February 01, 2016
By In-Fisherman
If you like pistons, horsepower, and the unmistakable smell of two-stroke exhaust hanging in the icy air, there's something supremely satisfying about firing up a gas auger to punch portals into the underwater world, but the
Not having to tote a gas can around or mess with mixing oil is nice, too. But perhaps best of all, you never wear your arm out trying to start one on a sub-zero morning, since Reddy Kilowatt is always raring to go. Along with that, there's no warm-up period while you play with the choke until the engine wakes up. To help you sort through the options in battery-powered drills, we assembled a stellar lineup of electrifying options ready for hard-water action this winter.
Clam Ice Auger Conversion Kit This lightweight and ultra-portable system converts an ordinary 18-volt cordless drill found in most anglers' garages into a hardwater powerhouse capable of slicing and dicing the ice with a 6-inch tempered stainless bit. Don't raise your eyebrows. Clam testing revealed it could quickly bore through a two-foot icepack, and reduce a whopping 700 inches of ice into shavings on a single battery charge. Slick features include an industrial ball bearing that absorbs load from the auger, shielding the drill from life-shortening torque. Available as a kit complete with drill plate bracket, 6-inch auger assembly, and handle for under $150.
Click Here to View Product! Icegator Attacker II Icegator enjoys a near cult-like following among its supporters. Credit the performance of its powerheads, which work with various gas- and hand-auger bits, including Nils, Eskimo, and Mora. The Attacker II is available in 24-volt lead-acid and 29-volt lithium-ion battery options. Both feature forward and reverse locomotion. The 29-volt model spins at a blistering 400 rpms, and the company says it's capable of boring more than 60 8-inch holes through 28 inches of ice on a single charge.
Click Here to View Product! ION 6-inch Electric Ice Auger The folks at ION followed up on the success of their original 8-inch electric, unleashed in 2012, with a 6-inch option well suited to panfish fans. Weighing a svelte 22 pounds, it's fueled by a 40V MAX lithium-ion battery the company promises can plug more than 40 holes through two feet of ice on a single charge. Other amenities include a high-efficiency, planetary gear transmission; 34-inch, steel-welded auger; and Straight Through blades that resist catching at breakthrough, putting an end to bone-jarring jerks and stops.
Click Here to View Product! Jiffy Pro II Lectric Like its gas-powered cousins, Jiffy's Pro II Lectric is a workhorse. Standard features include a high-output electric motor and heavy-duty wiring. Plus, the durable, steel-geared HTT High Torque Transmission nurtures the transfer of energy well enough to milk more holes from less juice. Just don't look for a battery under the trademark yellow cowling. The unit relies on an external 12-volt power source, and comes with an 8-foot cable for tapping your truck or ATV battery. Available in 6- and 8-inch models, both packaged with an XT Drill Assembly and Ripper Blade.
Click Here to View Product! StrikeMaster Electra Lazer A bantamweight knockout, the Electra Lazer weighs in at less than 30 pounds, thanks in part to its weight-shaving polymer gear casing. Powered by an onboard 12-volt battery pack, it also comes with a set of cables for sipping juice from external sources. With a 90 rpm auger rotation and 40:1 gear ratio, the drill quickly drives its twin, serrated, stainless steel Lazer blades through the thickest ice. We also like the impact-resistant Vandar long-filament handles, which are a blessing in the harsh conditions augers face on a daily basis. Finally, to simplify re-stoking the battery, both car and wall chargers are standard issue. Available in 6-, 7-, and 8-inch options.
Click Here to View Product! Vexilar K-Drill Designed specifically for the speedy revolutions of a hand-held electric drill, the K-Drill assembly weighs just 10 pounds, yet slices through ice at an inch per second. You can pair it with a variety of 18-volt drills, but Vexilar recommends Milwaukee's M18 FUEL series models for their sweet spin rates and cold-tolerant lithium ion batteries. Powered by an M18, the K-Drill's high-carbon steel chipper blades can punch 20 holes through 20 inches of ice on a single battery. If Swiss Cheesing a frozen fishing ground is on your itinerary, simply buy a converter to draw power from an external 12-volt source, such as an ATV battery. Available in 6- and 8-inch options.
Click Here to View Product! Strike Master Lithium Lazer 24 ' Ice. 56 Holes. Incredibly Fast. All on a single Charge.
The most modern technology available, the StrikeMaster® Lithium Lazer™ auger provides consistent speed and torque without reduced power. Features an electric motor powered by 50-Volt Lithium Ion Battery. The Lithium Lazer is equipped with a full size 8 ' steel drill and twin Stainless Steel Mora Lazer Blades. StrikeMaster American Made.
€¢ Drill Size: 8"
€¢ Weight: 24 lbs.
€¢ Easy On/Off removable 50-volt Lithium Ion Battery
€¢ LED Light Safety ON/OFF Power Switch
€¢ On board indicator quick-check battery status
€¢ Fast Charging - 2 hour - 2-amp Battery Charger
€¢ Mora™ Twin Stainless Steel Lazer Blades
€¢ American Made 25:1 Transmission with Heat Treated Steel Gears
€¢ Polymer Gear Casting Yields Lightweight Power
€¢ Oversized Throttle for ease-of-use
€¢ VANDAR® Long Filament High Impact Handles
€¢ Environmental/Quiet/Zero Emissions
€¢ Limited 3-Year Warranty on Motor, Limited 1-Year Warranty on Battery
Nils Cordless Drill Auger Nils USA Hand auger easily converts to a cordless drill auger simply by removing the handle. It features a top plate (flare) that is larger than the hole being drilled to prevent the auger from ever accidentally going down the hole. Available in 4.5-, 6-, and 8-inch models. For best results use 2 speed high torque cordless drill with 700 inches of torque or better when using UR800C.
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