When installing a fence, one of the most time-consuming tasks is digging the holes for the fence posts. Whether you’re putting in a few posts for a small project or dozens of posts for a long run of fencing, getting the holes dug quickly and efficiently is key. So what’s the fastest way to get it done?
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Using Power Augers
The fastest method for digging fence post holes is using a power auger, also called a post hole digger. These gasoline-powered tools have an auger bit on the end of a shaft that bores into the ground as the engine spins it. This allows you to drill holes very rapidly compared to digging by hand.
There are a few types of power augers:
- Handheld power augers – These smaller units are operated by hand, allowing you to move around easily. The auger bit is usually 6-12 inches wide. Handheld units can drill holes up to 24 inches deep.
- Towable augers – Larger towable augers attach to the back of lawn tractors, ATVs, or trucks. The PTO shaft connects to the vehicle’s engine to power the auger. Towable augers have auger bits up to 36 inches wide and can drill holes several feet deep.
- Tractor-mounted augers – The auger attaches directly to the three-point hitch on the back of a tractor. The PTO shaft connects to the tractor’s transmission. Tractor-mounted augers are the most powerful option and can have very large auger bits and drill very deep holes.
When using a power auger, the size of the auger bit should match the diameter of the fence posts to ensure a solid fit when the post is placed in the hole. Most wooden fence posts are either 4×4 inches or 6×6 inches.
Power augers allow digging post holes extremely quickly. A two person crew with a towable auger can typically dig a 6×6 inch post hole in just a minute or two. And the auger easily slices through all types of soil conditions from soft loam to dense clay or even rocky soil. When properly operated, power augers are by far the fastest way to dig fence post holes.
Using a Post Hole Digger
If you don’t have access to a power auger, the traditional hand tool for digging fence post holes is a post hole digger. This simple tool has two shovel-like blades joined together at the top by handles. The blades can be pressed into the ground, then pulled outwards to grab and lift the soil. By repeating this motion, you gradually make progress digging the hole.
Post hole diggers come in different sizes depending on the width of the holes needed:
| Post Hole Digger Size | Hole Width |
|---|---|
| Small | 4 – 6 inches |
| Medium | 6 – 8 inches |
| Large | 8 – 12 inches |
Using a post hole digger takes significantly more time and effort than a power auger. It may take 15-30 minutes to hand dig a hole versus 1-2 minutes with a gas-powered auger. However, diggers have the advantage of being inexpensive to purchase and easy to use. They are a good light duty option for small projects.
Some tips for efficiently using a hand post hole digger:
- Add extensions to the handles for increased leverage and hole depth
- Dig in layers, removing 6-12 inches of soil at a time
- Move the blade position for different angles of attack
- Twist the blades back and forth to break up soil
- Have one person dig and another shovel away the loosened soil
Using a Shovel
For very small projects such as a single post, a standard shovel can be used to dig holes. This is the most basic and inexpensive option, but also by far the slowest and most labor intensive. Digging a post hole with a shovel usually takes at least 30-45 minutes per hole in normal soil.
Some tips for faster digging with a shovel include:
- Use a sharp trenching shovel for easier soil penetration
- Maintain a rectangular hole shape as you dig by frequently clearing away the sides
- Dig straight down to the full depth needed before widening the hole
- Place dug soil directly into a wheelbarrow to avoid double handling
- Take turns with another person to trade off digging
For anything more than a couple holes, ditch the shovel and use a post hole digger or power auger. But for a single hole, a shovel may still be a decent choice.
Choosing the Right Method
Selecting the best tool for digging fence post holes depends primarily on the size of your project. Some general guidelines on choosing a method:
- Power auger – Best for projects with 10 or more post holes
- Hand post hole digger – Good for projects with 3-10 holes
- Shovel – Only suitable for 1-2 holes
Always pick the fastest method you have readily available. The small extra cost of renting power equipment will be well worth it for the time saved on larger jobs. And don’t underestimate the importance of hole diameter – match your tool to the post size to prevent problems.
Proper hole depth is also critical. A good standard depth is to have 1/3 of the post length underground. So for a 6 foot fence, dig holes about 2 feet deep. Deeper is better in loose soils.
Safety Tips
Post hole digging does involve some safety considerations:
- Use eye protection – debris can fly when digging
- Wear sturdy boots in case the hole edges collapse
- Carefully operate power augers – spinning auger bits are hazardous
- Unplug fuel lines and allow engines to cool before transporting or storing gas-powered augers
- Mark post hole locations to avoid buried utilities, pipes, or sprinklers
- Inspect holes for hazards like rocks or roots before inserting posts
By following basic safety precautions, you can tackle fence post holes while avoiding injury or property damage.
Preparing the Holes
Once your post holes are dug, there a few final steps before inserting the posts:
- Use a post level to check that the hole bottoms are level
- Break up any large clay lumps or smooth off rocks or roots
- Add several inches of gravel to assist drainage
- Insert the post and backfill around it with soil and gravel
Taking the time to properly prepare the holes will create a stronger fence with posts that resist settling or leaning.
Renting Power Augers
If you only need post hole digging capability for a single project, consider renting an auger rather than buying. Many home improvement and equipment rental stores offer power augers for rent at reasonable daily and weekly rates.
Popular rental sizes include:
- 6-12 inch handheld gas augers – $30 – $60 per day
- 12-24 inch towable augers – $60 – $150 per day
- Tractor 3-point PTO augers – $100 – $250 per day
Auger rental rates often include other helpful items like auger bits, safety gear, fuel, and transport wheels. Be sure to reserve your rental auger a few days in advance whenever possible during peak seasons.
Hiring Out Post Hole Drilling
Another option is to hire an experienced fencing contractor to handle your post hole drilling for you. This takes all the work off your hands and ensures it’s done quickly and correctly.
Fencing companies that offer post hole drilling often charge by:
- The number of holes needed
- The depth and diameter of each hole
- Site accessibility and soil conditions
Typical per hole costs for professional drilling range from $15 – $30 per hole, although deep holes in rocky soil can cost more. Be sure to get an estimate before the work begins.
One-Man Power Augers
For DIY-ers planning to install fencing over time, you may want to consider buying your own one-man earth auger. These lightweight augers allow you to drill holes without needing a second person to operate controls. Brands like Hole Digger offer excellent one-man augers.
The major benefits of owning your own auger include:
- No rental fees
- Always readily available when needed
- Can be operated at your own pace
- No waiting for rental availability
- Payback after using for just a few projects
One-man power augers range from $300 for smaller 4-6 inch capacity models up to $1,200 or more for 10 inch plus commercial grade augers. While not inexpensive, the convenience and time savings usually make purchase worthwhile.
Choosing Auger Accessories
If investing in a power auger, also consider augmenting it with accessories like:
- Additional auger bits for wider holes or greater depth
- Auger extensions to reach down an extra 1-3 feet
- Turbo teeth to chew through extremely hard or rocky soils
- Transport wheels for ease of movement around the work site
On towable augers, a pivot hitch provides greater maneuverability. And for seeded post holes, a seed dispensing attachment can automatically drop grass seed to prevent weeds.
Taking advantage of these available auger accessories will maximize your investment by extending functionality.
Conclusion
When installing fence posts, quickly digging proper holes is one of the most challenging parts of the job. With the right tools and preparation, this important task can be accomplished efficiently and with minimal effort. Power augers are by far the fastest method, but renting one or even hiring hole drilling services are also smart time-saving options. Just avoid digging more holes than necessary by hand with either a post hole digger or shovel. With the right approach, you’ll have your post holes completed in no time and can move on to installing fencing.