Outdoor projects require plenty of different tools and equipment to get the job done. Depending on the project, an auger may be necessary. What is an auger, and why would you need one? Read on to learn about this helpful piece of equipment and some of the practical purposes of using one for your outdoor needs.

An auger is a sizeable spiral-shaped piece of equipment designed for drilling holes into various materials and surfaces. Augers typically have curvature for lifting and moving the material out of the way as the machine burrows downward.

Of course, there’s no such thing as a single type of tool. There are multiple varieties of augers depending on the scope of your project.

Augers provide a more straightforward solution to jobs that may otherwise require hours of backbreaking labor to dig a hole or get through sturdy rocks. The primary purpose of an auger is to drill holes ranging anywhere from 3 to 95 feet. Using a specialized metal tip known as “flighting,” augers quickly tackle jobs that involve breaking through rigid materials.

Due to the differences in structure, there’s no such thing as an auger that can handle any job. Augers exist for various positions and materials based on their shape. Here are a few of the more common examples of augers and their functions.

One of the more basic options, earth augers, are giant drill-like pieces that burrow straight down through the soil. These augers are great for farmers planting crops or trees.

A hand auger is an excellent choice for day-to-day applications when you find yourself wondering if an auger would benefit you. Hand augers are smaller, more compact, and affordable, making them a helpful tool to have in your own home and garden. While not as versatile as their industrial counterparts, hand augers are still beneficial for digging fenceposts or dealing with pesky root systems on your property.

As the name suggests, ice augers mainly cut through ice. Ice augers traditionally have tougher blades specifically designed to cut through ice that wouldn’t work on rock or soil. One popular application of an ice auger is creating holes for ice fishing.