How to Dig Fence Post Holes

Installing a new fence or replacing an existing fence, requires digging new holes for the fence posts. Most homeowners use a standard post hole digger to accomplish this task. Post hole diggers look like two small shovel heads on two handles that connect together. Post hole diggers are ideal to dig fence post holes because they can dig deep without having to make the hole wide. Some planning is required prior to breaking the ground for your first fence post hole.

Wooden stakes

String

Spray paint

Post hole diggers

Lay out the plan for your fence either by staking or painting lines on the ground. If staking, drive small wooden stakes into the ground 4 feet apart on your fence plan at at each corner. Start at one corner and tie string around the stakes to outline where you want the fence.

Call the utility company and have someone come out to mark off where there are underground utility lines. Adjust your fence plans as necessary to avoid these underground lines.

Hold the post hole diggers over the area where you are planning to install a fence post. Hold the handles close together. Raise up the post hole diggers, and then thrust down to stab the diggers into the ground.

Spread the handles of the post hole diggers apart to operate the digging mechanism. Lift up with the handles spread apart and move the diggers to one side of the hole. Press the handles back together to open the diggers and release the soil.

Repeat the thrusting of the diggers into the hole and pulling the diggers out to remove soil. Dig holes that are 1/3 deep as the total length of your fence posts. Repeat the process for each fence post you require.

Alternatively you can rent an auger from a tool rental facility. Augers resemble large motorized drill bits. Use the auger according to the directions from the tool rental facility.

Hard soil can be softened by soaking it with water.