

A put up gap digger is a robust device that may make fast work of digging holes for fence posts, mailbox posts, and different comparable initiatives. Nevertheless, it is very important use a put up gap digger safely and accurately to keep away from damage. On this article, we are going to offer you step-by-step directions on find out how to use a put up gap digger, in addition to some security ideas to remember.
Earlier than you start digging, it is very important mark the situation of your holes. You are able to do this by utilizing stakes and string to create a grid. Upon getting marked the places of your holes, you’ll be able to start digging. To dig a gap, merely place the put up gap digger over the mark and push down on the handles. The digger will reduce into the bottom and start to take away soil. Proceed pushing down on the handles till the opening is the specified depth. Upon getting completed digging the opening, you’ll be able to take away the put up gap digger and insert the put up.
Assembling the Publish Gap Digger
Assembling a put up gap digger is a comparatively easy course of, however it is very important observe the directions fastidiously to make sure that the digger is correctly assembled and able to use.
Instruments and Supplies
- Publish gap digger
- Wrenches
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Security glasses
Directions
- Connect the handles: Most put up gap diggers include two handles that should be connected to the body. Begin by loosening the bolts that maintain the handles in place, then slide the handles onto the body. Align the holes within the handles with the holes within the body, after which tighten the bolts till the handles are firmly connected.
- Connect the auger: The auger is the a part of the digger that really drills the holes. Begin by loosening the bolt that holds the auger in place, then slide the auger onto the shaft. Align the holes within the auger with the holes within the shaft, after which tighten the bolt till the auger is firmly connected.
- Connect the reducing head: The reducing head is the a part of the auger that cuts by way of the soil. Begin by loosening the bolt that holds the reducing head in place, then slide the reducing head onto the auger. Align the holes within the reducing head with the holes within the auger, after which tighten the bolt till the reducing head is firmly connected.
- Examine the tightness of all bolts: Earlier than utilizing the put up gap digger, make sure you verify the tightness of all bolts to make sure that the digger is correctly assembled and able to use.
Desk: Publish Gap Digger Meeting Order
Step |
Motion |
1 |
Connect the handles |
2 |
Connect the auger |
3 |
Connect the reducing head |
4 |
Examine the tightness of all bolts |
Figuring out Gap Measurement and Depth
The scale and depth of the opening you have to dig will rely on the precise put up you are putting in and the soil circumstances in your space. Nevertheless, there are some common pointers you’ll be able to observe:
Depth
The depth of the opening ought to be at the very least one-third the peak of the put up. For instance, in the event you’re putting in a 6-foot put up, you will must dig a gap that’s at the very least 2 toes deep. In free or sandy soil, you could must dig a deeper gap to make sure the put up is securely anchored. On the similar time, in the event you’re digging in dense, compact soil, the depth won’t must be as deep as in free soil.
Diameter
The diameter of the opening ought to be twice the width of the put up. For instance, in the event you’re putting in a 4-inch put up, you will must dig a gap that’s at the very least 8 inches large. The additional area will can help you backfill the opening with soil or concrete to safe the put up.
The desk beneath supplies a common information to gap measurement and depth for various put up sizes:
Publish Measurement (Width) |
Gap Depth |
Gap Diameter |
4 inches |
12 inches |
8 inches |
6 inches |
18 inches |
12 inches |
8 inches |
24 inches |
16 inches |
Utilizing a Guide Publish Gap Digger
A guide put up gap digger is a handheld device used to create holes within the floor for fence posts, mailbox posts, and different functions. It consists of two lengthy handles related to a pair of blades on the backside. To make use of a guide put up gap digger, observe these steps:
- Mark the situation of the opening. Use a stake or piece of string to mark the spot the place you need to dig the opening.
- Place the put up gap digger over the mark. Make certain the blades are going through down and the handles are pointing up.
- Push the handles down and pull them up. This can trigger the blades to dig into the bottom. Proceed pushing and pulling till the opening is deep sufficient.
- Take away the soil from the opening. Use a shovel or trowel to take away the soil from the opening. Watch out to not injury the edges of the opening.
- Insert the put up into the opening. Make certain the put up is straight and vertical. Tamp down the soil across the put up to safe it in place.
Ideas for Digging a Gap with a Guide Publish Gap Digger
Listed here are a number of ideas that can assist you dig a gap with a guide put up gap digger:
- Use a pointy pair of blades. Boring blades will make digging harder.
- Push down on the handles together with your full weight. This can assist the blades dig deeper into the bottom.
- Pull up on the handles with a clean, even movement. This can assist to forestall the blades from getting caught.
- If the soil is tough, you could want to make use of a pickaxe to loosen it up earlier than utilizing the put up gap digger.
- Watch out to not overextend your self when digging. Take breaks as wanted to keep away from straining your muscle groups.
Gap Measurement Suggestions
The scale of the opening you have to dig will rely on the scale of the put up you’re putting in. Here’s a common information to gap sizes:
Publish Diameter |
Gap Diameter |
4 inches |
6 inches |
6 inches |
8 inches |
8 inches |
10 inches |
Working a Energy Publish Gap Digger
Working an influence put up gap digger requires cautious dealing with and correct security precautions. Listed here are the steps to function it safely and successfully:
1. Assemble the Digger: Earlier than utilizing the digger, assemble the auger and the extension rods in line with the producer’s directions. Make sure that all components are securely connected.
2. Place the Digger: Mark the spot the place you have to dig the opening. Place the auger over the mark and be certain that it is perpendicular to the bottom.
3. Begin the Engine: Begin the engine by following the producer’s directions. Maintain the handles firmly and preserve a secure distance from the rotating auger.
4. Interact the Auger: Gently have interaction the auger with the bottom by making use of downward stress. Progressively improve the stress because the auger digs deeper. Keep away from over-pressuring, as it might probably injury the digger or trigger it to lavatory down.
5. Monitor the Gap: As you dig, keep watch over the opening to make sure it is the specified depth and width. Use a measuring stick or tape measure to verify the depth repeatedly.
6. Extract the Auger: As soon as the opening is full, raise the auger straight up and out of the opening. Watch out to not let the auger swing or drop, as it might probably trigger damage.
7. Clear and Retailer the Digger: After use, clear the auger and extension rods of any grime or particles. Examine the digger for any injury or free components earlier than storing it.
Security Ideas: Bear in mind to put on applicable security gear, together with gloves, security glasses, and earplugs. Keep alert and preserve a secure distance from the rotating components. Don’t overreach or try and dig in unstable floor. All the time learn and observe the producer’s directions fastidiously.
Security Ideas |
Put on applicable security gear |
Keep alert |
Preserve a secure distance from rotating components |
Don’t overreach |
Learn and observe producer’s directions |
Security Precautions for Publish Gap Digging
Basic Precautions
Earlier than starting, guarantee you’ve gotten sufficient bodily health and will not be underneath the affect of gear that would impair judgment or coordination. All the time learn and observe the producer’s directions fastidiously, being attentive to any warnings or security pointers.
Private Protecting Gear
Put on applicable private protecting gear to attenuate the chance of accidents. This consists of sturdy work boots with non-slip soles, security glasses, work gloves, and a tough hat if crucial.
Web site Preparation
Earlier than digging, completely examine the world for any potential hazards. Determine and mark underground utilities, corresponding to gasoline strains, electrical wires, or water pipes, to forestall injury or damage. Take away any rocks, particles, or obstacles that would impede digging or trigger the put up gap digger to leap or chill.
Digging Method
Maintain the put up gap digger with each fingers, holding a agency grip. Place the blades vertically within the desired location and apply regular downward stress whereas rotating the handles. Use the leverage out of your physique weight to dig effectively. Keep away from utilizing extreme power or overreaching, as this may result in pressure or damage.
Publish Removing
When the opening is deep sufficient, raise the put up gap digger from the bottom utilizing the handles. Be cautious when eradicating the excavated soil from the blades, as it may be heavy and should fall again into the opening. If crucial, use a shovel or different device to help in clearing the opening.
Stabilizing the Publish Gap
To make sure a sturdy put up set up, it is very important stabilize the underside of the opening. Pack the underside of the opening with 4-6 inches of crushed rock or gravel. This can present drainage and a secure base for the put up.
Sort of Publish |
Really helpful Gap Diameter |
4×4 Publish |
8-10 inches |
6×6 Publish |
12-14 inches |
8×8 Publish |
16-18 inches |
Choosing the Proper Auger Measurement
The scale of the auger you select on your put up gap digger will rely on a number of elements, together with:
- The diameter of the posts you can be putting in
- The depth of the holes you have to dig
- The soil circumstances you can be working in
The auger measurement you want shall be decided by the diameter of the posts you can be putting in.
Publish Diameter |
Auger Measurement |
4 inches or much less |
4-inch auger |
5 inches to six inches |
6-inch auger |
7 inches or extra |
8-inch auger |
The depth of the holes you have to dig may also decide the scale of auger you want.
For holes which might be 2 toes deep or much less, a 4-inch auger shall be adequate.
For holes which might be 3 toes deep or extra, a 6-inch auger shall be a better option.
In case you are working in arduous soil circumstances, you could want to make use of a bigger auger to interrupt by way of the soil.
In case you are working in smooth soil circumstances, a smaller auger shall be adequate.
Frequent Varieties of Publish Gap Diggers
When you’re seeking to dig put up holes for a fence, deck, or different challenge, there are a number of various kinds of put up gap diggers to select from.
Every sort has its personal benefits and downsides, so it is necessary to do your analysis earlier than you determine which one to purchase.
Here is a fast overview of the most typical varieties of put up gap diggers:
Guide Publish Gap Diggers
Guide put up gap diggers are probably the most primary sort of put up gap digger. They encompass an extended deal with with a set of auger blades connected to the tip. To make use of a guide put up gap digger, you merely insert the auger blades into the bottom after which twist the deal with to dig the opening. Guide put up gap diggers are comparatively cheap and straightforward to make use of, however they are often tiring to function, particularly if you have to dig a number of holes.
Gasoline-Powered Publish Gap Diggers
Gasoline-powered put up gap diggers are extra highly effective than guide put up gap diggers, and so they could make digging holes a lot simpler.
They encompass a small engine that powers a set of auger blades. To make use of a gas-powered put up gap digger, you merely begin the engine after which insert the auger blades into the bottom. The engine will do the work of digging the opening, so you do not have to exert as a lot effort. Gasoline-powered put up gap diggers are costlier than guide put up gap diggers, however they are often definitely worth the funding if you have to dig a number of holes or you probably have arduous soil.
Auger Publish Gap Diggers
Auger put up gap diggers are a sort of gas-powered put up gap digger that makes use of a big auger bit to dig holes.
Auger put up gap diggers are very highly effective, and so they can dig holes shortly and simply.
They’re additionally comparatively simple to make use of, however they are often costlier than different varieties of put up gap diggers.
One benefit of auger put up gap diggers is that they can be utilized to dig holes in a wide range of soil varieties, together with arduous soil and clay.
Hydraulic Publish Gap Diggers
Hydraulic put up gap diggers are probably the most highly effective sort of put up gap digger. They encompass a hydraulic pump that powers a set of auger blades.
Hydraulic put up gap diggers are very highly effective, and so they can dig holes shortly and simply in even the toughest soil.
They’re additionally very simple to make use of, however they’re additionally the costliest sort of put up gap digger.
Sort of Publish Gap Digger |
Professionals |
Cons |
Guide |
Cheap, simple to make use of |
Tiring to function, not appropriate for arduous soil |
Gasoline-Powered |
Extra highly effective than guide diggers, simpler to make use of |
Dearer than guide diggers |
Auger |
Very highly effective, can dig holes shortly and simply |
Dearer than different varieties of diggers |
Hydraulic |
Strongest sort of digger, very simple to make use of |
Costliest sort of digger |
Digging Methods for Totally different Soil Situations
Unfastened Soil
In free soil, put up gap diggers simply penetrate the bottom with minimal effort. Use a ahead and backward movement, twisting the handles to chop by way of the soil. Raise the auger out periodically to take away the free soil.
Laborious Soil
Compact or rocky soil requires extra effort to dig by way of. Use a two-person crew, with one individual holding the digger regular whereas the opposite applies stress on the handles. Add water or WD-40 to the soil to melt it up.
Sandy Soil
Sandy soil will be difficult because of its instability. Dig slowly and punctiliously to forestall the opening from caving in. Use a smaller auger and insert it at an angle to create a secure base.
Clay Soil
Clay soil is dense and sticky. Dig small increments and take away the soil steadily to forestall it from clogging the auger. Use a pointy auger and apply downward stress whereas rotating the handles.
Moist Soil
Moist soil will be extraordinarily tough to dig by way of. Enable extra water to empty or use a sump pump to take away it. Add gravel or sand to the opening to enhance drainage.
Frozen Soil
Frozen soil requires particular precautions. Thaw the soil with a warmth gun or pour sizzling water into the opening. Dig fastidiously to keep away from damaging the frozen floor beneath.
Rocky Soil
Digging in rocky soil will be harmful. Use a rock auger or a jackhammer to fastidiously take away rocks. Keep away from utilizing extreme power that would injury the digger or trigger damage.
Desk of Auger Sizes and Really helpful Gap Depths
Auger Measurement (in.) |
Really helpful Gap Depth (ft.) |
6 |
6-8 |
8 |
8-10 |
10 |
10-12 |
Publish Gap Spacing and Alignment
Correct put up gap spacing is important for guaranteeing the steadiness and longevity of your fence or different construction. The beneficial spacing will differ relying on elements corresponding to the peak of the fence, soil circumstances, and wind masses. For common steering, observe these pointers:
Publish Peak | Publish Spacing
As much as 6 ft
|
6-8 ft aside
|
6-8 ft
|
8-10 ft aside
|
8-10 ft
|
10-12 ft aside
|
Alignment
Upon getting decided the put up spacing, it is essential to align the posts precisely to make sure a straight and stage fence. Use a string line or laser stage to determine a reference level and align every put up accordingly. For angled fences, measure and reduce the posts on the applicable angle to take care of alignment.
Further Ideas for Alignment
1. Use a plumb bob or laser stage to verify vertical alignment and alter as wanted.
2. Drive a small stake subsequent to every put up to offer momentary assist and forestall motion throughout set up.
3. Faucet the posts into the bottom gently with a sledgehammer to regulate their alignment if crucial.
4. Usually verify alignment as you’re employed to make sure accuracy all through the challenge.
Backfilling and Compacting the Holes
As soon as the holes are dug, they should be backfilled and compacted. This can assist to make sure that the posts are secure and won’t settle over time.
Backfilling the Holes
To backfill the holes, use the identical soil that was eliminated when digging. Don’t use natural matter, corresponding to compost or manure, as this may appeal to pests and trigger the soil to settle.
Backfill the holes in layers, and tamp down every layer firmly. You need to use a hand tamper or an influence tamper for this.
Compacting the Holes
As soon as the holes are backfilled, they should be compacted. This can assist to take away any air pockets and be certain that the soil is agency.
You’ll be able to compact the holes by tamping them down firmly with a hand tamper or an influence tamper. You too can use a vibratory plate compactor for this.
Ideas for Backfilling and Compacting the Holes
- Use the identical soil that was eliminated when digging the holes.
- Don’t use natural matter, corresponding to compost or manure.
- Backfill the holes in layers, and tamp down every layer firmly.
- Compact the holes as soon as they’re backfilled.
- You need to use a hand tamper, an influence tamper, or a vibratory plate compactor for this.
Soil Compaction Desk
Soil Sort |
Compaction Degree |
Sand |
95% |
Silt |
90% |
Clay |
85% |
How you can Use a Publish Gap Digger
A put up gap digger is a device used to create holes within the floor for fence posts, mailbox posts, and different comparable initiatives. It’s a easy device to make use of, however there are some things you have to know to get the very best outcomes.
The very first thing you have to do is select the fitting measurement put up gap digger on your challenge. Publish gap diggers are available a wide range of sizes, so it is very important select one that’s the proper measurement for the holes you have to dig. When you select a put up gap digger that’s too small, will probably be tough to dig the holes deep sufficient. When you select a put up gap digger that’s too giant, will probably be tough to manage and you could find yourself digging the holes too large.
Upon getting chosen the fitting measurement put up gap digger, you have to assemble it. Publish gap diggers are available two items: the deal with and the auger. To assemble the put up gap digger, merely insert the auger into the deal with and tighten the screws. Make it possible for the auger is securely connected to the deal with earlier than you begin utilizing it.
To make use of the put up gap digger, merely insert the auger into the bottom and switch the deal with. The auger will dig a gap as you flip the deal with. Proceed turning the deal with till the opening is the specified depth. As soon as the opening is deep sufficient, take away the put up gap digger from the opening and insert the put up. Backfill the opening with grime or gravel and tamp it right down to safe the put up.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How deep ought to a put up gap be?
The depth of a put up gap is dependent upon the peak of the put up and the soil circumstances. As a common rule of thumb, the opening ought to be at the very least one-third the size of the put up.
What’s one of the best ways to fill a put up gap?
One of the best ways to fill a put up gap is with concrete. Concrete will assist to safe the put up and forestall it from transferring or rotting. When you shouldn’t have entry to concrete, you’ll be able to fill the opening with grime or gravel and tamp it right down to safe the put up.
Can I take advantage of a put up gap digger to plant timber?
Sure, you need to use a put up gap digger to plant timber. Nevertheless, it is very important word that put up gap diggers will not be designed for this goal and so they could injury the roots of the tree in case you are not cautious.