An ice auger is a very large hand held drill. It is used by ice fishermen to bore holes through thick layers of lake ice thus enabling them a chance to catch fish during even the coldest of winters. These augers can be relatively inexpensive, easy to use, and quite effective when used right. For the most part augers replace such ineffective tools such as axes, ice saws, and ice spuds.
There are 3 types of augers available to ice fishermen. These types are hand powered, electric powered, and gas powered. Of the three the gas auger is the most efficient and by far the most popular. Available in usually 2 or 3 horsepower engines the gas powered auger drills holes much faster than the hand powered and outlasts the charge of portable electric augers. Also for ice that is three feet thick or more the gas powered auger is the best choice.
There are different styles and sizes of powered augers. Some are adjustable so as to fit in your auto easier. They also come with different hand grips, height adjustments and blades. Gas augers have either pull or electric starters. Reportedly the pull starter is more reliable.
Most units have two or three blades some of which are called chipper, laser, or ripper blades. They are usually made of steel or chrome alloy stainless steel. Whichever the choice is the ice angler should marry the size of the blade to the size of the fish being sought after. The sizes usually run between four and twelve inches, in other words from perch size to pike. Most of the blades are easily replaceable. Be sure to keep the clamps, bolts, or Allen screws tight to ensure stability and safety and to reduce the chance of damage.
If a lot of downward pressure is needed to drill a hole it is time to replace the blades or sharpen them. It's best to let an expert sharpen them but it can be accomplished with honing oil and an Arkansas stone or some other quality whet stone or file. There are also some good ceramic sharpening tools on the market.
The price range for augers can vary a great deal. The hand powered drills cost between 75 and 125 dollars. The electric and gas powered can cost anywhere from 125 dollars to 600 dollars or more. The price of the electric augers depends on their power sources. Most can be run off of ATV, auto, or even marine batteries. But some of the more expensive electric augers have their own portable power source. While these portable drills are quite handy, not to mention much quieter and lighter in weight than their gas counterparts, their use is limited. They can be used for approximately 10 to 15 holes before needing a recharge depending on the model and/or the thickness of the ice. This drawback can limit the quality of ice fishing in some instances.
The gas auger, the average weight of which is around 25 pounds, can be refueled easily and quickly. There are clear gas tanks which make it easy to visualize the amount of fuel left but are also somewhat easy to puncture. Metal tanks are blind but more durable. It's best to keep away from the plastic unclear gas tanks.
Power augers need maintenance and if done so correctly and in a timely manner will last a long time. Those with sturdy parts and sturdy gearboxes can last fifteen to twenty years. Treat them like a lawn mower being put away for the season. Drain the gas, disconnect or remove the spark plug and change or clean the filters. Use WD-40 or its equivalent to prevent rust, paying particular attention to exposed metal and the ever-important blades.
