Hand Ice Augers???

[Corey Bechtold]

I was shopping last night and looked at some of the hand ice augers and there are almost more choices for the hand style vs the motorized. Has anyond used the newer Lazer hand augers? How about the Eskimos, Moras, Nils Masters, etc?

Corey Bechtold

[Northlander]

I have used all but the Nils and the Lazer is by far the fastest and easiest to use. Mora is ok if blades are like new but quickly get hard to use unless ya touch up blades after every use.

[lawman]

My Lazer is two years old. It cuts great but I do keep the blades sharp and I put oil on them after each use to prevent rust.

[Corey Bechtold]

What size hole are you cutting? I think that if I am going to invest in a 6" hand auger for early ice.

CB

[Matt Johnson]

I would go with the 6 inch. Most hand augers will cut pretty fast through 4-7 inches of ice if the blades are sharp. I use a 6 inch for early ice. Nils Master makes a pretty lightweight and fast auger. As does Eskimo, Mora and the Lazer. Can't really go wrong with which ever one you choose in my opinion.

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[Northlander]

I think mines a 7" and it cuts just fine. A 8" cuts ok but not quite as easy. If your panfishing go 6" if your looking at eyes or Northern or maybe Pout or Lakers go 7".

[Surface Tension]

I've got a Mora that I bought in 1978 and still use the original 7" blades that I've resharpened many times. I've also got a pair of 8" blades. Mine cuts great, in fact I think it cuts better then the newer style augers. I know there were some Moras that needed the blades shimmed in order for them to cut right. Maybe some of those Mora owners that have had problems cutting need the shims.

[Nutty Fisherman]

A friend of mine put a piece of aluminum can behind his mora for a shim, and does it ever cut the ice. You hardly have to push down on it.

[Skeets]

I'm with S.T.!

I also have a 1970's 7 inch Mora with the original blades.

My Dad gave it to me many years ago.

Keep the blades sharpened, and keep the blade guard on at all times.

I only use it till 6-8", then I break out the Lazer Mag!

[metrojoe]

Northlander brought up a good point.

When I’m dropping a line for them blue gils or crappies, I tend to drill a lot of holes. You don’t need anything bigger than a 6 inch auger for panfish. Plus your shoulders will appreciate it and the end of the day.

If your mainly a tip-up guy then I’d go with the 8 inch. I’ve got 4 hand augers, 2 Mora and 2 Lazers, They all work great but I prefer the Lazer.

PS

The price drops considerably on hand augers if you can wait until the end of the season. I think I got both my 6 and 8 inch Lazers for about 50% off.