What Is an Auger Drill?

Auger drills are often simply called "augers."

An auger drill is a device made to move material, be it solid or liquid, by means of rotation. The material moves along the axis of the drill, lifted by the blades of the bit. Construction, excavation and agriculture commonly use auger drills for various tasks.

Mining and Geology

According to Roger W. Marjoribanks, author of "Geological Methods in Mineral Exploration and Mining," auger drills lift large samples of soil from the ground, sometimes into a contained tube, for inspection. Mining auger drills are sometimes over 50 feet in length, operated by a large tractor-like vehicle.

Construction

Construction and carpentry often use small auger drills, ranging between 1 inch and 10 inches in length, to penetrate wood and metal. Auger drill bits move the shavings up and out of the hole as the operator works.

Agriculture

Auger drills churn earth to prepare soil for crop planting. According to Harris Pearson Smith and Lambert Henry Wilkes, authors of "Farm Machinery and Equipment," an auger drill, attached horizontally to a tractor or similar vehicle, rotates into the ground to bring soft soil to the surface.

References

• "Geological Methods in Mineral Exploration and Mining"; Roger W. Marjoribanks; 2010
• "Farm Machinery and Equipment"; Harris Pearson Smith and Lambert Henry Wilkes; 1976