The top 3 recommendations and buying guides

Our recommendations

The tubular, very narrow drainagespade from the British manufacturer Spear & Jackson scores with several advantages:

• Blade and stem welded together
• Handle adapted to the shape of the hand
• Powder coating
• difficult, but still easy to handle
• even severed roots

The Amazon reviewers praise this work device very much, especially the massive quality and the wide range of possible uses are emphasized. The spade not only digs planting holes, but is also suitable for planting out perennials and woody plants, for digging cables, drainage and water pipes in the ground and much more

This model also scores with most Amazon reviewers thanks to its robust workmanship and high-quality materials - both the handle Hardwood as well as the spade blades made of hardened steel make it easier to dig precise holes of all kinds without injuries to carry away. Of the Hole spade can be handled precisely and easily, but you need a certain amount of physical strength - if only because of the weight. To do this, however, you don't have to shovel unnecessarily large holes up and down again (which in turn makes little sense for the stability of fence posts or foundations, for example).

This hole spade is traditionally hand-forged in Portugal by the manufacturer Vito Garden, so that the two tube-forming spade blades and the handle form a unit. This gives the device a special stability and robustness, which in turn also makes it suitable for heavy earthworks. The operation of this model is made easier by the special design and handling of the handle. This ends in two handles that are covered with ergonomically shaped wooden handles. You still need strength for the application, but this is optimally used - for excellent work results that are impressive.

Purchase criteria

scope of application

There are different designs of hole spades, each of which can be used particularly well for different purposes:

• Classic hole spades with two shovels dig holes in the ground in a targeted manner
• tubular hole spades with only one leaf are suitable for drainage and other trenches
• Earth auger create deep, very narrow holes that are perfect e.g. B. for planting plants, but also for aerating and watering soils

Material and workmanship

As a rule, the blades of a hole spade are made of hardened steel; after all, the material has to be very robust and be able to withstand a lot. High quality models are either hand-forged or at least stamped - this reduces the risk of weak spots and thus possible breakages. Many hole spades are made “in one piece”, ie consist of a steel blade that is firmly connected to one another, including a handle. Others are separate in this regard and have a wooden handle next to the steel leaves. Here you should prefer handles and handles made of hardwood, as these are more stable.

handle

The selected model should have ergonomically shaped handles so that the hole spade can be handled easily and you can make optimal use of the applied force. These can be made from soft wood that is comfortable to hold, but also from other materials (e.g. B. Plastic). A secure and firm grip not only prevents premature fatigue and cramping, it also increases work safety.

Stem length

Since you have to ram a spade into the ground, the handle and handle must not be as long as other gardening tools such as a hoe. Nevertheless, you should be able to use this tool without your back hurting afterwards. A total length of around 120 centimeters is considered ideal - plus or minus a few centimeters, should you be particularly large or small. Some models even come without a handle and only consist of the actual head with a handle.

Blade size and hole diameter

The narrow, often tubular or oval leaves that allow narrow holes to be cut are characteristic of hole spades. Many high-quality models are not adjustable and mostly allow holes with diameters between 13 and 15 centimeters to be punched out. There are also adjustable varieties, the width of which can be adjusted using an attached chain. These hole spades are flexible and can therefore be used for a variety of tasks, but they are also less stable.

weight

At first glance, the weight of most hole spades often appears to be very high, especially when compared to other gardening tools. Some people fear that they will tire too quickly during an operation. In this case, however, the heavy weight has a backward meaning, because it also makes driving the spade into the ground easier. You should therefore not decide based on weight alone, but rather on the weight of the device in relation to your own and your stature - after all, you should be able to handle the hole spade well.

frequently asked Questions

What is a hole spade?

The classic hole spade consists of two narrow, parallel spade blades, which are sunk into the ground with the help of muscle power and sturdy handles. They can be used to dig narrow, deep holes - for fence posts, for example, but also for other purposes, such as inserting plants or flower bulbs.

Are hole spades and hand excavators the same thing?

Hole spades are available under many names: Some may be more familiar with the device than Hand excavator, Earth auger or earth auger. The same tool is meant in each case. But be careful: There are different types of spade that can be used for different purposes.

What types of hole spades are there?

The classic hole spade consists of two shovels that hold the earth to be excavated between them. Various models are now available on the market - for example with an adjustable hole diameter or with a triple joint for easier operation. In addition, there is no simple hole spade, which only has a tubular, very narrow blade and is also known as a drainage spade. Earth hole drills also belong to this group.

How do you use a hole spade?

The classic hole spade is used as follows: To dig the hole, the shovels are rammed vertically into the ground. Then pull the two handles apart and jam the earth to be excavated between the leaves. Now the device just has to be pulled out of the ground and the hole is ready.

Who makes hole spades?

The well-known and high-quality manufacturers of hole spades include:

• Berger + Schröter
• Vito Garden
• Fiskars
• Silverline
• Spear & Jackson

In addition, many DIY superstores and garden centers offer their own products both in stationary and online shops, which in many cases are also of good to very good quality.

What does a hole spade cost?

How much you (have to) spend on a hole spade depends entirely on the manufacturer selected, the quality, the size of the device and its intended use. You can get simple models for as little as 30 EUR, the high-quality ones tend to be in the price range between 70 and 90 EUR. For a hole spade that you want to use solely for planting flowers, you certainly have to pay less than for a model that is used to build foundations. The latter has to be much more robust and therefore of higher quality.

equipment

Cable trench shovel

If you bury cables or lines in the ground and want to dig suitable shafts for them, you can use a special cable trench shovel instead of a hole spade. This is easier to use for this purpose.

Hand auger

Such a Hand auger is ideal for drilling holes in the ground up to 20 centimeters wide, for example for planting Flowers and perennials can be used, as well as for aerating soil and compost, as well as for planting Fence posts.