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Best Auger for drilling rocky ground?

I need to dig some holes to install some Sentricon termite baits... but the soil on my property is quite rocky. Soft soil, but lots of bits of rock. (Murraylands South Australia). I tried a Ryobi cordless drill with a Sutton Auger but couldn't make much progress. I have 18V and 36v Ryobi tools already so something in the range would be my ideal - anyone know if this would be up for the job? https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-36v-200mm-hp-brushless-cordless-post-hole-digger-tool-only_p0292570

Ryobi 36V 200mm HP Brushless Cordless Post Hole Digger - Tool Only

Or would i be better off buying/hiring something with more grunt. While this is a one-off job for now, I anticipate having other uses for it down the track so buying something is my preference if not to pricey. Screenshot 2025-05-18 at 9.27.39 PM.png

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Comments

EricL

Hello @Sputnik

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about digging holes in rocky ground.

I propose using a Trojan 2kg Fibreglass Handle Mattock With Cutter End as a starter tool to dig the initial surface of the hole. Once you see that the small rocks are getting fewer and fewer you can then use your Ryobi drill with the auger. It is difficult to gauge how far the rocks travel into the ground. If it appears that there are more rocks, it might be necessary to get a post hole digger with more grunt.

In regards to the Ryobi 36V 200mm HP Brushless Cordless Post Hole Digger, if the rocks don't get any thicker as you go deeper then this tool might work for you.

If the rocks continue to get in the way, the hole will have to be dug manually. I propose using a Cyclone 1650 x 25mm Hex Fencing Bar in combination with a ToughBuilt Post Hole Digger. The sharp end of the bar will loosen and pulverize the rocks as you go deeper, and the post hole digger can lift the soil out.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Sputnik

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52400#Comment_52400

Thanks Eric. I was hoping for something that required less elbow grease because I'm lazy, but this is excellent advice. Thankyou mate.

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