I've had good success with a 2-man gas powered auger. With another person helping you get much more control. Worth a try. As I recall, the 2-man unit was cheaper to rent as well. Surely you could find a friend, relative, or neighbor who'd assist for half an hour. 6 holes shouldn't take any longer.

Hi Drewb,

Is the auger 'drilling' in the right direction???

Jay J -Moderator

PS: God Bless America!

Yes, the auger was rotating in the correct direction!

I'm dumb but I'm not THAT dumb. :-)

I could only get 5 or 6 inches down. I'd put a little weight on it, and the auger would bind and stop. Maybe it needs a little more horsepower.

Does a two-man auger require clearance around the entire auger? A have very little clearance on one side.

Thanks,

Drew

Drewb, Know your problem well, lived on the other side of the hills for awhile. Make sure that the power auger that you rent is not an old belt driven one, they bind up fast. Two other options...burke bar, posthole digger and a neighbor kid or water jet and posthole digger.

Couple of things:

1. Did you look to see if there was a rock or other obstruction? It could even be a large tree limb buried when your house was built. I've seen amny obstructions digging post holes, especially close to a house. Last summer we ran into an old rusted dirt rake (not a leaf rake). Its not enough to look into the hole, you have to nose around it with a shovel. Obstructions get covered with dirt when removing the auger so you can't see the obstruction.

2. If there are no obstructions, then water the 6 spots the day before drilling. A good soaking will help a lot.