Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

My new toy.


Agronomist_at_IA

Recommended Posts

I think you will really like it. I like mine except I made the mistake of getting the light duty drill for it. I plan to upgrade to a heavy duty drill this year and use it all season instead of the gas auger unless I am chasing pike then I will use the gas auger for the larger holes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I purchased the Nil's Masters version of that last year and I'm quit happy. Is it a 6 or 8 inch blade? Mine is the 6" and it seems to be all I need for most any type of fishing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got the heavier dewalt 18volt xrp hammer drill, and an after market 4amp lithium ion battery comming. I had an 8in ht shaver bit I'm going to try and see how it works. I heard that 7in shavers work fine, so if the 8in seems like its to much I might try a 7in. Either that or I'll upgrade to a brushless drill like the milwakee 18volt. I've seen a couple clips on utube of it running 8in augers with no problem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sweeeet! I am making the switch from gas to electric this year as well. Can't wait to compare notes on the best combos.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm going to be a late adopter on this. I am just not a big believer on battery anything. I've been burned too many times with batteries that konk out just when you need them the most. Heck, at home I still use a corded drill most of the time.

Yes, gas augers are a pain to lug around. Yes, the gas they need is also a pain to lug around. But they work all day every day.

However, definitely post a report this season to let us know how you like it. One of the most fun things about ice fishing is all the gear so I know how pumped up you must be.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm going to be a late adopter on this. I am just not a big believer on battery anything. I've been burned too many times with batteries that konk out just when you need them the most. Heck, at home I still use a corded drill most of the time.

Yes, gas augers are a pain to lug around. Yes, the gas they need is also a pain to lug around. But they work all day every day.

However, definitely post a report this season to let us know how you like it. One of the most fun things about ice fishing is all the gear so I know how pumped up you must be.

You still use corded drills? I havent used a corded drill in 15years.I didnt think anyone used them anymore.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As a guy who uses cordless tools at work. I won't trust one to drill 100 holes a day. What do you have money wise tied up in the whole unit? How much are batteries when you need to replace in a year or 2. What happens when you forget the drill is laying out by the shack in 6" of water?.... I'll stick with my 21 pound gas auger....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I used mine all season last year... not just early and late ice. Worked great! Worst part of the whole deal was removing the chuck off of my drill.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

As a guy who uses cordless tools at work. I won't trust one to drill 100 holes a day. What do you have money wise tied up in the whole unit? How much are batteries when you need to replace in a year or 2. What happens when you forget the drill is laying out by the shack in 6" of water?.... I'll stick with my 21 pound gas auger....

From a guy who has 5000 plus holes last season on my DeWalt XR 20V Hammerdrill. You can assume all you want!! There were many days last season that I was well over 300 holes a day scouting for tournaments. I am interested though on what the difference will be between he'll see in his 18v vs my 20v.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

But that $300 drill won't last 30 years. Sooner or later a battery will need replaced as well as the drill. We are lucky to get 3 years out of a tool. Both personal and company owned.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I used the rigid last year after 30 holes it started smoking a lil bit so brought it back and got the 20v DeWalt hammerdrill. Pretty sure me and lawrence have the same drill. I bought mine after watching lawrence all year run around and out drill me and looked a heck of a lot easier. I bought it with about 3 feet of ice left and had no problem drilling 20 holes on a 3.0 amp battery. This year I see they got 5.0 which makes it the best drill ever. I plan on using it all season I run a 6'' lazer on mine I would recommend this thing to anyone the easiest auger ever to use had my 10 year old nephew drilling grids for me! plus if you get stuck put it in reverse! Good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I imagine for most that this auger is paired with a gas auger in the garage? Not saying it's good or bad but from what I've seen / read, this really only works good with small augers and early/late season ice. By no means should this be someones only/primary auger...unless you only target pan fish or want to try 20 or less holes in the deep of winter.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The whole battery vs gas auger debate always goes back & forth because gas guys forget what the battery augers are meant for (40 holes or less) If you're a guy who typically drills 100 holes a day then YES, the gas auger is best. For those who either have a perm shack or know the spots they will be fishing and drill less than 40 holes, you can't come up with any argument that says gas is better than battery...

For those thinking about the Adapter Plate, my real world experience with the setup was nowhere near what the Clam sponsored guys are talking about. If trying to use it for anything besides early ice (less than 6") you're gonna burn up your drill very quickly...I'm not hating on Clam (I loved the concept and was one of the first to buy one) but they need to do a better job of informing users on it's capabilities and limitations.

and for those who will reply back with the whole keeping the battery warm argument, this can be easily solved by either keeping the battery in a coat pocket (free) or buying a soft sided lunch box and a few reusable hand warmers ($10)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

From a guy who has 5000 plus holes last season on my DeWalt XR 20V Hammerdrill. You can assume all you want!! There were many days last season that I was well over 300 holes a day scouting for tournaments. I am interested though on what the difference will be between he'll see in his 18v vs my 20v.

300 holes a day? How many batteries do you carry with you, and what was the ice thickness? I only ask because I have never used or even seen one in action, but I would have a very hard time believing this was done with one, or even six fully charged batteries. I have a 18v dewalt heavy duty hammer drill that I absolutely love, but when drilling in concrete to set a couple of anchors, i'm lucky to get two holes out of a fully charged battery. Not trying to start anything, just curious. Thanks

Link to comment
Share on other sites

icehole, come out to any UPL this season and check it out for yourself. I was running 4 batteries last season. I am planning on carrying six just because when it got real thick in March I finally ran through all 4 on tourney day. This season I'm running the new brushless and the 5Ah batteries so it should be even better. Believe me your now going to be seeing more of these at the UPL, NAIFC and Team Extreme tournaments because the of the performance I had with it. My setup last season was the DeWalt XR 20v 4Ah batteries.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The whole battery vs gas auger debate always goes back & forth because gas guys forget what the battery augers are meant for (40 holes or less) If you're a guy who typically drills 100 holes a day then YES, the gas auger is best. For those who either have a perm shack or know the spots they will be fishing and drill less than 40 holes, you can't come up with any argument that says gas is better than battery...

For those thinking about the Adapter Plate, my real world experience with the setup was nowhere near what the Clam sponsored guys are talking about. If trying to use it for anything besides early ice (less than 6") you're gonna burn up your drill very quickly...I'm not hating on Clam (I loved the concept and was one of the first to buy one) but they need to do a better job of informing users on it's capabilities and limitations.

and for those who will reply back with the whole keeping the battery warm argument, this can be easily solved by either keeping the battery in a coat pocket (free) or buying a soft sided lunch box and a few reusable hand warmers ($10)

Joe, check out the comments above. I'm well over 5000 holes on my setup (DeWalt XR 20v Hammerdrill) last season and that's tournament proven. As Clayton said in his post he watched me all day long drill holes and went out to get one himself after it. He's not a Clam guy. If you burned up a drill then you got what you paid for because any good drill the would have been under warranty.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

He's not a Clam guy ?? The hat bibs and shirt he's wearing in his avatar would lead me to believe and tink otherwise LOL! Perhaps he's not one of their compensated endorsers though.

This auger type thing mentioned by the OP with a top shelf drill will probably work okay and maybe even great for the cat being he's down there in Iowa where the ice don't get real thick real often. He probaly does his share of Panfishing where a 5 or 6 inch hole can get you by. Here on the LOTW I don't think it'd cut the mustard, the 2 I saw in action last year anyways were epic fails.

For the money ones gonna have to lay out for the auger deally-bob, a top shelf drill and 2-3-4-5 extra batteries iffin I was wanting an electric auger that Ion unit with a Clam adjustable extention would probably be what I'd be looking at.. Even if as Northlander said some time back they kinda look like a 'training auger' !!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just out of curiosity what kind of money do you have to outlay for a good hammer drill and 6 batteries? My quick research shows just south of a grand for the drill, 6 batteries, and the plate. I was debating on buying one this year but at that kind of price I'll hold off a couple more years to see if the price comes down on the components. Good idea but the cost for all the batteries seems like it will discourage a few people.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Premium Drill Driver Kit 279.99 Home Depot Regular Price

2 extra batteries 89.99 Home Depot Regular Price

Get a 10% off coupon and save some cash, or wait for Christmas sales.

Auger Conversion kit 149.99 at gander, 5% off with clam perk card?... if you already have a auger and just need the plate its 59.99.

I use the Drill itself and the Driver around the house constantly too.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

icehole, come out to any UPL this season and check it out for yourself. I was running 4 batteries last season. I am planning on carrying six just because when it got real thick in March I finally ran through all 4 on tourney day. This season I'm running the new brushless and the 5Ah batteries so it should be even better. Believe me your now going to be seeing more of these at the UPL, NAIFC and Team Extreme tournaments because the of the performance I had with it. My setup last season was the DeWalt XR 20v 4Ah batteries.

If you are drilling that many holes, why wouldn't you use a gas auger? way, way, way cheaper upfront cost plus will last longer. You could buy a top of the line (i guess not the 10") Nils auger and have both light weight and quick drilling. Nils motor is about 14 lbs. Clam plate is about 6 lbs plus drill and battery have to put it about the same? I just don't see why you would limit yourslef with a electric motor for way more cost? What am I missing here, please help?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's the not messing with gas issue. When my partner MT and I pulled up to a spot last season I would have three holes drilled before he even choked his Nils. My Clam Drill Plate/DeWalt XR 20v/Lazer Drill setup weighs in a 13.97lbs. The Nils I sold last year Tanaka Engine/Nils Drill weighed in at 19.87lbs. Almost 6lbs different is a big deal. MT and I now both have sold our Nils. Not sure where you getting your info but you would be in the same setup I got for $85 less than the Nils.

Clam Drill Plate Kit/Auger - $150

Clam Auger Extension - $16

DeWalt 20v XR 4Ah Kit - $209 (Sale price at Runnings)

DeWalt 20v XR 4Ah Batteries 2pk - $129

Total $504

Nils 6 in Kit at Red Rock $589

Link to comment
Share on other sites

And that makes more sense than an Ion why???????????????

These drill plate debates are every bit as good as the flasher ones! whistle

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.