Using an augur (sp?) or post hold digger?

Question

I am trying to put in a fence on my own as I don't have much $ to pay someone to help. I am a 5' tall woman and after working 1 whole day using a shovel and only getting 2 holes dug I decided an augur (sp?) would work better maybe (1 man kind). Anyway, called a rental store and he said it was questionable if a woman my height could use one. Sooooo I am wondering if a post hole digger is too hard to use. I know it would be fairly easy enough in soil, but I will be moving into hard packed rock/sand/dirt as I go down the line. I know one can be done as when I first moved here I was able to afford someone to put up another section of fence & they used a post hole digger there...but they were also a 6' guy too lol.

I'm pretty tough for my size, but wondering if I will get nowhere fast with a post hole digger??? Is it about the same as using a shovel?

Thanks for any help!

LEC - yes I did forget to mention what type of fence. It's a poor mans (womans lol) version of a privacy fence to keep braty neighbors kids from torturing my dogs and throwing trash in my yard. There is already an existing chain link fence, and the kids are little so I just needed something with height, so am making a 6' tall lattice "privacy" fence so am sinking the 8' posts 2' into the ground (lattice isn't heavy so didn't figure I needed cement...can't lift the bags on my own anyways lol. (so much for tough huh? lol)

Answer 1

I built a 8 foot privacy fence to keep the NASTY neighbors to themselves.

I live in Maryland, so the need for digging below the freezing point of 36inches was needed. The TRICK: I actually went down to 42inches, reason so the fence line below will sit on top of the ground. Why make more work for yourself on backfilling along the fence later. Also, when the fence is completed fill in the corner posts with cement to the top. This will secure the fence stronger, maybe a few in between won't hurt either. Plastic fences will bend on windy days, especially 6 feet and taller. If you got time, just outright buy a single man post motorized hole digger, 6 inch auger to start, then use the 9 inch auger to finish. Since I had a large fencing project and want it done ASAP, I rented a backhog with an 12in Augar and got things done in ONE DAY, rental $500.00 for the day. Don't buy a 2 man Auger, there dangerous, you hit a rock down in the bottom, the auger will SLAP you but good - OUCH ! Ouchy!

Even a one man AUGAR is dangerous too, but use two people when digging and finish up with a post digger.

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Using an augur (sp?) or post hold digger?
I am trying to put in a fence on my own as I don't have much $ to pay someone to help. I am a 5' tall woman and after working 1 whole day using a shovel and only getting 2 holes dug I decided an augur (sp?) would work better maybe (1 man kind). Anyway, called a rental store and he said it...

Answer 3

You are correct in wondering if post hole diggers are about the same as a shovel. The only thing the post hole digger will do is give you a more precise hole. You would need to be very tough to use it in order to get the depth you want, and post hole diggers are very awkward to get the hang of. You don't say if you are setting your post in cement or not. Nor do you mention if the fence is for decoration, confinement or to keep critters out. I've used a wire fence for confinement and to protect my garden and it was much easier to put up. I found out they can be used for decoration as well when you plant ivy at the base. They are marginal for privacy. If you haven't already checked into it you might consider trying to find some retired guy who is doing odd jobs with his small tractor which might well have an auger attachment. These fellows are also known to work for less per hour than the younger men with no other source of income. Good luck and be careful...I spent a lot of time with my chiropractor after digging holes so I know what you are going through.

Answer 4

Get a post hole digger, and a "smash bar". It's a long, thick bar with a spade-like end on it. Runs about $25 at Home Depot. Use the bar to break up the clay/dirt/earth and then use the digger to remove it.

An auger takes some strength to use. Tough doesn't have much to do with it. Upper body strength is required. IE, you have to keep the auger motor still while the auger turns up the earth. If you're in hardpack, imagine the torque of the motor you have to keep in check.

Answer 5

Using a post hole digger would be similar to using a shovel. Basically that's what it is. It's two semicircle shovels attached together. After you dig into the ground you spread the handles to "scoop" out what you have dug. In operation it would probably be a little more difficult for you, considering your height, as you pretty much have to us a vertical motion to force the blades into the ground. Considering the ground you are working with a powered auger would be my first choice. Though, operating that can be a rather violent ordeal if you don't have the body mass/strength to handle it. Good luck and happy digging!

Answer 6

Home Depot Post Hole Digger

Answer 7

Home Depot Auger Rental

Answer 8

You will need allot of upper body strenght. You will have to turn the digger into the hard groud. That's the hardest part. Getting it out of the hole is a piece of cake. You may be able to handle it.

Answer 9

Why not forget the digging and use wire to attach the lattice to the chain link fence? You can buy stainless steel wire that can easily be used and it will not rust. Holes in the lattice and the chain link will make this an easy project.

Answer 10

continuation of the chairman will not augur well for the future of the company