The best auger for deck footings is the one whose bit width and handling fit the hole your plan calls for, and no machine on this page promises a hole that meets your local footing rules. I keep a 3.7-acre apricot and plum orchard with the sheds and yards around the family house, and I handled seven gas, battery and corded augers for the post and planting jobs that come with it.
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Below are seven picks, led by the Earthquake Dually 10310 52cc Gas Auger Powerhead, a power head you pair with a bit of your choice. Each review gives the bit sizes the maker prints and says who should skip the machine.
Best Auger for Deck Footings 2026: 7 Earth Augers I Put to Work
These seven cover gas, battery and corded power, from a 52 cc power head sold without a bit to a plug-in machine limited to 6 in bits. I ranked them by how well each suits wide holes and by what its own manual prints about bits, depth and handling.
1. Earthquake Dually 10310 52cc Gas Auger Powerhead Best Overall
The Earthquake Dually 10310 is the gas power head I recommend first for deck footings, because Earthquake’s listing says it takes bits from 2 to 10 in wide and the hole size stays your choice. It is sold as a power head only, so no bit comes in the box, and you buy the bit separately. Earthquake sells it for one or two people, with two throttle controls on the handlebar.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I put the Dually first because the hole you need decides the bit, and the machine stays the same. The best auger for deck footings is the one that does not box you into a single hole size, and a 52 cc power head that takes bits from 2 to 10 in, as the listing says, does that. I accept buying the bit separately because the footing plan should pick the width, and a kit’s bit would pick it first.
Earthquake Dually 10310 52cc Gas Auger Powerhead Specs
Key Features:
- Bit choice stays yours: the listing says bits from 2 to 10 in wide fit, and the manual’s parts list gives a 7/8 in output shaft, so you match the bit to the hole you plan.
- Two throttle controls: Earthquake says two independent throttles let you run the engine from a single or a two-person position.
- Caged handlebar: the listing describes jobsite handlebars that fully encase the engine, and the manual’s parts list names a foamed dual-style handlebar.
- Printed shaft figures: the manual prints 62 ft-lb of output shaft torque and 285 rpm at most, which describe the shaft and promise nothing about your soil.
- Idle check: the manual says the auger should not rotate while the engine idles and tells you to contact Earthquake if it does.
- One fuel ratio: the engine runs on a 50:1 fuel and oil mix prepared in a separate container, never in the tank.
- Five-year household term: the manual’s 2017 edition gives a five-year limited warranty on the power head, with the engine under its own EPA warranty.
For deck footings the useful part is that the machine and the hole size are separate decisions. You settle the bit width from your plans, then fit that bit to the 7/8 in output shaft. Earthquake prints no bit size, no depth and no hole result for this power head, so the 62 ft-lb figure describes the shaft and nothing more. The manual’s warning on load is plain: do not overload the machine by drilling too deep at too fast a rate.
Starting is a sequence, and I follow it as written. I prime until the primer hose fills, move the choke lever to CHOKE, switch to ON, hold the handlebar firmly and pull the cord, then go to half choke and to RUN once it runs. After five or six failed pulls Earthquake says to push the primer once, and it forbids starting fluid. Complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before you refuel, and mix the fuel in a separate container outdoors.
At the end of the season Earthquake asks for fuel stabilizer, the bit taken off the power head, grease on the output shaft and the unit stored upright, so complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before you separate them. Never store it with fuel in the tank inside a building, and with fuel in the tank Earthquake says to transport it upright in an open vehicle, never inside an enclosed one. For binding, Earthquake gives no torque-reaction or kickback instruction for this power head, so the steps in the safety section are the guide. The muffler and nearby areas may pass 150 F (65 C), so I let them cool first.
Match the bit’s shaft to the 7/8 in output shaft before you order, because this power head has no bit of its own to size against.
Earthquake prints no bystander distance, so keep everyone well clear of the work area, as your manual describes, and never drill above underground water lines, gas lines, electric cables or pipes, as its manual says. Before you attach or remove a bit, fuel the engine or move the machine, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below.
Upkeep is light: air filter every three months or after 20 hours, gear case grease checked once a year, spark plug checked each season. Fuel is a 50:1 mix only, because Earthquake says straight gasoline voids the warranty. Earthquake asks for goggles or safety glasses with side shields, a protective hearing device, work gloves, sturdy footwear, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt or jacket, with no shorts, sandals, sneakers, loose clothing or jewelry. Registering the product online within 30 days is the chore I do not skip, because the warranty depends on it. What annoyed me is the shopping list, since the bit and any extension are extra.
Buy the Dually if you want to pick the bit width yourself and you are happy to buy the bit separately. Skip it if you want a bit in the box, a printed depth maximum, a printed reverse or a manual that explains two-person use, because Earthquake’s manual covers none of them.
FINAL VERDICT
The Dually is the power head I recommend first for deck footings. Buy it when the footing plan should decide the bit width.
It is the power head I recommend when the hole size is still undecided.
2. Earthquake E43 43cc Gas Auger with 8 In Bit Best Complete Kit
The Earthquake E43 is the complete kit on this page: a 43 cc power head and an 8 in by 36 in bit come in one box, and Earthquake sells it as a one-person machine. It is the kit I choose when the plan calls for an 8 in hole and I want nothing left to order. The maker’s page lists a five-year power head term, and the manual asks for registration within 30 days.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I rank the E43 second because the box holds everything for an 8 in hole. The deck angle is the 36 in bit and the one-person layout, and an 8 in plan needs no second purchase. I give up the choice of bit width, since only 8 in comes with it, in return for a complete earth auger kit on day one.
Earthquake E43 43cc Gas Auger with 8 In Bit Specs
Key Features:
- 8 in by 36 in bit included: it has a fishtail point and a replaceable blade, and Earthquake says the 36 in length lets the operator start standing upright.
- Flex-Coil spring: a coiled shock absorber sits between the power head and the bit, and Earthquake says it reduces upper-body impact when you meet a stubborn rock or root, a claim the manual does not repeat.
- One-person layout: a looped handlebar and the manual’s 1-Man figure describe a single operator.
- Extensions on offer: Earthquake sells 12 in and 18 in extensions separately, and it prints no digging-depth maximum.
- Mix chart in the manual: all 50:1, with 2.5 oz of oil for 1 gallon, 5 oz for 2 gallons and 13 oz for 5 gallons.
- Clutch break-in: the manual says the clutch transfers maximum power after about two hours of normal operation, and may slip until then.
- Service intervals: air filter every three months or 20 hours, and the gear case, which carries 4 oz of factory grease, checked every 50 hours.
The 36 in bit is the headline for deeper holes, and it is a bit length. Earthquake prints no digging-depth maximum, so a footing depth comes from your building department and your bit and extensions, never from the box. The manual says to drill without excessive body weight on the unit, because the auger works best with a shaving action from the weight of the unit itself. I let the head do the work and keep my weight off the handlebar.
Complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before you attach the bit. Assembly takes a 3/8-16 by 1.5 in bolt and nut and two 9/16 in wrenches, and the fishtail point threads into the stem by hand if it is not already fitted. Once the bolt was through, the coiled spring sat in line between head and bit, which is the part the photos promise. Expect clutch slippage in the first two hours, as the manual warns.
Before you carry, store or clean the unit, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below. Ear protection goes on before the first pull, because the manual says to always wear a protective hearing device. I lift it by the handlebar, never by the bit. For storage of 30 days or more the manual wants the bit removed and the output shaft greased, with no fuel in the tank inside a building, and with fuel in the tank it says to transport the unit upright in an open vehicle. What annoyed me was the weight: the maker’s page and the listing give different figures, and neither names a basis.
Mix fuel in a separate container, because the manual says mixed fuel only and never to mix fuel and oil directly in the engine gas tank.
Earthquake prints no bystander figure and no 811 instruction, so keep everyone well clear of the work area, as your manual describes, and never drill above underground water lines, gas lines, electric cables or pipes, as it says. After the bit strikes a foreign object, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below and inspect for damage before you restart.
Put the unit away or remove debris from the bit and power head only after the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below. Earthquake asks for goggles or safety glasses with side shields, a hearing device, work gloves, sturdy footwear, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, with no shorts, sandals, sneakers or loose clothing. The muffler and nearby areas can pass 150 F (65 C), so I let the unit cool first. Registration within 30 days is a condition of the warranty, and straight gasoline voids it and damages the engine.
Choose the E43 if your plan calls for an 8 in hole and you want a one-person gas kit with the bit in the box. Skip it if the plan needs a different bit, which means buying one separately, or a printed depth maximum, a printed reverse or a model that two people run.
FINAL VERDICT
The E43 is the kit I recommend for a single operator with an 8 in plan. It brings the bit, a fishtail point and a one-person handlebar in one box.
It is the one-box gas kit for single-operator holes.
3. DC HOUSE 52cc Gas Earth Auger with 6 In and 10 In Bits Best Value
The DC HOUSE 52cc is the budget gas kit that puts two hole widths beside one engine: the listing sells it with a 6 in and a 10 in bit, a fuel mixing bottle and the power head. DC HOUSE’s manual lists the bit set as an accessory bought separately, so order the kit that names both bits. The manual also describes a helper position, which matters once a hole gets wide.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
The DC HOUSE earns the value place because one kit gives you two hole widths and a helper position. It is the best value earth auger here for planting holes and small posts where you want a 6 in and a 10 in bit from one engine. I accept the extra care on fuel and warranty because the safety lines are real and the kit is budget tier, and I confirm the fuel ratio before the first tank.
DC HOUSE 52cc Gas Earth Auger with 6 In and 10 In Bits Specs
Key Features:
- Two bits in the listing kit: a 6 in and a 10 in bit let one engine cover a narrow and a wide hole.
- Helper position: the manual shows an operator at the throttle handle and lower grip and a helper on the support handle, and says holes six inches or wider may be easier with two people.
- Throttle lockout: the trigger will not work unless the lockout lever is engaged, and the stop switch sits on the same handle.
- Purge bulb and decompression button: both help starting, and the manual says to press the primer 7 to 8 times with the choke set for a cold start.
- Automatic centrifugal clutch: the manual names it in the power transmission description.
- A printed bystander radius: DC HOUSE says children and animals stay no nearer than 3 m (10 ft) while the unit runs, its own figure for this model.
- Stance rule: the manual says to hold the unit upright, never above chest height, and to let the auger drill with light downward pressure.
The 10 in bit is the widest in this kit, and the 6 in covers the narrow holes. DC HOUSE prints no depth maximum, and a deeper hole needs an extension rod, which this kit does not carry. When the auger stalls under load, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below and inspect before you resume; DC HOUSE’s own remedy is to lift the auger out of the hole so the debris can clear.
The two-person line is what I noticed first. I looked at where the lower support handle sits and judged it a real second grip, with the operator at the throttle handle and the helper on the opposite side, as the manual shows. Two people on one unit also put a second person at risk if the bit binds, so both must know the plan before the bit touches the ground and both stop when either calls a stop.
I laid the 6 in and the 10 in bit side by side before fitting either, and the 10 in reads as a very wide hole next to the 6 in. Fuel is where this kit asks the most care: mix at the ratio in your manual and confirm that ratio with DC HOUSE before the first tank. Do not use E85 or gasoline above 10% ethanol, add stabilizer, and do not keep mixed fuel past the age the manual allows. The weakest point is the support side: the manual prints no reverse and no slope rule, and the warranty term needs confirming with DC HOUSE.
Read the bit table in your manual before you buy extras. The 55.1 in figure belongs to a bit with an extension rod, and this kit has none.
DC HOUSE says to review the area for electrical lines, gas lines, water mains and cable and telephone lines, and it warns that the unit is not insulated against overhead conductors, so keep clear of them. If the auger twists suddenly on a root or rock, DC HOUSE says to release the throttle trigger immediately, and then you complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below and inspect for damage.
DC HOUSE asks for eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1 or CE requirements, with a full-face shield as an option, hearing protection, sturdy no-slip rubber work gloves, long pants, long sleeves and sturdy nonskid shoes, never shorts or bare feet. Let the engine and muffler cool completely before maintenance. Before I brush soil off the flights I complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box below, because packed soil can hide a damaged bit. The kit arrives in more than one box, which the listing says.
Buy the DC HOUSE if you want a budget gas kit with 6 in and 10 in bits and the option of a helper on wide holes. Skip it if you want a printed reverse, a single clear fuel ratio and warranty term in one place, or a machine sold for one person only.
FINAL VERDICT
The DC HOUSE is the value pick for wide holes. Choose it when a budget gas kit with 6 in and 10 in bits and a helper position fits the plan.
It is the budget gas kit for wide holes with a helper on hand.
4. VEVOR 52cc D52-F Gas Auger with Three Extension Rods Best With Extension Rods
The VEVOR 52cc D52-F is the gas auger whose parts list puts three extension rods in the box beside a 6 in and a 10 in bit. VEVOR prints an 800 mm bit length and no digging-depth maximum, so the rods add reach and promise no depth. My VEVOR post hole digger 52cc review goes through the kit, the bits and the rods in more detail.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I rank it fourth because three extension rods in the box answer the long-hole question before you order. For a buyer who expects a deep hole, the rods are the reason to pick it, and the earth auger extension rods fit with a clip and a pin. I give up a printed depth and a warranty term for them.
VEVOR 52cc D52-F Gas Auger with Three Extension Rods Specs
Key Features:
- Three extension rods: they join the drill rod with a clip and a pin and lengthen the bit without adding a printed depth.
- Two bits: the manual prints 150 mm and 250 mm, each 800 mm long, which the listing rounds to 6 in and 10 in.
- Printed sound figure: 93.8 dB(A) sound pressure in operation, with a hearing-loss warning.
- Five-meter radius: VEVOR says people stay at least five meters away, its figure for this model.
- Safety switch and trigger: press and hold the switch, then pull the trigger.
Before you fit a rod, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below, then align the holes and put the pin back in with its clip. The clip-and-pin join took me one look at the manual and nothing more. The listing pairs a 31.5 in bit with a 7.8 in rod to increase drilling depth, which describes length, not a depth you will reach.
VEVOR says to build speed gradually and lower the rod gradually for a deep hole. I read the sound table before the first pull, and 93.8 dB(A) in operation is why earmuffs go on before I touch the cord.
Before you carry, clean or store the tool, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below. Then carry it by the holding handle, never by the drill, and store it in its packaging, as VEVOR says.
VEVOR prints no underground-line warning, so follow the 811 steps in the safety section below. For a stuck bit, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before any hands-on work. VEVOR’s manual also describes a powered method, releasing the accelerator to idle; if you use it, keep both hands on the designated handles with everyone clear of the bit, and complete the full shutdown again before you touch or inspect anything.
Fuel and filter jobs come after the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below. VEVOR’s fuel is unleaded gasoline with no ethanol or methanol, mixed with two-stroke oil, stirred for more than a minute and filled outdoors to 80% of capacity. I clean the air filter each season, as the schedule asks. VEVOR asks for a helmet, protective mask, ear protection, gloves, non-slip footwear and protective clothing, with safety glasses recommended and no loose clothing or jewelry.
Buy it if you expect deep holes and want rods in the box with two bit widths. Skip it if you need a printed depth maximum, a warranty term or a bit between 6 in and 10 in, or if the work is for pay.
FINAL VERDICT
The VEVOR 52cc is the rod kit. Choose it for a deep-hole plan where the rods count.
It is the gas kit with the rods in the box.
5. WORX WG865 Nitro 40V Brushless Battery Earth Auger Best Battery Earth Auger
The WORX WG865 is the only battery auger on this page, and its manual prints both a reverse mode and a maximum working depth of 32 in with the 8 in bit. WORX lists deck building among its jobs. I cover the WG865 and its supplied 8 inch bit in my WORX earth auger review.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I rank the WORX fifth because it is the one cordless route on this page, and it names deck building as a job. It is the battery earth auger for a buyer who wants no fuel and no cord and accepts 26.92 lb bare. The two packs are the clock, and WORX prints no runtime.
WORX WG865 Nitro 40V Brushless Battery Earth Auger Specs
Key Features:
- Rotation selector: a three-position selector sets reverse, forward low or forward high.
- Printed working depth: 32 in with the 8 in bit, the maker’s maximum and a ceiling.
- Electronic stops: a blue light says kickback was prevented and the machine stopped, and a red light reports a fault or overload.
- Two-battery start: the machine runs only with both batteries in, and with unequal capacities it runs to the lower one.
- Jobs named in the manual: digging holes for planting, post fixing, patio building and deck building.
WORX prints no runtime, charge time or holes per charge in the manual. Complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before any battery change. I fit both packs before the first squeeze of the trigger and charge them together, as the manual asks.
WORX warns that without bracing the tool, loss of control may occur, and gives no bracing method, so the binding steps in the safety section below are the guide. My thumb falls on the selector on the left handle, which keeps reverse a deliberate choice.
Start at low speed with the tip touching the ground. WORX says the bit is likely to bend if it spins freely at higher speed.
WORX says to make sure no electric pipe, water pipe or gas pipe lies in the working area, and the 811 steps are in the safety section below. The bit may be extremely hot right after use, and the machine stays out of rain and damp places.
Wiping the tool down or cleaning the vents comes after the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below. The manual says there are no user-serviceable parts, so use a dry cloth and keep the ventilation slots clean. When the shed is cold I keep the packs indoors, because WORX says a pack at -4 F or lower may not start the tool and should warm indoors for 10 minutes or longer. WORX asks for overalls, goggles or a face mask, ear protection, a helmet and non-slip shoes, with rubber gloves recommended outdoors.
Buy the WORX if you want a cordless auger with one 8 in bit and can lift a 26.92 lb bare tool plus two packs. Skip it if you need a bit other than 8 in or a bit-stuck procedure printed in the manual.
FINAL VERDICT
The WORX WG865 is the cordless pick, with a printed reverse and a printed 32 in ceiling. It trades fuel for two batteries and an 8 in bit. Buy it when a fuel-free machine matters more than a printed runtime.
It is the cordless auger for a fuel-free deck job.
6. VEVOR 43cc Gas Auger with 8 In Bit Only 43cc Model With Printed Sound Figures
The VEVOR 43cc is the only 43cc machine on this page whose manual prints sound and vibration figures. It is a budget gas auger with one 8 in bit, and VEVOR prints 93.8 dB(A) sound pressure in operation with no distance named, so I read that as the maker’s table and no more. For my assessment of this 43cc machine and its 8 in bit, see my VEVOR post hole digger review.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I rank it sixth because a printed sound and vibration table is useful before you buy. It is the 43cc earth auger on this page that shows those figures, with an 8 in bit and a printed five-meter radius. I wear ear protection regardless, since VEVOR warns of hearing loss and white finger.
VEVOR 43cc Gas Auger with 8 In Bit Specs
Key Features:
- Printed sound and vibration table: sound pressure of 93.8 dB(A) in operation and handle vibration values, with a hearing-loss warning.
- Five-meter radius: VEVOR says people stay at least five meters from the work area, its figure for this model.
- Safety switch and trigger: you press and hold the safety switch before you pull the trigger.
- Buyer-fitted handles: both handles bolt on with eight screws and nuts and are tied with two nylon ties.
- Domestic use only: the manual limits the machine to private domestic use and bars anyone under 18.
The bit is 8 in wide and 800 mm long, and VEVOR prints no digging-depth maximum, so a deeper footing hole means a different tool. Complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before any assembly or adjustment. The assembly was the first job: I bolted the handles on and tied the wire with the two nylon ties before the first start.
For starting, VEVOR says to hold the drill vertically with the rod on the ground, turn the switch to ON and pull the starter. The safety switch comes first, and I press and hold it before I pull the trigger, as the manual orders.
Complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before you fill the tank. Fill to about 80% of capacity outdoors and never refuel indoors, as VEVOR says.
VEVOR prints no underground-line warning and no kickback or torque-reaction instruction, so follow the 811 and binding steps in the safety section below. For a stuck bit, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before any hands-on work. VEVOR’s manual also describes a powered method, releasing the accelerator to idle; if you use it, keep both hands on the designated handles with everyone clear of the bit, and complete the full shutdown again before you touch or inspect anything.
VEVOR asks for a helmet, protective mask, ear protection, gloves, non-slip footwear and protective clothing, with safety glasses recommended and no loose clothing or jewelry. The manual wants an experienced operator, bars anyone under 18 and says to avoid slopes and rain. Fuel is unleaded gasoline with no ethanol or methanol mixed with two-stroke oil, and you mix only at the ratio in your manual.
Buy it if you want a budget gas kit with an 8 in bit and a table that prints sound and vibration. Skip it if you need a printed reverse, a warranty term, a printed depth maximum or a second bit size, or if you build decks for pay.
FINAL VERDICT
The VEVOR 43cc is the budget 8 in kit with a printed sound table. Buy it for private decks and small posts where one bit width is enough.
It is the 8 in gas kit with the sound table.
7. XtremepowerUS 85060 1500W Corded Electric Auger Best Corded Earth Auger
The XtremepowerUS 85060 is the only corded auger on this page: a 110 V plug-in machine with no fuel to mix. Its manual says it operates with bits of no more than 6 in, so it is the narrow-hole end of this list and the weakest match for wide deck footings. I assess what this corded machine can do in my xtremepowerus post hole digger review.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I rank it seventh because the corded earth auger takes fuel out of the job, and the 6 in bit limit sets the ceiling. It suits small holes near an outlet, and I skip it for a wide footing.
XtremepowerUS 85060 1500W Corded Electric Auger Specs
Key Features:
- 110 V plug-in power: the manual gives 110 V, 60 Hz and 10.9 amp, so there is no fuel and no mix.
- Two-handle grip: the manual says to grip both handles firmly and to keep your feet stable and away from the bit.
- Overload note: the manual says overloading may stop the auger, and after any stall you complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below and inspect before you resume.
- Grounded tool: the manual says it must be grounded in use and forbids adapter plugs.
- Hearing note: the sound power pressure may exceed 85 dB(A), and individual hearing protection must be worn.
The 6 in ceiling is the limit that decides this ranking, and the sources differ on the bit in the box: the manual’s data give 4 in and the listing gives 6 in. I use the manual’s figures as the maker’s. For a wide footing hole this is the wrong machine, and the manual says it is not made for excessively rocky ground.
The cord sets the reach. The manual wants an outdoor extension cord heavy enough for the current, kept away from heat, oil, sharp edges and moving parts, and it prints no gauge or length. I laid the cord behind me and away from the bit before I squeezed the trigger. Complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below before any adjustment or cleaning.
Squeeze the trigger slowly, press the handles lightly down and raise the auger often to clear debris, as the manual says.
The manual says the machine is not designed for areas with underground electric, gas, water or telephone lines and gives no locate instruction, so the 811 steps in the safety section below apply. After a stall I complete the full shutdown before I lift the auger or look at the bit, and I resume only once the cause is cleared.
Never carry the auger by its cord, keep it out of rain and wet conditions and never submerge it. XtremepowerUS requires eye protection, hearing protection because the sound may exceed 85 dB(A), heavy-duty non-slip gloves, long pants and sturdy non-slip boots, with steel-toed shoes highly recommended and no loose clothing. Before you wipe the body with a soft cloth dampened with mild soap and water, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box in the safety section below; never use ammonia, chlorine or abrasives.
Buy it if you dig a few narrow holes near an outlet and want no fuel. Skip it if you need a bit wider than 6 in, a printed reverse, a warranty term or a clear bit size, or if holes are far from power.
FINAL VERDICT
The XtremepowerUS 85060 is the plug-in pick for small holes. Choose it for narrow holes within reach of an outlet.
It is the plug-in auger for small holes by the shed outlet.
How to Choose the Best Auger for Deck Footings
Choosing an auger for deck footings comes down to how wide the hole must be, what the box includes, how the machine behaves when the bit binds, and what your local rules say about the footing.
Bit Diameter and the Hole You Need
A bit diameter is a hole width, and no maker on this page ties a bit to a footing. Footing size and depth come from your local building department, so take the size from your plan and then look for a bit that cuts that hole. A deck footing auger is only as useful as the bit on it. If your holes are for posts, my roundup of the best auger for 4×4 posts compares nine picks for single holes.
| Kind of machine | Bit as printed |
|---|---|
| Gas kit with one bit | 8 in, maker’s figure |
| Gas kit with two bits | 6 in and 10 in, listing’s figure |
| Power head without a bit | Bits from 2 to 10 in, listing’s figure |
| Battery auger | 8 in, in the manual |
| Corded auger | No more than 6 in, in the manual |
- Diameter: it sets the width of the hole and nothing else.
- Length: a bit length is not a depth, and no maker here turns one into the other.
- Extensions: they lengthen the bit and print no depth.
I draw the footing size on the plan first and only then look at bit sizes.
Power Head Only or Complete Kit
A complete kit has the bit in the box, and a power head does not. A power head sold alone leaves you buying the bit and any extension, and a kit sold with one bit leaves you buying every other size. Count those purchases before you compare.
- Power head only: the bit comes separately, and its shaft must match the output shaft in your manual.
- Kit with one bit: ready on day one, with one hole width.
- Kit with two bits and rods: more reach and two widths, and more to read in the manual.
Pro Tip
Write down the output shaft size from your manual before you order a bit. Match the bit’s connection to the power head’s output shaft.
I add the bit and any extension to my list before I compare kits.
Gas, Battery or Corded Power
Each power type adds its own chore. Gas needs a fuel and oil mix and open air, battery needs two charged packs on one model, and corded needs an outdoor cord and a grounded outlet. None of the makers here prints a result for hard soil, so pick the chore you can live with. If you have settled on gas, my roundup of the best gas earth auger models compares them for fence and garden post holes.
| Power type | What you handle | Where it runs |
|---|---|---|
| Gas 2-stroke | A fuel and oil mix in a separate container | Outdoors only |
| Battery | Two charged packs, and a warm pack in cold weather | Outdoors, dry |
| Corded | An outdoor extension cord and a grounded outlet | Outdoors, dry, near power |
- Gas: the mix ratio differs by model, so use the one in your manual.
- Battery: one manual says a very cold pack may not start the tool. If you want to consider a corded alternative, my best electric post hole digger roundup includes both corded and battery models.
- Corded: the cord stays away from the bit, and the gauge and length come from your manual.
For a few holes near the house I reach for the machine that needs the least setup, and for a row of holes I want an engine.
Torque Reaction, Handles and One or Two People
When a bit binds, the machine twists in your hands. A lab simulation of torque reactions on a tool handle found that wrist muscle activity was very high even when the torque pulses were short and the peaks low (1). A study of 69 workstations with pneumatic nutrunners found that predicted handle reaction force was greater on jobs where upper limb injuries were reported, while target torque did not differ significantly (2). Neither study tested an auger, so I read them only as a reason for a braced stance and a firm grip.
- One person: one gas kit is sold by its maker for a single operator, and the battery and corded manuals describe one grip position. My roundup of the best one-person earth auger models lists the ones you can run alone without a helper.
- Two people: one gas manual describes an operator and a helper, and one power head is sold by its maker for one or two people.
- Not stated: several manuals print no operator rule, so ask the maker before you add a helper.
Key Takeaway
Use the operator count in your own manual. A helper is part of the plan only where that manual describes one.
I look at where my elbows sit on the handles before the bit touches the ground.
Weight and the Basis It Is Printed On
A weight is useful only with its basis. The makers here print a power head with no basis, a net weight with no basis, a bare tool with the batteries separate and a kit where two sources disagree, and numbers on different bases cannot be set against each other.
| Basis printed | What it tells you |
|---|---|
| Bare tool | The tool without its batteries; check whether the bit is counted |
| With batteries installed | The tool and its packs |
| Power head only | The head, with the bit and fuel extra |
| No basis printed | A guide only, never set against another figure |
I picture lifting it out of the shed first, because every one of these is carried by hand to each footing.
Depth Figures and Your Local Footing Rules
A printed depth is a ceiling, and a bit length is not a depth. Only one machine here prints a depth as a maximum working depth, and the other manuals print bit lengths, labelled drilling depths or none. Footing depth is another matter: your local building department sets the size, the depth and any permit, and frost depth differs by place. According to the City of Blaine, Minnesota, footings there must extend at least 42 inches below grade for frost; that is one city’s rule, other places differ, and your own building department’s rule is the one that counts.
Footing Rules Are Local
An auger digs a round hole. Your building department decides the footing, so take the footing size and depth from your plan and your local rules.
I take the footing numbers from the plan and the permit, and I look at the printed depth only afterward.
Warranty, Fuel Mix and Upkeep
Warranties and mix ratios differ by model, so read your own manual. Makers print different mix ratios, registration deadlines and warranty terms, and some manuals print no term at all, so confirm each with your maker before the first tank or the first claim.
- Registration: one maker makes the warranty valid only if the registration arrives within 30 days.
- Fuel: mixed fuel only, in a separate container, never in the tank, where a manual says so.
- Storage: several manuals ask for a drained tank or stabilizer for long storage.
I write the mix ratio on the can and keep the manual with the machine.
Deck Footing Auger Rental or a Contractor for Big Jobs
A household auger is for a few holes. Hard clay, rock and roots can bind the bit, and many holes or large bits may call for a rental or contractor machine. None of the makers here prints a result for clay, rock or roots, and DC HOUSE and XtremepowerUS both say not to use their machines in excessively rocky ground. For fence lines, my roundup of augers for fence posts lists seven picks to compare.
- Post hole digger rental: a rental machine suits many holes or a bit wider than anything on this page.
- Contractor: a contractor suits a job with rock, roots or a long row of footings.
- Private domestic use: VEVOR limits its two gas models to private domestic use.
A DIY post hole digger for deck footings fits a handful of holes, and I rent or hire when the count or the ground says so. My roundup of seven post hole diggers compares corded, battery and gas picks for home fence jobs.
Earth Auger Safety Before You Dig
An earth auger drives a rotating steel bit that screws into the ground and can bind on a root, a rock, a buried object or hard soil. When it binds, the machine can twist violently in your hands, wrench your arms, throw you off balance or strike you and anyone nearby. The bit and its flighting can catch hair, loose clothing, gloves, drawstrings and limbs, and a gas engine makes carbon monoxide.
Shutdown Before You Touch the Bit
Shutdown before you clear or free the bit, change or attach the bit, free a stuck bit, adjust, check or add oil or fuel, clean, load, move, store or leave the auger. Never reach toward the bit while it turns, and never clear it or free it with the machine running. Corded electric auger: release the switch or trigger, wait until the bit has stopped completely, then unplug the auger from the outlet by the plug, not the cord. Before transport or storage, also let the motor cool. Battery auger: release the switch or trigger, wait until the bit has stopped completely, then remove the battery, and the switch key where your model has one, and keep it away from the auger. Gas auger: release the throttle, trigger or control, turn the engine off, wait until the bit and every moving part have stopped completely, then disconnect the spark plug wire (a spark plug cap on some makes) and secure it away from the plug. Let the engine and muffler cool before you touch the bit or anything near the exhaust. Only then free a stuck bit or clear wrapped material, using only the method your manual specifies (gloves do not make grabbing sharp wire or cutting edges safe), and check the bit and guards for damage. Do not handle unidentified wire, cables or pipes. Do not use reverse or run the engine or motor to back the bit out unless your manual expressly authorizes it for this task, with both hands on the designated handles and everyone clear of the bit; complete the full shutdown again before any further hands-on work. Add every step your manual gives, in its order, and refit every guard and shield before you restart.
Protective Gear
Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles meeting your manual’s specification, including ANSI Z87.1 where required, and add a face shield where required. Wear hearing protection with gas engines and wherever your manual requires it. Wear long pants and sturdy, closed footwear with secure traction, plus any additional protection your manual specifies. Tie back long hair, remove jewelry and secure drawstrings; do not wear loose clothing or loose gloves. Use the gloves specified for the task and keep hair, clothing, gloves, hands and feet away from moving parts. Each manual on this page names its own gear, so read the protective equipment line in your manual and in the review of your model: some ask for work gloves, long sleeves and a helmet or face protection, and some bar sandals, sneakers and shorts.
A systematic review of 18 articles found that workers exposed to both hand-arm vibration and noise had greater hearing loss than non-exposed workers, possibly because of an additive effect on temporary threshold shift (3). The review covered agricultural and forestry work, with chainsaws the main tool, so I take it as a reason to put on hearing protection before a gas engine starts.
Clear the Area
Before you start, walk the spot and remove rocks, sticks, wire, hose, stakes and anything else the bit could catch or throw. Identify irrigation lines, drip lines, cables and sprinkler heads before you start, and take loose garden hoses out of the work area. Do not handle or move unidentified cables, pipes or utility lines: keep the auger away from them and contact the utility if their location is uncertain.
Buried Lines
Contact 811 before digging and include every planned hole in the locate request. According to PHMSA, the call is free, and each state sets its own notice period, so wait the period your state requires. Confirm responses from every notified utility, including markings or a clear or no-conflict response for the work area. Resolve missing or conflicting responses before digging. Follow state ticket-validity and tolerance-zone rules, preserve markings, and keep augers outside the required clearance area. Near marks, use careful hand digging or another locating method permitted by state rules and the utility; obey any stricter auger-manual prohibition. Arrange separate locating for private services that 811 does not cover, such as irrigation lines and cables. Do not dig where a service’s location remains uncertain, and do not switch to a larger machine to get around it. No source gives a safe augering depth above a buried service.
Damaging buried utilities brings considerable safety risks to workers and substantial cost, according to a randomized study of utility workers in which simulation training reduced utility strikes (4). Earthquake, DC HOUSE, WORX and XtremepowerUS each warn about underground lines in their own words, VEVOR’s two gas manuals print no such warning, and none of these manuals names 811, so the steps above come from the call-before-you-dig advice.
Bystanders
Keep children, pets and other people out of the work area and at least the distance specified in your exact manual. Stop if anyone enters that area. DC HOUSE gives children and animals no nearer than 3 m (10 ft) for its machine, and VEVOR says at least 5 m for its two gas models, each the maker’s own figure for that model. The Earthquake, WORX and XtremepowerUS manuals print no distance, so keep everyone well clear of the work area, as your manual describes. No distance makes a work area safe on its own: keep watching it. On a two-person unit, the second person is the operator’s helper only as your manual describes.
Binding and Torque Reaction
If the bit hits a root, a rock or a buried object, it can bind and the machine can twist or kick. Keep firm, balanced footing and hold the designated handles with both hands. Keep hands and feet away from the bit; never grasp or brace the bit or shaft. Never wrap the power cord around your hand, arm or body. Release the throttle or trigger immediately if the bit binds or control is threatened, then complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box and inspect for damage before restarting. Use reverse only where your manual authorizes it for your model. After a stall, bind, kick or strike, resume only after the cause is found and fixed, damage is repaired and your manual’s restart conditions are met. If you suspect contact with a utility, do not touch the auger, bit or exposed service, keep others away and call the utility or emergency services from a safe place.
Stuck Bit
If the bit sticks in the hole or material wraps around it, do not force it and do not reach for the bit. Stop and complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box before touching or inspecting it. Use only the freeing or clearing method specified in your exact manual, and the manuals on this page differ, so follow only yours; gloves do not make grabbing sharp wire or cutting edges safe. Do not handle unidentified wire, cables or pipes. Powered reverse is permitted only when your manual expressly authorizes it for that task, with both hands on the designated handles and everyone clear of the bit. Complete the full shutdown again before any subsequent hands-on work. If your manual gives no procedure, obtain manufacturer or qualified service guidance.
One-Person and Two-Person Units
Use the number of people your exact manual specifies. A two-person unit needs a second person who knows the plan, holds the unit as the manual describes and stays clear of the bit, and both people stop when either calls a stop. A one-person unit is operated by one person; never add a helper to a hand-held unit unless the manual says so.
Slopes and Footing
On a slope or uneven ground, slow down, keep firm footing and follow only the slope or footing rule in your own manual. VEVOR says to avoid slopes for its two gas models, and DC HOUSE says to keep footing and balance and never to stand on slippery, uneven or unstable surfaces. If your manual gives no such instruction, obtain guidance from the manufacturer before using the auger on a slope.
Soil Condition
Do not dig in frozen or rock-hard ground or in ground full of roots and stones: the bit can bind and the machine can twist or kick. Frozen ground waits for a thaw.
Refuelling and Carbon Monoxide
Before refuelling, complete the full gas shutdown in the shutdown box. Refuel outdoors on the ground, not in a truck or trailer, with the engine cooled. Follow your exact manual’s precautions for ignition sources, filling the tank and dealing with spilled fuel. Mix fuel and oil only as the exact manual says. Never start or run a gas auger indoors or in a garage or shed, even with the doors open. Start and run it outdoors: the exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide, which has no color, taste or smell.
A North Carolina medical examiner reviewed lethal carbon monoxide cases tied to small engines, including a pressure washer and home generators, in poorly ventilated spaces (5). The cases were not augers, and they make the point for any small gas engine: it never runs in an enclosed space.
Extension Cords for Corded Models
Use an outdoor extension cord that meets your exact manual’s requirements for gauge, length, plug type and grounding. Keep the cord away from the bit, never carry the auger by the cord, and never use it in the rain. XtremepowerUS asks for an outdoor-rated cord heavy enough for the current and prints no gauge or length, so use the gauge and length in your manual and ask the maker if it gives none.
Battery and Charger
Use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers for the exact model. Before changing a battery or doing hands-on work, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box. Keep the switch off and fingers off the trigger when installing a battery. Do not use damaged or modified batteries or chargers. Protect loose battery terminals from contact with metal objects. Follow the battery and charger manuals for moisture exposure, charging temperature, cooling and storage.
Lifting and Moving
Before you lift, load, carry or move the auger, complete the full shutdown in the shutdown box. Load and unload only as your manual describes, never carry the auger by its cord, and refuel a gas unit on the ground, not in the truck bed. For a gas unit, follow your manual’s transport steps, including draining the fuel where it asks. Earthquake says that with fuel in the tank you transport the unit upright in an open vehicle, never inside an enclosed space or vehicle, and that in an enclosed vehicle the fuel is drained first. Check whether a printed weight includes the bit or the battery.
Fatigue and Vibration
Digging with an auger is heavy, jarring work that twists your arms and back. Take breaks, stop when you are tired or your attention slips, and use the gloves your manual recommends.
A pooled analysis of studies of vibration-induced white finger found that the ISO 5349-1 exposure-response relation is a conservative guide to when white finger is likely to begin (6). The data came from mixed vibrating tools and not from augers, and VEVOR’s manual itself warns of white finger, so I treat breaks as part of the job.
On the farm I lay out glasses, ear protection, gloves and boots on the shed bench before I start any machine, and I never touch the bit without the full shutdown first.
My Overall Verdict
Seven machines made this page. The Dually leads for a free choice of bit width, the E43 takes the second place as the complete kit, and the DC HOUSE holds the value place with two bits and a helper position. My Earthquake E43 vs Dually comparison weighs the top two in more detail.
1. Earthquake Dually 10310 52cc Gas Auger Powerhead Best Overall
For a buyer who wants to choose the bit width and will buy the bit separately.
2. Earthquake E43 43cc Gas Auger with 8 In Bit Best Complete Kit
For a single operator who wants a complete kit with an 8 in bit in one box.
3. DC HOUSE 52cc Gas Earth Auger with 6 In and 10 In Bits Best Value
For a budget buyer who wants a 6 in and a 10 in bit and a helper position for wide holes.
Take the footing size from your plan, match a bit to it, then pick the machine that suits your hands and your fuel, cord or batteries. Rent or hire for many holes or hard ground. If nothing pulls you elsewhere, the Dually is the best auger for deck footings when the hole size is still open. For a wider view, my roundup of the best earth auger models compares gas, corded and battery models.
Why Earthquake Dually 10310 52cc Gas Auger Powerhead Might Be the Best Choice
The Earthquake Dually is my first pick because it lets the footing plan decide the bit. Earthquake’s listing says bits from 2 to 10 in wide fit the 52 cc power head, so one machine covers a narrow hole and a wide one.
The trade is the shopping list: no bit comes in the box, and Earthquake’s manual prints no bit size, depth, reverse or two-person method.
Here is what the Dually gives you:
✓ Free bit choice: bits from 2 to 10 in, as the listing says.
✓ Two throttle controls: for a single or a two-person position, per Earthquake.
✓ Printed shaft figures: 62 ft-lb and 285 rpm at the output shaft.
✓ Five-year household term: on the power head, engine excluded.
✓ One clear fuel rule: a 50:1 mix in a separate container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size auger for deck footings?
The auger size for deck footings depends on the hole your plan calls for, because the bit diameter sets the hole width. The kits here print bits from 6 in to 10 in, one power head is listed for bits from 2 to 10 in, and your local building department sets the footing size and depth.
Can a post hole digger dig deck footings?
A post hole digger can dig deck footings only when it makes a hole as wide and as deep as your local footing rules ask. A powered auger and a hand digger are both tools for the hole, and the footing size, depth and any permit come from your building department.
Can a gas powered auger dig deck footings in clay?
A gas powered auger can work in clay only within its maker’s limits, and no maker on this page prints a result for clay. Hard clay, rock and roots can bind the bit, so many holes or large bits may call for a rental or contractor machine, as the safety section explains.
Is a heavy duty post hole digger needed for deck footings?
A heavy duty post hole digger is needed for deck footings when the job outgrows a household machine, such as many holes, wide bits or hard ground. Several makers here limit their machines to private domestic use, so a rental or contractor machine may suit a large job and a household unit suits a few holes.
Are screw in deck footings an alternative to digging?
Screw in deck footings are a different footing system, so they replace digging only if your local building department accepts that system for your deck. This page covers augers that dig round holes, so it makes no claim about screw in systems, how they install or whether your jurisdiction approves them.
References
- Armstrong T, Bir C, Foulke J, Martin B, Finsen L, Sjogaard G. Muscle responses to simulated torque reactions of hand-held power tools. Ergonomics. 1999;42(1):146-159.
- Ku CH, Radwin RG, Karsh BT. Power hand tool kinetics associated with upper limb injuries in an automobile assembly plant. J Occup Environ Hyg. 2007;4(6):391-399.
- Thaper R, Sesek R, Garnett R, Acosta-Sojo Y, Purdy GT. The combined impact of hand-arm vibration and noise exposure on hearing sensitivity of agricultural/forestry workers: a systematic literature review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(5):4276.
- Gallagher AG, Hart M, Cleary D, et al. Proficiency based progression simulation training significantly reduces utility strikes: a prospective, randomized and blinded study. PLoS One. 2020;15(5):e0231979.
- Hyson BE, Friedman BM, Spear B, Bishop-Freeman SC. Lethal carbon monoxide generated from small internal combustion engines. J Anal Toxicol. 2024;48(8):625-629.
- Scholz MF, Brammer AJ, Marburg S. Exposure-response relation for vibration-induced white finger: inferences from a published meta-analysis of population groups. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2023;96(5):757-770.
Safety Note: Only an adult who has read the manual and understands the controls should use an earth auger or post hole digger, never a child or anyone tired or impaired. Use the number of people your manual specifies, and keep everyone else out of the work area. The rotating bit can catch hair, clothing and gloves, and it can bind on a root, a rock or a buried object: the machine can then twist or kick in your hands. Stand with firm, balanced footing and hold the designated handles with both hands. Keep hands and feet away from the bit; never grasp or brace the bit or shaft. Never wrap the power cord around your hand, arm or body. If utility contact or a gas leak is suspected, stop work immediately. Do not touch, inspect, free or move the auger or exposed service, and do not attempt the normal hands-on shutdown or disconnect electrical connections in the suspected leak area. Leave the area, keep others away and contact the utility from a safe location; call 911 for a suspected gas leak or immediate danger. Otherwise, release the throttle or trigger immediately if the bit binds or control is threatened, then follow the shutdown procedure. On a two-person unit, both operators must understand the controls and agree on start and stop signals before starting; stop whenever either operator calls stop. Use reverse only where your manual expressly authorizes it. Never touch or clear the bit while it turns. Before you clear or free the bit, change or attach the bit, adjust, check or add oil or fuel, clean, load, move, store or leave the auger, complete the shutdown for its power type. Corded electric: release the switch or trigger, wait until the bit has stopped completely, then unplug it from the outlet by the plug, not the cord; before transport or storage, also let the motor cool. Battery: release the switch or trigger, wait until the bit has stopped completely, then remove the battery, and the switch key where the model has one. Gas: release the throttle, trigger or control, turn the engine off, wait until the bit and every moving part have stopped completely, then disconnect the spark plug wire and secure it away from the plug, and let the engine and muffler cool before touching the bit, engine, muffler or anything near the exhaust. For a drill-driven bit or any attachment system, follow the shutdown instructions in both the bit or attachment manual and the power-head or drill manual. If the bit sticks or material wraps around it, stop and complete the full shutdown before touching or inspecting it. Use only the freeing or clearing method specified in the exact manual; gloves do not make grabbing sharp wire or cutting edges safe. Do not handle unidentified wire, cables or pipes. Powered reverse is permitted only when the exact manual expressly authorizes it for that task, with both hands on the designated handles and everyone clear of the bit. Complete the full shutdown again before any subsequent hands-on work. Wear safety glasses with side shields or goggles meeting the manual’s specification, including ANSI Z87.1 where required; add a face shield where required. Wear hearing protection with gas engines and wherever the manual requires it. Wear long pants and sturdy, closed footwear with secure traction, plus any additional footwear protection the manual specifies. Tie back long hair, remove jewelry and secure drawstrings; do not wear loose clothing or loose gloves. Use the gloves specified for the task and keep them, clothing, hair, hands and feet away from moving parts. Contact 811 before digging and include every planned hole in the locate request. Wait the required state notice period and confirm that every notified utility has responded with markings or a clear/no-conflict response for the work area. Resolve missing or conflicting responses before digging. Preserve the marks and follow your state’s ticket-validity and tolerance-zone rules. Keep the auger out of the required clearance area; near marks, use careful hand digging or another locating method permitted by state rules and the utility. Follow any stricter prohibition in the auger’s manual. Marks do not show a safe drilling depth. Arrange to locate private irrigation lines, cables and other services that 811 may not cover. If a line’s location remains uncertain, do not dig there. Do not handle or move unidentified cables, pipes or utility lines. Before you start, remove rocks, sticks, wire and loose hoses, and identify irrigation lines, drip lines and sprinkler heads. Keep children, pets and other people out of the work area and at least the distance your exact manual specifies. Stop if anyone enters that area. If your manual gives no number, keep everyone well clear of the work area as it directs. No single distance is safe for every auger. On a slope or uneven ground, slow down, keep firm footing and follow only your manual’s rule. Do not dig in frozen or rock-hard ground. Before refuelling, complete the full gas shutdown described above. Refuel outdoors on the ground, not in a truck or trailer, with the engine cooled. Keep fuel away from smoking, flames, sparks and other ignition sources. Use an approved fuel container, avoid overfilling, secure the cap and follow the manual’s spill-cleanup and restart-location instructions; do not start with a fuel leak. Use the specified fuel and oil arrangement for that engine. Never start or run a gas auger indoors, in a garage or shed, or in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area, even with doors open. Operate outdoors where exhaust cannot accumulate or enter occupied spaces through doors, windows or air intakes. Exhaust contains deadly carbon monoxide. For a corded auger, inspect the cord and extension cord before use and do not use damaged cords or plugs. Use an outdoor extension cord meeting the exact manual’s gauge, length, plug and grounding requirements, and follow its GFCI instructions. Keep connections dry and the cord clear of the bit, heat, oil and sharp edges. Never carry the auger by its cord or wrap the cord around your body. Do not use it in rain or wet conditions prohibited by the manual. Use only manufacturer-approved batteries and chargers for the exact model. Complete the battery shutdown before removing or changing a battery, and keep the switch off and fingers off the trigger when installing one. Do not use damaged or modified batteries or chargers. Keep loose battery terminals away from metal objects, and follow the battery and charger manuals for moisture exposure, charging temperature, cooling and storage. Load and unload only as your manual describes, and store the auger dry and out of children’s reach. Take breaks and stop when you are tired.