What is an Auger?
An auger is a spiral shaped tool that moves materials or liquids from one area to another. When an auger is rotated, the materials or liquids move along the spiral to the desired location. A drill bit, which is the most commonly known auger, uses the design to remove the shavings and other debris from the hole while it is being drilled. Augers have, however, been in use since ancient times. The first auger is said to have been invented sometime in the 200’s BC by Archimedes. This first design was called a water-screw, which was used to transfer water from lower levels to higher levels. Today, water pumps are usually used to serve the same purpose, though the Archimedes Screw is still occasionally used. Modern day uses of the auger design can be found in snowblowers, which move snow with an auger toward an impeller and then throw it into a discharge chute. Another example of a modern auger design is the Zamboni, which utilizes an auger to remove loose ice particles from the top of the i
An auger can be many items, dependent on your context. It can be a long flexible Steel coil for use to dislodge stoppages in a curved pipe, IE plumber’s snake. An auger can be used to drill or bore materials. Not limited to wood, iced, and ground. A snow blower has a rotating helical shaft which moves snow and is an auger. It is my understanding that any item having a treaded shank with cross handle or any item with a rotating helical shaft is an auger.
