OX Trade Post Hole Shovel

The OX Trade post hole shovel is purpose built for digging narrow, deep holes for fence posts, signposts and landscaping. It has a 230mm wide blade in high-carbon steel that is shaped for penetration and scooping, and a long hardwood handle that gives leverage and reach. The strong socket connection between the blade and handle holds up under heavy load.

Key Features

• 230mm wide high-carbon steel blade for penetration and scooping
• Long hardwood timber handle for leverage and reach
• Strong socket connection for durability under load
• Purpose built for narrow, deep post holes
• Handles compacted soil, clay and loose gravel

Specifications

• Blade material: high-carbon steel
• Blade width: 230mm
• Handle material: hardwood timber
• Handle length: approximately 1500mm
• Application: fence posts, signposts, landscaping

Applications

• Digging post holes for fences and retaining walls
• Installing signposts, gates and supports
• Landscaping and garden bed preparation
• Digging in clay, sand and compacted soil

What You Need To Complete The Job

Pair this shovel with an OX square mouth shovel for general digging, and add an OX sledge hammer for driving posts. Wear leather rigger gloves for a firm grip. See the General Hand Tools range for more site tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a post hole shovel used for?

A post hole shovel is shaped to dig a narrow, deep hole for a fence post, signpost or support. The narrow blade works in a small hole and the long handle reaches down, so you can dig deeper than a standard shovel. It is a dedicated tool for post and pole installation.

Why is the blade shaped this way?

The 230mm blade is shaped to penetrate the ground and scoop the soil out in a narrow profile, which keeps the hole tight around the post. The high-carbon steel holds an edge in compacted soil, clay and gravel. The long handle gives the reach to work at the bottom of the hole. The narrow shape also keeps the hole tidy, so the post fits snugly once it is set.

How long is the handle?

The listing gives the hardwood handle length as approximately 1500mm. That long handle gives leverage for digging and lets you reach into a deep hole without bending too far. The hardwood material absorbs some of the shock of digging in hard ground.

Can I use this for general digging?

It is built for post holes, so it is not the best choice for wide, shallow digging like trenches or garden beds. For general digging, a square mouth shovel covers more ground per bite. Keep both in the kit and use the post hole shovel for the narrow, deep holes.