A clamshell post-hole digger is used for digging small holes. This tool consists of two wooden, steel or fiberglass handles measuring approximately 4.5 feet. The handles are joined by a hinge with two curved blades at the tail. The clamshell post-hole digger is operated by lifting its handles to burrow the blades into the ground. The handles are then pulled outward to remove soil. The soil in the digger is released by centrally positioning the handles.
Gas-powered augers are large drills propelled by a miniature gasoline engine. You start the engine and place the auger drill in position to dig a hole, then pull it out of the hole and remove the soil, repeating the process in different positions. This auger is fast and suitable for digging several holes.
The vehicle-mounted auger is connected to the back part of a tractor or other vehicle. These augers are used to drill medium- or large-size holes at a fast rate of speed. Vehicle-mounted augers are operated from the driver's seat using gears. Most augers of this type are hydraulic-mounted to allow use by a single individual, as opposed to non-hydraulic augers that require one person to drive the vehicle while the other operates the augers.
Many hand-held power augers are designed for one-person operation. This tool requires a lot of torque to spin through hard soil. Two or more people can assist, however, by grabbing the handle together to pull it from the ground when more power is required. Loose clothes should be avoided when working with this auger, as it may entangle them, according to LSU AgCenter.