How to Operate a Post Hole Digger
When you want to install posts for a fence or handrail for a stairway, you need to dig deep holes in the ground. Digging post holes is much easier with a tool custom made for the job. Post hole diggers have two metal blades on the bottom and two long handles on top. When you pull the two handles apart, it digs the hole for you. It is an ingenious invention and simple to operate. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Design the layout of your fence or handrail. Decide where you want to install all the posts needed to support the structure.
-
2
Stand over the center of the location where you want to dig a hole. Balance yourself by spreading your feet shoulder width apart.
-
-
3
Push the handles of the post hole digger together. Wrap both hands around them to hold the handles as close together as possible. This opens the blades on the digger.
-
4
Keep your hands wrapped around the handles and lift the post hole digger up as high as you can. Then thrust the post hole digger downward and drive the blades into the soil.
-
5
Pull the handles apart. This closes the blades onto a clump of soil.
-
6
Lift the post hole digger from the hole and turn to bring the post hole digger off to the side. Open the handles and drop the excavated soil away from the hole.
-
7
Repeat Steps 2 through 6 until the hole is as deep as you want it.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have difficulty digging into the ground with the post hole digger, wet the soil slightly to soften it.
If you run into a rock or other obstacle in the ground, rotate the handles of the post hole digger to turn the blades away from the obstruction.
Protect your back during strenuous work. Bend your knees and let your legs help drive the post hole digger into the soil.
Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands.
References
- Photo Credit hard at work image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
