Beyond the post-hole digger’s reach

Sometimes you’ve got to dig a hole that’s deeper than the range of a basic post-hole digger. Extending the handles is one solution, but it’s not easy to do and not easy to use at that depth.

An easier approach is to dig with a shop vacuum. Loosen the dirt with the lightest tool possible, such as a piece of electrical conduit with a flattened end or a sharpened 2x2. A steel digging bar is made for the job but weighs a lot more. Use it if you must.

Now put a 2-in.-dia. PVC- or ABS-pipe extension on the nozzle of the vacuum, and suck the dirt out of the hole. In the right soil conditions, you’ll be amazed by how well this works.

David Thomas , Soldotna, AK