The method of forming a bore, usually from a drive pit, using a rotating cutting head is called the Auger boring method. Soil is removed back to the drive pit by helically wound auger flights rotating in a steel casing. The equipment may have limited steering capability. Guided Auger boring is the term applied to Auger boring systems which are similar to microtunneling, but with the guidance mechanism actuator sited in the drive shaft (e.g. a hydraulic wrench which turns a steel casing with an asymmetric face at the cutting head). The term may also be applied to those Auger boring systems with rudimentary articulation of the casing near the cutting head activated by the rods from the drive pit. The advantages of this tunneling system are that it causes little or no disruption to soil surface and no disruption to traffic. Its limitations include a very rudimentary steering system, thorough site investigations required and large boulders or very soft ground can cause problems.

Auger drilling is achieved by means of a helical screw which is driven into the ground with rotation; the earth is lifted up the borehole by the blade of the screw. Auger drilling is used for well drilling, fence construction, soil engineering and geochemistry reconnaissance work in exploration for mineral deposits. In some cases, mine shafts are dug with auger drills. Small augers can be mounted on the back of a utility truck, with large augers used for sinking piles for bridge foundations.

Auger drilling is restricted to generally soft, unconsolidated material or weak, weathered rock.