As a single mom, I handle everything related to the home, including yard work. I’m always mindful of the quickest, most efficient way of doing things while maintaining quality.
My recent outdoor projects put me in the market for a post hole digger.
A post hole digger makes a hole in the dirt and is used for a variety of landscaping needs because they take less time and effort. They come in multiple types, so it’s my job to determine which type and style of digger would best suit my landscaping needs.
I knew I’d need a digger that could be operated alone and not take all day to dig one hole. I also wanted something durable that I would not have to repurchase after only a few uses, yet not break the bank as Mom is always on a budget.
While determining which one is right for you, keep in mind your project, how much time you have, how much physical labor you’re willing to put into it, how durable you need the tool to be (based on your project and type of soil), and what your budget is.
Here is my list of top 10 best post hole diggers available on the market in 2018.
Table of Contents
- 10. Seymour DG-16 Post Hole Digger
- 9. BEAMNOVA Gas Powered Post Hole Digger
- 8. Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger
- 7. XtremepowerUS Gas Post Hole Digger
- 6. ARKSEN Electric Post Hole Digger
- 5. Bully Tools Post Hole Digger
- 4. Fiskars Steel Posthole Digger
- 3. Union Tools Post Hole Digger
- 2. Ames Post Hole Digger
- 1. Jackson Dig EZ Post Hole Digger
- Which Post Hole Digger Should You Buy?
10. Seymour DG-16 Post Hole Digger
This is a heavy duty manual digger that is easy on a mom’s budget with a price point of under $70 on Amazon.com. It has strong steel handles, shank, and yoke, as well as square cut steel blades that can handle heavy, rocky soil.
With a weight of about sixteen pounds, it helps the digger penetrate deeper into the ground with each stroke, minimizing the amount of effort you would have to put in to it.
Pros:
- Heavy-duty
- Cost effective
- One person operation
Cons:
- Labor intensive
- No grip coating on handle
- Handle edges are rough
9. BEAMNOVA Gas Powered Post Hole Digger
This is a one person post hole digger that is light weight and easy to start, making it great for all of your installation needs. It features a 52cc auger and an air cooling two stroke gasoline engine.
Included with it is also a 10 inch and a 6 inch drill bit which comes in handy when you have different size holes you need to dig. The gas tank on this is translucent, so you always know how much fuel you have left, keeping you from running out of gas in the middle of a dig.
With an ergonomic butterfly handle, you’ll experience a well balanced use that is comfortable and helps simplify your outdoor jobs.
Pros:
- Gas powered, less manual labor
- Multiple hole sizes
- One person operation
Cons:
- Buy gas and probably oil
- Holes are a set size
- Close to 60 lbs
8. Seymour Structron Hercules Post Hole Digger
Another manual post hole digging option for you is this Seymour Structron with a heavy-duty fiberglass handle and core. It can dig a hole just over six inches and has a cushioned grip handle which is a big deal on a manual digger.
It is capable of handling personal as well as professional level use yet only costs a mere $57.38 on amazon.com.
Pros:
- Low price
- One person operation
- Comfort grip handles
Cons:
- Labor intensive
- Not as durable as steel
7. XtremepowerUS Gas Post Hole Digger
One of the great things about this digger is that you can get additional accessories to be able to dig different types of things like ice hole fishing and tough soil bits.
With a variable speed toggle you can control your dig with ease. This four star rated digger comes with a four inch bit and digs to a depth of two and a half feet.
Pros:
- One person operation
- Multiple available accessories
- Gas powered
Cons:
- Buy gas and probably oil
- Larger bits may require two people
6. ARKSEN Electric Post Hole Digger
The Arksen has a 200 RPM bit turn rate, which equates to less work and done faster to me, which is always a good thing. It weighs less than 30 pounds, which is about the size of my toddler, so I know could move this digger around without a struggle.
A four inch bit is included, which is great for us moms who want to use it for smaller gardening projects like planting bulbs and littler bushes.
Pros:
- One person operation
- Electric means less labor
- High RPM
- Lighter weight
Cons:
- Bit too small for larger jobs
- No clutch adjustment
- Low durability
5. Bully Tools Post Hole Digger
You can purchase this manual digger in a five or a seven inch diameter, with the cost ranging from $40.31 to $49.99, a great value! It is commercial grade with a fiberglass handle and an extra thick steel blade.
Bully Tools offers a limited lifetime warranty on the digger, which is good piece of mind when buying this product. The company is highly committed to producing quality products, and they make and assemble their entire line in the United States.
Pros:
- Made in the USA
- Warranty
- Price
- Multiple size options
Cons:
- Weak hinge
- Not good for harder soil or clay
- Labor intensive
4. Fiskars Steel Posthole Digger
Fiskars definitely brought their A-game with this post hole digger. It boasts a steel frame and allows you to dig holes a foot deeper than most other traditional models.
With well designed handles and a price point of only $42.74, this model is a great buy. Did I mention it comes with a lifetime warranty?
Pros:
- Deeper digging
- Lifetime warranty
- Great price
- One person operation
Cons:
- Labor intensive
- Bend easily
3. Union Tools Post Hole Digger
Offered in three different handle types (wood, hardwood, and fiberglass), this budget friendly model is available at a low price. It also comes with a 90 day limited warranty that protects against defects in the product or the workmanship.
This tool is extremely light weight at only six pounds and can be purchased for only $31.99 to $46.92, depending on your handle choice.
Pros:
- One person operation
- Choice of handle
- Low price
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Labor intensive
- Thin metal
2. Ames Post Hole Digger
Another manual post hole digger that comes with either a wood or a fiberglass handle. Based on your choice, the price ranges from $52.82 to $56.09.
One thing that makes this digger unique compared to the other diggers is that it has a ruler on the handle enabling you to see just how deep your hole is without necessitating an additional tool to determine depth. Weighing between nine and ten pounds, it can be easily carried around from task to task.
Pros:
- One person operation
- Low price
- Built-in ruler
- Handle choices
Cons:
- Labor intensive
- Wood handles tend to break
- Metal is thin
1. Jackson Dig EZ Post Hole Digger
The EZ Post Hole Digger has a steel carbon head and ergonomically friendly fiberglass handle that is designed to eliminate knuckle collision. The pointed blades make it so much easier to penetrate the soil, which means less effort for you and I.
Definitely one of the heavier manual diggers I’ve seen, weighing over 14 pounds, which is good for driving into the dirt, but not so good when trying to pull it and a chunk of dirt back out. The design is more user friendly, but can causes some of the clamping force to be lost.
Pros:
- One person operation
- Comfort grip ergonomic design
- Fiberglass handles
- Pointed blades
Cons:
- Labor intensive
- Mutiple joints
- Lower clamping force
Which Post Hole Digger Should You Buy?
In the end, I chose the electric digger by Arksen because it’s the best of both worlds. I’ll save time with the electric powered digging, and my budget won’t break with the $129 price.
I recommend any moms out there tackling the landscaping work to hurry up and get this post hole digger on Amazon. You’ll save time and money, something we all need more of.