Dig Ruby Guide: How to Use It

The Dig Ruby is a handheld soil auger that bores a clean, consistent hole in the ground so you can inspect the soil profile, plant bulbs, or set a post. You push it into the ground, twist the handle, and pull up a core of dirt; the tool does the digging, not you. This guide covers how the auger works, what to look for when buying one, and how to get a clean hole in different soil types.

What Is a Dig Ruby?

Dig Ruby is a brand name for a specific style of manual auger: a long steel shaft with a screw-like cutting head at the bottom and a T-shaped handle at the top. Unlike a shovel, which slices and lifts, the Dig Ruby rotates into the soil, and the spiral flights pull the dirt upward and out of the hole. It is sold in a few sizes, with the most common being a 3-inch (7.6 cm) diameter head for general garden work and a 6-inch (15 cm) head for larger holes.

The tool is often marketed for planting bulbs, digging fence-post holes, and taking soil samples. Because it is powered by your arms and body weight, it is quiet, requires no fuel, and leaves no engine exhaust. It also disturbs less soil than a shovel, which is why gardeners and soil scientists favor it for profile inspection.

How the Dig Ruby Works

The auger works on the same principle as a wood drill bit. The cutting edge at the bottom of the head slices into the soil, and the spiral flight above it carries the loosened dirt upward. Each full turn of the handle advances the head about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) into the ground, depending on soil density.

To use it:

• Place the cutting head vertically on the spot where you want the hole.
• Push down with your foot on the step (if your model has one) while turning the handle clockwise.
• After every few turns, lift the auger out and knock the soil off the flights into a bucket or tarp.
• Repeat until the hole reaches the depth you need.

The key is to remove the soil regularly. If you let the flights fill completely, the auger stops cutting and just spins in place. For deep holes, pull the auger out every 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) of depth.

Choosing the Right Size

Dig Ruby augers come in several head diameters, and the right one depends on the job. A 3-inch head is ideal for bulbs, small transplants, and soil sampling. A 4.5-inch head works for medium perennials and small posts. A 6-inch head is for larger posts, shrubs, and fence rails.

Handle length also matters. A longer handle gives more leverage but makes the tool heavier and harder to control in tight spaces. Standard handles are about 36 inches (91 cm) long, which suits most adults. If you are tall, look for a model with an extended handle to avoid bending over.

Weight is another factor. A 3-inch steel auger weighs roughly 5 to 7 pounds (2.3 to 3.2 kg), while a 6-inch head can weigh 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more. Lighter models are easier to carry but may not cut through hard clay as well as heavier ones.

How to Dig a Clean Hole

Getting a clean hole is mostly about technique, not strength. Start by marking the spot and clearing away grass or mulch. Then place the auger tip exactly on the mark and begin turning slowly. Let the cutting edge do the work; do not force it downward.

For hard or compacted soil, water the area an hour before digging. Moisture softens clay and makes sandy soil hold together better. If you hit a rock, do not try to power through it. Stop, lift the auger, and use a pry bar or hand trowel to remove the rock, then continue.

For very deep holes, such as a 24-inch (61 cm) post hole, use a two-person approach. One person turns the handle while the other pulls the auger out and clears the flights. This cuts the time roughly in half and reduces fatigue.

Common Problems and Fixes

Several issues come up regularly with manual augers, and most have simple solutions.

• The auger won’t bite. This usually means the cutting edge is dull or the soil is too dry. Sharpen the edge with a file, or water the soil and try again.
• The hole is wider at the top than the bottom. You are rocking the handle side to side. Keep the shaft as vertical as possible while turning.
• Soil sticks to the flights. This happens with wet clay. Let the soil dry slightly, or spray the flights with a silicone lubricant before digging.
• The handle slips. Tighten the bolt that connects the handle to the shaft. If the handle is cracked, replace it.
• The auger veers off course. You may have hit a root or a layer of gravel. Pull out, clear the obstruction, and re-aim.

If the auger bends, it is usually from hitting a large rock while applying too much force. Straighten it carefully with a pipe over the shaft, or replace the head if it is badly warped.

Dig Ruby vs. Other Digging Tools

The Dig Ruby is one option among several for making holes in the ground. A shovel is the cheapest and most flexible, but it is slow and disturbs a large area. A post-hole digger (the clamshell type) is faster for narrow holes but requires you to lift heavy soil with your arms. A powered auger, either gas or electric, is much faster but costs more, weighs more, and requires maintenance.

For soil sampling specifically, the Dig Ruby is often better than a shovel because it pulls a relatively undisturbed core. A shovel mixes the layers, which ruins a soil test. The auger keeps the topsoil and subsoil separate, so you can see the depth of each horizon.

For planting bulbs, the auger is faster than a trowel and makes a uniform hole depth, which matters when you are planting dozens of bulbs at the same depth. The trade-off is that you need to clear the soil from the flights after each hole, which takes a few seconds.

Cost and Maintenance

A Dig Ruby auger typically costs between $40 and $120, depending on head size and handle length. The 3-inch model is at the lower end, and the 6-inch model is at the higher end. Replacement heads are available for about half the price of the full tool, so you can change sizes without buying a new handle.

Maintenance is minimal. After each use, knock off the soil and rinse the head with water. Dry it and wipe the metal with a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Sharpen the cutting edge with a flat file every season or whenever you notice it struggling in normal soil. Store it indoors or under cover; leaving it outside in the rain will rust the flights.

If the wooden or metal handle loosens, tighten the bolt or replace the handle. The shaft is usually solid steel, so it will last for years if you do not bend it.

Safety and Ergonomics

Manual augering is repetitive, so it is worth paying attention to your body. Keep your back straight and use your legs and body weight to push down, not your arms alone. Switch turning directions every few minutes to avoid straining one shoulder. Wear gloves to prevent blisters, and sturdy boots to protect your feet if the auger slips.

Do not use the auger near buried utility lines. Call your local utility locator service before digging more than a few inches deep. Also, be aware that the cutting edge is sharp; keep it pointed away from your body when carrying the tool.

If you have a heart condition or back problems, a powered auger may be a better choice, since manual augering is physically demanding. For occasional garden use, the Dig Ruby is fine, but for dozens of holes in heavy clay, you will feel it the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep can a Dig Ruby dig?

Most Dig Ruby models have a shaft that allows holes up to about 24 to 30 inches (61 to 76 cm) deep. For deeper holes, you can buy an extension shaft, but the practical limit for manual augering is about 3 feet (91 cm) in most soils. Beyond that, the friction on the shaft becomes too great to turn comfortably.

Can I use a Dig Ruby in rocky soil?

You can, but it will be slow and frustrating. The auger will stop when it hits a rock larger than the cutting head. You have to pull it out, remove the rock with a pry bar, and continue. In heavily rocky soil, a powered auger or a digging bar is a better choice.

Is a Dig Ruby good for planting bulbs?

Yes, it is excellent for bulbs. A 3-inch head makes a hole just wide enough for most daffodil and tulip bulbs, and the depth is consistent, which is important for proper blooming. You can plant dozens of bulbs in an hour once you get the rhythm.

Do I need to sharpen the Dig Ruby before first use?

No, the cutting edge comes sharp from the factory. You should only sharpen it after it becomes dull from use, which typically takes a season or two in normal garden soil. If you hit a lot of sand or rocks, it will dull faster.

Can I leave the Dig Ruby outside?

It is not recommended. The steel head will rust if left in the rain, and the handle can crack from sun exposure. Store it in a shed or garage, and wipe it down with oil after wet use. With basic care, it will last many years.

What is the difference between a Dig Ruby and a regular auger?

Dig Ruby is a specific brand, but the design is the same as other manual soil augers. The main differences are head size, handle length, and steel thickness. Some brands use thinner steel, which bends more easily, so check the gauge of the flights before buying.

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