How much drill power do I need for digging?

Power Your Digging Auger

The power is in your hands. It’s important to make sure you have the proper drill for your Power Planter® auger and your project. The right drill or power engine helps you get the best possible performance out of your auger – and and can extend the life of your drill.

The chart below shows the minimum suggested drill voltage requirements for various hole sizes and depths.

Please note: This Auger Guide contains general recommendations. Power requirements may differ based on soil type and project specifications. These are our suggestions based on decades of user feedback. Holes 4 inches or wider will require a tube extender to dig deeper than 28 inches. We strongly advise using a drill with an adjustable clutch to prevent any kickback when you encounter a rock or large root.

Power Requirements by Diameter

2″ Diameter

  • Minimum power requirement for 7” length = 14V cordless drill. Hard compacted soil may require 18V or more
  • Minimum power requirement for 24” or greater length = 18V – 20V cordless drill.
  • For mass planting, use a cordless drill with a side handle.
  • Longer length augers tend to benefit from higher voltage power drills.

3“ Diameter

  • Minimum power requirement for 7” length = 14V cordless drill. Hard compacted soil may require 18V or more
  • Minimum power requirement for 24” or greater length = 18V – 20V
  • For mass planting, use a cordless drill with a side handle.
  • Longer length augers tend to benefit from higher voltage power drills.

4“ & 5“ Diameter

  • For minimal planting, use a cordless drill with a side handle.
  • Minimum power requirement for loose soil and holes less than 12 inches deep = 18V – 20V
  • Minimum power requirement for heavy clay or compacted soil or holes deeper than 12 inches = 60V
  • See safety tips below.

7“ Diameter

  • We recommend using a 60V cordless drill with this diameter.
  • For minimal planting, use a cordless drill with a side handle.
  • See safety tips below.

8“ & 9“ Diameter

  • We recommend using a 60V cordless drill with this diameter.
  • For minimal planting, use a cordless drill with a side handle.
  • See safety tips below.

Important Safety Tips

READ YOUR SPECIFIC DRILL MANUFACTURERS SAFETY MANUAL FIRST. THEY SUPERCEDE ANY OF THESE GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.

  • Do not use earth augers with impact driver drills, drill bit extensions, sockets or quick attach chucks.
  • Avoid using corded drills or any drill that does not have a clutch. Start with a low clutch setting then gradually add more resistance. 
  • Always set the drill to the lowest speed setting. 
  • Always use two hands when digging with a drill. A drill with a stability handle is ideal.
  • Always use ANSI Z87.1 eye protection and proper respiratory protection. 
  • Keep hands and body clear of sharp edges and moving parts.
  • Read instructions and  manuals before operating these products.
  • If your drill is feeling hot after extended use, let it rest for 10-15 minutes to cool off before continuing.
  • Contact your local utility companies to identify underground electrical, water, or gas lines before any digging.

DEWALT DCD996P2 20V MAX* XR® Cordless 3-Speed Hammer Drill Kit

Experience the perfect blend of power and safety with the DEWALT DCD996P2 Hammer Drill Kit. With a range of 450 to 2,000 RPM at its upper limit, the DEWALT cordless hammer drill is a high-performance drill up for any job.  The DCD996P2’s high-efficiency motor design supplies you with up to 75% more run time compared to a brushed model. The DEWALT hammer drill kit Includes a charger, side stability handle, backup battery and hard carry case. The DCD996P2 has a 1/2 inch chuck and is compatible with Power Planter augers 2" and 3" in diameter. Free Shipping!

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Landscape Drill Bundle

The powerful brushless motor of the DEWALT DCD130T1 60V MAX* Mixer/Drill With E-Clutch® allows the mixer to tackle demanding drilling applications. To improve control, the Mixer/Drill has the anti-rotation E-CLUTCH System. This feature senses the motion of the tool and shuts it down if necessary. This kit includes an 2 extra DEWALT DCB609 9Ah batteries, plus a large DEWALT ToughSystem DS400 storage case to keep your drill, batteries, and charger all in one convenient location. FREE SHIPPING TODAY (US lower 48 states only).

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How to Choose the Best Drill for Digging

At Power Planter, we’re dedicated to making the highest-quality augers to help you tackle tough gardening and landscaping jobs with ease. Choosing an auger drill that delivers enough strength to dig through your specific soil can play a significant role in the success of your gardening project.

If you’re looking for the best drill for hole boring, consider these factors:

  • Power supply: A corded model means you don’t have to worry about running out of juice, but a cordless one gives you the ability to work anywhere on a property. Modern battery technology provides enough power for heavy digging. Always use a drill with an adjustable clutch.
  • Speed: The more RPM the tool delivers, the less torque. This might make a difference when digging through dense soils, where torque can be important. Always use a tool with a slow setting or “drill mode” for the highest torque and least amount of kickback.
  • Amperage: The higher the amperage, the more powerful the drill. If you’re using a longer bit, make sure you have enough strength to drive it. See our chart above.
  • Variable speed: If the power tool you choose has variable speed, it can be very useful for auguring around a property. That’s because variable speed allows you to control the amount of torque the motor produces.
  • Reverse: Switching into reverse mode can be convenient for easily removing the auger from the hole you’ve just dug.
  • Keyless chuck: This feature allows you to switch between augers quickly, if needed.

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