Harbor Freight's New And More Powerful Auger Is A Great Alternative To Ryobi's Staple Tool

Anyone who has dug post holes by hand will know that an earth auger is definitely one of the tools you should have handy when installing a fence. These powerful devices can rip through hard-packed dirt or ground with stones and tree roots, saving you hours of time and back-breaking effort.

For many years, gas-powered tools dominated the market, but recently, an increasing number of quieter, more eco-friendly cordless models have become available. We looked at whether Ryobi's convenient 40-volt auger was the right tool for the job, and judging by reviews, it has proved very popular. Now, Harbor Freight has introduced a new challenger, the Atlas 80V Brushless Cordless Auger. In addition to being more powerful, it also offers considerable savings. The Atlas 80-volt auger by itself is $289.99, whereas Ryobi's 40-volt auger is $369.00. Add a battery and charger (if you don't already own them), and the difference is even greater.

The Atlas auger does seem like a great alternative. However, while price is obviously important, an 80-volt tool isn't necessarily twice as powerful as a 40-volt one. Additionally, while the vast majority of customers at Home Depot would recommend the Ryobi, the Atlas is a new model and as yet unproven. So potential buyers will want to look at the specifications in detail before making a decision.

There are a number of similarities between the two tools. Both have durable, brushless motors and anti-kickback technology that prevents the auger from spinning and being ripped out of your hands if the bit gets stuck. Both have vibration control to make them more comfortable to use. Interestingly, the Ryobi weighs 40.2 pounds, while the Atlas weighs only 31 pounds. This could make the Atlas less tiring if you're working for long periods.

The Ryobi is fitted with an 8-inch auger bit, whereas the Atlas has a 6-inch bit (other sizes are available). The Ryobi offers two forward speeds plus reverse. The Atlas has the simple forward and reverse. While this might make a difference in light soil, torque is more important in tough conditions. Ryobi says its auger is 30% more powerful than an average gas unit, but it doesn't give an actual figure. The Atlas delivers an impressive 70 foot-pounds of torque. The Ryobi will drill up to 30 holes per charge, while the Atlas will drill up to 54 (albeit 2 inches smaller in diameter).

It's hard to say whether the Atlas 80-volt auger is a better tool than the Ryobi. It hasn't been around long enough to prove its reliability. It is more powerful and considerably cheaper. So whether you're putting up a fence, building a deck, or DIYing your own gazebo, it's certainly worth a closer look as an alternative to Ryobi's more established model.