Choosing a post hole digger

Radio interview source: Erin Fisher, product manager, Ames True Temper

Listen to the radio story here

Earn your PHD

My husband Bob and I have earned our PHDs. That is, we're Post Hole Diggers, and we have plenty of fence to prove it. You don't have to tough it out -- you can rent an auger for the day, but it's cheaper to do it by hand if there are just a few holes to excavate.

Manual post hole diggers look like two shovels connected to each other with a circular collection area. When you're shopping for one, product manager Erin Fisher says to keep in mind how big of a hole you'll be creating.

"You can look at the shape of the clamshell blades and usually the more heavy-duty or industrial grade styles will have more of a point on them," Fisher says. "So as you drive the post hole digger into the ground, it will help dig a deeper hole. You'll also want to look at the size of the blades."

If the blade is bigger, it has better dirt-grabbing capacity. Check the handles, too, to make sure they're securely attached. A post hole digger can be found in most lawn and garden centers and they cost anywhere from $20 to $50, depending on size and quality.

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