Atlas Post Hole Digger Wood: How to Use It
By Radius Garden | Published: 2026-10-26
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to use the Atlas Wood Post Hole Digger effectively. Step-by-step instructions, common mistakes, and practical tips for digging clean post holes.
Quick Answer
To use the Atlas Wood Post Hole Digger effectively, position the blades at the hole center, press down with your foot to sink them, then spread the handles to grip the soil and lift it out. Repeat until the hole reaches the desired depth.
Why the Atlas Wood Model Stands Out
The Atlas Wood Post Hole Digger features hardwood handles that offer a comfortable, sturdy grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended digging sessions. The extra-strong steel blades are built for tough soil conditions, and the Atlas pattern head with a 6-inch point spread ensures consistent, uniform holes—ideal for fence posts, mailboxes, and garden structures.
Compared to fiberglass-handled models, the wood handles provide a classic feel and natural shock absorption, which many gardeners prefer. However, wood requires occasional maintenance, such as sanding and sealing, to prevent splintering over time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Digging Post Holes
- Mark and prepare the hole location: Clearly mark the center of each post hole with spray paint or a stake. Clear away any surface rocks, roots, or grass to give the digger a clean starting point. Check that the spacing between marks matches your project plan before digging.
- Position the digger and sink the blades: Hold the digger upright with the blades straddling the center mark. Press down firmly with your foot on the blade shoulders to drive the blades into the soil. Avoid rocking the digger side-to-side, as this can widen the hole unevenly. Keep the handles together as you press to ensure a clean, vertical entry.
- Spread the handles to grip the soil: Once the blades are fully sunk, pull the handles apart slightly to close the blades and grip the soil. This creates a secure hold so you can lift the soil out without spilling. If the handles are hard to spread, the blades may not be deep enough—press down a bit more.
- Lift and dispose of the soil: Lift the digger straight up with the soil trapped between the blades. Carry it to a wheelbarrow or tarp and release the handles to drop the soil. Do not twist your back while lifting; use your legs to avoid strain. Keep the digger close to your body to reduce back strain and avoid dropping soil back into the hole.
- Repeat and check depth: Repeat the process, removing soil in layers, until the hole reaches the required depth. Use a tape measure or a marked stick to check depth periodically. Remember that the hole needs extra depth for gravel drainage if required. Check depth after every few lifts to avoid over-digging, which wastes effort and fill material.
Product Facts
- Atlas Post Hole Digger Wood: Hardwood handles provide premium comfort and a sturdy grip. Comfortable handles reduce hand fatigue, allowing you to dig more holes with less strain.
Atlas Post Hole Digger Wood - Atlas Post Hole Digger Wood: Extra-strong steel blades ensure maximum durability for tough digging. Durable blades maintain their edge even in rocky or compacted soil, so you won't need frequent replacements.
