Postholes are rich , narrow beam of light in the ground . To dig one , you typically involve a putz that can penetrate the soil to create a foresightful , narrow hole to accommodate a stake . But what if you only have a shovel ? Can you employ it to dig a post hole ?
Well , we did some research and have the answer for you !
It is potential to toil a posthole with the right digger , such as a oceanic abyss , spade , or a pointed digger shovel . A post hole require to be a deep narrow irradiation into the earth . A received shovel wo n’t do because the contour is too wide to dig a narrow-minded mess .
Therefore , if you dig a posthole using only shovels , you will need to apply several different type in combining . The kind of shovel you need will depend on the grease .
study below to find out the right elbow room to dig a posthole and the in effect instrument for digging . We ’ll also admit a rundown of the different type of shovel you’re able to use to dig out post hole .
Can You Dig For A Fence Post With A Shovel?
Do you involve to dig apostholefor a sword lily pole , birdhouse , or a simple structure , but the only tool you have usable is a excavator ?
Yes , it is possible to moil a post hole using only a shovel , but this depends on your shovel case .
If you have a stock shovel like the one shown below , then , unfortunately , using only this wo n’t get the job done expeditiously .
View this round savvy shovel on Amazon .
Standard round dig shovels like the one above are too broad . This means pushing it into the ground will create a broad crater instead of a rich cakehole .
A shovel of this type will be handy in delve away grass , roots , careen , and upper ground .
But when it ’s sentence to dig a inscrutable , narrow hole , you ask to use a unlike tool , something more narrow , like a track shovelful , spade , or a post hole digger .
What Are The Best Types Of Shovels To Dig Pot Holes?
Manual shovel have evolved over the years . The days are long run when you could only buy a standard shovel in dissimilar sizes .
Today , there are dozens of different sizes and shape of digger depend on the purpose . If you ’re plan to savvy several postholes for a fencing , purchasing a shovel specific to the business might be a good idea .
Here are your choices :
Spade Shovel
See a spade spadeful on Amazon .
Spade shovels are narrow with a flat sword . It is ideally used for digging deep and low fix .
The handles are usually wider , have a human foot platform , and focalize blades , all feature film that grant for honest control when pushing down into hardened soil .
Root Slayer Shovel
View this carbon steel root slayer excavator on Amazon .
Root slayer shovelful are narrow with side - abbreviate blades , ideal for grass and etymon increase soil . It can help dislodge rocks and deep roots for better insight into the ground .
Trench Shovel
See a trench digger on Amazon .
A deep spadeful has a retentive and narrow-minded vane designed explicitly for dig long trenches . It is mean to dig out directly down into the ground , making it another idealistic shaft for digging a posthole .
Track Shovel
View this digger / trail shovel on Amazon .
A track shovel has a narrow blade with teeth at the steer . It is typically used to help tractor and excavators to help bring in wooden-headed clay and debris buildup .
Its shape , however , is also an excellent peter for stab post holes .
Posthole Digger
See one on Amazon .
A posthole shovel is idealistic for fence projects because it is made to dig postholes . It can dig up mess up to 12 inches deep , it can scoop out slack stain , and the blades can cut through tough soil .
How To Dig A Posthole Using Your Shovel
Here ’s one way todiga post hole using only different character of manual shovel :
One good bit of advice we found is to dig the holewiderat the bottom and more narrow-minded on top . This fashion , when you varnish it with gravel and concrete , it will be stout and prevent the post from heaving when the ground is frosted during wintertime .
Check out this video show how to apprehend a posthole using a rounded shovel and a track digger :
How Can I Soften The Ground Before Digging A Post Hole?
If you need to toil a posthole in an area with compact , rocky filth or clay - like hard grease , the first footfall is to yield the ground so you wo n’t stop a shovel .
The good thing about thick , clay - like filth is that it can hold water . Therefore , a simple procedure ofdeep wateringwill help cushion the background .
count on how tough the soil is , you may need to do it repeatedly a daylight before you plan to dig . you may also irrigate the area thoroughly in the evening and leave it to soak overnight .
Softening the soil before doing any groundwork will help get the line done faster and more expeditiously .
How Deep Can You Dig With A Shovel?
Using the full length of a stock shovel blade can fag as deep as10 inchesdown the priming .
If you ’re plan to dig deeper using only a power shovel , you’re able to go down as low as15 ft . This is , of course , provided you have the equipment for climbing out , such as a ladder or someone else who can aid you climb out of the hole once it draw too cryptical .
But if you ’re planning to dig a pit or a cryptical excavation on the ground using only a shovel , you postulate to know specific rules .
In the United States , you may only legally hollow up to 5 feet deep if you are a property possessor . The rule may vary depending on the United States Department of State . A license is required to poke deeper to protect yourself against legal liabilities .
This is because of thedangerthat you might hit underground utilities such as phone cables , electrical production line , gas pipe , and underground water line that you may be unaware run under your prop .
What Is The Fastest Way To Dig A Post Hole?
shovel are manual tools and may not be the fastest means to delve a post hole . It will be especially backbreaking if you plan to jab up several holes for an integral stretch of fencing .
For a faster and moreefficient wayto dig post hole , you ’ll need to vest in mightiness tools such as a post jam excavator or an auger dig drill .
We ’ve discuss what a post hole excavator is above , so here ’s what an electric auger power shovel looks like .
See the product below :
See an galvanic gimlet digging drill on Amazon .
An gimlet is the fast way to dig a posthole because it requires less time and manual work . This herculean peter come in in flatulency - powered or electric unit of measurement .
The gimlet has a practice bit of gamey - strength steel that can easily dig and cut through the soil . All you need to do is fill it up with gas or plug away it into the electricity .
Then turn the equipment on , hold it tightly in position , and let it do its work by grind deeply into the land .
To Finish Things Up
With the correct kind of shovel , you could poke a posthole yourself . you’re able to do it without the assist of any specialized equipment . you’re able to use manual tools such as a standard digger , spade , oceanic abyss shovel , or root killer .
Thank you very much for reading through . We hope you infer the pro and confidence game of using a shovel to dig a post hole .
For more interpretation on fence post - related troubleshooting , check out the clause below :
How To hit A Metal Fence Post From The Ground [ Step By Step Guide ]
Can You Use An Edger Along A Fence [ Without Causing Damage ] ?
How To replete The Gap Between A Fence Post And House
