What drill to use with an auger?

[Carp-fisher]

I've been using a Ryobi 18V lithium ion with a 6" Nils Master auger. In 40 degree weather this weekend, I got 18 holes through about 15" of ice on one battery. This is fine for goofing around, but not for serious ice fishing...or going up north at any point.

Whats a good drill for ice augering? How many holes (through what thickness) can you get on one battery?

Thanks!

[H2O Milfoil]

I would say an 8 inch drill in 20+ inches of ice, you won't be too happy having only one battery. I know you said 6" but that's pretty small to go for big toothy fish. I hope you like a good upper body workout!

[hydro]

There are two parts to the drill equation. First, it has to generate enough torque to spin the auger blades at an RPM that the drill likes. Not enough torque and it slows down and generates heat in the motor. That's how they burn up. Second, and likely most important, you need a battery with enough Amp/Hour capacity to keep the drill working under load and drilling holes. Amp/Hours are a measure of reserve energy and the more the better. Some of the newer drills are generating over 700 inch lbs of torque and come with 5 Amp/Hour batteries.

Use those values when you evaluate the drill you are going to use.

[Carp-fisher]

Any specific recommendations on drills?

[Morneau132]

Milwaukee 18V Fuel Hammer Drill...

45 holes with 6" Lazer through 15" of ice

[Surface Tension]

Do you know the inch ft, lbs of torque you have?

If its 500 or more then I think your fine with a Nils 6" Slick blade and in that case a larger amp hr battery would be what I'd look at.

With a regular Nils 6" I'd feel better having 600 in ft of torque.

[mpls-Ted]

What adapter are you guys using for the auger so it fits the drill? As a hand-auger guy I would love to try this.

[Surface Tension]

Ice Master makes an adapter for Nils.

[hydro]

Just Google ice auger drill adaptor and you will find them. Be sure to use a lanyard or some other protection to keep the auger from dropping down the hole if it comes out of the chuck. Let the auger blades do the work and do not push down.

[jb426]

I have one for sale. Comes with a 6" auger. $20. Located in monticello

[Getanet]

I thought I'd bump this back up. I recently bought a 6" Nils convertible (the orange one) and got to try it out this post weekend. First things first, wow does it cut through the ice...provided you have a good drill. I brought a Craftsman 19.2 volt and my buddy had a DeWalt 20V, and also had a Milwaukee 18V (an older one, not the fuel hammer) at his cabin. We didn't measure the ice, but it looked to be around 15 inches or so. The DeWalt ran like a champ and you could cut holes incredibly fast and easy - we were giggling like school kids and taking turns cutting holes just for the fun of it. The Milwaukee really struggled but you could get a hole cut with it. I possibly could have cut one hole with the Craftsman, but doubtful even with it set to the highest torque and running on low. Plus it really started to strip the bit - metal shavings were everywhere when I removed the drill.

I've see they sell adapters for Nils that has a bolt running through the auger shaft, but from what I can tell, you could have to cut off the original bit to make it fit.  Can anyone confirm that?

All in all I will probably just have to get a better drill, as the DeWalt had plenty of power to get through the ice and didn't strip the bit. I will also look at the Milwaukee fuels. I had watched YouTube videos of people using the same Craftsman I have, with no problems, but all I can figure is there must have been a lot less ice.

 

[Hawg]

If I was buying new equipment I would sure look at that KDrill. $250 to make my Ion marginally better doesn't make sense but if I was starting over I might consider it.