Post Hole Digger Key Terms

Key Terms for Post Hole Diggers

By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer, LOCAL CITIZEN

The post hole digger is an example of a "simple machine" tool that has become more complex for today's high-tech world. In the beginning, these were simple hand-held tools operated manually; today's post or fence hole diggers are made in different designs, some gas-powered or hydraulic or otherwise powered by mounting onto machinery. Learn about the kinds of post hole diggers on the market and key terms for these devices.

Clamshell post hole digger

This is generally a hand-held model. The simple machine has two halves of a "clam shell" design: the worker digs down, pushes the halves together, and lifts the dirt out of the hole. These devices work best with lighter and softer soils.
Try: Get a great guide to using the clamshell hand-held post hole digger along with visuals at DIYNetwork.

Hydraulic diggers

Hydraulic post hole digger models give more heft to the digging tool and allow for getting through tougher soils. They can be free-standing or mounted on a tractor.
Try: Read up on the use of hydraulic diggers at Ag Equipment Power.

Post hole auger

The auger represents a huge improvement in design for tools that handle post hole and fence hole digging jobs. The auger is a drill tool that displaces soil with a circular motion rather than removing the earth vertically.
Try: See some wheeled- and tractor-style power augers at this page from the LSU Ag Center. For more tractor post hole auger designs, check out Vintage Projects.

One-man powered earth auger

The one-man powered earth auger version of the post hole digger combines simple design with a gasoline-powered unit at the top.
Try: Learn more about the one-man powered earth auger from Hoffco.

Lever action digger

The lever action digger scoops up soil from a hole by a moving blade attached to a lever further up on the handle.
Try: Learn about how a lever action digger works at Gardening Basics online.

Reversible post hole auger

Many of the powered post hole auger models include a reversible auger so that the digging implement can turn both ways. This is helpful if the tool gets stuck while digging.
Try: For some details on a reversible post hole auger, see Post Hole Augers.