What is a Power Auger?

A power auger is an auger which is designed to be powered by a machine, rather than by hand. Classically, these tools attach to small engines powered by gasoline or electricity, and can run as standalone machines or be attached to equipment such as tractors. Many equipment rental companies carry power augers for the convenience of the customers, and hardware stores can order them by request for customers who feel that it may be productive to invest in a power auger. There are a number of considerations to think about when renting or buying an auger of any size.

Augers use the Archimedes Screw principle to move materials. On an Archimedes Screw, materials can be moved up a hollow pipe with minimal effort with the use of a helical band which wraps around the interior of the pipe. Augers may reverse the design, with a pole-like core surrounded by an exposed screw. With each turn, materials are carried further up. As the name of this principle suggests, the use of the Archimedes Screw dates to the Ancient Greeks. In the case of an auger, the device is often used to dig holes, with the end of the auger biting into the dirt and the dirt being carried up the auger and deposited at the top of the hole. Augers are also used to move materials such as grain.

People classically use power augers for tasks like digging post holes, cutting into ice, or drilling holes in wood. While these tasks can be accomplished by hand with hand augers or other tools, making holes by hand is time consuming work which can add considerably to the amount of time it takes to complete a project. Using a power auger cuts down on time, and ensures that holes are even, uniform, and the proper depth.

With a one person power auger, a single person can operate the device. Two person devices require two people to manage the auger safely. Both types come with a number of safety features which are designed to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, but it's still important to follow directions. When renting an auger, people should ask for careful instruction in how to use the auger and how to deal with any problems which arise, and they should ask the equipment rental company to inspect the device to confirm that it is in good working order before renting it out.

When buying or renting a power auger, people should pick a tool which is appropriate for the job. They may want to think about the materials they will be working with, the desired width of the holes, and the environment in which the auger will be used. Ice, wood, and dirt all require different kinds of augers, and using the wrong tool can make a job much more difficult than it needs to be.