AMES Post Hole Digger with Ruler, Hardwood Handles (2701600) Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Fence posts
- Budget
- Measured depth
A straightforward clamshell post-hole digger with 6 1/2 in blades and a handy depth ruler printed on the handle, so fence and mailbox holes come out the same depth every time. Hardwood handles keep the price down but demand a chopping, not prying, technique on rocky ground, and the pivot bolt wants an occasional check. A solid value pick for a handful of posts around the yard.
Pros
- Printed handle ruler lets you dig every hole to the same depth without a separate tape measure
- 6 1/2 in blades pull a narrow straight-walled core so posts set plumb with less concrete
- Cushioned end grips soften the jarring of repeated chopping into soil
Cons
- Hardwood handles can crack if you pry sideways on rocks instead of chopping straight down
- Bolted pivot loosens over time and needs occasional tightening
- Wide-set fixed handles get awkward once a hole gets deep and narrow
Specifications
| Type | Clamshell post-hole digger |
|---|---|
| Blades | 6 1/2 in wide steel |
| Handles | Hardwood with cushion end grips |
| Feature | Printed ruler on handle for depth |
| Use | Fence, mailbox and deck-footing holes |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does a post hole digger have a ruler on the handle?
- So every hole reaches the same depth without stopping to measure. On a fence line that consistency is what keeps posts at matching heights and saves a separate tape measure trip per hole.
- Why are narrow blades better for fence posts?
- The 6-1/2 in blades pull a narrow straight-walled core, so the post sets plumb and you use less concrete filling the void. A wide sloppy hole costs bags of mix.
- What breaks on a clamshell digger?
- The handles and the pivot. Hardwood handles crack if you pry sideways against rocks instead of chopping straight down, and the bolted pivot loosens over time and needs occasional tightening.