Heavy Duty Augers

Yes, a heavy-duty auger can work in clay soil. How effective your digging experience is will depend on several factors, including the size of the auger, the moisture content of the soil, and the power of your drill. If you have ‘bone dry’ clay, it is often better to lightly moisten the soil the night before.

If you are using earth auger bits with a diameter of 5” or less and are digging less than 12 inches into loose soil, then you will need an 18V – 20V drill at minimum. For larger heavy-duty augers and for use in more challenging soil conditions, we recommend a 60V drill, however a 40V drill will work. For more information on how much drill power you need for your heavy-duty auger, check out this handy guide.

To use your heavy-duty auger safely, make sure you use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, eye protection, and sturdy footwear. Also, be aware of any underground utilities and other potential hazards before you begin drilling with your heavy-duty auger. Always follow your drill manufacturer’s safety instructions, and call before you dig.

Not necessarily. While wetting soil can sometimes make it easier to shovel or till by hand, it might not always improve the effectiveness of a heavy-duty auger. An excess amount of water can even create muddy conditions, making the soil more difficult to handle and leading to clumping, that can put undue stress on your auger and drill. If the soil is too dry, adding a small amount of water might help. If it’s too wet, waiting for it to dry out may be beneficial.

If your heavy-duty auger encounters small rocks, it’s designed to churn them up and push them out of the hole with the rest of the soil. If the rock is too large, the force will likely stop the drill, thanks to the cordless drill’s clutch that disengages the motor if too much torque is applied. Should you hit a rock that causes your drill to stop, simply pause, remove the auger from the hole, and try to manually remove the rock. If it won’t budge, you might need to change your drilling spot.