This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would you rate them.

Thanks

Don

"Freckles" wrote:

This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would you rate them.

Thanks

Don

Mine is only about 6 inches, but it is easier that a post hole digger
for deeper holes. They will not cut larger roots as well and will not
handle rock if you run into that. They both have their uses.
--
Jim Rusling
More or Less Retired
Mustang, OK
http://www.rusling.org

On Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:02:19 -0600, "Freckles"
wrote:

This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would you rate them.

Thanks

Don

Where are you? A landscape company, may have various augers. They use
them for planting trees. I see augers on tractors, so you know any
locals that can help?

You can rent a two-man powered auger from rental places.

I'm allergic too the post-hole diggers. I break out in vapors even
thinking about the amount of work involved.

On Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:02:19 -0600, "Freckles"
wrote:

This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would you rate them.

Thanks

Don

Are you in very good shape or do you plan to be by the time your done?

24 holes that deep sounds like a lot to me.

You could also rent a power auger.

http://www.postholeauger.com/ shows a lot of different things.

I think looking further augurs well for you.

Freckles wrote:

This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and
I will need to dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will
need to be about 8 inches in diameter and 18 inches deep.

24 holes, 8" in diameter, and 18" deep! WoW!

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like
it would be a lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Unless you are both very young and very strong, you could die
from doing that with a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would
you rate them.

20 years ago I did a project that required about 16 holes and
used a gasoline powered augur. It worked great.

About 12 years ago, I had a project that called for 4 holes.
It was a PITA because of rocks in the ground. If you have
rocks, it doesn't matter what tool you used - it's gonna
take a lot longer than you expect.

Regardless, IMO, an augur is less work and more fun than a
digger unless you have one of your children doing it for you.

Dick

On Feb 13, 3:02*pm, "Freckles" wrote:
This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would you rate them.

Thanks

Don

Just rent a gas powered auger for a day. It will be done in maybe 2
hours if no rocks are there, or dig for a week

"Freckles" writes:

This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

If you are looking for an easier way to dig that many holes,
you are in pathetic shape.

Find the hardest way possible to dig those holes and get to work
before you find standing up a chore too.

"Dan Espen" wrote in message
...
"Freckles" writes:

This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need
to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches
in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be
a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

If you are looking for an easier way to dig that many holes,
you are in pathetic shape.

Find the hardest way possible to dig those holes and get to work
before you find standing up a chore too.

Thanks for the advice.

However, I've always tried to follow the advice, "Work smarter, not harder."

Besides I'm 71 years old and I have no problem standing or doing physical
work, but it's stupid to work harder than you have too.

So, what does that say about you?

In article ,
wrote:

My farm tractor is not equipped for an auger, and tractor mounted
augers are very costly. The last time I needed a series of holes, I
just hired a neighbor who has a 10" auger on his tractor. That's so
easy. Park tractor, lower auger, move tractor slightly to get auger
precisely over hole, and start the auger spinning. It needs to be
lifted a few times to lift out the excess dirt. It would bust out
smaller rocks and tear up roots easily. I could see it having a
problem with large rocks, but we did not hit any.
We dug about 20 three foot deep holes in about 2 hours.

A PTO auger on a tractor is the way to go, they are not that expensive
and will last forever

Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/

On Feb 14, 1:51*pm, "Freckles" wrote:
"Dan Espen" wrote in message

...





"Freckles" writes:

This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need
to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches
in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be
a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

If you are looking for an easier way to dig that many holes,
you are in pathetic shape.

Find the hardest way possible to dig those holes and get to work
before you find standing up a chore too.

Thanks for the advice.

However, I've always tried to follow the advice, "Work smarter, not harder."

Besides I'm 71 years old and I have no problem standing or doing physical
work, but it's stupid to work harder than you have too.

So, what does that say about you?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

18" not very deep if frost your area? Here we are supposed to go 36.
So That means 30 inch minimum. We also have lot of rock and stones in
the shallow soil (blame the ice age about 10 to 15 thousand years ago
for scraping away all the 'good' topsoil apparently!) so a 'digging
bar of some sort and good leather gloves are very useful. My digging
bar which was found in an old quarry some 40 years ago is actually a
six foot long rock drilling bit. It has a carbide tip, not very sharp,
but never wears out. And anyway the old 'forges' that used to sharpen
and temper such 'digging bars' as used by 'old timers' have all closed
down. No horses see?

I have a very old fashioned post hole digger I got off a dump (it's
like two spade ends one of which pivots) and refitted it with new oak
handle (actually left over WWII stretcher poles!) some 30 years ago.
Am now 75 with a slight heart condition so I take it easy, as also
with shovelling snow.

But if you took your time say four holes per day (gee sounds like
golf!) using a hand post hole digger could be done over week?

On Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:18:34 -0800 (PST), ransley
wrote:

On Feb 13, 3:02*pm, "Freckles" wrote:
This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would you rate them.

Thanks

Don

Just rent a gas powered auger for a day. It will be done in maybe 2
hours if no rocks are there, or dig for a week

There's a new (relatively) style one man powered auger that consists
of an engine on a wheeled dolly. There are long handles extending
from the dolly. The auger is driven hydraulically and hangs down from
the handles on a pivot. You position the auger, then lower the
handles to dig the hole. The weight of the dolly and engine take all
the torque so it doesn't rip your arms off like the one or two man
type with the engine mounted on top of the auger. I did all the holes
for my garden fence (about 20 8" holes 30" deep) in about three hours
and hardly broke a sweat. Would have gone faster, but I did hit a
few large rocks that had to be levered out.

HTH,

Paul F.

"Freckles" writes:

"Dan Espen" wrote in message
...
"Freckles" writes:

This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need
to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches
in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be
a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

If you are looking for an easier way to dig that many holes,
you are in pathetic shape.

Find the hardest way possible to dig those holes and get to work
before you find standing up a chore too.

Thanks for the advice.

However, I've always tried to follow the advice, "Work smarter, not harder."

Besides I'm 71 years old and I have no problem standing or doing physical
work, but it's stupid to work harder than you have too.

So, what does that say about you?

Only 63. Just did 9 holes 42 inches deep a few years back for a deck,
and busted thru a boulder about 20 inches down last year.

Still think holes that shallow are not a big deal,
but at 71, maybe you get a pass.

I'll let you know in a few years.

Freckles wrote:

Besides I'm 71 years old and I have no problem standing or doing
physical work, but it's stupid to work harder than you have too.

I'd still rent a power auger - it's easier and more efficient
at any age.

Dick

On Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:47:16 +0000 (UTC), (Dick
Adams) wrote:

Freckles wrote:

Besides I'm 71 years old and I have no problem standing or doing
physical work, but it's stupid to work harder than you have too.

I'd still rent a power auger - it's easier and more efficient
at any age.

Dick

And saves human energy. You have to have some energy left over to
build the fence, or whatever.

18" deep? Dis sounds pretty easy wid an ol fashioned won an I dont no
why u would spend good money on a machine youll only use one day.
Rent one. Den you no if it is what you need next time an you dont
have any maintenance. -Cappy


Freckles wrote:
This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would you rate them.

Thanks

Don

"mm" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:47:16 +0000 (UTC), (Dick
Adams) wrote:

Freckles wrote:

Besides I'm 71 years old and I have no problem standing or doing
physical work, but it's stupid to work harder than you have too.

I'd still rent a power auger - it's easier and more efficient
at any age.

Dick

And saves human energy. You have to have some energy left over to
build the fence, or whatever.

Actually I'm putting up an 8' tall trellis all along the back of my
property.

When I have all the posts put in place and the 4'x8' lattice panels attached
to them, I will still need to dig another 40 larger holes for the climbing
roses I intend to grow up on it.

My brother and I will be doing the work and we don't need to have it ready
until spring of next year.

We could use a regular post hole digger, but we dug probably a thousand
holes for fences on our dad's farm back in Kentucky when we were kids, and
we have had our fill of the old style post hole diggers.

Don

Freckles wrote:

Actually I'm putting up an 8' tall trellis all along the back of my
property.

When I have all the posts put in place and the 4'x8' lattice panels
attached to them, I will still need to dig another 40 larger holes
for the climbing roses I intend to grow up on it. ...

Depending upon the wind where you live, you might want to consider
putting diagonal 2x4 braces about a foot up on the ends.

My brother and I will be doing the work and we don't need to have it
ready until spring of next year.

We could use a regular post hole digger, but we dug probably a
thousand holes for fences on our dad's farm back in Kentucky
when we were kids, and we have had our fill of the old style
post hole diggers.

You have learned well.

Dick

"Dick Adams" wrote in message
...
Freckles wrote:

Actually I'm putting up an 8' tall trellis all along the back of my
property.

When I have all the posts put in place and the 4'x8' lattice panels
attached to them, I will still need to dig another 40 larger holes
for the climbing roses I intend to grow up on it. ...

Depending upon the wind where you live, you might want to consider
putting diagonal 2x4 braces about a foot up on the ends.

My brother and I will be doing the work and we don't need to have it
ready until spring of next year.

We could use a regular post hole digger, but we dug probably a
thousand holes for fences on our dad's farm back in Kentucky
when we were kids, and we have had our fill of the old style
post hole diggers.

You have learned well.

Dick

I intend to bolt three 2 x 4s to the posts, one at the very top, one near
the bottom and a third about in the middle. That might be somewhat overkill,
but I have seen Texas winds in action.

Since I'm in north Texas I don't have to worry too much about the cold, but
you are right, the wind could destroy my work in one afternoon if it's not
braced well.

Don

On Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:51:48 +0000 (UTC), (Dick
Adams) wrote:

We could use a regular post hole digger, but we dug probably a
thousand holes for fences on our dad's farm back in Kentucky
when we were kids, and we have had our fill of the old style
post hole diggers.

You have learned well.

I tossed a lot of dirt; working Gladiolus flower and/or Potato
farms.

Shovel made my arms sore, besides becoming allergic to work.

Freckles wrote:
"Dick Adams" wrote:
Freckles wrote:

Actually I'm putting up an 8' tall trellis all along the back of my
property.

When I have all the posts put in place and the 4'x8' lattice panels
attached to them, I will still need to dig another 40 larger holes
for the climbing roses I intend to grow up on it. ...

Depending upon the wind where you live, you might want to consider
putting diagonal 2x4 braces about a foot up on the ends.

I intend to bolt three 2 x 4s to the posts, one at the very top,
one near the bottom and a third about in the middle. That might be
somewhat overkill, but I have seen Texas winds in action.

Since I'm in north Texas I don't have to worry too much about the
cold, but you are right, the wind could destroy my work in one
afternoon if it's not braced well.

About 10 years ago, I had to put up a new mail box because a car had
slid into it due to the ice caused by the damnyankee snow. I used
PVC pipe, but filled it with Sakrete. With my son saw the rebar, he
remarked about how that might be overkill. I smiled said "I like
overkill."

A few years later som punk it with a baseball bat and I told the
police officer to check the emergency room for broken arms.
And sure enough they found him.

There's no such thing as overkill.

Dick

Oren wrote:

Shovel made my arms sore, besides becoming allergic to work.

Whenever I fill out a medical form where says allergies, I write
"manual labor - causes me to sweat profusely and hurts my muscles".
I always fail to include that it makes the beer taste better.

Dick

On Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:00:10 -0600, "Freckles"
wrote:


"mm" wrote in message
.. .
On Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:47:16 +0000 (UTC), (Dick
Adams) wrote:

Freckles wrote:

Besides I'm 71 years old and I have no problem standing or doing
physical work, but it's stupid to work harder than you have too.

I'd still rent a power auger - it's easier and more efficient
at any age.

Dick

And saves human energy. You have to have some energy left over to
build the fence, or whatever.

Actually I'm putting up an 8' tall trellis all along the back of my
property.

When I have all the posts put in place and the 4'x8' lattice panels attached
to them, I will still need to dig another 40 larger holes for the climbing
roses I intend to grow up on it.

My brother and I will be doing the work and we don't need to have it ready
until spring of next year.

We could use a regular post hole digger, but we dug probably a thousand
holes for fences on our dad's farm back in Kentucky when we were kids, and

I defer to your greater experience, and it certainly is way greater
than mine.

we have had our fill of the old style post hole diggers.

Don

On Feb 13, 3:02*pm, "Freckles" wrote:
This spring I'm going to start a project in my back yard and I will need to
dig about two dozen post holes. The holes will need to be about 8 inches in
diameter and 18 inches deep.

I have seen ads for a manual Post Hole Auger that seems like it would be a
lot easier to use than a post hole digger.

Has anyone ever used one of these augers and if so how would you rate them.

Thanks

Don

I used one of these a couple years ago installing a wood fence.
(Assuming by manual you mean the kind you turn by hand, applying
muscle power to the crosspiece.) I found it much easier to use than
the clamshell type manual post hole diggers. But you may need both
and/or other implements depending on what is in the soil - the auger
does not do well with roots or big rocks. I dug a couple dozen or so
holes this way to 40 inches deep and I am a middle aged pencil-neck
geek. So it's not impossible. But you might want to break it up over
several sessions or do other parts of the project in between, just to
avoid repetitive motion problems. Also, the size of the hole is
determined by the size of the auger, I think 6 inches is pretty
standard. Do you really need 8 inches diameter? If so you might have
to go with something motorized. --H

In article ,
Paul Franklin wrote:


There's a new (relatively) style one man powered auger that consists
of an engine on a wheeled dolly. There are long handles extending
from the dolly. The auger is driven hydraulically and hangs down from
the handles on a pivot. You position the auger, then lower the
handles to dig the hole. The weight of the dolly and engine take all
the torque so it doesn't rip your arms off like the one or two man
type with the engine mounted on top of the auger. I did all the holes
for my garden fence (about 20 8" holes 30" deep) in about three hours
and hardly broke a sweat. Would have gone faster, but I did hit a
few large rocks that had to be levered out.

HTH,

Paul F.

Seems like a good thing to file away for the future. Do you have a link
to such a beast?