Choosing a Digger Bar

[Obed]

All,
I'm shopping for a bar that I can use to dig a post hole through sandstone. If you want to suggest any equipment other than a digging bar, please do that in this other thread: Gate Post Hole Through Rock . Which of these bars would do the best job digging through rock? I've attached some pictures of some digging bars I saw at Northern Tool.

Bar A: 2 digging ends - point on one end and a chisel end on the other
Bar B: One symetric wedge shaped digging end
Bar C: One offset wedge shaped digging end
Bar D: Another digging bar you have used

Thanks in advance for your advice.
Obed

 

[elginfarm]

I have Bar A, and it has worked well for me in all situations where the rocks were two to four inches thick. I was able to fracture them and then dig out the pieces until the area was large enough for me to get my auger through or set my post. Good Luck with whatever you choose.

 

[schmism]

I have A but only because i couldnt find C

both my dad and his brother have C and ive used both for years as a kid.

cant say either one is better as both seem to weight about the same amount...

 

[Iowachild]

I have had good luck with bar A (left in photo). but then all my rocks are sandstone!

 

[Timber]

I have all of the above and a few more, Bar C I use strictly for cutting roots inside the hole and I keep it very sharp, I try not to hit any rocks with it. Bar A the wide end I use for shaving the hole to center a post in the bottom of the hole. for knocking rock loose I use a pointed bar that is weighted at the point. The sharp point is a little light. My point bar has a Tamper on the but end for packing dirt around the post. All these bars have a use. If I had to choose only one it would be a heavy weighted dull point for knocking stone. Of those 3 it would be bar B because of the weight alone

 

[1bush2hog]

I use a chisel point bar with a round tamping end on it, and only need one bar to pry rocks, break rocks, cut roots, and tamp the post in. Probably not the most efficient based on others suggestions, but works for me.

Also important is the technique you use to break the rock. You may need a chisel and a hammer depending on how thick your rock is. Sandstone should break apart easier than some other rock types. Go with the grain (like splitting wood) in a line and then try hitting across the grain at the ends of the line to chip or break the rock.