With a digger, you can quickly dig narrow and deep holes for fence posts and other posts - provided the ground is not too rocky. In our guide you can find out exactly how such a perforated spade is constructed and what you should definitely pay attention to when buying a digger.
Exactly round holes can be easily dug with a digger
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Berger + Schröter digger, red, 50204
36.30 EUR To the product| kind | Perforated spade with shovels |
|---|---|
| material | wood and steel |
| overall length | 165 cm |
| hole diameter | up to 280mm |
| Weight | 6.5kg |
The digger from Berger + Schröter is praised by most Amazon reviewers for the good workmanship of the materials. It should be very stable and do its job perfectly. With a total length of 165 centimetres, it is suitable for most gardeners. As far as weight is concerned, the perforated spade is on the heavy side, but in the lower range, so that it can be handled optimally.
our recommendation
Fiskars hand auger, for holes up to Ø 200 mm, black/orange, QuikDrill, L, 1000640
51.98 EUR To the product| kind | auger |
|---|---|
| material | plastic and steel |
| overall length | 110 cm |
| hole diameter | 200mm |
| Weight | 2.4kg |
There is absolutely nothing to complain about with the Fiskars hand auger - the materials are of high quality, the hole diameter is medium-sized and therefore ideal for numerous applications (whether flower bulbs or fence posts). The reviewers at Amazon praise the usual high Fiskars quality, the practical construction of the auger and the pleasant handling.
our recommendation
4.6(D) x37(L) cm garden auger twist auger, auger, auger for drill, screw conveyor, auger hand, twist auger garden, garden auger, soil cultivator drill, garden plants
13.99 EUR To the product| kind | Auger as an attachment |
|---|---|
| material | steel |
| overall length | 37 cm |
| hole diameter | not clear |
| Weight | 280g |
The earth auger from SYITCUN is intended as an attachment for a hand auger. It can be used with drills from 14 volts and makes digging holes in the ground effortless. Due to the excellent price-performance ratio and the convenient use, the tool is extremely popular with Amazon customers.
Purchase Criteria
kind
Perforated spade with shovels: A classic perforated spade has two pointed spade blades running parallel to each other, which you can open using the handles and ram into the ground to dig the hole in the ground. Such a digger is cheap and delivers very good results. However, it requires more muscle power from the gardener than an auger.
auger: An earth auger or auger is also called a auger hole spade. With its sharp, robust and spiral drill bit, it digs into the ground quickly and without great effort. Three disadvantages: The auger costs more than a standard digger with shovels and is generally shorter (about a meter long). In addition, due to the special shape, excavated earth sometimes sticks to the tip, which you then have to scrape off by hand.
Auger as attachment for drill: Ground augers, which can be operated electrically as attachments with a drill (€97.00), are also very popular. So if you own a hand drill, you should think about buying an attachment in the form of a auger - especially as this is particularly inexpensive.
materials
stem material: Metal handles are primarily made of aluminium, a light metal that makes the digger light and robust. In addition, aluminum handles are easy to care for. Steel handles are even more stable and durable than metal or aluminum handles. However, they weigh more. Wooden handles are also considered stable and durable as well as comparatively lightweight. However, they require more care than metal or steel handles (impregnation, wood protection varnish and so on). What wooden handles have over the other variants is the beautiful natural look.
handle material: The handles of a digger are usually made of wood or plastic. In turn, wooden handles have a nicer look, while plastic handles are easier to care for and lighter. It is important that the handles are comfortable to hold - i.e. comfortable and easy to grip.
Material of the blades/drilling device: The blades of the classic perforated spade or the drilling device of the auger must be made of stainless, hardened steel - otherwise they will not withstand the intense pressure when digging the earth holes for very long. They are also welcome to be powder-coated.
Opening width/hole diameter
The opening width or the hole diameter provides information about the size of the hole that you are digging. Most fixed diggers have a hole diameter of 150 millimeters. Perforated spades, which can be equipped with various attachments or allow several diameters through an adjustment mechanism, offer flexibility. The following spans are common: 110 to 280 millimeters (ideal for narrow holes for flower bulbs or slender fence posts) or 150 to 320 millimeters (perfect for somewhat sturdier posts).
Shape and size of the spade blades (only for perforated spades with shovels)
The shape and size of the spade blades affect the maximum depth of the dig - or the number of attempts you have to make to get your desired dig depth. The spade shovels are usually oval in shape and about 19 to 23 centimeters long. Their width is usually about twelve to 20 centimeters.
Handle length/total length (only for perforated spades with shovels)
For comfort when gardening and especially for back health, it is essential that the overall length of the digger harmonizes with your body length. The device should be tailored to your body size so that you don't have to bend over, but hit the best possible point of effect. Most perforated spades are 146 to 156 centimeters long. Jumbo versions reach up to 170 centimeters. In some versions, the handle is height-adjustable - in some cases up to 190 centimetres.
Chain as an extra (only for perforated spades with shovels)
Some diggers are equipped with a chain. This allows you to roughly stake out the hole diameter. Typically the chain is welded on one side over the blades of the perforated spade. You can then hang the chain on the other side to determine the diameter of the hole in the ground. Choose a model where the chain is attached with high quality and cannot easily slip out. It is best to read through many customer opinions. Note: Hole diggers without a chain cannot generally be adjusted in terms of hole diameter.
Weight (only for perforated spades with shovels)
The perforated spade should already have a certain weight so that you can push it well into the ground. Because the heavier it is, the easier it penetrates the ground and the less force you have to use. On the other hand, it shouldn't be too heavy either, especially if you want to work with it for a longer period of time. Light versions weigh around four to five kilograms, heavier versions weigh at least six to seven kilograms.
frequently asked Questions
What is a digger?
A digger, often referred to as a hole spade, is used to dig narrow and deep holes, for example for fence posts or other posts, but also for special bushes or flower bulbs. In contrast to a normal spade, a classic earth hole digger has two spade blades that you open using the handles to dig the earth holes. There are also augers.
How do I use a perforated spade with shovels correctly?
If the opening width can be adjusted individually, set the width required for the targeted holes in the first step. To open the spade blades, pull the handles apart at the top. Then ram the perforated spade into the ground at the desired location. Finally, squeeze the handles back together and retrieve the "held" soil material from the ground.
Which brands offer good diggers?
Well-known brands for perforated spades as hand excavators include Berger + Schröter and VITO Garden. If you would rather buy an earth auger, the models from Fiskars and Güde, for example, are suitable if you value a well-known brand name.
Where is the best place to buy a digger?
All kinds of diggers are usually available in any well-stocked hardware store and garden center. You will also find what you are looking for at Amazon, where you will not only have a large selection but also an appealing shopping experience.
How much does a digger cost?
Most earth hole diggers cost between 30 and 100 euros. Earth augers are usually a little more expensive than classic perforated spades. Exception: earth augers as an attachment for a hand drill are particularly cheap at an average of ten to 20 euros.