I plan to dig a deep hole in Central Texas and the dirt is rather hard. I will be working alone. What hand tool would allow be to do this quickiest?
You may have what is called caleche and it's very hard to dig through, the only thing harder is solid rock. The only things I know that you could use is a pick, shovel, and rock bar. A hand drill and explosives would work but the neighbors might have something to say about that, not to mention the cops.
a pick and shovel. if it is that hard soaking it with water will likely turn it back to clay, you will have a hard time working in it. my idea would still be hire a tractor with a post hole digger on it and make several holes at the same spot all the way around the area then shovel it out. depends on the size though you said big and in texas it must be really big then right? if so try a bull dozer then reseal where the dozer went into the pit, when done, you may die of exhaustion before finishing,otherwise
A soak the ground for a long time, B.. post hole digger or shovel
