Garden augers come in a combination of sizes and styles. This is because the different augers are designed for different jobs. But, they are also much more efficient and effective at creating a hole, saving you time and stress. This is because they are designed like a drill, allowing them to be screwed into the ground while pushing the soil up and out. 

However, before you rush to purchase the next auger you see, there are a few things worth considering.

Manufacturer

Almost anyone can create and market a garden auger. If you want one that will do the job properly and will last you need to choose a high-quality auger. Regardless of whether it is the best rock augers or simply designed for soil, it is important to check out the manufacturer’s reputation. 

If you haven’t heard of them, then speak to family and friends to get an honest opinion. Failing this, check social media and online forums. It is the most effective way to get the facts about a manufacturer or supplier.

You will find there are plenty of people eager to share their experiences online. This can give you a good insight into the efficiency of the device and whether It is appropriate. It also helps you to see how the manufacturer deals with complaints. Knowing this can make a fundamental difference to whether you consider them a good manufacturer or not.

Powered or Not?

The size of the hole needed helps you to choose the right sized auger for your needs. But, the material you are going through and the depth of the hole are the deciding factors when choosing between powered augers or not. 

In short, you can get a manual auger which is designed to be turned with your hands. It is good for soft soil.  But, if you are going through rock you’ll need a powerhead. Some augers can be turned by your drill, others have a dedicated powerhead.

You may not have a choice regarding how the auger is powered but it is important to understand the options available and choose the appropriate one if you need to.

Don’t forget, if you opt for an auger that can be run from your cordless drill you should verify that the size of the auger is compatible with the drill. In most instances, it should be no more than 3/8 inches to fit on your drill.

Weight

The larger the auger the heavier it generally is. That means it will be harder to operate as, even if you have a powerhead, you will have to hold the auger in position. You should make sure that the auger is not too heavy to hold. In most cases, this means keeping the weight of the garden auger under six pounds.

Once you have evaluated your options you can purchase or rent your garden or rock auger, confident that it is the right tool for the job.

partnered post • cc-licensed image by Omar Bárcena