Cutting ice holes is a hard job, without the right tool. The first ice holes that we cut were using a sharpened spud bar and /or an axe. Both tools made ice chips fly but did not create a smooth-edged hole. The cutting probably scared off the fish as well. Deep ice meant scooping out the loose chips.
Eventually the spud bar hit a boot, or the axe bounced and cut the cutter. Eye protection was also needed. Several fish would be broken off on the sharp-edged ice. These tools worked but they were not the best.
Later we went to a hand auger. These large screw blades required Popeye the Sailor arms to cut a hole. Later I was given an antique hand auger that cut like butter, but every other hand auger is hard work.
You tend to cut one hole and spend the day rather than searching for better fishing. When hiding in an ice shanty, you also tend to spend more time in one place, rather than searching for Honey Holes.
When we graduated to a gasoline 10-inch auger, life was good, but the auger weighed in at over 40 pounds. Now we needed a sled to haul the gear. Fuel and maintenance were required and these Big Cutting Beasts tended to fail when it was really cold.
Gasoline Power Augers led to propane augers and then to rechargeable battery augers. They all worked but each was heavy and bulky.
I often see them for sale in outdoor marketplaces. If you are planning to graduate to the BEST Ice Auger, start with where ice augers have evolved.
Use a portable, quality rechargeable Power Drill. Every home craftsman has their favorite. Here is my evaluation of the 3 best/most common Ice cutting Hand Drills.
Makita I love this brand of tool. The batteries are durable and available. The tool I use is an 18 volt. I added a portable auger bit and discovered what a great solution to ice hole cutting this system was.
Milwaukee My son’s favorite drill is Milwaukee’s. He has a couple of batteries and uses the biggest hammer drill he has. It works fine.
DeWalt XR, I researched this drill for a long time. DeWalt has never been my favorite but my buddies Meatstick and Handy Randy both swore by it. I bought a Dewalt 20-amp drill when it was on sale. Christmas sales are the perfect time to shop. This drill can’t be beat. I have never needed to use more than one battery during a trip.
Battery powered drills fit into a bucket. The auger attachment is separate. Together they weigh under 10 pounds.
AUGER ATTACHMENT This choice is again personal. There are several great brands. My choice is the K-Drill. Keep the cutting edges sharp and use the safety cover. I attach the handle onto my power drill for added control. The first power setting is perfect. You do not need speed to cut an ice hole, you need more torque. The handle and drill grip are helpful to keep things safe. A drop shield will keep the auger from falling off the drill and going into the deep.
The DeWalt 20-amp battery drill cuts ice holes faster, quieter, and smoother than any other tool I have ever used. Keep the blades sharp and cut away.
Be the best Ice hole cutter you can be!
Montana Grant
