Harbor Freight Auger - Rocky Soil Test

[brockramsey]

Rocky soil. Drills a hole and the cleanest dirt I’ve ever seen comes out. Not a single rock.

[donniecastleman]

Dad and I dug all of our post holes by hand, ouch! I don't think he realized this thing existed LOL.

[DXT]

My father in law has a 2 man version of handheld auger. That thing caught some rocks and about broke us both in half. Man they have some torque.

[roymariano]

Where I live, I've got BOULDERS in the ground. Digging holes requires a jackhammer.

[ArbitraryLifestyle]

Colorado "soil" ain't no joke with those rocks. Oftentimes I can't even get my tent stakes in all the way, hah.

[nofatchicks]

I bought a cheap jackhammer specifically for working at the foothills. Here in Colorado the auger just beats you up and your lucky if you can get a foot of depth

[jordanspackman]

Damn if only it worked like that for me 😂 I live in PA mountains only 1900ft above sea level. I can’t get more than 3 inches down without it getting caught on rocks. Sucks!!!

[slipspectrum]

I just got a predator auger. It works very well. I don’t let it manhandle me, I’m 6 ft and 240 pounds, more of a muscle-ly build, but I think the issue people have is they want to gun the thing. Take it easy and let the auger do the work, ease into the throttle. I can stop mine from spinning and burn the clutch in it by holding on to it and working the throttle up to full, so it shouldn’t be taking anyone for a ride. I think that happens when you gun it, it gets up to speed and then grabs because you are pushing it into the ground rather than letting it do the work. Also your grip! DO NOT wrap your thumbs over the handle bars! Just keep your thumbs on top of the bar and kind of grip it with your palms on the outsides of the bar. Your right thumb should be on top of the kill switch, but not wrapping over it or in front of it! If it grabs on you, it’s best to just let it go and it will stop pretty quick when the throttle gets dumped. Best to let it spin and get out of the way then have it tearing up your arms and shoulders. Stay safe!

[spikemorbid]

If anyone has done any post driving they know the answers. A little auger isn't going to cut those rocks. Geesh

[Daniel-deMerrivale]

I’m a strong old boy of 72 and where I live the soil is rocky (very rocky) and, having used this, it’s a dangerous wrist breaker for my soil 😂 It took me for a dance a few times and it would have done me damage even in my 20’s 😂I eventually did around 20 holes and finally the penny dropped that the risk wasn’t worth it. I now hand dig everything. But, the question was a good one and frankly my answer is steer clear if your soil is really rocky.

[thatsinteresting]

Respect to all those ground hogs out there

[fpixel]

Nice vid! Where are the rocks though? Lol I live in Colorado and have the same HF auger and can't dig much with it usually unless I drill out a pilot hole with a smaller drill. Then again, the expensive ones don't really do any better.

[stFlyingeagle]

Remember also if dealing with powder soil or rocks and powder. run auger down. poor enough water in so powder becomes moist and sticks together. Too much make Mud. Works really well when your hole get bigger from walking around. Get it wet and you can for sure get some nice-looking holes.

[groundedinfirstprinciples]

How much do I have to pay to have that kind of rocky soil instead of the kind that I have? 🙂 Happy for you brother!

[hawkkim]

I'm impressed. I'm definitely getting one to dig out all the freaking bamboo roots!

[homezman]

Thanks for the video. I have some serious rock land and that video was great.

[CringePanda]

So can you dig a 12" hole using the 8" bit by shaking it around? Lowe's doesn't rent one with 12" bit.

[fsca]

Buy the auger extension, much easier on your back when going 2 foot or deeper

[moparnut]

Just did 80 ft of fence in small rock soil it did ok but if you hit a big one your done get the rock out is the only answer. But in Sandy soil it will get the job done big rocks you got to get a bigger machine with way more power!

[BillTalbott-lkgo]

It’ll bite you when you least expect it. Best used by two strong guys and be ready for the torque when you hit a Apple sized rock!