Hello everyone, I am currently digging holes to set fence posts in concrete. So far, it has taken me about 7 hours for 12 holes. These are only about 30cm (12 inches) deep with a diameter of approximately 20cm (8 inches). I still need to dig around 25 more holes. The soil is very clayey and rocky. I removed the top 10cm (4 inches) of topsoil with a spade and then used a hammer and chisel to finish the rest. Does anyone have any ideas on how I could make this easier? I am hesitant to use an earth auger because I’m worried it might damage the bit due to the stones and rocks.
I managed to drill through 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) of compacted reclaimed concrete (RC) with a hand earth auger from a no-name brand. After that, it was just sand, which was much easier. Soaking the ground is a good idea, and maybe to start, use a pickaxe to give the earth auger some "grip."
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WilderSueden15 Mar 2022 08:46Is the earth auger no longer usable after a few holes in gravel, or does it hold up well? I hadn’t even considered using an earth auger for my carport foundations yet...
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Stefan2.8415 Mar 2022 08:52If it were just clay, that would be fine. But it is partially mixed with large stones. I think I will actually make the holes wider.
How long an earth auger lasts probably depends on its quality. I have to say, my no-name one looked scratched after drilling through reinforced concrete (RC), but still seemed okay. However, it was only a few centimeters (centimetres) of drilling. If you really want to bore through 80cm (32 inches) of gravel, it might look different.
With an SDS chuck. No idea. I guess using a drill with a wide handle allows you to apply more force. The idea isn’t to concentrate force on a very small spot here. You have leverage on the outside.
In that case, it might be better to get an affordable electric auger drill, for example from Scheppach or similar, and possibly sell it again afterwards.
With an SDS chuck. No idea. I guess using a drill with a wide handle allows you to apply more force. The idea isn’t to concentrate force on a very small spot here. You have leverage on the outside.
In that case, it might be better to get an affordable electric auger drill, for example from Scheppach or similar, and possibly sell it again afterwards.
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Stefan2.8415 Mar 2022 09:36I was really hoping to finish the holes in one day :-) But as I see it, I will need several days just for the holes. I am trying to find something that will make the work easier for me.....
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