Hand Augers vs. Push Tube Equipment: Choosing The Right Soil Sampling Tool
Soil sampling is the bedrock of any thorough site investigation. Whether you evaluate site contamination, perform geotechnical analysis, or set parameters for remediation, the accuracy of your soil samples will set the foundation for reliable data. But with multiple sampling tools on the market, how do you know which to trust in the field? This guide examines the practical differences between hand augers and push tube equipment,
clarifies where each approach excels, and helps you make confident choices for your next project.
Understanding Hand Augers: The Classic Approach
Hand augers have long been a staple in geotechnical and environmental sampling. Simple in design yet robust in application, a hand auger consists of a shaft with a spiral blade or bit at the end, used to cut into and remove soil. These tools are operated manually, requiring the user to rotate and push the auger into the ground, then lift it to retrieve the soil sample.
What is a Hand Auger Used For?
Hand augers are ideal for initial soil profiling, stratigraphy studies, and shallow groundwater investigations. They're particularly effective in soft to moderately compacted soils, where mechanical intervention isn't necessary. The manual auger method is preferred by many environmental consultants for small-scale or remote jobs where power tools aren't feasible.
Depth Capabilities and Limitations
Most field professionals find hand augers practical for depths up to 5 metres, depending on the soil type and auger extension rods used. In denser soils or in projects requiring deeper profiles, mechanical or powered methods may be required instead.
How Hand Augers Operate in Practice
The manual hand auger method is straightforward yet efficient:
- Assemble the auger and necessary extension rods.
- Position the auger at the sampling location.
- Apply downward pressure while rotating clockwise.
- Withdraw the auger to recover the soil core for observation or laboratory testing.
- Repeat the process until the desired depth or sample layers are reached.
For best results, select a soil auger for soil sampling designed for your target soil—whether clayey, sandy, or silty profiles.
Push Tube Equipment: When Precision and Integrity Matter
Push tube equipment (such as split spoon samplers and Shelby tubes) is used for extracting relatively undisturbed soil cores. Unlike augers—which mix, cut, and sometimes disrupt stratigraphy—push tubes are designed to preserve the natural layering, density, and moisture content of the soil.
When to Choose Push Tubes Over Augers
Push tubes excel in soft, cohesive, or saturated soils. They allow you to extract samples for lab-based geotechnical or chemical analysis with minimal disturbance. These tools are often driven into the ground using the static weight of the operator or with gentle percussion. For environmental investigations that demand sample integrity (for example, volatile organic compound analysis), the choice of a push tube or soil sampler is highly recommended.
Comparing the Two Methods: Which Tool for Which Task?
Key Considerations
Soil Type: Loose or unconsolidated soils favour augers. Soft clays or fine silts are better suited for push tubes, which preserve in-situ conditions.
Sample Depth: Hand augers reach up to 5 metres, but penetration is limited by soil compaction. Push tubes, while capable of similar shallow depths manually, are more commonly used for core recovery in the
upper 1–2 metres with hand-driven methods.
Sample Integrity: If your analysis requires undisturbed samples—such as Atterberg limits, triaxial shear, or contaminant distribution—push tubes are essential.
Portability and Efficiency: Hand augers are lightweight and easy to transport, making them excellent for remote areas or rapid site coverage. Push tube equipment, particularly if using longer tubes or heavy rigs,
may require more logistics.
How to Take a Soil Sample with an Auger
- Select the appropriate auger bit for the soil conditions.
- Mark your depth increments for precise layer identification.
- Rotate the auger into the ground, retrieve it, and collect the sample.
-For repeated sampling at multiple depths, clean the auger between lifts to prevent cross-contamination.
Routine maintenance of your auger—such as inspecting for worn blades and tight connections—will also ensure the reliability of your results through the project.
What’s the Best Tool to Take a Soil Sample?
There’s no universal answer—choosing between auger and push tube equipment depends on your project’s purpose, soil conditions, depth requirements, and desired sample quality. If you’re profiling stratigraphy for site classification or bore logging, a hand auger is often the most versatile and cost-effective tool. For regulatory compliance or laboratory tests that demand undisturbed samples, a push tube or specialised soil sampler is the right choice.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice for Your Site Investigation
The effectiveness of your soil sampling hinges on selecting the tool that matches both your site’s ground conditions and your investigation goals. Hand augers offer flexibility, ease of use, and are suitable for a broad range of soils at shallow depths. Push tube equipment stands out when you need undisturbed samples for precise laboratory testing. Assess your site requirements, and let the sampling objective guide your choice.
At Site Investigation Supply, our team is here to support you with expert advice and access to a full suite of soil sampling augers, push tube samplers, and more. With the right equipment, you can approach every sampling job with confidence and accuracy.
If you need help selecting the perfect tool for your next project, reach out to us—your one-stop partner for reliable, innovative site investigation solutions.