How to Use an Auger

Reviewed by Charley Helvy

Last Updated: December 12, 2024 References

An auger is a tool used to bore holes, and has a threaded shank and handle. Augers bore holes in the ground, through materials like wood or ice, and even in packed material clogging water pipes. This article gives instruction in using the 2 most common kinds of augers: post-hole augers and drain augers.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Post-hole Augers

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Choose the right auger for the job. You need to consider what kind of soil you'll be digging in, how many holes you will dig and whether you have someone to help you run the auger.
- A hand auger can be operated by 1 or 2 people. This is best if you only have 1 or 2 holes to dig, because it takes a lot of work to turn the handle.^{[1]
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- A power auger uses a gasoline engine to turn the auger, but it can be dangerous if it runs into a rock or other obstruction. The auger will stop suddenly, which can cause the top to jerk, knocking you off your feet or even breaking your arm.^{[2]
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- A wheeled auger is a power auger mounted on a wheeled frame, so there is less chance you'll be injured if it stops.
- A tractor auger is safest because you operate it from the tractor seat. If something goes wrong, you are at safe distance.^{[3]
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If you use a power auger, you also need hearing and eye protection. Don't wear loose clothing that can be caught in the auger.^{[4]
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Your auger will work best if the first few inches or centimeters is easy to dig into. Use a spade, digging tool or clamshell post-hole digger. If the ground is still too hard, soak the area with water.
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Hold the auger upright by the handle, with the shank perpendicular to the ground. Begin turning the handle or start the motor.^{[5]
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- If a powered auger stops suddenly, immediately release the throttle or hit the kill switch stop the motor.
Raise the auger out of the hole and dump the dirt off the blades. If you don't regularly dump off the dirt, the auger will become too heavy to raise easily. It may even get stuck in the hole.^{[6]
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Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations
Specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for leading international efforts to end world hunger and improve nutrition

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Most post-holes are about 3 feet (1 meter) deep. Augers can dig much deeper, however, if you use extension rods.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Drain Augers

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Choose an auger, also called a pipe snake. Consider factors such as the age of the house and what plumbing problems you've had before. While a simple auger may not be adequate for every situation, a power auger requires you to lug a heavy spool around to clear the smallest drain clogs.^{[7]
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- A hand-cranked auger is a long cable with a threaded bit that pushes down into the drain until it contacts the obstruction. A hand-crank turns the bit, which bores into the obstruction
- A power auger may come with its own motor or it may be attached to a drill that uses a motor to spin the bit. The motor makes getting through the obstruction easier and faster. You can reverse the motor to help pull the obstruction out of the pipe.
Leave 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) between the drain and the crank so you can operate it easily. If you have too much cable between the drain and the crank, it may kink.^{[8]
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The bit will push against the obstruction, which may be enough to clear it. If not, the bit will bore into the obstruction.^{[9]
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If you are using a power auger, stop when the motor slows down.
If that doesn't work, pull to see if you can break up the obstruction. If you are using a power auger, reverse the motor a few times to see if the obstruction breaks up.
If it doesn't, use the auger again to bore into more of the obstruction. Keep working until the obstruction is completely broken up and the water drains well.
Find the clean-out pipe, which may be close to the house on the outside or in the basement or crawlspace. Thread the auger through the clean-out pipe and work as before.

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Tips

If you are using a post-hole auger to dig holes more than 3 feet (1 meter) deep, drill to 3 feet (1 meter) first, then add the extension rods and drill deeper. It's far more difficult to drill if you start with the extensions attached.

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You can get rid of accumulated dirt by slowly spinning a power auger and letting the dirt fly off. However, if you want to backfill with the dirt you're removing, you don't want to scatter it.

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Warnings

Always call the utility companies before you begin digging so a representative can mark where the underground cables and pipes are. If you break a utility line, you will be financially responsible for the repairs.^{[10]
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