The main characteristic that differentiates a double-pivot post hole digger from the other types is its extra pivot point.
The additional pivot point means that the blades are closed by bringing the handles together, rather than apart as with a traditional digger. The pivot’s position between the handles also restricts them from being pulled too far apart when opening the blades. This allows the user to dig deeper without the handles becoming an obstruction against the sides of the hole.
This digger can dig up to five feet deep while maintaining a straight and narrow hole.
The extra pivot is located on the digger’s handles and is adjustable, thus adding to the digger’s versatility. If the user wishes to open the handles further apart during the beginning of the digging process then the pivot can be placed lower down the handles. Then as the process continuous and the digger is required to go deeper into the hole, the pivot can be moved towards the end of the handles to prevent it from catching the edges of the hole.
When adjusting the pivot, it is important to note that the lower on the handles it is positioned, the wider the handles have to be opened to fully open the blades.
The adjustable pivot point is also useful for digging in different types of soil. For example, when the digger is used in compacted, clay-like soil the pivot can be placed lower down the handles, closer to the blades, to give increased leverage.
A double pivot digger often has handles made out of fibreglass, as this material is lighter for when digging deep down into the ground.
Some models of double-pivot digger have handles that are offset, which means they widen out towards their ends.
The offset feature adds greater leverage when digging, making loosening and clamping soil easier for the user.
How does a double-pivot digger work?
Primarily a double-pivot post hole digger works by piercing the ground, similarly to other diggers.
The handles are then pushed together to close the blades and clamp any loose soil or debris. To open the blades, the handles are then pulled apart.
