The Harbor Freight Tool You Need If You Want To Install Your Own Fence

Whether you're choosing backyard fencing that's purely functional or one of those types of fencing that can instantly boost curb appeal, most rely on sturdy posts sunk well into the ground to make sure they stay upright and looking good for longer. As a rule of thumb, one-third of the post needs to be buried. So for a six-foot tall fence, that's a hole of around 24 inches deep. Digging a few of those can tire you out in no time.

Some suggest that one of the tools you should have handy when installing a fence is a post hole digger. Not a bad idea, but that's still a manual tool that requires plenty of effort. If you really want to make life easy, you need a gas-powered auger like the Predator from Harbor Freight. It can help make installing your own fence a breeze.

As you would expect from Harbor Freight, the Predator is very competitively priced. It comes with a 52cc, 2-stroke engine that develops up to 45 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of torque to power through difficult dirt. It is designed for one-person operation and weighs just 20 pounds. A 6-inch diameter, 31-inch long auger is included. An 8-inch diameter version is available, as is an extension shaft for deeper holes. So it comes with the power you need at a weight you can handle, and all for a competitive price. But don't just take our word for it.

It's fair to say that Harbor Freight tools can receive mixed reviews, so before you spend your hard-earned money, it's reasonable to ask how the Predator performs in real-world use. YouTube videos suggest it is more than capable of handling the job expected of it, and reviewers think it's well worth the money. Harbor Freight customers back that up, saying that it's both fast and powerful. An impressive 95 percent of people would recommend it.

Realistically, it isn't perfect. A few people had problems starting the Predator, though you'll find that complaint with pretty much any tool that has a motor with a cord. Following the proper procedure is vital. There's also no reverse on the Predator, so it can be challenging to disentangle if it gets caught in roots. And it's important to keep a firm grip on the two handles because if you hit something, the auger will tend to twist quite violently. Those minor drawbacks aside, it seems that whatever style of fence your house needs, choosing the Harbor Freight Predator Earth Auger to help install it is likely to be a good decision.