Postholes are cryptical , narrow shaft in the ground . To dig out one , you typically need a tool that can penetrate the soil to make a long , narrow maw to accommodate a post . But what if you only have a shovel ? Can you expend it to dig a post hole ?
Well , we did some research and have the response for you !
It is possible to dig a posthole with the proper shovels , such as a oceanic abyss , spade , or a pointed power shovel shovel . A posthole needs to be a deep minute shaft into the ground . A stock shovel wo n’t do because the shape is too wide to dig a narrow hole .
Therefore , if you drudge a posthole using only shovel , you will need to use several different character in combination . The kind of digger you need will reckon on the soil .
Read below to learn the right way to dig a posthole and the best tools for digging . We ’ll also include a summing up of the dissimilar types of excavator you’re able to use to dig post hole .
Can You Dig For A Fence Post With A Shovel?
Do you take to prod apostholefor a flag pole , birdhouse , or a round-eyed bodily structure , but the only tool you have uncommitted is a shovelful ?
Yes , it is possible to dig a spot kettle of fish using only a shovel , but this depend on your shovel type .
If you have a received shovel like the one evidence below , then , unfortunately , using only this wo n’t get the job done expeditiously .
View this round digging shovel on Amazon .
received round digging shovel like the one above are too encompassing . This means push it into the ground will create a wide volcanic crater instead of a rich hole .
A excavator of this type will be ready to hand in digging away grass , roots , rocks , and upper soil .
But when it ’s fourth dimension to dig a deeper , narrow pickle , you need to expend a dissimilar tool , something more narrow , like a track spadeful , spade , or a post hole digger .
What Are The Best Types Of Shovels To Dig Pot Holes?
Manual shovels have evolve over the years . The days are long gone when you could only buy a standard excavator in different size of it .
Today , there are dozens of different sizing and shapes of shovels depending on the intention . If you ’re planning to labor several postholes for a fencing , purchasing a shovel specific to the line of work might be a good approximation .
Here are your choices :
Spade Shovel
See a spade power shovel on Amazon .
Spade shovels are narrow with a flat blade . It is ideally used for dig mystifying and small holes .
The handles are usually wider , have a substructure platform , and sharpen brand , all feature that allow for good control when pushing down into hardened soil .
Root Slayer Shovel
watch this carbon steel root slayer shovel on Amazon .
origin slayer shovels are narrow with side - cut blades , ideal for green goddess and base development soil . It can help oneself dislodge rocks and deep root word for better incursion into the background .
Trench Shovel
See a deep shovel on Amazon .
A deep shovel has a long and narrow vane designed explicitly for digging recollective trenches . It is meant to dig straight down into the ground , making it another idealistic tool for cut into a posthole .
Track Shovel
see this shovel / lead power shovel on Amazon .
A racecourse shovel has a minute steel with tooth at the tip . It is typically used to aid tractor and excavators to help authorise thick clay and debris buildup .
Its soma , however , is also an excellent dick for labor Charles William Post pickle .
Posthole Digger
See one on Amazon .
A post hole excavator is ideal for fencing undertaking because it is made to dig post hole . It can dig holes up to 12 inches deep , it can scoop out open soil , and the blade can cut through hard stain .
How To Dig A Posthole Using Your Shovel
Here ’s one way todiga posthole using only different type of manual shovels :
One skilful piece of advice we found is to dig the holewiderat the bottom and more narrow on top . This way , when you seal off it with crushed rock and concrete , it will be stalwart and prevent the Emily Post from billow when the ground is frost during winter .
break out this video prove how to dig a post hole using a rounded shovel and a track shovel :
How Can I Soften The Ground Before Digging A Post Hole?
If you need to dig a posthole in an orbit with compact , rocky stain or cadaver - like unvoiced grime , the first step is to soften the ground so you wo n’t break a shovel .
The good matter about compact , mud - like soil is that it can carry water . Therefore , a simple subprogram ofdeep wateringwill help break the ground .
Depending on how tough the stain is , you may need to do it repeatedly a daylight before you plan to dig out . you may also irrigate the area thoroughly in the evening and leave it to soak overnight .
yield the soil before doing any groundwork will facilitate get the job done quicker and more expeditiously .
How Deep Can You Dig With A Shovel?
Using the full distance of a standard shovel brand can dig as deep as10 inchesdown the ground .
If you ’re planning to dig deeper using only a shovel , you could go down as low as15 feet . This is , of form , provided you have the equipment for climbing out , such as a ladder or someone else who can serve you mount out of the hole once it make too deep .
But if you ’re planning to dig a pit or a abstruse archeological site on the ground using only a shovel , you need to know specific convention .
In the United States , you could only de jure dig up to 5 foot deep if you are a dimension owner . The rules may variegate depending on the res publica . A license is require to dig deeper to protect yourself against sound liability .
This is because of thedangerthat you might make underground utility such as phone cables , electric lines , gas tobacco pipe , and cloak-and-dagger water personal credit line that you may be unaware run under your holding .
What Is The Fastest Way To Dig A Post Hole?
Shovels are manual creature and may not be the profligate means to dig a post pickle . It will be especially backbreaking if you plan to dig up several holes for an integral stretchiness of fence .
For a fast and moreefficient wayto dig post hole , you ’ll need to place in business leader peter such as a post hole digger or an auger travail drill .
We ’ve talk over what a post hole digger is above , so here ’s what an galvanising auger digger bet like .
See the production below :
See an galvanizing screw auger digging practice session on Amazon .
An screw auger is the fastest way to hollow a posthole because it requires less time and manual work . This brawny tool comes in petrol - powered or electric unit .
The auger has a recitation bit of high - posture sword that can well dig and cut through the soil . All you postulate to do is take it up with gas or plug it into the electricity .
Then turn the equipment on , obligate it tightly in situation , and permit it do its work by digging deep into the ground .
To Finish Things Up
With the right sort of shovel , you could dig up a post hole yourself . you may do it without the help of any specialised equipment . you could use manual tools such as a received shovel , spade , trench shovel , or antecedent killer .
Thank you very much for reading through . We go for you understand the pro and con of using a shovel to dig a post trap .
For more Reading on fence post - related troubleshooting , checker out the articles below :
How To Remove A Metal Fence Post From The Ground [ tone By Step Guide ]
Can You Use An Edger Along A Fence [ Without stimulate Damage ] ?
How To occupy The Gap Between A Fence Post And House
