What is the best shovel for digging post holes?

When installing fence posts or deck posts, you need to dig holes deep enough and wide enough to properly set the posts. Digging deep post holes requires having the right shovel that can stand up to the tough task. In this article, we will look at the key factors to consider when choosing the best shovel for efficiently digging sturdy, clean post holes.

What Type of Shovel is Best for Digging Post Holes?

A rounded point shovel, sometimes called a grain shovel, is the best type of shovel for digging post holes. The rounded point can penetrate and scoop soil efficiently. The shallow curve of the rounded point is ideal for digging in dirt or clay. A sharp, flat spade shovel is not well-suited for digging deep post holes as the flat blade does not scoop and displace soil as effectively.

Here are some other key features to look for in the best post hole digging shovel:

Durable, thick steel construction
Reinforced step on back of blade
Cushioned grip on handle for comfort

Long handle (at least 28 inches) for leverage

A good post hole shovel will be heavy duty and sturdy enough to stand up to repeatedly piercing compacted ground without bending or breaking. The extra wide blade and heavy construction gives you the durability and strength needed to dig deep holes efficiently.

Digging Post Holes by Hand vs. Using a Powered Auger

You have two basic options for digging post holes – doing it manually with a shovel or using a powered auger. Here is a comparison of each method:

Digging by Hand

Pros:

Less expensive – just need a good shovel
Get an excellent workout!

Allows more precision in hole placement
No fuel/maintenance required

Cons:

Very labor intensive and time consuming
Hard work, especially in dense or rocky soil
Depth limited by how far you can dig

Not practical for digging many holes

Using a Powered Auger

Pros:

Much faster and easier than digging by hand

Can drill evenly spaced holes quickly
Variety of auger bit sizes for different hole widths
Ability to dig very deep holes

Less physically demanding than manual digging

Cons:

Higher cost to purchase auger

Requires fuel and maintenance
Heavier and less portable than shovel
Less precise placement of holes

Can be dangerous if not used properly

Best Hand Shovel for Digging Post Holes

If you decide dig your holes manually, here are some top rated post hole shovels to consider:

Truper 32100 Tru Pro California Original Post Hole Digger

This classic post hole shovel design has been used for decades because its proven to be durable and efficient. Key features include:

Heavy duty steel blade, gauge, and handle
Reinforced step for driving blade into soil

Weather resistant ash wood handle
Blade Width: 7 inches
Handle Length: 35 inches

This shovel is designed for serious post hole digging with its thick steel construction. The ash wood handle gives you leverage to apply force. Hundreds of reviewers say this shovel makes digging holes much easier.

Nupla Post Hole Digger with Heavy Duty Steel Blade

Nupla has been making professional grade shovels and tools since the 1960s. Here are the highlights of this shovel:

Heavy gauge steel blade, 3/16 inches thick
Heat treated tempered steel for strength
27.5 inch tall blade for deep holes

Reinforced step on blade
Hardwood handle, varnish coated

This is one of the heaviest duty manual post hole shovels you can buy. The extra thick steel will hold up to repeated pounding and digging without bending. If you have really dense, compacted soil, this is an excellent choice.

Fiskars Steel Post Hole Digger

Fiskars makes this unique post hole shovel with these features:

Oversized steel blade, 14 inches wide

18 gauge steel thickness
Welded construction
Poly D grip handle for comfort

Lifetime warranty

This shovel has an extra wide blade to help you dig bigger holes faster. The poly grip gives you a secure, comfortable grip. And the lifetime warranty demonstrates the quality is built to last. The large footprint scoops and lifts more soil in one motion.

Best Powered Post Hole Augers

Gas-powered augers make quick work of digging evenly spaced holes. Here are some top choices for powered post hole diggers:

Yardmax Upgraded 2-Stroke Earth Auger

The Yardmax Earth Auger has these features home DIYers will appreciate:

43cc 2-stroke engine, 5hp power rating

Includes auger bits in 6″, 9″, 12″ diameters
Comfortable T-handle grip
Weighs only 20 lbs for portability

Single person operation
Digs holes up to 24″ deep

This gas powered auger has proven reliable for most homeowner or ranch applications. Switching between the included auger bits is fast for different hole sizes. At just 20 lbs, it’s light enough for one person to operate and transport around the yard.

Maxtrax HT2052 2-Person Post Hole Digger

The Maxtrax HT2052 is designed for two operators and has commercial grade features:

Professional grade Honda GX120 engine

9″ torque converter
Adjustable T handle for ergonomics
Digs 12″ diameter holes up to 5 feet deep

Includes 12″ auger bit
Weighs 122 lbs

With a powerful Honda engine and torque converter, this auger can power through rocky soil and even clay. The transmission is smooth and efficient through tougher conditions. This is a great choice for heavy duty fence or construction projects.

NorthStar Gas Post Hole Digger with Kohler Engine

The NorthStar auger is a premium choice made with these components:

Kohler XT675 engine, 196cc and 6.5 HP

Includes one 12″ diameter auger bit
Rugged planetary transmission
Weighs 179 lbs

Two-person operation recommended
Digs holes up to 36″ deep

With its Kohler commercial grade engine, this NorthStar digger delivers the power and reliability for heavy use. The torque converter transmission provides optimal digging force. This is an excellent choice for digging many post holes or very deep holes.

Choosing the Right Size Auger Bit

Auger-style post hole diggers use interchangeable auger bits to drill different diameter holes. Here are some typical sizes and uses for each:

Auger Bit Diameter	Uses
6″ – 10″	Fence posts, sign posts, deck supports
12″ – 18″	Larger fence posts, structural beams
18″ – 24″	Utility poles, foundation piers
24″ – 36″	High tension power poles, helical piles

The size auger bit you need depends on the post dimensions and how much foundation depth you need. Using a bit with the same diameter as the post gives best stability when setting the post. Many augers include a 6″ and 12″ bit which covers needs for basic residential projects.

Safety Tips When Digging Post Holes

Here are some important safety precautions to take when digging post holes:

Wear safety goggles and heavy work gloves
Clear overhead and underground utilities first
Mark existing sprinkler lines and low voltage lighting

Call 811 before digging for utility line location
Disconnect power to any nearby electric fences
Keep children and pets away from work area

Fuel and operate power auger safely

Digging without knowing the location of buried electric, gas or communications lines can have disastrous results. Always call 811 for utility marking 3 days before digging on any property. Avoid puncturing sprinkler lines or low voltage landscape lighting by marking their location first. Use extreme caution when operating a power auger, keeping children and pets at a safe distance.

Preparing the Post Hole

Once your post holes are dug, here are some tips for preparing them before setting the posts:

Clear loose material from the bottom
Add 6-12″ of gravel for drainage
Check depth is sufficient for post height

Level the bottom and check post hole is plumb

It’s important to clear any loose material from the bottom of the hole so the post sits on a firm base. Adding gravel improves drainage to prevent rotting. Check the depth accommodates the length of the post, with some extra to allow embedding into the concrete. Use a post level tool to ensure the hole is plumb and ready for the post.

Setting Fence Posts in Concrete

For maximum strength and stability, fence and deck posts should be anchored in concrete at the bottom of the hole. Here are some tips for setting posts using concrete:

Mix dry concrete in bucket before pouring
Brace post to hold plumb while concrete cures
Add water to wet concrete as filling hole

Tamp concrete with rebar rod while slowly filling
Fill hole around post with concrete up to grade level
Let concrete fully cure for 1 week before tensioning

The key steps are keeping the post plumb as the concrete is poured, tamping the concrete to avoid air pockets, and filling the hole completely. Let the concrete fully cure for at least week before attaching fencing and putting tension on the posts. Proper technique will result in permanently anchored, rigid posts.

Alternatives to Concrete Setting

For temporary fence posts or in very rocky soil, concrete may not be practical. Here are two other options:

Tamping with Dirt or Gravel

Tamping is suitable for temporary fence lines. After inserting the post in the hole:

Backfill the hole with 6-12 inches of gravel
Tamp the gravel firmly around the post using a tamping tool or rod
Add and tamp soil in layers until reaching grade level

The finished tamped post should feel rigid and have no side-to-side looseness. Regular inspection and tamping is needed to maintain posts set this way.

Post Anchors

Special galvanized metal anchors are made to hold posts securely without concrete. Common types are:

Drive anchors – pounded into the earth like a massive staple

Auger anchors – inserted then twisted like a giant screw
Duckbill anchors – inserted and tensioned by pulling up on the tab

Anchors work well in very hard or rocky soil not suited to concrete. They can be removed and reused for temporary fencing. Instructions are specific for proper installation of each anchor type.

Conclusion

Digging sturdy post holes doesn’t need to be backbreaking work. With the right shovel or power auger matched to your soil conditions, the job can be completed efficiently. Focus on choosing an option with the durability to match your workload. With good technique, your fence or deck posts will be permanently anchored to withstand weather and regular use.