In the hands of professional contractors, there are many tools you see used. One of the more mysterious tools is the humble digging bar, which has a pointed end and a blunt end on either side. So, what is a post-hole digging bar?
A post hole digging bar is a tool for breaking up hard earth. Solid materials like rock, concrete, or ice need to be moved or broken to dig a proper post hole. Without a digging bar, some jobs would be much more challenging.
Below, we’ll go through different variants of post-hole digging bars. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better idea of what tools you can expect in your job.
Three Different Post-Hole Digging Bar Variants
#1: Spud Bar
Spud bars have a chisel on one end with a blunt side on the other. The chisel is for chipping through stubborn materials like ice or bark. Sometimes, the chisel point is slightly modified to be better for those materials.
For example, a bark spud (or barking iron) has a chisel specifically made to remove bark from logs. The sharper end is best for cutting through wood, making it suitable for cutting down roots that may block your bath downward.
An ice spud is best for icy conditions. When the ground has a strong layer of ice, this spud type is excellent for chipping through. Ice spuds have also been used for walking through icy fields, which can be important when maintaining balance in unsafe conditions.
Why is it Called a Spud?
“Spud” likely comes from the Scandanavian word for spear. Given the elongated handle and pointed tips these devices have, it would make the most sense.
As far as most people are aware, they aren’t related to the humble potato.
#2: Hop Bar
Hop bars are a bit more specific, as these poles are explicitly for creating “hop poles.” Hop poles hold up hop plants, which are part of the creation of alcoholic beverages.
The long bulb-like spikes at the end of these bars provide room for the bars below. Given that hop plants aren’t too heavy, the holes do not need to be excessively deep.
As a result of the unique make of hop bars, you won’t find them used often as a standard post-hole digging bar. However, they can still be helpful for thinner poles.
#3: Lining Bars
A lining bar shifts the alignment of railroad tracks. These bars are known to have a wedge point at the end. The wedge point is excellent for prying underneath heavy railroad pieces, giving them the nickname “jack bars.”
As you might expect, the unique purpose of jack bars makes them less popular in standard post-hole digging. However, it is often still used as a digging tool due to its length and usefulness.
Final Thoughts on Post-Hole Digging Bars
It’s essential to have a general understanding of the different types of bars for one purpose: if you plan on purchasing your digging bar. Many of the bars above are intended for specialized purposes, meaning you’ll most likely need the standard digging bar.
A digging bar is any tool that makes it easier for you to dig into the earth. As a result, all of these could technically be useful. If you want to be sure you get a professional contractor with the most appropriate equipment, contact us to dig your post holes right.