually-operated Post Hole Diggers
A manually-operated post hole digger is primarily designed for light to medium-duty tasks, although there are some manual diggers that work well in tougher soil. The manual post hole digger can dig holes up to 4-feet deep and it works best in soft and loose soil.
It has a simple design: 2 handles which you use to dig the tool into the ground and then pull the handles apart to break up the soil and then close the handles together to collect the soil.
Once the soil has been loosened, and you have removed the soil from the hole, you can then fit your fence post or tree into the freshly made hole. This type of digger requires no gas or electricity to function and you do not have to worry about the noise level.
If you have soft, loamy soil or even small amounts of clay, a manually-operated post hole digger will get the job done. If the soil around your yard or property has some rocks in it or it is primarily clay-based, then you may want to consider a more heavy-duty manual post hole digger such as the Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger.
Fiberglass Ergonomically Designed Handles
The best manual post hole digger is one that has fiberglass triple wall construction handles which means the handles are built to last and comfortable to hold. If you have a lot of digging, consider a digger which features an innovative handle design that protects your knuckles during the digging process.
The size of the handle is very important as it will determine how easy it is to get leverage on the digger and maneuver the tool into the soil. Most manually-operated diggers have a handle that ranges from 47-60-inches long, so if you are a tall person, a 60-inch handle will make the digger easier to operate.
There are some other very important things to keep in mind. A manual type of digger will require some muscle and physical effort, especially if the digger gets stuck in clay-based soil, so if you have back, arm, or shoulder problems, you might want to consider an automatic digger.
Automatic Post Hole Diggers
An automatic post hole digger is specially designed for heavy-duty digging in challenging soil or terrain conditions such as hard, rocky soil and soil that has tree roots and will help you to get all of your digging chores done quickly and with minimal effort.
If you plan to do a lot of digging projects that require lots of post holes, especially holes that need to be deeper or larger in width, for erecting a new fence around your property, you need an automatic post hole digger.
Automatic diggers are also called augers, which is named after their special blade or bit that curls around a single central shaft and rotates as it digs into the ground.
There are 2 types of automatic post hole diggers or augers: gas-powered or electric.
– Gas-powered Post Hole Diggers
A gas-powered post hole digger/auger is also referred to as a one-man auger as this type of digger can usually be operated by one person. These extremely powerful machines are made out of high-grade steel that is very durable and rust-free, so they are the perfect choice for working in tough outdoor conditions.
– Electric Post Hole Diggers
If you prefer a mess and fume-free approach to hole digging but still want that powerful performance, an electric post hole digger is a very good choice. Even though you have to stay close to a power source or use a special heavy-duty power cord, an electric digger, such as the Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger, has unlimited power so it is ideal for digging into rocky soil and even ice.
Engines
Most automatic hole diggers have either a 2 or 2.5HP engine or 1200-watts/110-volts motor for an electric model, which can produce a maximum of 250 RPM and loads of rotating torque. With this much power and centrifugal force, the digger will be able to move a lot of earth quickly and has the ability to make a lot of holes in a short amount of time.
Drill Bit
A quality manual or automatic post hole digger should have blades or a bit that is made out of high-grade durable carbon steel, which gives it that extra strength for digging into the hard ground and create the holes you need. As opposed to manual diggers, an automatic digger may come with interchangeable 4, 6, 8, or 12-inches auger blades, so you will have a lot of digging versatility.
Diameter of the Drill Bit
If you are considering a gas-powered auger, the diameter or spread of the drill bit is very important as it will determine the final size of the hole. The diameter size of the bit will range from 2-10 inches, but this will also depend on the diameter of the poles or posts that you want to insert into the ground.
Depth Capacity
Most one-person post hole diggers/augers can create holes with a depth capacity up to 4-feet and sometimes 5-feet deep which means they are especially useful for installing 4×4 posts for fences.
Weight
Even though automatic diggers are built for hard work, most models are quite lightweight which makes them easy to maneuver and you can carry one around your property or garden.
Automatic post hole diggers are designed to be operated by one person, but you may need an extra person to control the machine in very challenging terrain. Gas-powered diggers also emit fumes and can be noisy, so you may need to wear face protection.
Handles
As automatic augers have a lot of power and may cause vibrations, they should have strong and sturdy handles that provide a good firm grip. If you are going to be working for long periods, consider the Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger which has anti-vibration foam grip handles that are designed to reduce fatigue.
6 Best Post Hole Diggers – Reviews
1. True Temper 2704200 Post Hole Digger
If you have small to medium-duty digging jobs to do in soft loamy soil or clay-based earth, the True Temper 2704200 Post Hole Digger is a great choice. Founded in 1808, True Temper is one of America’s most trusted manufacturers of high-quality lawn, garden, and farming tools, so you can expect a well-made post hole digger that will meet the demands of most digging tasks
This post hole digger has 2 durable, weather-resistant fiberglass handles. These longer 48-inches handles are designed to reduce strain on your back and increase that much-needed leverage that is required in tough outdoor conditions. Cushion end grips also provide extra comfort while you work.
Whether you’re farming, landscaping, or gardening, the sharp and thick 7-inches steel blades easily break through densely-packed soil, which makes this post hole digger the ideal tool for quickly digging precise holes for fence posts, flag poles, and other in-ground structures. The built-in ruler on the handle helps you to measure the correct depth every time.
For long-term peace of mind, the True Temper post hole digger is covered by a 15-year warranty.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for digging holes for fence posts, flag poles, and other in-ground structures
- Can be used in clay soil
- Can dig precise holes
- Has the capacity to dig holes quickly
- Made in the US
- Durable construction
- Extra thick and sharp steel blades
- Fiberglass handles have cushion end grips
- Built-in ruler on the handle
- 15-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty rocky soil
2. AMES 2701600 Post Hole Digger
If you need a manually operated post hole digger that can churn through clay-based soil, the AMES 2701600 Post Hole Digger will do all the hard work for you.
Ideal for medium-duty tasks, this post hole digger can be used to dig deep holes for mailboxes, fences, and in-ground support for decks.
For maximum soil penetration in tough soil conditions, the durable tempered steel head has a wide 6.25-inches point spread.
The strong extra-long 48-inches hardwood handles have comfortable oversized cushion grips and a measurement scale helps you to maintain an accurate depth. Whatever type of outdoor project you have planned, you will complete it with minimal effort.
AMES offers a 180-day return policy and a 15-year warranty on the post hole digger.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for medium-duty tasks
- Workhorse mentality
- Designed for outdoor gardening and property maintenance tasks
- Can be used for mailboxes, fences, and in-ground support for decks
- Durable tempered steel blade has a 6.25-inches point spread
- Delivers maximum soil penetration in tough soil
- Hardwood handles have comfortable cushion grips and a measurement scale
- 180-day return policy
- 15-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for very hard-packed rocky soil
3. Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger
Just like its name, the Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger is strong and sturdy and as it is built for maximum strength and durability, this powerful post hole digging tool is a great choice for all types of home-based, industrial and commercial applications.
Whether you have a lot of fence posts to erect on your property, need to re-organize your garden, or you need a solid digger for a construction site, The Seymour Structron Hercules post hole heavy-duty digger is an excellent choice.
The Seymour post hole digger’s 48-inches fiberglass handle with a fiberglass core insert, which reinforces the connection to the head, which is the greatest stress point during the digging process, and the cushioned vinyl grip provides better grip and comfort.
This digger has a wide 6¼-inches point spread for good-sized holes and it is easy to manage and gives you good maneuverability in tough soil conditions, but it may require a little more effort and attention to dig a precise hole. The metal blades are very sharp and will not have any trouble penetrating into clay-based or rocky soil.
Pros
- Designed for frequent, heavy-duty, professional use
- Very good value for money
- Ideal for home-based, industrial and commercial use
- Well-made
- Solid and durable
- Very sharp blades that can dig into clay-based and rocky soil
- Fiberglass handle with fiberglass core insert for added strength
- Cushioned grip for better grip and greater comfort
- 6¼-inches point spread
Cons
- Wider point spread makes it hard to get a precise hole
- Heavy
- Does not capture a lot of dirt
4. XtremepowerUS Electric Post Hole Digger
Powerful, durable, and comfortable, the XtremepowerUS Electric Post Hole Digger will help you to dig multiple holes in challenging soil conditions.
The 4 x 31.5-inches auger drill bit is made of high strength shiny black manganese steel which can withstand impact, extrusion, and wear and tear. Sprayed with black paint, the auger resists rust and corrosion to ensure durable, long-lasting performance.
Equipped with a 1200-watts/10 Amp, 1.6HP high-performance motor, the hole digger delivers 90-feet per pound torque at 200 RPM. Whether you need to install fence posts, plant trees, repair a lawn or create a hole in the ice for fishing, this dynamo is efficient at digging holes between 2-3-feet deep depending on the soil conditions.
Drilling through the soil can be time-consuming and take a toll on your hands. However, not when you use the XtremepowerUS. Featuring an ergonomic design, the one-man post digger features 2 anti-skid, vibration-proof handle grips for much-needed comfort, maximum leverage, and stability while you work. The digger is quite lightweight and very easy to start which also saves on back strain.
To keep you safe, the powerhead is equipped with a safety lock function that prevents any accidental triggering for added security.
For easy drill bit changes, the post hole digger comes with a hex spanner.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Ideal for installing fence post, deck, planting trees and many other lawn applications
- Can be used for ice fishing
- Efficient at digging holes between 2-3-feet
- Works well with soil that has small rocks
- Extremely powerful high performance 1200-watts motor
- Delivers up to 90-feet pounds of torque
- 200 RPM
- High strength manganese steel auger and drill bit
- Withstands impact, extrusion, and wear and tear
- Sprayed with black paint to resist rust and corrosion and ensure long-term durability
- Powerhead is equipped with a safety lock function
- Ergonomic design
- Two anti-skid, vibration-proof grips provide maximum leverage and stability
- Lightweight and easy to start
- Ideal for one-man operation
- Comes with a hex spanner
Cons
- Wobbles at high speeds
- Can get stuck in very rocky ground
5. Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger
Say goodbye to manual posting digging thanks to the powerful, lightweight, and easy to use Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger.
For incredibly efficient and precise drilling of holes for fences or trees in tough soil, the heavy-duty robust 43cc 2-cycle gas-powered engine delivers a super-fast 316 RPM. A direct gear system with a solid steel shaft ensures long-term durability. The sturdy steel 8 x 30-inches auger drill bit achieves a maximum depth of 2.5-feet depending on the soil conditions.
Simple to operate, just press the on/off switch with a manual recoil easy-start system, and the Southland earth auger will spring to life and get to work on drilling holes amazingly fast.
Designed for one-person operation, the post hole digger is lightweight, and the throttle is conveniently located on the handles. Large 26-inches ergonomic butterfly handles offer excellent control, comfort, and balance. You can even detach the handles for easy storage.
You will need to mix the gas with oil, but the 25-gallon gas tank is translucent so you can see when the machine is running low on fuel.
The auger comes with 2 open-end wrenches, a spark plug tool, and a small bottle of premixed oil. Safe for you to use and environmentally friendly, the digger is EPA-approved and CARB compliant.
The post hole digger comes in a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-pack.
Southland offers a two-year manufacturer’s warranty on the post hole digger.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Heavy-duty construction
- Robust motor
- Sturdy steel auger and drill bit
- Amazingly fast and efficient
- Ideal for tough soil
- On/off switch function with a manual recoil easy start system
- Direct gear with solid steel drive shaft or long-term durability
- Conveniently located throttle on the handles
- Wide detachable butterfly handles for better balance and convenient storage
- Designed for one-person use
- 8 x 30-inches auger can reach a maximum depth of 2.5-feet depending on soil conditions
- Translucent 25-gallon fuel tank
- CARB compliant and EPA-approved
- Comes with 2 open-end wrenches, a spark plug tool, and a small bottle of premix oil
- Available in a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-pack
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for very dense rocky earth
6. Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger
Delivering maximum power, the Hiltex 10525 Electric Earth Auger is ideal for all types of outdoor drilling applications.
With heaps of drilling power at your disposal, the versatile Hiltex post digger is perfect for installing fence posts, decking posts, planting trees, and lawn maintenance. This electric-powered digger is ideal for intermediate and advanced users, but it may be a bit too powerful for beginner post hole diggers.
The heavy-duty digger has a high-speed 1200-watts/11 Amp and 1.6HP motor that churns out 90-feet-lb of torque with 200 RPM. The strong and sturdy 4 x 30-inches steel auger bit can dig down to 27-30-inches in dense soil, gravel or clay.
Designed for easy one-person operation, the specially designed rubberized anti-vibration grip handle provides maximum leverage, stability, and reduces hand fatigue.
For your safety, the powerhead is equipped with a bright red safety lock function that prevents any accidental triggering for added security.
Hiltex offers a 24-month limited warranty on the post hole digger.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very good price
- Ideal for all outdoor drilling applications
- Perfect for installing fence posts, decks, planting trees, and many other lawn applications
- High-performance electric motor
- Fast 90-feet-lb torque at 200 RPM
- Strong and sturdy 4 x 30-inches auger bit digs a 27-30-inches hole
- Ideal for dense soil, gravel or clay
- Bright red safety lock
- Specially designed ergonomic handle position has an anti-vibration grip for maximum leverage, stability, and reduces hand fatigue
- Designed for one-man operation
- 24-month limited warranty
Cons
- High power consumption
- Drill bit is not reversible
- Can be hard to hold in place when drilling into harder dirt
Our Top Pick for the Best Post Hole Digger
Our top pick for the best post hole digger is the Southland SEA438 One Man Earth Auger.
We highly recommend this superb earth digging machine for all your post hole digging projects.
Delivering an unparalleled powerful performance and featuring an extremely easy-to-use one-person design, the Southland digger is destined to be your new soil-busting buddy. In just a few minutes, the durable auger will blast away the dirt so you can erect a fence or plant fruit trees.
Check the price on Amazon
