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Ice Augers - what are you using?

7.5K views 30 replies 25 participants last post by  set-the-drag  
#1 ·
Thinking of getting a new auger (currently using a hand auger). What are you using and what would you buy if you had to get a new one - battery, propane, or gas? I'm thinking propane may be my choice.
 
#2 ·
Other than a couple hand augers I have a gas auger which is great for thick ice but are heavy. For around here a battery would be plenty. Pro they are light and I suppose the drill can be used for other things too. Con have heard there can be issues with it twisting and causing wrist injuries. Propane are pretty good too but never caught on because they came out at basically the same time as battery ones. Probably will convert to a battery in the next few years.
 
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#6 ·
The Jiffy has been the workhorse for years but we went to the lithium powered batteries a couple of years ago and never looked back. No more mixing fuel or fuel on your gloves, etc etc. I’ve popped 40-50 holes on a single charge. Just about everybody here on PIB has gone to either lithium or propane. The technology can’t be beat. Good luck
 
#15 ·
Ions are nice. It'll be fine especially for around here.
If you're not taking multiple trips north every season a quality drill with a 6" - 8" auger is more than enough (cuts down on weight too). Now the options and pairing are endless. From battery size, drill, auger and auger size.
A 20v dewalt with a 5ah battery and an 8" lazer will drill 12" of ice from dawn to dusk.
Lately a 6" mora with some elbow grease is all you need for NE Ohio. Gas is old news and propane is headed in the same direction.
 
#17 ·
8" Nils hooked up to my Milwaukee 2704 drill with a kovac adapter and I carry a couple 5.0ah batteries. I don't think I've ever completely used up single battery in a full day of fishing. I like that I can use the drill to screw in my ice anchors with the adapter and can use the batteries to power my fishfinder, charge my phone, run my lights, and run my fan.
 
#19 ·
8" K-drill w/ Rigid hammer drill and 5ah batteries. I can drill 25+ holes through 10" of ice on one battery. The knock on the 8" K-drill that you will hear is that the hole is only 7.5"...but if 1/2" is keeping you from getting all your trophies up through the hole, then I guess you should get something else. I believe I have about $300 in the entire setup.

Lifetime warranty on the drill and the batteries. One-time free blade sharpening from K-drill. The entire rig weighs like 7#. My 9 year old can drill holes with it. Reverse the drill with the bit down the hole and it flushes all the slush away (no scooping).

As far as ice fishing innovations are concerned, the K-drill changed everything in the auger world.
 
#23 · (Edited)
I got a smoking deal on a Milwaukee Fuel drill so I've decided to try it with my 8" hand auger and a Kovac Ice Master adapter to see how that works. I was originally thinking propane, but looks like battery (Strikemaster, Ion, etc.) has really taken off and may be the way to go if I don't like the drill. I fish inland lakes so I think the drill should work out okay. We'll see. .
 
#24 ·
I’ve used an Eskimo for years. I bought a new 8” Eskimo last year and gave my old one to my brother. It’s still running strong after 10+ years. New one has a new type carb and starts faster. Gas engine 50/1 mix.