How to get an auger unstuck out of the ground

Try a combination of small clockwise and anticlockwise motions whilst applying a wiggling motion in order to gradually get past the obstacle.

Using an auger in rocky soil or dry dirt is not ideal, if the ground feels too hard then applying some water around the base should soften the soil and shift any rocks.

Digging away near the surface with spade should give the entire auger some room to wiggle, digging further down should expose the entire bit meaning it can easily be slid out.

If the auger is stuck shallow to the surface it could be prised out of the ground with a crow bar.

Should the auger resist too much then avoid applying too much force as you risk placing stress on the joints and could snap the handle away from the bit.

A wide handle on an auger will give you more leverage by turning the longer handle in a wider arc without having to exert as much effect. You could try extending the length of the T handle by tightly binding a strong pole to the existing handle or checking if wider handles are available. Always check with the manufacturer’s instructions to see if this technique is recommended first.

Be careful when using two people to rotate each side of the handle, if one person slips this could jolt the auger causing injury to either operator.

After removing the auger check signs of damage around the blade and tighten any joints that might have come loose.