Every earth auger gets a score from 0 to 100% built from five factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Augers are grouped by power, gas and battery, and weight has its own scale for each group.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per inch of the largest bit it drives | 30% |
| Torque | twisting force at the bit | 15% |
| Reverse | turns backward to free a jammed bit | 15% |
| Weight | powerhead weight | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty for home use | 25% |
Where the numbers come from
Largest bit, torque, speed, weight and warranty come from the maker’s spec sheet, manual or product page. Prices are checked at Amazon, the maker’s own store and tool retailers, and the lowest is used.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the diameter of the largest bit the maker rates it for, on a log scale, so halving the price per inch always counts the same. $200 per inch scores zero and $40 full marks, on the same scale for gas and battery augers. When the maker doesn’t rate a largest bit, the bit in the box stands in, and the factor is marked estimated.
Torque is the maker’s maximum torque at the bit: 40 N·m scores zero and 250 N·m full marks.
Reverse scores full marks when the bit turns backward to free a jam, and zero when it doesn’t.
Weight is the powerhead’s weight without a bit. For gas augers, 50 lb scores zero and 20 lb full marks; for battery augers, 40 lb and 15 lb.
Warranty is the warranty for home use: 1 year scores zero and 5 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
Engine size, battery capacity, the bit in the box, bit speed and number of operators are listed but not scored. Independent drilling tests are shown on the product page when there are any.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.