Basics Of The Manual Posthole Digger

The manual posthole digger or clamshell digger as some call it is a tool that works fine for small jobs. It is the world of posthole diggers, what the hand earth auger is to larger mechanical augers.

The Standard Manual Posthole Digger

  • The standard manual posthole digger features six foot long handles for extra depth rather than the standard five foot handles.

  • Maximum effective depth of the tool is ¾ the length of the handles so this handle will allow you to dig a four foot deep hole.

  • The handles are made from a strong hardwood and covered with a clear varnish.

  • This clear coating helps you to see the condition of the wood under it.

  • Some companies paint their handles and use inferior woods.

  • The handles of the tool are rounded at the top for ease of use and square at the bottom for strength where that fasten to the blades.

Manual Posthole Digger Blades

The blades are precision formed and hardened.

  • They are then sharpened and covered with a protective shield to protect them in shipping and keep them sharp and ready to use.

  • The blades are sized to cut a six inch diameter hole.

  • Using a shovel would force you to dig a much larger diameter hole.

  • This is one of the qualities of the posthole digger.

  • This tool works best in soft and clay soils. Trying to dig in gravel with the tool will be difficult as stones unless they are small will interfere with the progress of the hole.

The pivot pin is made of ¾” steel to be strong enough to last for years of use. To help this tool last a long time the tool should be kept clean and coated with a fine film of oil to protect it from rust.

Before using the manual posthole digger, please check with your local utilities for the location of any underground gas, water or electrical lines. Wear proper gloves to protect your hands from blisters and as in using any tool protect your eyes with safety glasses. You are now ready to dig.

Using A Posthole Digger

  • Mark the location of your hole to be dug.

  • Hold the handles of the tool together and raise the tool as high as you can safely.

  • Drive the tool into the ground.

  • Pull the handles away from each other and lift the tool from the ground.

  • Move it to a safe place and pull the handles away from each other to remove the dirt that is between the blades.

  • Turn the handles 90 degrees and drive the tool back into the ground in the same place you began.

  • Continue these steps until you have reached the depth that you wish to be at.

If you have a larger job to do that involves many holes or digging in very hard ground you may want to look into a power earth auger. Remember though, as you're looking for post hole diggers, to buy only from a reputable manufacturer. Although for many people, at a company such as SpeedCo, tractor models and augers come first to mind, they also have a quality assortment of posthole diggers.

And remember that you are going to need a second person to help operate the power auger. The manual posthole digger can easily be carried to remote locations and can be operated with only one person.