Which screwdriver is best for an ice auger: 6 reliable models

Many winter fishing enthusiasts pay attention to more advanced fishermen who use unusual devices for drilling holes, which, using a screwdriver, can significantly speed up the process of drilling ice. In this way, two problems are solved at once: facilitating the very labor-intensive drilling process and increasing productivity in this matter. But which screwdriver should you choose for ice drilling?

Experienced fishermen often treat such innovations with fair criticism, because... real winter fishing is a unique sport for men of all ages. Try it, walk 1-2 km in full gear along a frozen pond or river to a suitable fishing point, and then work hard with your arms and body, manually drilling 5-10 holes. This is really a decent load for the body.

But sometimes drilling becomes too burdensome, especially for older people, when fishing they have to make more than 10 holes to find fish. And if the ice rises above 600 mm or has layers of water, then the task becomes difficult even for very high-quality drills. The question arises, which screwdriver to choose for an ice drill?

That is why (and of course, for those who don’t really want to sweat in the icy wind) many users began to use automation using a screwdriver. But not everything is as simple as it seems with these electric autonomous assistants. These are just some of the features that light drilling enthusiasts have to deal with.

Which drill is suitable for working with a screwdriver?

Experienced users say unequivocally - with right rotation. This is due to the fact that all screwdrivers are designed specifically for standard drilling and tightening screws to the right. Yes, they also have a reverse mode, but the chuck and internal clutch are not designed for heavy loads during left rotation.

This means your drill should also be a right-handed drill, while some domestic brands are designed for counter-clockwise drilling. If you have just such a drill, then for the screwdriver you will need to either change it or overload the expensive electric tool in reverse. Below we will tell you which screwdriver is best to choose for an ice drill.

Which ice screw to choose for a screwdriver

For making your own ice auger with a screwdriver, most hand-held models with a removable handle or separate augers are suitable. Some models from imported manufacturers are adapted to be connected to power tools: for example, products from the Swedish plant MORA. TONAR are suitable as a worthy budget alternative.

, designed for automatic drilling.
Models of this brand are presented to customers on the pages of the Trophy online store catalog. Ice drill auger ICEBERG-130(R) v3.0 (right rotation) for Tonar motor drill 5 610 for 1 pc.
Auger for motor drill MOTOSHTORM 130(R) right rotation Tonar 3,420 for 1 pc. Auger for motor drill MOTOSHTORM 150(R) right rotation Tonar 4,015 for 1 pc. Auger for Tornado-130 L Tonar 3,255 for 1 piece. Auger for Tornado-150 L Tonar 3,510 for 1 piece. Ice drill auger ICEBERG-110(R) v3.0 (right rotation) for Tonar motor drill 4,880 for 1 pc. Auger for motor drill MOTOSHTORM 180(R) right rotation Tonar 4,300 for 1 pc. Auger for Tornado-180 L Tonar 3,650 for 1 piece. Auger for LR-180 L Tonar 3,355 for 1 piece. Auger for LR-130 L Tonar 2,685 for 1 piece. Auger for LR-150T L Tonar 2,975 for 1 piece. Auger for LR-130T L Tonar 2,740 for 1 piece. Auger for LR-150 L Tonar 2,985 for 1 piece. Experienced fishermen advise using a right-handed rotation tool so that the chuck nut does not unscrew while drilling. Augers with left-hand rotation can be used to drill in reverse, but how long a screwdriver will last in this mode is unknown.

The optimal drill length for a screwdriver is 100-130 cm; for drilling thicker ice, you can purchase an extension attachment for an ice drill. It is not advisable to buy a large auger - it increases the load on the tool and quickly disables it.

How powerful should a screwdriver be?

Experts, through practical testing, have found that the minimum power of a screwdriver for use with an ice auger should be more than 60 Nm. Because Most of these tools for standard use and with an acceptable price of 2,000-5,000 rubles have a torsion torque of about 15-45 Nm, it becomes clear that this pleasure will not be cheap. According to preliminary estimates, screwdrivers with a torque of 60-110 Nm cost from 8,000 to 35,000 rubles. In addition, such a powerful device will weigh a lot - 2-3 kg, including the battery. This allows you to understand which screwdriver is best suited for an ice drill.

But even for inexpensive screwdrivers, manufacturers have made a unique solution - an adapter with a built-in gear reducer, which reduces the output speed, thereby reducing the load on the screwdriver itself. This way you can save on buying an expensive power tool if you already have a less powerful model. But the adapter itself with a built-in gearbox costs about 5,000 rubles.

Advantages of an ice drill for a screwdriver

When comparing a hand-held tool for drilling ice with an ice drill for a screwdriver, the latter outperforms a mechanical one in several respects:

• Saving time and effort
  - finding a good fishing spot will not take much time and require much less effort if you attach a screwdriver to the ice auger. The usefulness of the tool is especially felt when drilling ice more than 50-60 cm thick.
• Ease of use
  - strictly vertical installation of the tool and minor physical effort - that's all that is required to create holes.
• Functionality
  - using different augers for an ice drill for a screwdriver, you can create holes of the desired size in ice of any type (dry, wet, dense, loose, etc.).
• Low noise level
  - the tool works quite quietly and drilling holes with it does not scare away the fish.
• Versatility
  - the screwdriver can be used not only for winter fishing, but also for its intended purpose: for repairs, construction, and household needs.

Ice drills with screwdrivers also have a significant drawback: in severe frosts (from -10), the battery quickly discharges and stops starting the tool. For this reason, a spare battery should always be available, and it is recommended to keep it in a warm pocket.

How many batteries do you need?

Most users of such devices use 2 batteries for one-day fishing. As a rule, one fully charged battery is enough for 10-20 holes, but it all depends on the thickness and complexity of the ice, as well as the quality of the drill blades. It is very important that both batteries are kept warm during fishing, for example, under clothing. This will prevent them from over-cooling and losing capacity. And carrying a pair of heavy battery packs under your clothes is terribly inconvenient. The screwdriver itself does not need heat, but it is worth considering that after prolonged cooling in frosty air, this tool is then placed in a heated machine, where the internal parts are instantly covered with condensation, which is dangerous for electronics.

Important: when purchasing such an expensive tool, pay attention to the production time of the batteries. They must be fresh. Avoid batteries that are 2 or 3 years old, because... there is a high probability of irreparable loss of their capacity.

Rules for caring for a fishing drill

In order for the ice auger to work as long as possible, it must be properly cared for. Basic Rules:

1. Wipe the instrument dry after each use. The procedure is necessary for products with and without anti-corrosion coating.
2. For storage, use a special case made of thick fabric and with ventilation slots.
3. In summer, the drill should be lubricated with a thin layer of machine oil, paying special attention to the legs.
4. Do not knock ice and snow off the knives to avoid dulling them.
5. Regularly lubricate parts of the folding structure that experience maximum loads with oil to prevent jamming.
6. Immediately replace loose nuts after detecting a defect.
7. Paint over scratches to prevent corrosion of the protective layer.

When drilling holes, distribute the loads evenly, always take into account the parameters of ice thickness and the rotation speed of the tool’s working head. The quality and speed of drilling will largely depend on the model of the auger and the technical parameters of the screwdriver itself.

Which adapter for a screwdriver is better to take?

Oddly enough, your ice drill will require a special adapter that would allow you to connect the drill axis and the drive shaft of the screwdriver itself. Moreover, this adapter must have a special handle, which you will hold with your left hand, and the handle of the screwdriver itself will be in your other hand. It is also worth taking care of insurance - a special limiter that will not allow the ice auger to fall into the hole if it jumps out of the chuck. Not every adapter will fit your drill. It is better to clarify this point in advance in the description of the device.

Assembling an ice drill for a screwdriver

In order to assemble a functional ice drilling tool based on a screwdriver, you will need three main elements:

• Screw
• Adapter
• Screwdriver

The auger is connected to the power tool through an adapter and securely secured with a screw. The equipment is ready for use.

In some cases, an inexpensive screwdriver can be replaced with a professional impact wrench, drill, or even a chainsaw.

When using domestic augers with a left-hand direction of rotation, reduction gears are used so that operation at high speeds does not lead to the cartridge unwinding and the auger falling out. The same gearboxes are also needed when connecting an ice drill to a motor drive.

Ice screwdriver: rating of the best models

Our selection includes screwdrivers that have suitable torque and very reliable and durable mechanics. If you already have an inexpensive, relatively powerful screwdriver at home for home purposes, then it doesn’t make sense to buy another one separately for fishing - it’s best to try an adapter with a gearbox. Perhaps this will be the best screwdriver for an ice auger. The rating of the models presented below will allow you to choose which cordless screwdriver for ice augers is better and has an affordable price.

BISON DAI-18-2-Li KNM4

This screwdriver attracts, first of all, its low price - less than 9,000 rubles and its fairly high power - its torque is 60 Nm. This should be enough for drilling with a drill with an auger 100-110 mm in diameter. The kit includes two 18 V Li-Ion batteries with a capacity of 1.5 Ah. They should be enough for 15-20 holes. A small case with a charger is convenient to use, and if desired, it can be protected with thermal insulation. The machine has compact dimensions and low weight - only 1.7 kg. What is very important is that the battery packs here are flat and are very convenient to hide under a jacket while fishing.

Bosch GSR 18

This model has a slightly more powerful engine - 63 Nm, but the weight of the device is noticeably higher. The kit also includes 2 18 V batteries with a capacity of 2 Ah. Among the disadvantages, users note the tendency of the clamping chuck to self-unwind.

DeWALT DCD791P2

The power of this screwdriver reaches 70 Nm, which can be called optimal for use with an ice drill. But the price here is significantly higher compared to its weaker counterparts. The set also includes 2 batteries each with a capacity of 5 Ah with a voltage of 18 V. With such a capacity, one set is enough for one-day fishing.

Makita DDF481RTE

This screwdriver is aimed at professional use, which is why the cost of the unit is so high - about 26,000 rubles. The power of 115 Nm gives reason to hope that it will be enough for many, many deep holes. The main thing is to protect your hand from dislocation when biting a drill in ice. The set includes 2 batteries, each with a capacity of 5 Ah and a voltage of 18 V.

Makita DHP458RFE

This model differs from the 481RTE version in the ability to chisel very quickly, which will be very useful in home repairs, but not for fishing. Despite its similar price - about 20,000 rubles, this screwdriver has a significantly lower torque value - 91 Nm, and the battery capacity is only 3 Ah.

Metabo BS 18 LTX Impuls

A well-known brand that also produces specialized solutions for ice drilling. Many ice fishing enthusiasts prefer screwdrivers from this particular manufacturer due to the high-quality performance of all components of the unit. Power of 110 Nm and 2 Li-Ion batteries are already included. Price - about 26,000 rubles.

Advantages of ice drills with screwdrivers

Using a drill for winter fishing with a screwdriver has many advantages over manual devices. Among them:

1. Save time. In winter, fishing involves drilling not one, but several holes. You can’t do this without a special assistant. Using a regular brace is both labor-intensive and time-consuming.
2. Simplicity of the process of drilling holes. You don’t need to spend too much effort to work with the tool; anyone can handle it.
3. There are no restrictions on ice thickness. Thanks to the use of an ice drill with a screwdriver, you can make holes even in dry, dense ice.
4. Low noise. Considering that fish are quite wary in winter, excessive fuss and noise can easily scare them away, the use of an automated tool will minimize these risks.
5. Versatility. Powerful cordless screwdrivers are indispensable assistants not only in everyday life, but also in winter fishing.

Considering all of the above advantages of an ice drill with a screwdriver, every winter fishing trip will be not only productive, but also comfortable.

Battery voltage and capacity

When choosing a screwdriver for drilling holes, in addition to power, take into account the battery voltage. It should be between 3.6-40 Volts. Based on expert assessment, it can be argued that 18-volt batteries are more suitable for fishing. This is exactly the indicator for all models presented in the review. Battery capacity is 2 or 4 Ah. The second option is considered optimal. They allow you to drill many holes without additional recharging of the power tool.

The models in the rating have the opportunity to purchase additional battery packs and install them instead of those that come with the kit.

What type of batteries is suitable?

What kind of batteries can be equipped with a battery-powered ice auger:

1. Lithium-ion. The advantage is light weight, high-speed charging, lack of “memory” (an option that appears if you start charging the battery before it is completely discharged). The disadvantage of such batteries is their low resistance to frost (the devices discharge quickly).
2. Nickel-cadmium. Now they are not as popular as before, so they are gradually being withdrawn from the market. Their advantage is their ability to retain a charge in the cold for a long time. But the batteries are too heavy and they have a “memory effect”.
3. Nickel metal hydride. This is a modernized version of nickel-cadmium batteries. They are more compact and reliable. But they are rarely found on sale.

Fishermen note that Li-Ion batteries work better in the cold. They are characterized by high performance when interacting with weighted equipment.

Top 4. BISON DAI-18-2-Li KNM4

Rating (2021): 4.56

92 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozone, DNS, All Tools, 220 Volt

The best Russian brand A Russian manufacturer of power tools, whose products are almost as good in quality as their famous foreign counterparts, but cost almost 50% less.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 9,200 rub.

• Country Russia
• Torque (Nm): 60
• Chuck diameter (mm): 12
• Maximum speed: 1800
• Engine type: rotary
• Battery capacity (Ah): 4

It's no secret that famous brands often inflate the price tag just because of their name. Yes, products can be the best in terms of performance and reliability, but part of the cost will still have to be given “for air.” If you don’t want this, take a look at this screwdriver, produced by a popular Russian manufacturer and in no way inferior to its more expensive foreign counterparts. There are 60 Newtons of torque and 1800 rpm at idle. This is quite enough for drilling thick crust, but the adapter for the ice drill should be selected separately. The cartridge diameter here is only 12 millimeters, which is slightly below the standard adopted by most brands.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Attractive price
• Maximum standard equipment

• Rotary engine
• Reduced chuck diameter

See also:

• 10 Best Gloves for Ice Fishing

How to make it yourself

Making such a gadget for fishing with your own hands is not difficult, although you will need the skills of a turner. First of all, you need to cut off the handle from the ice auger - what should remain is an auger with a straight shank. At a distance of 2 cm from the cut, you need to make a through hole across the pipe. An 8mm bolt should fit freely into it.

Tips for fisherman: 18-volt cordless screwdriver for ice auger - What to choose for fishing

To fix the drill in the screwdriver chuck, you need to make a special adapter for their metal cylinder. The diameter of the blank should be adjusted so that it can easily fit into the hole in the ice drill pipe. Then, on one side, the same transverse hole is made for the bolt.

It is important to maintain the alignment of the holes. At the other end of the blank you need to make a hexagonal shank for the screwdriver chuck. It is better to entrust this to an experienced turner, but you can try turning the hexagon yourself on a grinding wheel. It is unlikely that you will be able to make the shank neat, but still the lotion will have a positive effect on the speed of drilling through ice.

Before inserting the adapter, it is advisable to supplement the ice screw with protection against drowning. To do this, you will need to secure a metal disk above the auger. This will prevent the fishing tool from sinking into the hole.

Now you can fix the adapter in the hole, but before testing it is better to make the angle of the cutting edges sharper. To do this, you just need to place a few washers under their mount. Thanks to this approach, it will be easier for the power tool to bite into the thickness of the ice.

There is absolutely no need to throw away the handle. You can fix it at the end of the pipe. With this approach, even if the screwdriver’s battery is discharged, the fisherman will still be able to make an ice hole in the traditional way.

It is advisable to always take a spare battery with you and keep it warm.

Top 8. RYOBI R18PD7-0

Rating (2021): 4.24

29 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, All Tools

Thoughtful ergonomics The manufacturer paid a lot of attention to the form factor of the tool, rubberizing the handle and moving an additional handle to the lower part. The screwdriver fits perfectly in the hand and allows you to work for a long time without fatigue in your hands.

• Characteristics

  Average price: 10,800 rub.

• Country: Japan (manufactured in China)
• Torque (Nm): 85
• Chuck diameter (mm): 13
• Maximum speed: 2000
• Motor type: brushless
• Battery capacity (Ah): 3

Ergonomics is an important factor for hand tools that many manufacturers often forget about. RYOBI didn’t forget and created a truly convenient product that you won’t get tired of working with for a long time. But in our case, we use a screwdriver as an ice drill, so we can’t talk about working for an hour or more. However, the handle moved to the lower part adds a certain convenience. Technically, the tool is not bad. 85 Newtons of torque and high efficiency brushless motor. True, in the comments there are often references to breakdowns and poor build quality. Apparently, the transfer of production to China has left its mark.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Comfortable ergonomics

• Lots of negative reviews
• Fragile start button lock

Purpose, designs, features of adapters

Using the device requires a few simple steps:

• The bolt connecting the two parts of the drill is unscrewed.
• Instead of the upper part of the drill with handles, an adapter is mounted to the auger.
• The hexagonal shank is clamped into the chuck of a screwdriver (or impact wrench).
  

  The best combination of price and quality. Nickel-metal hydride battery with a voltage of 14.4 V. Capacity - 2.5 Ah. The maximum hard torque is 65 Nm. Impactless screwdriver. Charging time - 1 hour. Weight - 2.1 kg. Has auto reverse. The average price is about ten thousand rubles. There is also a drawback - the lack of an additional handle. Not fatal, but still unpleasant.

Making an adapter

This adapter serves as a connection between the drill and the driven tool. You can buy it at a specialized retail outlet or make it yourself.

The adapter has a hexagonal shape. One end is securely fixed in the drive holder using a key designed for this purpose. The second end is attached to the drill. A hole is drilled in the adapter, then it is secured to the auger using a bolt.

Top 10. Einhell TE-CD 18 Li-i Brushless – solo

Rating (2021): 3.97

47 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, All Tools, 220 Volt

• Characteristics

  Average price: 7,000 rub.

• Country: Germany (manufactured in China)
• Torque (Nm): 60
• Chuck diameter (mm): 13
• Maximum speed: 1800
• Engine type: rotary
• Battery capacity (Ah): 2-4

Few people know that the Einhell brand is actually German. It is generally accepted that he is Chinese, and to some extent this is true. The entire instrument is produced in the Middle Kingdom, and Germany is the only home of the brand. Moreover, the manufacturer does not particularly monitor the factories that produce the goods, which is why the quality often suffers. Moreover, if you are lucky enough to become the owner of a non-defective product, the screwdriver can well be called good. But judging by the reviews, defects occur extremely often, so you can only buy this tool to save money. It is quite cheap, especially considering its not-so-low technical specifications.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Acceptable characteristics at a low price

• Very often there are factory defects
• Manufacturer's warranty is only six months

Advantages of using an adapter for a screwdriver

Using an adapter that allows you to rotate the ice auger with a screwdriver gives the fisherman the following advantages:

• the ability to make a large number of holes in a short period of time (will be highly appreciated by fans of installing girders);
• easy drilling of “difficult” wet ice;
• simplicity of design, reliability, accessibility;
• when the screwdriver batteries are low, you can easily return the ice drill to its original state and resume drilling manually;
• small dimensions and weight, which characterize the adapter for an ice drill for a screwdriver;
• low noise when used (unlike a gas drill).

In addition, if an ice auger driven by a cordless screwdriver is used, gasoline is not needed. There are also no unpleasant odors, which is important when fishing.