Digging post holes by hand is one of those jobs that's straightforward with the right tool and genuinely miserable with the wrong one. The two main approaches - auger and clamshell - work differently, suit different soil types, and produce different results. Knowing which to choose before you start will save you a lot of time and effort on the day.
All three tools in our Post Hole Diggers collection are manual, professional-grade options from trusted brands. Here is how they compare.
Understanding the Two Types
Before comparing the individual tools, it helps to understand the fundamental difference between the two designs:
- Auger: A corkscrew-style drill that you rotate into the ground. It cuts through soil as it turns and brings material up the spiral. Best for clean, precise holes in relatively loose or medium soil. Faster in the right conditions.
- Clamshell digger: Two hinged blades that you drive into the ground, close to grip the soil, and lift out. Better for harder, stonier ground where an auger would struggle to rotate. More versatile across soil types.
1. Draper Fence Post Auger | 150mm Tubular Steel · £51.72
The Draper 150mm Fence Post Auger is the most efficient option when conditions are right. The 150mm (6-inch) diameter auger screw is engineered for clean, precise soil displacement - you rotate it into the ground and it pulls material up the spiral as you go, producing a neat, consistent hole with minimal effort compared to a clamshell in loose or medium soil.
The tubular steel construction is built for heavy-duty use and long-term durability, and the 500mm handle provides the leverage needed for smooth, controlled rotation. Draper is a professional-grade tool brand trusted by tradespeople and serious DIYers alike. At £51.72 it is the most affordable of the three.
Specs: 150mm (6") diameter auger · 1050mm total length · 500mm handle · Tubular steel · Manual rotation
Best for: Loose to medium soil where the auger can rotate freely. Ideal for multiple post holes in a single session - faster and less tiring than a clamshell in the right conditions.
Price: £51.72 - Shop now
2. Spear & Jackson Post Hole Digger – Hardened Steel & Ash Wood Handle · £53.70
The Spear & Jackson Post Hole Digger is the classic clamshell design from one of the UK's most respected garden tool brands - established in 1760 and still setting the standard for quality. The hardened steel oval mouth slices through soil with authority, and the weatherproofed ash wood handles provide a firm, comfortable grip for sustained use without the fatigue that cheaper tools cause.
The clamshell action - drive in, close the jaws, lift out - works across a wider range of soil types than an auger, including harder, stonier ground where rotation would be difficult. If your garden has clay, compacted soil, or occasional stones, this is the more reliable choice.
Specs: Hardened steel oval mouth · Weatherproofed ash wood handles · Clamshell action · Spear & Jackson professional grade
Best for: Mixed, clay, or harder soil types where an auger would struggle. The most versatile option across different ground conditions.
Price: £53.70 - Shop now
3. Roughneck Traditional Post Hole Digger | Fibreglass Handles – ROU68250 · £64.32
The Roughneck Traditional Post Hole Digger is the premium clamshell option. The key upgrade over the Spear & Jackson is the fibreglass handle construction - fibreglass is stronger than wood, lighter than steel, and completely immune to the weathering and splitting that can affect wooden handles over time. For anyone doing regular or heavy-duty fencing work, fibreglass handles are a meaningful long-term investment.
The traditional pattern design is proven across a wide range of soil types, and the long handle length is specifically engineered to help you dig deeper holes with less strain - important when you are setting posts that need to go 600mm or more into the ground. Roughneck is a professional-grade brand built for demanding site use.
Specs: Fibreglass handles · Traditional pattern clamshell · Long reach design · Heavy-duty construction · Roughneck professional grade
Best for: Regular or heavy-duty fencing projects, deeper post holes, and anyone who wants the most durable handle material available in a clamshell digger.
Price: £64.32 - Shop now
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Tool | Type | Handle | Best Soil | Brand | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draper Auger 150mm | Auger (rotating) | Tubular steel | Loose to medium | Draper | £51.72 |
| Spear & Jackson Digger | Clamshell | Ash wood | All types incl. clay | Spear & Jackson | £53.70 |
| Roughneck Digger | Clamshell | Fibreglass | All types, deeper holes | Roughneck | £64.32 |
Which Post Hole Digger Should You Buy?
If your soil is relatively loose or sandy and you are digging multiple holes in a session, the Draper Auger at £51.72 will get the job done faster and with less effort than either clamshell option. If your ground is harder, clay-heavy, or stony - which describes most UK gardens - the clamshell design is more reliable, and the Spear & Jackson at £53.70 is the trusted, classic choice at a very reasonable price. If you are doing serious fencing work, digging deeper holes, or simply want the most durable tool that will last for years without the handles deteriorating, the Roughneck at £64.32 with its fibreglass handles is worth the extra investment.
Browse the full range in our Post Hole Diggers collection and get your fencing project off to the right start.
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