Electric ice auger

[-JR-]

I have seen the movies on u- tube on how well an electric drill works on a ice auger,just wondering if anyone on this site has used one and how well it works when ice is thicker liker 2-3 feet?
Is it hard on the wrist ?
Is it safe ?
Would you go back to an gas auger ?
Whats the chance of the drill backing off and the auger falls threw the whole

[horsetrader]

I have seen the movies on u- tube on how well an electric drill works on a ice auger,just wondering if anyone on this site has used one and how well it works when ice is thicker liker 2-3 feet?
Is it hard on the wrist ?
Is it safe ?
Would you go back to an gas auger ?
Whats the chance of the drill backing off and the auger falls threw the whole

I have a 6" auger that I use a drill with most I've cut through with it is about 12" not to bad on wrist if you have a helper handle on your drill

[calgarygringo]

Send Slingshotz a pm he has one. I have been out with him a couple of times when we have used his electric. His works pretty slick and is much lighter than my big gasser.

[Geezle]

Last year I had a chance to use one of the ones that Ken fabbed up using a wheelchair motor I believe, and that thing rocked. It drilled a little slower than a gas auger, but had a snotload of torque and once it was going it really didn't slow down at all.

Wish I would have been in a position to buy one from him last year :o

[camshaft]

Are you referring to the kind that attach to the cordless drills, or dedicated electric battery ones like the "icegator".

I have a gator and i have holes drilled before gas augers are even started. I havent had any issues with deep ice as of yet.

[-JR-]

Right now I have an electric auger that I run off of a car battery that I drag out on the lake , it runs very slow and can only drill 3 holes ( ice is about 15") ,would work much better if I could run it off my truck when its running ,but when snow is to deep or ice un- driveable ,its not a good system . Was thanking of converting this 8 inch auger over to a electric dewalt drill system.

[nicemustang]

The thing to note that is MOST IMPORTANT! Get a drill that has the highest torque rating. The dewalts 18 V drills have 350 torque rating which should be minimum used, some are higher (like the hammerdrill has 450). I think they have a 36 V that has 750 which could run anything! But that one probably is $400 so I'm not sure it's worth it.

Rigid has a 460 or 530 depending on model and is quite a bit cheaper. Don't use the cheap no name ones, they don't have enough power and you will burn out your drill. It doesn't work with mine which is an older ryobi that only has 230.

[npauls]

I should really get a drill set up. I have a really good drill to use so I would just need a cheap hand auger and the drill hook up. Would make the sled alot lighter on those days when I am at little lakes or looking for trout or perch.


Nate

[elementzero]

I have a Rigid 18v drill with 2 batteries not sure of the torque. I am hopeing that this will be good enough, cause i just bought the bass pro shop 8" auger with the drill assembly. If any one has a set up close to the same or have any knowledge on it, please let me know if i made a mistake or how many holes you get off 2 batteries, maybe even length of time per hole just cause thats neat to hear and know. Thanks :cheers:

[nicemustang]

You should be fine!

[elementzero]

thx it seems you are the one to awnser most of my questions nicemustang. sorry there are so many but you gotta start sometime.

[bloopbloob]

i made one out of a 6" swedebore hand auger, cut the handle off and fabbed up an attachment. I think I just need a better drill. It cut pretty quick for the first few inches, but then the drill just couldn't handle it (18V Cheapo Brand). I'm sure it'd work great with better drill than what I used. I can see it being faster than a gas auger, it worked pretty slick for the first little bit. Plus then you have a drill handy for predrilling holes for ice tent pegs

[horsetrader]

Run mine with a DeWalt 18v its a 6" auger cuts through 12 -14" of ice faster than my 10" gas does.

[BobLoblaw]

I watched a few vids on Youtube regarding using a drill with an auger.
One dude recommended not using less than a 24volt; he seemed to know what he was talking about???

[dwedmon]

If you go with a power drill you should probably stick with a 6" or smaller auger. It should be fine for early season ice but I doubt it could handle it when the ice gets to 2ft thick.

[-JR-]

Nice set up horsetrader,see you but an extra handle on the auger,does one need that extra handle.

I have a lot of shims under my ice blades ,would you recommend having less shims, so there would be less torque and more cutting speed.

[mudbug]

Run mine with a DeWalt 18v its a 6" auger cuts through 12 -14" of ice faster than my 10" gas does.

That extra handle would also keep you from losing the auger down the hole as well I'm betting :)

[bloopbloob]

I took my shims off, and put on brand new blades for the first test, on a 6", and it still was too much for my drill. An 8" with shims would probably require a LOT of torque. 6" to 8" is a big difference.

hmmm. I need to find a good drill on sale!

[horsetrader]

Nice set up horsetrader,see you but an extra handle on the auger,does one need that extra handle.

I have a lot of shims under my ice blades ,would you recommend having less shims, so there would be less torque and more cutting speed.

That extra handle would also keep you from losing the auger down the hole as well I'm betting :)

The extra handle helps start the hole the 6" does not have a spike to keep it in one place when starting and your right bug it allso keeps it from falling down the hole. Once you are a few inches down then use handle on drill take pressure off wrist. I would play with the shims a little if you have trouble with auger binding.I set my drill on low speed high torque

[mudbug]

I've heard of people losing the auger part when drilling through, some thirty pound test and a good magnet from Princess Auto would come in handy :)
An extension using 1/4 threaded rod instead of just a bolt and nut to keep the adapter on the auger, just make sure it's wider than the auger and it will keep the auger from going through the ice as well, just put rubber or wood ends on it to keep it from snagging your clothes :)

[elementzero]

I just bought the assembly to attach a hand auger to a cordless drill from bass pro shop and how it works is the assembly attaches to the drill through the chuck but also has a cord to go around the drill and the assembly is bolted to the auger. so if the chuck does loosen and the assembly falls out it will still be attached to the drill. the only problem would be if you have really bad luck and it all falls apart and you drop your drill down the hole.

[JJMorrocco]

Would an impact not have more torque for this and be better?

[nicemustang]

Would an impact not have more torque for this and be better?

Probably, check the specs.

[horsetrader]

Would an impact not have more torque for this and be better?

You would want to make sure the impact is not to strong and dulls the blade banging against the ice

[kostianych]

tried 18V RIDGID with 6" auger on Spray in January 2010.....
last only 6 feet of ice @-18C (2 holes).....

[elementzero]

today at gull lake I tried my new set up. It is a ridgid 18v with batteries about 3 years old' a 8" bass pro brand hand auger with the drill bit assembly from bass pro. first battery drilled 4 holes, first 2 were done fast in under a min, 3rd hole struggled at the very end and the 4th hole really struggled at the end, still did them in a minute thirty though. 2nd battery drilled 4 holes, fast under a min and the 5th hole struggled a bit, but still had enough power i think to do another hole maybe 2. All in all, did the job for me today but if you move around a lot save for a gas power. If funds are low like mine were after christmas this was the way to go . If you do it this way my advice would be drill your holes almost completly but save the last bit to do by hand it will save your battery in the long run and you will get many more holes from your drill. The ice was 21" thick

[chubbdarter]

today at gull lake I tried my new set up. It is a ridgid 18v with batteries about 3 years old' a 8" bass pro brand hand auger with the drill bit assembly from bass pro. first battery drilled 4 holes, first 2 were done fast in under a min, 3rd hole struggled at the very end and the 4th hole really struggled at the end, still did them in a minute thirty though. 2nd battery drilled 4 holes, fast under a min and the 5th hole struggled a bit, but still had enough power i think to do another hole maybe 2. All in all, did the job for me today but if you move around a lot save for a gas power. If funds are low like mine were after christmas this was the way to go . If you do it this way my advice would be drill your holes almost completly but save the last bit to do by hand it will save your battery in the long run and you will get many more holes from your drill. The ice was 21" thick

good detailed post...thanks

[elementzero]

no prob :)

[deanmc]

Cool. If the fishing is good that may be all the holes you need.

Just take the muscle drive adapter with you as well in case you run out of battery power.

[Ken07AOVette]

I have made several electric ice augers, and lots of adapters. If anyone needs a custom adapter made, I will do it for the cost of material, likely $5.00 or so, and shipping, another $5.00-$10.00 in the mail.

I just need the I/D of the particular ice auger you want to use. I turn them on the lathe out of steel, but can do aluminum as well. Aluminum is easier for you to finish, you have to drill a hole through to hold it to the auger, very simple. Also, you can just make a little loop out of wire or a coathanger, if the auger falls off it wont go through the ice.

I have seen an adapter for sale at Canadian Tire, but of course they only had 1.

[Jiffy10]

" It is what it is "

says it all... an 18 volt is the min. you need to drill an 8" hole.
I also made a few of the adapters just for fun and I always take
a drill and my old hand auger. My Jiffy has never let me down but
I like a back up plan. So just for giggles I drilled a few holes to
see what it was like. NOT BAD !! I drilled 2 holes in about 12"
of ice. Not the fastest but MUCH BETTER THAN HAND DRILLING !!
I have an extra battery also so I guess it would suite some but not
all situations.

my suggestion is that if you like to move around and try diff spots
this isnt the set up for you. If your simply want to join the crowd
and have some fun... Go to Canadian Tire on 178th in Edmt.
They have the adapters. Drill a few holes and Have some fun .

IF you havent already got one... GET ONE....
It could save your sanity for that one day when
Your Gas Auger wont start !!


Jiffy 10 out....

[nicemustang]

tried 18V RIDGID with 6" auger on Spray in January 2010.....
last only 6 feet of ice @-18C (2 holes).....

Either you need new blades or your battery isn't good. Also, depends on torque rating of the rigid.

[the local angler]

i also bought the bass pro adaptor for around $35 and went out and bought a 18v drill with the side handle and according to the specs its 250for torque and first time using it was trying to punch through about a foot of ice about a month ago. the first two inches were easy and no problem but once it got to about the 4 to 5 inch mark it struggled and kept cutting like a quarter turn at a time even though i have been clearing the slush from the hole. not even one hole was cut and so i finished the holes by hand and threw the drill set up in the vehicle. i was disappointed.it was about -12 out.

[nicemustang]

i also bought the bass pro adaptor for around $35 and went out and bought a 18v drill with the side handle and according to the specs its 250for torque and first time using it was trying to punch through about a foot of ice about a month ago. the first two inches were easy and no problem but once it got to about the 4 to 5 inch mark it struggled and kept cutting like a quarter turn at a time even though i have been clearing the slush from the hole. not even one hole was cut and so i finished the holes by hand and threw the drill set up in the vehicle. i was disappointed.it was about -12 out.

Yup, too bad. Torque rating isn't high enough. I'm in the same boat. Have to wait to find a deal on a better drill.

[camshaft]

Once again people seem to think they can just go out and buy any 18v drill and drill holes with ease. There is a reason people recommend a "36 volt" commercial drill for this purpose (well for an 8" bit anyways)

Spend the money on proper equipment and you will be able to actually drill more than a couple holes in anything thicker than 18" of ice.

[the local angler]

36v really?? every one i talked to at the fishing stores told me 18v instead of anything lower then that, thats why i picked up an 18v. hmm interesting.

[New Hunter Okotoks]

I used an adapter with a Hitachi 18V with an 8" auger. I would only get maybe 2 holes/battery in 20" ice. I think they are made for 6" augers and not much ice. I purchased a gas auger shortly after trying the drill/adapter.

How much does a 36V drill cost anyways? For that money, a person may as well buy a gas auger.

[camshaft]

Im not saying that you "need" a 36v bosch drill.....but how long will your 18v last? The brushes will be burnt up in no time and the drill will be toast.

I agree that you can get by with a 6in bit and a "decent" high torque 18v drill...but if u plan on using this setup for hundreds of holes, or plan on ever using a 8" bit, spend the money right the 1st time on proper equipment.

[Ken07AOVette]

What about soldering a set of wires directly into a cordless 12V drill, with alligator clamps to attach to your vehicle battery? I have done it before, just not with that purpose in mind.

[canso1967]

i bought the lectric jiffy as they call it and it drill 5 holes then its dead drills well but 5 holes not nearly enough!!

[Ken07AOVette]

I wonder what my 1/2 inch snap on 18v impact would do?

Might have to try it, but a gas auger is cheaper lol

[Geezle]

I wonder what my 1/2 inch snap on 18v impact would do?

Might have to try it, but a gas auger is cheaper lol

I wonder if the impacting would help out, or if it would possibly damage your blades?

[Badback]

This is my 4th year of using my DeWalt 18V drill with a 6 inch auger...I get 10 - 13 holes per battery in ice 15 – 20 inches thick…The plug-in power inverter is in my car for charging the batteries when needed…Two important things when using a cordless with a auger; new blades each year and take the auger handle with you all the time…

[GEO.]

I have a Jiffy auger with an 8" leg that cuts threw the ice like snot.Also,I elimnated the bolt that holds the leg onto auger and replaced it with a spring pin,so it only takes a sec. to take the leg on or off.Though the set is a bit heavy,the cerrated blades last for years befor thay get dull. Also,I only mix enough gas to fill a 1 L. bottle.That way,I don't have to pack gas & oil with me.

[doublehaul]

http://s1235.photobucket.com/albums/ff438/dhphotos1/?action=view&current=IMG_0494.mp4

here is my 6 inch auger with 18V Dewalt XRP at gull lake december
I drilled about 8-10 holes on one battery