Post Hole Diggers

Post Hole Diggers

When it comes to digging holes for fencing, decking or gardens, sometimes, a simpler tool can make a big difference getting the job off the ground. Whether you’re a contractor, a DIY builder or gardener planning to drive posts, Tractor Supply offers a wide range of post hole diggers to help you get started.

Dig the Ideal Holes for Posts and Plantings

A post hole digger is a hand tool used in deck and fence building and landscaping work. It’s made to dig rounder, smaller, more consistent holes than a shovel or spade — holes deep enough for deck fence posts, light poles, birdhouse posts or smaller plants. It’s manual, so it doesn’t need fuel or electricity to run. If you’re digging deeper holes in denser, more compacted clay soil with lots of roots and rocks, you might need more leverage and power. In that case, consider a gas or electric hand auger. You might also prefer a three-point powered post hole digger, which can be installed on farm equipment such as a tractor. Both are also used more often for planting trees and building bigger, longer decks or fences.

Features to Help Make Your Dig Easier

Most post hole diggers offer:

• High-quality curved carbon steel or alloy blades that are long-lasting and can stay sharper, longer for more efficient digging
• Powder-coat finishes or electrostatic paint that helps them stand up to corrosion and simplifies cleaning
• Long, rugged steel handles for durability or lightweight fiberglass handles to make them easier to use, with less strain on tour back and shoulders
• Welded steel pivot joints to help keep them more stable and minimize the need for moving parts such as nuts and bolts

Frequently Asked Questions About Post Hole Diggers

What size post hole digger do I need?

That depends on the size of the hole you want to dig and on the job you're doing. If you’re driving a mailbox or fence post, you may need one that digs a hole 7-12 inches in diameter. If you’re driving smaller poles, you may need to dig holes 6-8 inches wide. If you’re planting bulbs, bushes or trees, the diameter of the digger you may need can range from 2-12 inches, depending on the plant’s size. Follow manufacturer or grower recommendations.

How do I use my post hole digger?

First, get rid of any rocks or debris where you’re digging to help keep your tools from getting damaged. Then, start with proper stance and grip. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, straddling where you want to dig. Now, follow these steps:

1. Grip the handles on the outside to avoid pinching yourself and keep your back straight.
2. Raise the handles above your head and drive the blades straight down into the ground, using use your legs and body weight for power — it’ll be more efficient and less of a strain on your arms and shoulders.
3. Spread the handles to close the blades around the dirt.
4. Lift the digger and dump the spoil aside.
5. Repeat the process, gradually working your way deeper.

Once you’ve dug as deep as you want to go, remove any loose soil from the bottom of the hole using a trowel, which makes for a more solid base for a post or concrete footing. Use safety glasses, work gloves and closed-toe shoes, keep children and pets away from the area and check for pipes, cables and other underground utilities before digging to avoid damaging them.

Shop Post Hole Diggers for Your Project at Tractor Supply

Whether you’re putting up a fence or gardening, having a post hole digger on hand can help lighten your load. Check out our selection online now to find the right one for the job or visit your local Tractor Supply store today.