The 10 Best Post Hole Diggers of 2023

Photo: Earthquake

A post hole digger is a handy tool that simplifies the work of drilling holes into the ground for projects such as fencing, tree planting, building post boxes, and many more.

This tool uses manual, electric, or gas power to drive a shaft or blades into the ground. Electric and gas-powered diggers will get the job done faster and more efficiently than manual ones. But manual diggers are great for light-duty tasks.

To learn more about these tools and the model that suits you best, dive into our top 10 post hole digger reviews and buying guide.

10 Best Post Hole Diggers – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. Ames 2701600 (Best Budget)	Most affordable Strong hardwood handles Measuring stick for depth accuracy Cushioned grips for comfort
	2. Southland SEA438 (Best Gas-powered)	A superior 8-inch auger bit Digs 2.5-feet deep holes Translucent fuel tank Ergonomic butterfly handles
	3. XtremepowerUS 85059 (Best Electric)	Heavy-duty 1200-watt motor A strong steel auger bit Protective safety lock feature Comfortable anti-skid grips
	4. Landworks LAB01001 (Best Battery-powered)	Quiet and clean operation Powerful 2 HP motor Wide-spaced ergonomic handles High-density LED light
	5. Union Tools 78002 (Best Lightweight)	Lightweight at 6.83 pounds A standard 5.5-inch point spread 58-inch length for strain-free use Reasonable pricing
	6. Hiltex 10525 (Professional)	Powerful 1200-watt motorhead The 4-inch high-quality auger bit Safety lock feature Ergonomic and anti-vibration handle
	7. Seymour 21306 (For General-purpose)	Riveted steel blade Heavy-duty steel shaft and handle A standard 6-inch point spread Relatively lightweight
	8. Fiskars 96536935J (For Superior Depth)	Offset handles deep digging Strong 14-gauge steel blades Heavy-duty steel shaft Has a lifetime warranty
	9. XtremepowerUS X1096 (Versatile)	Powerful 55 cc gas engine A strong die-cast auger bit Standard 3/4-inch shaft size Easy to operate and transport
	10. Seymour PD48 (Heavy-duty)	A large 6.25-inch point spread Strong and durable fiberglass handles Cushioned grips for comfort 59-inch length for strain-free operation

1. Ames 2701600 – Best Budget Post Hole Digger

Photo: Ames

• Material: Steel, Wood
• Overall Length: 68 inches

If you’re looking for the best budget post hole digger that still packs quality features found in premium models, then grab the Ames 2701600.

Its reasonable pricing makes this tool the most affordable of the pack. If you’re just starting out in hole digging projects or simply want a tool for occasional use, this model is a great fit.

You desire a tool that is strong and durable, which is why Ames 2701600 has a hardwood handle that guarantees consistent and reliable performance.

Accuracy is prioritized by this tool as it comes with a measuring stick on it handle to help you achieve precise hole depths. This feature is absent in even the premium models we have reviewed so far.

Comfort is supported and enhanced by the oversized cushion grips found at the end of the handles.

The Ames 2701600 is, however, not ideal for heavy-duty and intensive digging.

Pros:

• Reasonably priced and affordable
• Strong and durable hardwood handles
• Has depth accuracy features
• Comfortable grips

Cons:

• Not suitable for heavy-duty digging

2. Southland SEA438 – Best Gas-powered Post Hole Digger

Photo: Southland

• Point Spread: 8 inches
• Material: Steel
• Overall Length: 48 inches
• Depth Capacity: 2.5 feet

Southland SEA438 stands out as the best gas-powered post hole digger on our list, edging out the XtremepowerUS X1096 by a small margin.

This tool’s gas powerhead comes with an 8-inch auger bit, which is bigger than the 6-inch one that comes with the XtremepowerUS X1096. You can, however, buy the 6-inch bit separately if you need it.

The digger will comfortably excavate up to 2.5 feet of soil with its 8-inch bit. This depth supports holes for many projects.

Power is produced by a 43 cc 2-stroke engine with a manual recoil easy start fuel delivery system. Its 32-gallon fuel tank is translucent for easy monitoring of fuel levels.

It has ergonomic butterfly handles for comfortable handling. However, just like the previous gas-powered model, Southland SEA438 also commands a high price that locks out budget buyers.

Pros:

• A superior 8-inch auger bit
• Depths of up to 2.5 feet
• Powerful engine with translucent fuel tank
• Comfortable butterfly handles

Cons:

• Expensive

3. XtremepowerUS 85059 – Best Electric Post Hole Digger

Photo: XtremepowerUS

• Point Spread: 4 inches
• Material: Steel
• Overall Length: 43 inches
• Depth Capacity: 2.5 feet

XtremepowerUS 85059 comes in as the best electric post hole digger because of its power, high-quality build, and clean operation.

It comes with a heavy-duty 1200-watt motor, which produces 1.9 horsepower and delivers 90 feet-pound of torque. Also, it has a peak speed of 200 RPM for fast drilling of even the toughest holes.

This tool boasts of a strong and durable 4-inch auger drill bit made of high-strength manganese steel. The drill bit is capable of withstanding impact, extrusion, material wear, and other harsh conditions.

For safe operation, the tool’s powerhead has a safety lock function that is designed to prevent any accidental motor triggering, as a security precaution.

Comfortable handling and operation are achieved with two anti-skid, vibration-proof grips that provide maximum stability and leverage during operation.

Because XtremepowerUS 85059 requires an extension cord to hook it up to a power source, its reach may be limited especially when digging holes in a large area.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty and powerful motor
• Strong auger bit
• Safety lock feature
• Comfortable grips

Cons:

• Coverage may be limited

4. Landworks LAB01001 – Best Battery-powered Post Hole Digger

Photo: Landworks

• Point Spread: 6 inches
• Material: Steel
• Overall Length: 30 inches
• Depth Capacity: 2.5 feet

If you want to overcome the limitations of a corded post hole digger, then you can grab Landworks LAB01001, which is the best battery-powered model on our list.

This tool is superior to the gas-powered models we reviewed because it is quiet, and does not produce emissions that can harm the environment.

As for power, you get a 2.01-horsepower motor, which produces 60 Nm of torque and 320 RPM from its 2 Ah, 40-volt battery. Such a combination is great for digging different types of planting holes up to a depth of 2.5 feet.

For your ease of handling, the tool comes with wide-spaced ergonomic silicone grip handles that help improves balance and stability.

It comes with a high-density LED surface light that helps when digging in the dark. Unfortunately, Landworks LAB01001 is the most expensive post hole digger on our list, and its price alone is enough to lockout buyers on a budget.

Pros:

• Clean and quiet
• Powerful battery-driven motor
• Easy to handle and operate
• LED light supports night digging

Cons:

• Very expensive

5. Union Tools 78002 – Best Lightweight Post Hole Digger

Photo: Union Tools

• Point Spread: 5.5 inches
• Material: Carbon Steel, Wood
• Overall Length: 58 inches

If you’re looking for a lightweight post hole digger that you can carry to dig holes away from home, then Union Tools 78002 is the tool for you.

Weighing only 6.83 pounds, it is far easier to carry and compared to the heavier models we’ve reviewed. It is ideal for both professionals and general consumers who have projects that require digging holes.

With its point spread of 5.5 inches, you can rely on the tool to make holes for fence posts, mailbox posts, basketball hoops, and many more similar projects.

Its overall length of 58 inches is especially great if you’re a tall user who wants to dig holes without bending over or straining your back.

Also, it has a reasonable price that makes it accessible to a wide range of buyers, including those on a budget.

We did note, however, that Union Tools 78002 struggles to dig on rocky and hard surfaces.

Pros:

• Lightweight and portable
• Standard point spread supports many projects
• Superior length ideal for strain-free use
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• Not ideal for hard or rocky surfaces

6. Hiltex 10525 – Professional Post Hole Digger

Photo: Hiltex

• Point Spread: 4 inches
• Material: Steel
• Overall Length: 32.5 inches
• Depth Capacity: 2.5 feet

Hiltex 10525 is the best post hole digger for professional projects in tree planting, mailbox, docks, and fence building.

This tool has a powerful 1.6-horsepower motorhead, which produced 1200 watts and 11 amps of power. It also delivers 90 pound-feet of torque and a speed of 200 RPM for fast and effortless digging.

With its 4-inch auger bit, you can use this tool for installing fence and deck posts, making holes for tree planting, and supporting many more lawn projects.

A safety lock feature is included to prevent damage to accidental triggering of the power switch, thus providing additional protection.

Since professional projects may involve extensive digging, the tool’s auger head has a specially-designed ergonomic handle with an anti-vibration grip for maximum stability.

As with other electric and gas-powered tools, the Hiltex 10525 is also pricey.

Pros:

• Powerful motorhead
• Auger bit ideal for fence, mailbox and tree planting holes
• Safety lock feature
• Ergonomic handle with anti-vibration grip

Cons:

• Pricey

7. Seymour 21306 – General-purpose Post Hole Digger

Photo: Seymour

• Point Spread: 6 inches
• Material: Steel
• Overall Length: 46 inches

Seymour 21306 is a great general-purpose post hole digger you can use on a variety of soils with reliable outcomes.

It is made of high-quality components, including a steel blade that has been riveted to a strong pliable iron yoke for additional reinforcement.

The tool also boasts of a steel shaft, whose end comprises a T-handle made of steel for durability and reliability when you’re digging holes in different soil types and conditions.

You get a standard 6-inch point spread with this post hole digger. This size is ideal for a variety of holes for projects like fencing, tree planting, decks, and in some cases, even digging shallow wells in soft soils.

At 7.4 pounds, it is relatively lightweight compared to other heavy models we’ll review. A potential shortcoming of the Seymour 21306 is that it may struggle to cut through large roots in case they are present in the ground you are trying to dig.

Pros:

• High-quality steel blade
• Strong steel shaft and handle
• Standard point spread
• Relatively lightweight

Cons:

• May not penetrate large roots

8. Fiskars 96536935J – Post Hole Digger for Superior Depth

Photo: Fiskars

• Point Spread: 6.5 inches
• Material: Steel
• Overall Length: 60 inches
• Depth Capacity: 4 feet

Fiskars 96536935J is a post hole digger designed to reach extra depths than the average digger.

It boasts of an offset handle that will allow you to dig postholes that go up to 12 inches deeper than traditional diggers. The handles go a step further to protect your knuckles as you operate the tool.

The digger has welded 14-gauge steel blades, and 16-gauge steel shafts, both of which combine well to achieve superior tool durability that exceeds that of diggers with wooden handles.

You also get a lifetime warranty with your purchase of the tool. You are guaranteed to a confident and risk-free purchase.

An issue we encountered with the Fiskars 96536935J is that its blades are prone to bending when digging in soil conditions that are not ideal.

Pros:

• Offset handles support deep digging
• High-quality steel blades
• Strong steel shaft
• Comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons:

• Blades may bend in tough soils

9. XtremepowerUS X1096 – Versatile Post Hole Digger

Photo: XtremepowerUS

• Point Spread: 6 inches
• Material: Steel
• Overall Length: 21.5 inches
• Depth Capacity: 2.3 feet

XtremepowerUS X1096 is a versatile gas-powered post hole digger that adapts to many ground and soil conditions to dig deck, fence, tree planting, and many more holes.

The greatest feature setting apart this tool from the first two we’ve reviewed is its 55-cc gasoline engine, which powers the tool, enabling it to drill multiple holes in quicks succession, using minimal effort.

It comes with a heavy-duty die-cast metal auger bit, which is capable of ripping through soft soils and clay, making the tool ideal for drilling many holes in one session.

With a shaft size of 3/4-inch, this tool is compatible with most standard auger bits, which also enhances its digging versatility.

The auger head gas butterfly handles for ease of operations. The handles are also detachable for ease of storage and transportation.

All the impressive features of the XtremepowerUS X1096 do, however, come at a steep price that may not favor budget buyers.

Pros:

• Powerful gasoline engine
• Heavy-duty auger bit
• Shaft size supports many bits
• Easy to operate and transport

Cons:

• Pricey

10. Seymour PD48 – Heavy-duty Post Hole Digger

Photo: Seymour

• Point Spread: 6.25 inches
• Material: Steel, Fiberglass
• Overall Length: 59 inches
• Depth Capacity: 3 feet

We wrap up with Seymour PD48, which is the best heavy-duty post hole digger on our list.

It has a superior point spread of 6.25 inches, which is enough to support a variety of holes for a wide range of projects including fencing and tree planting.

Additional strength and durability are achieved by the tool’s fiberglass handles, which have a core of the same material.

You are assured of superior handling and comfort from the tool’s cushioned grips, which comes in handy when using the tool frequently and in the heavy-duty hole digging.

At 59 inches in length, the post hole digger suits users who want to avoid bending and straining their backs during the tool’s operation.

A potential issue with the Seymour PD48 is that sometimes the rivets connecting the steel blades may weaken especially with repeated usage.

Pros:

• Superior point spread
• Strong fiberglass handles
• Cushioned grips for superior handling
• Long for strain-free oration

Cons:

• Blade rivets may loosen

How to Buy the Best Post Hole Digger

1. Types of Post Hole Digger

There are 3 main types of post hole diggers: manual, gas, and electric.

Manual Post Hole Diggers: The force required to operate them is generated by your hands. It is the most basic post hole digger, but very effective.

Manual diggers are great when you’re on a budget or when digging holes on soft grounds where there’s minimal soil resistance.

Gas Post Hole Diggers: They have a gasoline engine, which produces the power required to operate the tool.

Gas post hole diggers are more powerful than manual ones but will make a lot of noise and produce emissions that can harm the environment.

Electric Post Hole Diggers: These post hole diggers have electric-powered motors. The source of power can either be corded electricity or a battery.

They are as powerful as gasoline ones but are quieter and cleaner as they do not produce any harmful emissions.

2. Point Spread

The point spread of your post hole digger stands for the maximum diameter of the tool’s blade cover when extended, and also the rough diameter of the hole that it can dig.

From our review, the most post hole diggers have a point spread in the range of 4-8 inches. Large point spreads make wider holes and vice versa.

Your choice of point spread will depend on the kind of holes you want to dig.

3. Materials

The material construction of your post hole digger is important because it affects the tool’s durability and performance.

Most of the post hole diggers in the market have their components (blade and handle) made of steel. This material is strong, durable, and can be made rust-resistant by applying a coating.

Some hole diggers have a wooden shaft or handle, but they are equally strong and reliable.

4. Depth Capacity

Depth capacity stands for how deep a hole your tool can dig. Since the primary purpose of these tools is digging post holes, then their depths are limited to about 4 feet.

However, most of the diggers comfortably dig to a depth of 2.5 feet, which is enough for fencing, mailbox, tree planting, and dock posts.

5. Handle

Handle design is a key priority to consider especially because it offers a primary gripping surface when operating your post hole digger.

For manual differs, cushioned grips at the tip of the handles are important to provide a comfortable handling experience.

Gas and electric post hole diggers should have butterfly handles to provide the leverage and stability required for safe operation.

6. Safety

A post hole digger has many prominent sharp edges especially at the blades, which are responsible for cutting through the soil.

Therefore, and safety feature added onto your tool is always welcome. Gas and electric post hole diggers come with safety locks that prevent accidental star starting of the tools, especially given their oversized sharp auger bits.

7. Portability

Some users desire a post hole digger than can carry in the hands comfortably for projects that cover large grounds or are away from home.

The weight of your digger is the greatest determinant of its portability. Lightweight tools are easy to carry over long distances.

Even gas and electric post hole diggers can be relatively easy to transports if they have detachable motorheads.

8. Budget

From our review, we discovered that both budget and premium post hole diggers perform excellently in different operating conditions.

Budget post hole diggers are great for general and all-round use, but on light or soft soil, and when the digging tasks are not extensive.

If the budget is not a limitation, you can get a gas or electric digger, which is powered by an engine or motor for higher and faster performance.

Conclusion

We’ve done and extensive coverage of post hole diggers and their many useful features. You’ll all set to hit the store and grab one.

Remember to check for important features such as the type of hole digger, material construction, point spread, depth capacity, safety, and handling.

You can always check out our top 10 post hole digger reviews to help you choose the model that suits you best.