Post hole borer or Trenching Shovel?

[AndyBill]

which do you reckon is the best for digging out holes for fence posts?

cheers

 

[Thermo]

post hole borers are great till you hit an obstruction, then they are hard work. the powered ones can be damn right dangerous if they hit an object. Cant beat a long handled trenching shovel.

 

[AndyBill]

thanks thermo,
what do you reckon on these?

 

[AndyBill]

oooops

 

[AndyBill]

sorry thermo , i was trying to download some pictures but it wouldnt have it

cheers

 

[AndyBill]

 

[AndyBill]

 

[AndyBill]

Thermo,
which one do you reckon is better for the job?

 

[Thermo]

i have both on board. Tend to use the long neck more, the shorter one is handy when your replacing posts or in confined spaces.

 

[nstreet]

My personal preference is for these, makes removing the soil much easier. http://www.toolshopdirect.co.uk/handtool/product/FAIPHD

As mentioned whichever method you use, if you hit a large obstruction its a real pain in the rear.

 

[Thermo]

i struggle with those when you hit stoney soil. it seems one soil caught between the ends of the blades and all the soil drops out. Still i do have an apprentice to get the loose soil out the bottom of the hole!

 

[noseall]

what every fencer needs is a 5'-0" wrecking bar with an axe head welded at the 'other' end for stubborn roots.

 

[Thermo]

never fits in the hole though does it! Cant beat a felco pruning saw for them!

 

[Stevieh]

thanks thermo,
what do you reckon on these?