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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

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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

1. XtremepowerUS V-Type 2 Stroke Gas Post
Succinctly described as lightweight and a cinch to start, our first choice, the XtremepowerUS V-Type 55CC, comes with all the instrumental performance and convenience features a post hole auger should have. With a powerful 55cc 2-stroke, air-cooled gas-powered engine, the machine is a solid choice for homeowners looking for an effortless, quick, and efficient way of erecting fence posts, decks, planting trees and shrubs, and several more applications. It's a highly portable and versatile option that comes with 6, 8, and 12-inch bits for an all-around performance. Continue reading to find out more.

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.
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The fact that the engine is air-cooled minimizes performance hiccups and glitches such as overheating. Coupled with its strength and reliability, you’ll always find an excuse to dig up a hole. As for convenience, it’s a highly portable unit that weighs a paltry 30 pounds with dimensions of 8 by 6 by 12 inches.

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.
Pros

Offers hassle-free control and manoeuvrability

Drills smoothly, quickly, and effortlessly

Cost-effective

Easy to start

Cons

Floods with ease

2. Southland SEA438

2. Southland SEA438
The beastly performance of the Southland SEA438 is hard to overlook, especially if you have to dig deep holes on a tough soil. Built for hardy, extreme use, the post hole auger boasts a heart-stopping prowess for quickly and effortlessly digging holes on rocky, clay, and sandy soil, making it an all-around machine perfect for homeowners and professionals alike. It also comes with confidence-boosting EPA and CARB certifications, meaning that it’s built to the highest standards and complies with environmental protection laws.

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.
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To provide you with several years of flawless, reliable, and trouble-free performance, the tool features high-quality construction of first-rate materials. Consequently, it can withstand the onerous task of digging deep holes on tough, rocky soils. Further, it features a manual recoil for an effortless start every time while the ergonomic butterfly handles are easily detachable to achieve superior balance for easy manoeuvrability and control and hassle-free storage. The translucent fuel tank eliminates surprises by helping you keep an eye on the fuel levels. Another highlight is the budget-friendly price. You don’t have to break the bank or sell one of your kidneys to relish digging holes quickly and efficiently.

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.
Pros

Starts with ease

Ideal for heavy-duty use

Detachable handles for effortless use and storage

Affordable

Cons

Nothing significant

3. Seymour Structron Hercules PD48

3. Seymour Structron Hercules PD48
The manual Seymour Structron Hercules may not pack a punch like its gas-powered counterparts. Howe but still it offers incredible strength and resilience. It features hardy, fastidious construction ideal for taking on the most demanding and challenging hole digging projects, so you won't have to cringe every time you inadvertently hit a rock. The handle is comfortable and anti-slip to encourage prolonged use with minimal exposure to hand strain or fatigue. Also, it's cost-effective and lightweight and in light of the gentle learning curve, an ideal choice for both the professionals and greenhorns.

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.
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The strength and rigidity of the product mean it's a perfect choice for digging holes for various applications. Thanks to the ease of adjusting its yoke, it makes it remarkably easy to bore 6-inch to 8-inch diameter holes. The blades are optimized for digging through both soft and tough soil types with minimal resistance. Compared to manual methods, the sharp, robust steel blades work in tandem with the shaft to give you superior leverage for effortless and quick digging of holes. Consequently, you'll be able to finish tasks that were once daunting such as planting trees and shrubs and installing a fence without putting in any significant effort.

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.
Pros

Powerful, reliable performance

Quiet and a cinch to use

Budget-friendly

Sturdy, long-lasting construction

Cons

Not suitable for sandy soil

10. Landworks Heavy Duty Eco-Friendly

10. Landworks Heavy Duty Eco-Friendly
The professional and innovative design of the Landworks auger aims to make your life easy and simple, and in that endeavour, it unsurprisingly exceeds expectations. It’s a cinch to use, which means both seasoned homeowners and the greenhorns alike will enjoy digging holes with it. Also, it’s an eco-friendly option that operates quietly, efficiently, and powerfully for hours on end given its high-capacity lithium battery. If you like the idea of using a high-performance, relatively cost-effective, and eco-friendly post hole auger, then this post hole auger should be up your alley.

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.
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Because it is a battery-powered option, it lacks all the issues that plague its gas-powered counterparts. For one, you won’t have to go through the messy process of mixing gas and oil in a particular ratio. And compared to its electric counterparts, it accords you an unlimited reach since you don’t have to plug it into a power outlet. Additionally, it features ergonomic wide-spaced handles to give the user superior balance and enhance controllability and manoeuvrability, especially in awkward and tight spots.

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.
Pros

Boasts powerful, quick performance

Eco-friendly and quiet

Has useful LED light

High-performance choice

Cons

Heavy at 35 pounds

5. Earthquake 22777

5. Earthquake 22777
For the best bang for the buck, we don’t recommend looking further than the Earthquake 22777. With this heavy-duty, all-around workhorse in the palm of your hands, you’ll be effortlessly and quickly piercing through a wide range of soil types. Compared to no-frills options out there, this is a feature-rich alternative with an instructive 60-month warranty to boot. If you want to know what it feels like to drill deep into densely-packed soil quickly and without breaking a sweat, considering going with this beastly tool.

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.
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Other than its exceptional performance, the durability, convenience, and reliability of the product stand out. For one, it's lightweight and the handles are comfortable for easy, one-hand manoeuvrability and control. The shock-absorbing foam grips on the handle and the anti-slip design means you'll never experience operational setbacks. Additionally, it comes with an air filter for preventing, dirt, dust, and other debris from reaching the engine, further enhancing its productivity and durability.

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.
Pros

Power 43cc engine for quick, effortless digging

Easy-to-replace blades

Best bang for the buck

Easy to use, robust, and long-lasting

Versatile

Cons

Not tall enough

6. Fiskars Digger

6. Fiskars Digger
Breaking up densely-packed soil for ice fishing, installing fences, and planting trees necessitates the use of a high-end, heavy-duty, and high-performance post hole auger. The machine should allow you to dig deep holes quickly and with minimal effort in light of its abundance of power and efficiency. Further, it should up the ante by featuring an ergonomically shaped handle with anti-vibration foam to minimize hand fatigue and straining and be durable and rugged to gracefully withstand the onerous task of penetrating tightly-packed loamy and rocky soils. If your eyes are firmly trained on acquiring such a machine, then let’s introduce you to the workhorse that’s the Fiskars 60 Inch 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.
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In spite of its cost-effective, the construction quality of the post hole auger is at par with its other costlier counterparts on the market. The welded 14-gauge blades and 16-gauge shafts, like the rest of the product, feature top-notch construction with industrial-grade steel. This ensures outstanding durability, strength, and resilience. Compared to its competitors with wooden and fibreglass glass, the likelihood of this tool flexing, breaking, cracking, or bending is remote at best. The blades will invariably maintain their sharp edge while the welded steel pivot joint prevents nuts and bolts from coming loose and a durable powder coating keeps rust and corrosion at bay.

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.
Pros

Durable all-steel construction

Reasonable and justifiable pricing

Easy to use

Easily and quickly digs deep

Cons

Requires lots of effort

7. Ames - 2701600

7. Ames - 2701600
Despite being a manual option, the Ames digger is built for hard-use applications around the house. It features heavy-duty construction, large ergonomic handles made from either fibreglass or hardwood, and exceptionally sharp blades for quickly and effortless breaking through rocky and clay soil types. Furthermore, it’s lightweight and highly portable. Digging up holes for the installation of fence posts, mailboxes, and planting has never been easier or faster. Another major highlight is the reasonable and justifiable price tag.

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.
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The machine also features an innovative and user-friendly design with an overall length of 60 inches so you don’t have to overly stoop over, risking your back in the process. You can choose between a wooden or fibreglass handle, both of which prevent handle collision during work. The handles come with oversized cushion grips to provide remarkable comfort and a firm, non-slip grip, thereby minimizing the likelihood of inadvertent slippage while working in moist conditions.

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.
Pros

Worth every penny paid for it

Perfect for hard-use applications

Comfortable, anti-slip handles

Heavy-duty construction

Cons

A tad heavy

Handles are susceptible to breaking

8. Seymour 21306 AU-S6

8. Seymour 21306 AU-S6
Digging into hard packed clay surfaces can be an uphill and daunting task if you’re not equipped with the right tool. With the Seymour 21306 AU-S6 , however, you’ll relish every second you spend ice fishing, planting in the garden, or installing that fence you’ve always wanted. It comes with a combination of several nifty features and an ingenious design for simplifying your work. Besides the 6-inch point head, the tool also sports a steel blade, a steel shat, an ergonomic steel t-handle, and a lightweight and compact design. Continue reading for a detailed description.

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.
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Considering its ease of use and the fact that it packs several convenience features, it’s a perfect choice for the hardworking homeowners. The wooden handle is expectedly comfortable to use. The tool weighs just 8.5 pounds and is long enough so you don’t have to bend over when digging holes. In light of the lightweight construction, it’s highly portable and be used all day without the hands suffering fatigue or unsightly blisters.

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.
Pros

Rugged, long-lasting construction

Cost-effective

Firm maple handles

Versatile

Cons

Handles aren’t cushioned

Requires effort

9. XtremepowerUS 43cc

9. XtremepowerUS 43cc
The hallmark features of any high-end product are convenience, exceptional and reliable performance, and affordability. Compared to cheap, off-brand models, the XtremepowerUS expertly and seamlessly balances all three to provide you with the best performance. The post hole auger comes with a high-performance 2-cycle, 43cc gas-powered engine that supplies all the power you need for quickly, accurately, and easily digging up holes. As a result, ice fishing, planting trees, and installing a rigid will be a lot easier and quicker than it once was.

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.
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The auger is also easy to use. Starting it in various weather conditions is a snap as it sports a manual recoil easy start fuel delivery system. Also, the translucent fuel tank helps you monitor the amount of remaining fuel. Considering that it’s lightweight, portability and manoeuvrability are never an issue.

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.
Pros

Powerful gas-powered engine for impressive speeds

Easy-to-monitor fuel level

Versatile

Comfortable grip handle

Cons

Problems starting in cold weather

4. Bully Tools 92384

4. Bully Tools 92384
Being an American-made auger, you can rest assured Bully Tools 92384 is constructed to the highest possible standards. Each and every nook and cranny of its frame is forged from high-end materials to withstand the rigorous task of digging through a wide range of soil types. Whether it’s the soft loam soil or the more tightly packed and demanding clay soil, the ingenious design of the machine will enable you to dig through it in to time at all. Going by the overall high-end commercial-grade construction, the indestructible heavy-duty fibreglass handle, and the exceptionally thick steel blade, no project will be too demanding to accomplish.

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.
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Besides the extra thick 14 gauge steel blade, the post hole auger also features a high strength fibreglass handle that’s virtually indestructible, thanks to their long-lasting triple wall construction. With a total length of 47 inches, the handle is sufficiently long to comfortably accommodate the vast majority of workers. The two handles are ergonomically designed to provide comfort, easy control and manoeuvrability so that breaking through tightly-packed soil and hardpan takes minimal effort and time. The length is also ideal for minimizing strain on your body while augmenting leverage.

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.
Pros

Offers great bang for the buck

Long-lasting construction of blades and handle

Ergonomic and easy to use

Comes with a generous warranty

Cons

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.