We Test 4 Post Hole Diggers So You Don't Have To

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

Do you ever sharpen them?

[@fishsquishguy1833]

We have a lot of potato sized, leftover glacial stones in New England. After digging over 30 post holes last week replacing a fence, I think a combination of diggers worked best. A heavy straight one for cutting roots and getting a straight hole started. An articulated set as the hole gets deeper so you don’t need to make it wider. These also help plucking big stones out as well. A heavy digging rod with a chisel tip for loosening soil and cutting roots. I was replacing a bunch of fence I had installed about 25 years ago. I wasn’t as particular about the tool back that but in my late 50s now, I need all the advantage I can get! Had all 3 of them, ready to go at each hole.

[@donthomas4430]

There's a post hole digger for every situation. Not the same works great for each application. Personally I use my clam chowder a lot the number Boston. Love it.

[@daveallen924]

Those Simpole look pretty handy. The PHD I use, is a set I acquired from my Dad. He had them made, all steel; they resemble the Seymour Buckeye style, just with longer handles. My Dad was a fan of deeper holes, especially if I was doing the work ! 😆 Y'all keep up the good work!

[@jlbathome9162]

I am interested. We dig postholes every day the fiberglass suck the wood suck, the metal ones just end up bending at the head point and bending back and forth they break. We use stainless steel 1.25in poles with a solid core at the shovel head about 18in long. It adds weight to the head, but you can slam hard and can't bend the pole. This is modified by us. The only downside is breaking the shovel head. Rocks, sandstone, clay, mud, and just hard ground. All year round, the rock breaker is a must. I will be looking into this product. Our team can break any posthole digger on the market. Tree roots are just cut out with a sawsaw.

[@gsftom]

If I have ever seen an ad, this is an ad.

[@dsulli7383]

I’ve bought a few different post hole diggers including steel handles. The best I’ve found is an old one that my dad has had sitting around my whole life. Wooden handles that are square at the bottom. They aren’t too heavy but they are still very rigid. They also absorb the shock of impact better.

[@liamboland8158]

Insulated shovel holders are the best hole diggers I've ever used. Not all are created the same. Had to weld two back together last week. Want to make a forged pair or atleast something alot more solid. The more weight the better

[@littlejenny2016]

Really liking the graphics! I inherited wooden post hole diggers. Glad to hear I'll be able to get a bit of use out of them! Thanks!

[@akstylez6978]

Nothing compares to steel diggers. Not only do you get great momentum with it, it's also a great full body work out.

[@ApothecaryRdy]

Awesome editing on video, was fun to watch, thanks for sharing!

[@SWiFence]

Thanks so much!

[@Ellis1127]

Looks like I will be renting an auger to do my job! 😂😂😂 I’ve learned so much from your videos!

[@alizod81]

This is not an ad but you should definitely check out the "Nu Boston" post hole digger. It's on a hole another level (cheesy pun intended) 🤗 I love mine for digging a deep straight hole without needing to make the top any bigger than the bottom.

[@ClassyNeons]

If that works for you then awesome. The lighter pair won't necessarily make work easier or quicker, though. It'll be easier to move around and less physically straining for loose soil but the trade-off is less power. A heavier head/frame translates to more kinetic energy which is what you really want for cutting through denser soil like clay. I also find that the heavier thicker heads hold an edge longer before needing a touch up.

[@miguelarturopalomaresruiz]

i have always tought that this shovels need a foot rest to step on them, help you dig without killing your back

[@scotte2815]

try that here in North Carolina with our red clay

[@SWiFence]

No thanks. 😉

[@davidkeppler37]

I bought these simpole diggers and they lasted about 4 months. 1. I initially they worked great in harder dirt and clay. 2. They are heavy so they will wear you out quickly. 3. The handles would be better if they had a grip with knuckle protection because when you hammer, you WILL hurt your hands. If the handle had a grip with a guard it would be much better. 3. It takes a minute to get the hang of digging, twisting the handles to grab and pull. 4. I stopped using them because the nubs that catch and release the handle basically fell out and when I went back to my standard diggers, they worked better and were light and inexpensive. The simpole is a Decent idea but in practice is definitely NOT WORTH THE COST.

[@vladnada]

Can you dig a 4ft hole with these?

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

I've used wood handled ones; I've used fiberglass one, and I own a pair of Kobalt diggers, and I do like them; they dig a hole fast. Mark should throw you the Kobalt ones from Florida real quick so you can compare them! The Simpole diggers look heavy, but I don't think the Kobalt diggers are that heavy, and they do cut through Oklahoma sandstone pretty good! Just make sure to get out of the way when Mark throws them to you from Florida, because they are heavy!

[@dave_in_florida]

do you fill with cement or backfill with the dirt?

[@SWiFence]

If it's a hole--it gets concrete. Our preference is to not dig at all and just drive posts.

[@NoahDevine91]

Great video as always and that’s Funny I was just informed about those diggers recently, they are very interesting. Hope you guys have a great dang day

[@SWiFence]

You too!

[@mikemathers2193]

Any videos on how to price chainlink fence?

[@aleman86]

so you give it a twist as you open up the handles?

[@SWiFence]

They twist out of the lock once you release them. 05:19

[@aleman86]

@@SWiFence I was referring to the rotation of the handles before you bring the digger up as seen at 00:58 and with each post hole digger. I don't know how to insert time stamps! 🙂

[@SWiFence]

Ah--gotcha. 👍🏻 Yes, I tend to use a twist to help with the digging action.

[@gulashonu]

Razorback have the cantilevered type. Can dig an 8" diameter hole probably as deep as they are long.

[@isaiahhuntington6663]

Man! Is that what thirty years of fence building experience does for you? It makes you be able to throw diggers from Florida to Wyoming. My new goal in my fencing business.

[@SWiFence]

Yes. 🤣

[@holdenparris1322]

I’ve used wood handle diggers and they worked but the handles always seemed to fail. Bought the steel kobalt one and love them. They work really well and are holding up good in the weather.

[@sickof36]

My wood handle ones that I use professionally have never broken. How ever the metal digging portion just broke😢

[@rogerbettencourt9654]

Always enjoy watching. Thanks guys.

[@SWiFence]

Thanks Roger!

[@thefenceguy2415]

You should try some split handle diggers from osh kosh the linemen in my area use this and I got a pair and will choose them even over my two man digger alot of times

[@wearenotamused6455]

I use a Husky square wood handle digger that I marked out at "24, "30, and "36 with grooves filled with black permanent marker for rough depth estimates. I live in Florida so its easy digging.

[@SWiFence]

A marked handle helps a ton. 👍🏻

[@WoodFenceExpert]

Post hole diggers? Fiberglass handle diggers sometimes have weak fiberglass that eventually breaks just above the steel clams/jaws. Then I go buy 2 new good and strong replacement wood handles (some are better than others) and swap out the handles, sometimes replacing the bolt, nut and washer sets (4, two for each handle). Too much flex with your wood handle diggers? Just tighten up them bolts, OMG not too difficult to figure out!! Steel handle diggers come with weaker and thinner steel clams/jaws, so just swap them handles to a heavy duty clam/jaw from a broken fiberglass set. Did that last week as a matter of fact. Otherwise I like the wood handles on stronger steel clams/jaws. When shopping for a new set ya just gotta know what you are looking at, able to tell the difference. Excellent arm and shoulder workout doing this digging, it's great.

[@Floridafish]

What part of Florida would love to work with you on one of our jobs down here

[@SWiFence]

St. Augustine

[@Floridafish]

@@SWiFence sweet your about one hour from me. We are in palatka.

[@joerodriguez1018]

I use post hole diggers the round end ones are good for sand digging the flat end ones are good for dirt digging make a video on this different ones

[@berthongo8531]

I try to only dig in the spring, after a good rain. Which, we haven't had here in Cheyenne in a long time.

[@SWiFence]

I hear that.

[@scottieeasley4907]

Before you get to the last one I'm not sure what it's made of but my boss was always the best at picking tools he was a master plumber still it is set are beautiful to work with they are wood though. Nice wood finish on it too. If u tired while digging out of laziness leaning more towards left or right handle as U grab the dirt coming out the hole, his post hole digger stays firm,

[@davejohansen1781]

We have tried a lot of them... i have found its all about the head design. It looks like all the ones you tested had the same head just with different handles. The Perfection head on wood handles by Seymour we have found to be the best for Vermont

[@earlyriser8998]

Dan, Have you compared the different head types on video?

[@SWiFence]

Not yet!

[@WreckitRalphie]

Can’t find on your website

[@SWiFence]

Yeah, we're out. I was going to link you to Amazon or Acme, but everyone is out. I think you can still buy direct from their website: digsimpole.com/product/simpole-fence-post-hole-digger-patented/

[@sirensynapse5603]

Roughneck makes a much better one, fits in narrower holes with less work, dual cam action.

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

I worked for a company as an electrician and we use fiberglass ladders, but this company had so many old ladders that the fiberglass would get under your skin in the hands and arms and shoulders.

[@SWiFence]

😬 That sounds unpleasant!

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

@@SWiFence It definitely is; because it takes days for it to stop irritating the skin. I think steel handles is definitely the way to go! The ones thrown to Dan all the way from Florida, lol, are almost like having a bar and a sledge hammer. I think they would be suitable, especially if you are having to dig through smaller roots on shrubs and trees!

[@sickof36]

Now which ones are best for clay soil 😅

[@chargermopar]

Thought you had disappeared. If you are here in Florida you should take a trip down to the Florida Keys where I live and try and dig for fence posts. Coral rock and post hole diggers don't mix. Love that you still wear colorful shoes.

[@SWiFence]

I think he sleeps in those shoes.

[@ajs4287]

I like to throw my post hole diggers down into the hole so I prefer fiberglass phd's, and shovels really. Ditch Witch makes some good ones. If I was at the beach I could understand going with steel but I'm in red clay and blue granite territory. Sometimes I use a digging bar too.

[@unappreciatedtreehouse821]

Could the inconsequential qualities of a common tool be more skillfully overstated than this?

[@SWiFence]

May be inconsequential to you--but many folks have found it to be a nice help.

[@woodman1701]

I use black ones that have slightly different geometry. Most importantly they have a lifetime warranty. Red Backs I think they’re called. The handles will break eventually but I just swap them out every few months. They also have bigger scoops that the wood handle ones it seems. Can’t stand the little wood handle ones. Like little toys.

[@aleman86]

btw, I ended up buying the kobalt steel digger at Lowe's. One week later and one of the blades is bent 😣

[@SWiFence]

That stinks

[@comingtofull-ageinchrist6736]

I actually own a pair of the steel handled Kobalt Post-Hole diggers.

[@dsulli7383]

Those look pretty good but if you are hammering into a rock you are just going to bend the tip of the spade.

[@hectorrodriguez2194]

Try out the fiskar diggers my go to

[@SWiFence]

Duly noted!

[@mackellyman5642]

Razor-back for the powerful men and women of the world... 48-inch North American hardwood handles 5.5-in point spread Atlas pattern, two-piece riveted steel blades with beveled digging edge for digging post holes in hard, rocky soil Less bending over and straining your back...

[@reserv.reserv.6547]

Put water and soil get SOFTET😊😊😊

[@trackmader]

Funny the one time I've met Dan he had snacks that must be a Dan thing 🤣 at least he shared

[@susanhenderson2322]

Kind of a joke, my soil is so rocky there is no hope in heck those will work, a power auger struggles

[@DavidLeon140m3]

try to do it at Natrona County Sheriffs office

[@MrTima359]

Very cool video

[@SWiFence]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@scottieeasley4907]

Keep doing these videos

[@adept00]

Come do that same test in my clay soil chief lol

[@SWiFence]

Is it worse than our Wyoming soil? 05:44

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

I prefer a tractor and an auger

[@SWiFence]

I hear that.

[@dsulli7383]

20 minutes to dig a hole that’s insane lol. That’s why I only build fence in the rainy season. I know you guys don’t have that option.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I couldn't find them.

[@SWiFence]

Yeah, sorry about that, we're actually not carrying them at the moment.

[@kernalseiden74]

Welcome to Florida! Y’all still hiring? 😎

[@SWiFence]

Wyoming? Yes: www.applicantpro.com/openings/swiwyoming/jobs Forida? Not right at the moment but keep an eye out: www.applicantpro.com/openings/swiflorida/jobs

[@dsulli7383]

You still need a digging bar

[@Hankenstein531]

Razorbacks are the best

[@loweryfencing]

Sweeet. Just bought 2 pair off your site

[@SamuelMartinez-pk2hw]

I can dig 23 holes in 4 hrs no barr Here in idaho Most of the diggers wont last much

[@chrishare3981]

Sweet

[@opertin]

just rent a auger my guy

[@SWiFence]

Not gonna lie, we always prefer machine digging.

[@the_OCD_Garage]

Useless without product name. How am I gone find this now..:

[@SWiFence]

With the link in the description. I'll put it here for you as well. 👉🏻 Simpole Post Hole Diggers: bit.ly/simpoledigger

[@markorlando460]

I like your videos, but its obvious you dont know the basics to digging a post hole....Best diggers are Seymour , Perfection Digger, and the Boston Digger to get down 3ft. Or more....

[@mts7274]

Yikes... 20 minutes per hole in clay soil.

[@SWiFence]

Yikes is right.

[@scottieeasley4907]

I hatde flexibility.

[@timneptune198]

Get some NuBoston diggers way better.

[@MrBearmouse]

Are we trying to get some information / insight or are we watching this video because we want to listen to someone trying to over talk the music?

[@SWiFence]

Noted