Augers are material handling devices that have a helical profile that rotates around the axis of a feed screw. Apart from material movement, large augers are also useful for drilling holes in the land for mining, gardening and construction purposes.

Depending on the construction and application, augers come in different types such as an earth auger, a power auger, a soil auger, a hand auger, a garden auger, a wood auger, an ice auger, a grain auger, a gravity wagon auger and a hole auger. Some industries that use an auger and auger post assemblies extensively are agriculture, utility, food processing, pharmaceutical, coal mining, building and construction.

Some of the important parameter you must consider before buying augers are:

1. Type of augers: horizontal or vertical
2. Required torque, speed, weight and forward thrust
3. Dimensions of the feed screw: inside diameter (ID) and outside diameter (OD) of the helical profile and length of the pitch
4. Method of drive: hand driven or power driven

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase augers from a reputable auger manufacturer

Once you know your requirements, check out different augers available in the market.

I recommend: You can buy different types of augers and accessories at Jeffrey Machine, a reputable manufacturer of augers that serves utility and construction industries. Nikko Tanaka Engineering is a global manufacturer of power augers and earth auger bits. If you need an earth auger for the construction and utility purposes, check out the products offered by Premier Auger and The Stanley Works. STIHL Incorporated, a manufacturing division of STIHL Group, provides auger-drill models and earth augers of any sizes.

Purchase augers from reputable distributor or retailers

You can compare different augers based on their features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites. You can also buy auger post assemblies at the distributors.

I recommend: You can buy augers at Greenshields Industrial Supply, a reputable industrial distributor of augers. Whayne Supply Co. is another reputable distributor of earth moving equipment and work tools including augers. You can also check out other distributors such as NexTag and Benmeadows.com that provide varieties of augers including power augers, earth augers, ice augers and auger parts.

Purchase specialty or customized augers

If standard products available in the market do not meet your requirements, you can ask reputable auger manufacturers to provide specialty or customized augers that suit your applications.

I recommend: Augers Unlimited is a reputable custom manufacturer of augers that can supply high-efficiency augers for material handling applications. Dynamic Fabrication is another custom manufacturer of large size steel augers for various industries such as aerospace, construction and utilities. Stainless Specialists provides custom products including stainless steel augers. Ground Hog Inc.com designs specialty augers and accessories for earth drills for heavy-gauge and welded steel construction.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  An auger drill is a powerful drilling equipment, hence be careful while using it.