What tools are recommended for manually digging a pole hole?

Manually digging a pole hole typically involves creating a deep, narrow opening in the ground to support a utility pole. Among the tools mentioned, using long handle jobbers or a spoon is particularly effective for this purpose. Long handle jobbers, often designed for digging and removing soil from deep holes, allow the user to efficiently excavate the earth while maintaining a good posture and reducing physical strain.

A spoon, referring to a type of scoop shovel with a rounded blade, is especially useful for removing loose soil and debris from the hole once some initial digging has been accomplished, facilitating the digging process and providing more control over the shape and depth of the hole.

In contrast, other tools listed would not be as suitable. While a shovel and a pickaxe can be beneficial for initial excavation, they may not provide the precision needed for the final shaping of the hole required for pole installation. A drill and hammer are ill-suited for digging purposes as they serve different functions entirely. Power saws and chisels also don't align with the task of digging, as they are intended for cutting materials, not earth excavation. Therefore, long handle jobbers and a spoon are clearly the most appropriate tools for the task of manually digging a pole hole.