A hand held auger is a drilling tool used to bore holes into soil, ice, or other soft materials. It consists of a rotating helical shaft with a cutting tip that is turned by a handle. Hand held augers allow users to drill holes by hand without the need for power equipment. They are commonly used for applications like fence post holes, planting holes, ice fishing holes, and geotechnical testing boreholes.
The maximum depth a hand auger can drill depends on several factors:
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Auger Type
There are different auger designs optimized for different materials and hole diameters. Smaller diameter augers with tighter helix angles can penetrate deeper in hard soils, while larger diameter augers with wider helix angles remove material faster in softer soils. Common hand auger types include:
– Post hole auger – For digging narrow holes for fence posts, decks, signs, etc. Typically ranges from 2-12 inches diameter. Can drill 1-4 feet deep efficiently.
– Bulb planter – For planting bulbs and small plants. Under 3 inches diameter. Effective to 1-2 feet depth.
– Ground auger – Larger diameter augers from 6 inches to over 1 foot for holes to set posts or plant trees/shrubs. Can dig 2-4 feet depth.
– Ice auger – Designed for cutting through ice for ice fishing. Usually 2-8 inches diameter. Can penetrate 1-2 feet of ice.
– Soil sampling auger – Narrow 1-3 inch diameter for collecting soil cores for analysis. Can extract cores up to 5 feet deep.
Soil/Material Conditions
The type and condition of the material being drilled dictates how much resistance is met by the auger. Loose, soft soils allow for deeper drilling with hand power, while dense, compacted, or rocky soils are much harder to penetrate. Factors like moisture content also impact auger effectiveness. Very dry, hard soil is difficult to penetrate, while very wet soil can stick to the auger. Most hand augers can efficiently drill down to 3-4 feet in average soils.
Hole Diameter
The diameter of the hole being drilled effects drilling depth. Smaller holes require less torque and are easier to drill deeper by hand. Larger holes beyond 6-8 inches diameter require much more force and stamina to penetrate to depth. Using larger diameter augers often necessitates a two person operation or the help of a hand brace or T handle for applying increased torque.
Auger Length
Longer auger shafts allow for deeper holes, but too long an auger can be unwieldy and lose efficient transfer of handle force to the cutting tip. Optimal auger length for hand operation is around 3 to 5 feet. Anything longer than 5 feet requires extra effort to control and keep straight while drilling. For holes deeper than 5 feet, auger extensions can be attached.
User Strength and Technique
An individual’s physical strength and drilling technique determines how efficiently force is transferred to the auger bit. Those lacking arm and core strength will tire quickly from the rotation and downward pressure needed for deeper drilling. Proper technique like letting the auger do the cutting and keeping the handle perpendicular to the ground also maximizes drilling depth. A physically fit person adept at using a hand auger can generally drill 50-100% deeper holes than someone less conditioned or experienced.
Typical Hand Auger Drilling Depths
As a general rule, here are typical drilling depth capabilities for common hand auger sizes in average soil conditions:
| Auger Diameter | Typical Maximum Depth |
| 1-3 inches | 4-5 feet |
| 4-6 inches | 2-3 feet |
| 6-8 inches | 1-2 feet |
| 8-12 inches | 1-1.5 feet |
Smaller diameter augers around 1-3 inches can routinely drill 4-5 feet by hand in most soils. This makes them ideal for tasks like soil sampling, sinking monitor wells, testing post holes, and planting smaller specimens.
Larger diameter augers from 4 inches and up are generally limited to holes around 1-3 feet deep when operated by hand. They can go deeper with the added force of a hand brace or other assist device. Their advantage is removing larger amounts of material faster for planting saplings, large shrubs, fence posts, sign posts, and other applications needing bigger holes.
For holes deeper than 5 feet, gasoline powered augers or digging machinery is typically required. The torque and drilling power needed to penetrate beyond that depth in most soils is too taxing for hand operation.
Factors Increasing Hand Auger Drilling Depth
While soil conditions and auger diameter account for much of the achievable drilling depth, here are some other considerations that can help a hand auger go deeper:
Proper Auger Bit Sharpening
Using an auger bit with sharp, clean cutting edges reduces friction and slicing resistance when boring. Keeping the auger blades properly sharpened with a file or grinder maximizes drilling efficiency.
Lubricating the Auger
Applying a light oil lubricant along the auger length helps reduce friction against the soil sides for marginally improved penetration. This technique is particularly useful in sticky clay soils where lubrication helps prevent clogging.
Watering the Drill Site
Watering dry, compacted soil before and during drilling softens the ground and makes it easier for the auger to penetrate. This aids drilling depth, but too much water can also make soil stick to the auger.
Two Person Operation
Having one person operate the handle while another applies steady downward pressure on the auger greatly increases applied force. This two person technique can potentially double the drilling depth in hard soils versus solo operation.
Using a Hand Brace or Assist Handle
Partial Drilling and ResettingIn tough soils, drilling 6 inches to 1 foot at a time, then pulling the auger and resetting before continuing, uses body leverage more effectively to penetrate deeper overall. Drilling the entire hole depth in one pass without resetting takes more strength and stamina.
Safety Considerations
When drilling deeper holes with hand augers, keep these safety precautions in mind:
– Clear any underground utilities or buried hazards before starting.
– Watch out for underground voids, boulders, or stumps that can stop the auger suddenly.
– Wear gloves to protect hands from blisters when applying high torque.
– Use eye protection in case soil or debris is ejected from the hole during drilling.
– Unattended open holes are a falling hazard and must be covered or marked clearly.
– Limit operation time to avoid overexertion or repetitive stress injuries. Take breaks as needed.
– Use proper body mechanics when pushing down and turning the auger to avoid muscle or joint injuries.
– Keep the work area clear of bystanders as the long auger handle has a wide sweep radius.
– Do not use hand augers near overhead electric lines where contact could occur.
Conclusion
The maximum depth a hand held auger can drill depends heavily on the auger design, soil conditions, and operator technique. Smaller 1-3 inch diameter augers are capable of boring 4-5 feet deep by hand in average soils. Larger augers over 6 inches diameter are limited to 1-2 feet depth when hand operated. Factors like a sharp auger bit, lubrication, and a two person operation can increase hand drilling depths further. Safety is also imperative when drilling deeper holes, so proper precautions must be taken. For applications requiring holes below 5 feet, it is generally advisable to use mechanized augers, drill rigs, or excavation equipment. But in the right conditions, a quality hand auger and skilled operator can still drill holes of 5 feet or greater by hand.