I don't write reviews, but I stopped what I was doing to write one for this product. Anyone writing that it doesn't work or is difficult has got to have no idea what they're doing. I live on the side of a mountain and this cut through clay, quartz, rock, and thick abundant roots WITHOUT the retaining screw for the handle, which apparently is necessary for some people. I would buy this again no question.

I ordered this Auger because they are almost impossible to find in the US for some reason. I don't understand why every hardware store in America doesn't carry this thing. I chose not to use a power auger because my fence was super close to electrical lines. I didn't want to take the chance of hitting them on the dig. This product did not disappoint.

This is a very straight forward tool that does exactly what it is supposed to do...dig holes. The only catch is that you still have to put some muscle into it to make it work. I would recommend having a post hole digger as well. The best method I found was to break the surface with the auger, and screw it in as low as you can until there is too much resistance, pull up the dirt, scoop out the dirt with the post hole digger and then repeat. It took me about 15 minutes on average to dig 30 inch holes. I did 11 holes in one day and didn't have an issue with any of them. I also recommend having a hatchet handy to chop through roots if you encounter them.

TAKEAWAY: If you are digging holes and want to cut your dig time in half and dig your holes with complete accuracy, then buy this tool.

Most other reviewers have pointed out the fine practicality of this product, and it deserves all the praise: quintessentially simple design, rugged construction, ease of use, dependable and responsive manufacturer. I'll add a couple, perhaps less obvious benefits. DHL (the manufacturer's shipper) provided stellar service, especially through frequent updates of the status of my package. These updates saved my pearls from too much clutching, given my initial misgivings about ordering a bulky thing from a distant country during a pandemic with memories of the Suez Ever Given debacle and collapsing supply chains fresh in my mind.

I also point out that, beyond the superb practicality of this tool, it's also a thing of beauty. It's a tool that practically demands contemplation of its clean lines and finely balanced form and function, as any well-made tool will. Shoot, I may even change my will to have myself buried with it when I kick the bucket. That way, if I'm not heaven-grade material, at least I'll be able to auger my way to hell in style.

First The Bad. It was ordered in April, late in the month around the 27th IIRC. Due by May 4. May 4 and no joy. Tracking showed it hit Customs and stayed there for two days then it went to Cincinnati, was Scanned on the 4th and....Nada. Finally on the 15th it showed as Scanned-again in Cincinnati then Nada. Was delivered the 17th.

Now, I do not blame the Seller but it is another sign things are collapsing. Be ready for the daus of '6 to 8 weeks' or worse-the Days of Ye Olde Sailing ships where it might take months or years, at this rate.

So, on to the Tool. Strong. The paint is Textured-reminds me of a Baked-on Epoxy maybe used on older stoves. Tough but it will eventually wear off. No big deal.

I took it outside for a Test drive. My soil is compacted clay/sand-almost like cement. It struggles. That said so does every other Tool I've used from a pickax to a standard manual post hole digger-it just takes muscle and some Mule-I don't have a lot of Mule as far as body size but I do have the Orneryness of so it will work.

At another property I suspect it will speed up my hole digging 50% as it is compact sand.

Definitely a Tool for the Shed along with the Axes, shovels, Sledgehammers, Bit Braces and other things needed as, I suspect we are heading into tough times and manual tools are going to be King.

Oh and it comes in two part-the main tool body with the screw and a handle that slips into the upper part as a T. You can pull this is some to add leverage for more power or-pull it out and slip something longer in there for more leverage. Has a set screw under the smaller T part to hold the habdle in place as well.

It would be better if it had replaceable blades and the handle locking mechanism should a thumb screw, not just a regular screw. It is very sturdy and heavy and digs well, however. Worked better than a post hole digger.