Not all ice augers cut it! There are so many choices on the market, but none are worth a dime if they do not work in harsh, cold, conditions. Every auger has its pros and cons.

Recently, I went to a battery drill powered ice auger. I am still figuring it out. Anyone who works outside in the winter with battery tools knows that they wear out. When the battery is fully charged and warm, I am getting maybe 10 holes per battery. I am covering the battery with a sock and shoving a hand warmer into the sock, next to the battery.

My Battery is a 3-amp, 18-volt Makita battery on their Big Hammer drill, that has a detachable handle on it. Research supports the battery and brand choice. I want more energy for more holes from a single battery.

The auger attachment is not as much of a concern. You can adapt a hand auger to fit a chuck that will fit into any brand drill with a half inch fitting. Augers that are sharp, or smaller in diameter, can be more efficient energy wise. Using a Battery Auger has many advantages over a 40-pound plus gas, propane, or battery built in auger. They all cut more holes but are also way heavier.

Taking more batteries is an option. New batteries are also an option. My batteries are over several years old. I purchased 2 new batteries on sale for the Makita. The new Batteries were on sale for $60 a pair and are 6 amps, rather than 3 amps. They are only slightly larger and a few pounds heavier. I will continue to sock them and use the handwarmers for warmth.

There are days when fishing it takes more than a couple holes to find the fish. In these cases, I am drilling a hole maybe 10 yards apart, perpendicular from the bank. At times, this may be 10 holes. After some of the holes produce fish, I can then zero in and double down my holes. For this to happen, I feel like I need 30-40-hole potential.

The pluses outweigh the negatives. The Battery Drill is a great way to cut ice holes!

Montana Grant

For more Montana Grant, find him cutting ice holes at www.montanagrantfishing.com.