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.
Checklist - criterion for selection
The main parameter for choosing a screwdriver for an ice ax is its ability to withstand loads. The motor and body of the electrical appliance must have increased power. The thickness of the plastic housing is equally important. It is desirable to have metal inclusions in the structure.
Drilling holes
Here are the basic parameters by which a screwdriver is selected:
- Powered by battery.
- The battery capacity of the charger is as large as possible (from 2 to 4 Ah).
- Battery type: lithium-ion.
- Battery voltage is not less than 18 V.
- Torque - 60 Nm.
- Equipped with an additional handle.
- Versatility (the presence of attachments, which allows you to use the tool for drilling at home).
- Compact and light weight.
- Low noise and vibration levels;
- The drill should not fall out of the screwdriver.
Noise and vibration are not particularly important in winter fishing conditions. After all, drilling holes takes a little time. Therefore, vibration will not adversely affect the health of the fisherman. The presence of a handle on the adapter will increase the overall comfort of using the device.
When choosing, it is impossible to ignore the issue of price. The most budget units start from 1 thousand rubles, but are not suitable for fishing due to low power and poor quality. It is optimal to focus on models costing from 8 to 35 thousand rubles. In this case, the adapter with the drill must be purchased separately.
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.
Which company should you choose?
When using a screwdriver, you should take into account their resistance to cold.
Models from the following companies are considered more adapted tools:
- Interskol is a Russian manufacturer whose products have good power performance, affordable cost and build quality. Also, their screwdrivers and batteries are resistant to cold weather;
- Makita is a Japanese manufacturer for those who value reliability and ergonomics, and in the latter the brand has practically no equal. However, the models are mainly supplied for home use;
- DeWALT is an American company that supplies safe and convenient tools and has long and firmly won its position in the Russian market. They are multifunctional, easy to use and care for, but may malfunction during operation at critically low temperatures.
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.
Advantages of an ice drill for a screwdriver
An electric ice ax wins over a manual one.
If you compare a manual ice ax with an electric one, the latter wins in the following positions:
- Allows you to complete the required scale of work faster and less physically expensive. It takes less time to find the place of catch. And drilling holes requires less effort if you attach an ice ax.
- Easy to use. The device is installed vertically and is put into operation with little effort.
- Increased productivity. By installing various augers for an ice drill under a drill, you can actually make holes in any ice (hard, melted).
- Low noise during operation. The unit does not make much noise, so the fish are not scared.
- Versatility in use. The tool is suitable not only for winter fishing, but also for everyday life: for repairs, construction and other needs.
We can also highlight a number of disadvantages inherent in this device, which is necessary for fishing. At very low temperatures, the battery quickly discharges. Therefore, you need to take a spare battery with you and keep it warm.
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.
Requirements for a screwdriver
In addition to the side of rotation, when choosing a screwdriver, it is also worth paying attention to a few more important points, without which a homemade electric drill will not be able to cope with its task or will fail after the first ten holes.
Required power of Shurik
But here there are already certain limits - from 18 to 24 volts. A shurik that is too weak will not cope with its task, while one that is too powerful can only be installed on professional instruments costing several tens of thousands of rubles. Also, do not forget about the torque - purchasing a device with a speed of less than 60 nanometers is not recommended, since such a screwdriver does not last long. The optimal indicator is 110 nanometers - such a tool copes with drilling with a bang.
It is also irrational to purchase devices with a power higher than the specified one because its weight is more than 3 kilograms. Add to this the mass of the icebreaker and you will get a number in the region of 6-7 kilograms. In addition, the cost of screwdrivers with a power of 24 volts or more is at least 35 thousand rubles. At the same time, you can purchase an instrument with a power of 18 volts for literally 15 thousand. So what’s the point of overpaying for your own inconvenience if there is almost no use from it (unless it’s needed on the farm)?
Capacity and number of batteries
Usually a 3.5 Ampere battery is enough if the drilling thickness is no more than 130 millimeters. In one go, using such a device you can make up to 20 holes, which is more than enough even for a professional fisherman. The higher the capacity, the longer the tool will work, so no one forbids buying a 4 or 5 Ampere device. However, keep in mind that the cost of a screwdriver depends on the battery capacity.
The number of batteries directly depends on what capacity they have. However, even if the device has a powerful battery, we still recommend getting a spare one, since the drives take quite a long time to charge (from a day or more). And given that the winter fishing season in Russia does not last long, every day counts. It will be a shame to miss an event simply because yesterday you used up all the battery power, and today it has not yet charged.
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.
Top 6. Greenworks G24DD
Rating (2021): 4.41
35 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Ozone, All Tools
Best price The cheapest screwdriver in our rating, costing about 30% cheaper than its nearest competitor and 4 times cheaper than top models.
- Characteristics
Average price: 5,600 rub.
- Country: USA (manufactured in China)
- Torque (Nm): 50
- Chuck diameter (mm): 13
- Maximum speed: 1750
- Engine type: rotary
- Battery capacity (Ah): 2
The best screwdriver can cost 40 thousand rubles or more, which is not affordable for every winter fishing enthusiast. But you can always save money by purchasing this tool, produced by a fairly popular brand. Yes, the product is manufactured in China, but in the modern world this has long ceased to be a problem. The low price is most likely due to average technical characteristics. For example, there is only 50 Newtons of torque. Not much, but this screwdriver can handle ice of medium thickness and density easily. In addition, the kit includes a battery and a carrying case. True, there is only one battery, which is strange, but some brands don’t even include it.
Advantages and disadvantages
- Attractive price tag
- Convenient form factor
- Weak battery
- Limited torque
Pros and cons of using screwdrivers for drilling
Unlike a conventional hand auger or motor axe, an ice auger with a screwdriver has certain advantages. Here is a list of just those positive aspects that most professional fishermen speak about:
- Wide range of applications. You can unscrew the adapter at any time to use the screwdriver for construction work. You can also order special attachments on Aliexpress designed for drilling soil (suitable for working in the garden).
- Product weight. Yes, compared to a classic manual ice auger, a device with a screwdriver weighs more. And if you compare it with a motor grinder (which, by the way, requires a lot of attention to maintain), the difference will be measured in several kilograms.
- Ease of use. Unlike a motor axe, an ice auger with a screwdriver is characterized by a low noise level that occurs during operation. At the same time, handling the device is much easier than with the same hand drill.
- The envy of the surrounding fishermen. How many people have you seen with a similar device on a frozen pond? Most fishermen still use the “old-fashioned” Tonars, and professionals get unkind looks when using noisy motor cutters.
However, in addition to the positive aspects, such a drill has several negative aspects that may discourage some fishermen from using them. Here are the main points that you should pay attention to first:
- It will not take ice that is too thick. As mentioned earlier, the optimal hole depth is 130 millimeters. In theory, you can drill even a 50-centimeter hole if you try hard, but this will negatively affect the life of the screwdriver.
- Not too high power. To kill the gearbox of a motor hub, you need to try hard. However, one awkward movement when working with an electric ice drill can lead to its breakdown. And all due to the fact that the power of a screwdriver rarely exceeds 18 volts.
- Price. Although it is quite profitable to make a tool for drilling ice with your own hands, a screwdriver will still cost a hefty sum. At the same time, it is highly not recommended to buy cheap Chinese samples.
Despite all the shortcomings, most professional fishermen agree that such an ice auger deserves its right to exist. The most important thing is to choose a good screwdriver and a suitable adapter.
Using a screwdriver with an adapter for an ice auger is one of the best ideas that has come to the minds of ice fishing enthusiasts. Such a device not only satisfies most of the requirements of fishermen, but can also be taken apart at any time to be used on the farm. The same cannot be said about expensive motor hubs that make a lot of noise and weigh more than 10 kilograms. And, despite some shortcomings, more and more people are thinking about making such a device for winter fishing.
Why do you need a screwdriver for winter fishing?
The term “winter fishing” in most cases refers to a method of fishing in which the catcher is located on the surface of an ice-covered reservoir, and the tackle is lowered into the water through an ice hole or a hole specially made for this purpose.
Accordingly, one of the main devices, without which it is impossible to organize such a process, is a crowbar (the so-called pick) or an ice drill, and the latter option is considered more preferable because it allows :
- to break through a much larger thickness of ice with less physical effort and time (specialists with a conventional drill can cope with a meter-long layer of ice in just a few minutes, while an ice pick is suitable for an ice cover of no more than 30 cm);
- create a hole in the shape of a regular cylinder, avoiding chips and, especially, cracks in the ice that are dangerous to the fisherman’s life;
- act relatively silently, which is of particular importance when fishing, because noise, as you know, can scare away the fish, and all efforts will be in vain.
The simplest device for a drill is a brace, that is, a knee-shaped handle with a special chuck for clamping a cutting tool, a drill (auger) and knives - spherical or straight. However, working with such a device, although it is considered easier compared to a conventional crowbar, still requires quite a lot of physical effort.
Did you know? At a temperature
–
40°C ice hardness is 6 units on the MOOCA scale; at 0°C this figure drops to 1.5.
For comparison, under normal conditions, some metals have the following hardness values: aluminum - 3, zinc and silver - 2.5, tin - 1.5. In the cold, handling a hand tool is especially inconvenient, and if you consider that, having warmed up after a long and very intense twisting of the handle, the fisherman will have to remain completely motionless in the cold for hours, it is also fraught with the risk of a serious cold.
A battery-powered screwdriver is ideal for automating the operation of a drill. With the help of such a device, the productivity of the tool increases significantly, and you can connect the drill to the ice auger using a fairly simple adapter.
Do-it-yourself ice drill: expert advice
To independently modernize the drill, you can use a Mora auger, namely the Mora Nova System series. Ise Arctic (Micro, Viking), Rapala are also suitable. You can also make an ice drill from a screwdriver with domestic models: “Tornado”, “Barnaul”, “Tonar”.
The adapter (adapter) connects the screwdriver to the drill. This design part must also be of a certain type. If the original model of the ice auger is a Mora brand, you can buy an adapter attachment. It is important to select a part in accordance with the ice auger series:
Mora Nova System line – an adapter with a diameter of 22 mm is suitable;
a product line with a handle that can be pulled out if necessary - an adapter with a diameter of 18 mm is used.
The cost of parts varies in the range of 700 rubles.
Customer Reviews
Konstantin: “I think that the DeWALT DCD796P2 460 W screwdriver with a torque of 70 Nm is an excellent device. It fits in your hand like it’s cast, twists powerfully, and doesn’t want to stop. A great assistant both at home and while fishing. The batteries charge quickly, but last for 3-4 hours of active work. I advise."
Igor: “I just recently purchased a Shurik DeWALT DCD791D2 70 Nm. Super model. Over the summer I managed to assemble a bathhouse, buildings, and greenhouses. Does not overheat, which is very important for constant use. In winter it works stably, even at a temperature of -25 degrees. A useful tool, I recommend it."
Slava: “I fell for the advertisement and bought a BOSCH GSR 18-2-LI Plus screwdriver. All declared technologies do not meet expectations. The cartridge has the ability to self-unwind at full power. Batteries quickly discharge and lose their capacity. In general, I’m disappointed, I don’t recommend.”
