Found out my post hole digger was 3 inches too narrow after 8 years

Was at a supply yard in Tulsa last month picking up some T-posts and the old guy behind the counter asks what size auger I'm running. Told him 9 inch and he just shakes his head. Said for anything above a 4x4 post you want at least 12 inches to get proper concrete collar and prevent frost heave. I've been doing fences for 8 years with that 9 inch bit and never had a complaint but he showed me the numbers on soil expansion in our zone. Checked three of my old jobs from 2020 and two of them have slight lean now that I never noticed. Already ordered a 12 inch bit from a rental place for my next job on Friday. Anyone else ever realize they've been running the wrong tool for years without knowing?

2 comments

2 Comments

grant9017d ago

Bet your butt I learned this the hard way. Ran an 8 inch bit for 5 years on all my 6x6 posts in Georgia clay and wondered why half of them shifted after one wet spring. That old timer at the yard saved you a pile of future headaches.

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brian_kelly915d ago

Did you just go with a 12 inch auger or did you end up digging bell holes at the bottom too?