AMES 2701600 Post Hole Digger with Hardwood Measurement Handle, 58-Inch

Surprisingly good quality. Built sturdy with nice handles

I ordered this Ames post hole digger to replace my mail box post. I expect to use it again when I rebuild my deck. Digging holes is no fun even with the best of tools. I recommend watering the location or digging after a significant rain. The tool has enough weight to force the blades into clay, which is what I have underneath a few inches of top soil. The digger isn't so heavy that it wore me out. I had to dig a hole 30 inches deep and about 11 inches in diameter. Whoever set the former post did a lame job of anchoring it with concrete. I switched to a trenching shovel (also made by Ames) to dislodge chunks of old concrete. The trenching shovel was useful for widening the hole, followed by using the post hole digger to remove the dirt that fell to the bottom when I used the trenching shovel. The scale on the handle of the post hole digger is handy for checking progress. I probably would rent a boring machine if I was installing a fence and needed to dig a lot of holes for posts. But for small jobs or the occasional need, this tool gets it done without making you wear yourself out.

The one star is because the product description is WRONG. As of this entry, I have not used this. I bought it because it was American made AND, mostly because the product description indicated 68.8 in long, ... NOT the 58.5 inch that it actually measures. I'm digging four additional holes 16in wide, 4ft deep ... I have a 52.5 in post hole digger already, and after already digging two holes, I wanted to use something longer. This is only 6 in longer then what I already have. I DO HOPE the negative reviews I've read are not going to manifest with my new digger. I may have to edit this review in about a month or so. Please NOTE: Ames, change your product dimensions ! UPDATE PRODUCT REVIEW - After using this post hole digger, it worked great, it's a good quality tool, I dug four 16" holes, at 4' deep each with NO PROBLEMS.

The description for this posthole digger is incorrect and does not measure 68" inches long. This is a 58" inch long posthole digger. Other than missing almost a foot in length, the tool is well made. I own other Ames garden tools, and they last for years when taken care of.

I was looking for a sturdy and well built post hole digger and I found it. I used it on ten holes the day I got it and was amazed how well it worked. Thanks for a great tool.

Easily the most durable diggers I've ever used. I broke a pair of steel handled diggers from a big box store in 3 hours. After shopping around I got these Ames diggers. They are finally starting to show their age after a year of near constant use. I replaced the handles a month ago and the hinge is a little loose but no permanent damage so far, spades are still in good shape. If you build fences or decks just get 2 and keep a pair on hand. Post hole diggers are a consumable these days even though they shouldn't be.

The post hole digger is great! Ames needs to bubble wrap the handles before shipping though. The first tool I received the rubber grip was ripped. The replacement tool received the handle grips were not ripped but marked up pretty good.

It is very difficult to use. And it is very difficult to dig it in. Stop using after 30mins of trying it. Not working at all. Return it the next day