Best Drill For Ice Auger In 2022: Which One Is For You?

Lakes and rivers are not near any wired electrical systems. To use an ice auger, you must have a cordless drill. You can choose MILWAUKEE’S Hammer Drill if you want to have two tools. You also can buy Makita XPH11RB if you want a very powerful hammer.

The top seven ice drilling augers that have assisted others in using have been selected. Continue reading, you will find the one for you.

What is the Best Drill for Ice Auger

• MILWAUKEE’S Hammer Drill: have two tools
• Makita XPH11RB: very powerful hammer
• Ryobi P1813 One+: three-position speed adjustment knob
• DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill: with a large secondary handle
• PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Hammer Drill: high-performance hammer drill
• Hitachi DS18DGL: small and has enough power
• Rotary Hammer Drill: enough power with the thickest of ice sheets

What is the Best Drill for Ice Auger

MILWAUKEE’S Hammer Drill

• The product is manufactured in China
• This product meets customer requirement
• 5-year warranty on material and workmanship
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 20 x 14 inches

This is a very high-quality hammer drill and impact driver combo kit from a well-known manufacturer.

The inclusion of two tools in one set is undoubtedly advantageous. It should be noted that these two tools are both quite durable in design.

Despite being made in China, they are made with materials of the highest quality, allowing them to last for a very long time.

They both do, however, come with a 5-year warranty, in case anything does go wrong with either of these tools.

Keep in mind that the combined power of these two tools is 800 watts, which is more than enough to complete the majority of tasks and more than enough to drill through some ice.

These are fairly large, heavy, and bulky tools, but having said that, their size is a result of their powerful motors and the premium materials used to make them.

They may be a little heavy, but they are ergonomically made to be simple to use, so that is definitely a plus.

Keep in mind that both of these tools come with a lithium-ion battery that, yes, is included, and should last for at least a few hours before you need to recharge it.

These are top-notch tools with all the features you would anticipate in terms of quality and functionality.

It is necessary to have both impact drivers and hammer drills. This hammer drill and impact driver kit are simple to use, strong and long-lasting, and ergonomically comfortable. It also has a lot of power.

Pros

• Durable design
• Good warranty
• All of the basic features
• Two in one kit
• Ergonomically friendly
• Plenty of power

Cons

• You are paying for two tools when you only need one
• Quite large and heavy

Makita XPH11RB

• Compact and ergonomic design at only 6-15/16″ Long
• Weighs only 2.9 lbs. With battery for reduced operator fatigue
• Ideal for working in tight spaces
• Mechanical variable 2-speed transmission for various applications (0-500 & 0-1, 700 RPM) (0-7, 500 & 0-25, 500 BPM)…
• Dual L.E.D. Lights illuminate the work area

Make something out of ice that can be quickly broken with a drill if you need a very powerful hammer.

Then you ought to look into this model since it has 18 volts of power and can spin at a speed of 700 RPM.

Do keep in mind, though, that a hammer drill doesn’t move quite as quickly as a standard drill.

A hammer drill mode with a maximum speed of 500 BPM and a regular drill mode with a maximum speed of 700 RPM are the two speeds or modes available on this particular model.

Although this hammer drill may not be the fastest on the market, it has more than enough power and torque to cut through any amount of ice you may put in its path.

The fact that this hammer drill includes a premium lithium-ion battery and a quick charger means that it only needs 25 minutes to fully charge. This is another really cool feature of this tool.

Not to mention the fact that two batteries are included for a reasonably low cost. Before you need to replace the batteries, they should both last for at least a few hours.

The fact that this particular hammer drill weighs only 2.9 pounds and is quite small in size are two additional features you might like.

Reduced user fatigue is made possible by the compact and ergonomic design, not to mention how simple it is to hold on to securely.

The LED lighting system is yet another helpful feature in this setup, allowing you to illuminate your work area as you drill, which can be very helpful when ice fishing at night.

Pros

• Drill and hammer modes
• Plenty of power and torque
• Lightweight and compact
• User friendly
• Good battery life, dual batteries, fast charging
• LED lighting system

Cons

• Not the most durable in the world

Ryobi P1813 One+

• P251 HAMMER DRILL: This cordless 18v power drill can be adjusted up to 750-inch pounds of torque with the 24
• MAGNETIC BIT HOLDER: Near the base of the hammer drill is a platform where you can keep bits and fasteners secured
• P108 BATTERY: This 4-amp-hour battery is one of Ryobi’s biggest offerings. It has a fuel gauge inside…
• P117 BATTERY CHARGER: This charger can fully charge 2 amp-hour batteries in as little as 30 minutes. It can tackle
• CONTRACTOR’S BAG: You can keep your hammer drill, charger, and other accessories tucked away in this lime green

Here is yet another well-liked hammer drill from a well-known manufacturer.

This particular one is an 18 Volt cordless hammer power drill with up to 750-inch pounds of torque.

includes a speed adjustment knob with three positions and a clutch with 24 positions.

This indicates that this particular tool not only gives you plenty of control but also enough speed and power to cut through thick layers of ice.

The really cool thing about the One+ line of tools is that they can all be powered by the same batteries, allowing you to run all of your Ryobi One+ tools continuously with just a few batteries.

It’s also important to note that this particular battery and charger are made to function in extremely cold temperatures, making them ideal for ice fishing.

In general, the battery is of quite high quality and ought to last for at least a few hours, not to mention that you also get a fast charger included.

The fact that this drill has a secondary handle makes it one of the best features for ice fishing because you can hold onto it and keep it in place while the ice Auger breaks through the ice.

Additionally, while it isn’t the smallest or lightest device on the market, it isn’t the biggest or heaviest either, making it reasonably portable and ergonomic.

Pros

• Ergonomically friendly
• Reduces user fatigue
• 24-position clutch with precise speed and power adjustments
• Secondary handle for optimal control
• Good battery life
• One+ battery system
• Works well in extreme cold

Cons

• The charger is not of the highest quality
• Magnetic chuck leaves something to be desired

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Drill

• The power drill’s high-performance, 3-speed, all-metal transmission optimizes tool-to-task speed…
• High power brushless motor of the DEWALT 20V MAX drill delivers up to 57% more run time than the brushed motor
• 3-The Dewalt drill has a mode LED that emits light that is up to 20 times brighter than other modes to illuminate dark or cramped areas…
• LED Spotlight Mode features a 20-minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces
• Heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength

This is a fantastic option to choose from if you’re looking for a regular drill that performs admirably as an ice auger.

Its large secondary handle, which makes it easy for you to hold onto it, is one of the reasons it is so perfect for use with an ice auger.

You can use your ice auger drill with both hands this way, which lets you exert a lot of pressure and maintain stability while doing so.

This particular drill also features an LED lighting system to illuminate your work area as you drill, which makes it convenient for ice fishing at night.

A three-speed, high-performance, all-metal transmission that allows for the most power transmission and overall durability is also included here.

Remember that the brushless motor in this case should have a lifespan that is almost twice as long as brushed motors. Aside from that, the top-notch lithium-ion battery you get from us ought to work just fine for a number of hours.

Remember that this particular drill has 20 volts of power and a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, so those should be more than enough to drill through any ice.

This drill includes a heavy-duty 1/2-inch ratcheting Nitro carburized metal Chuck with carbide inserts to ensure that it easily holds onto your ice auger bit.

It all comes down to being able to hold onto that bit with ease, preventing anything from being stripped and ice from being drilled.

Pros

• Durable design
• More than enough power and speed
• 3 speeds
• Secondary handle for grip and stability
• Extremely high-quality components
• Good battery life
• Ergonomically friendly

Cons

• The clutch mechanism takes some practice to master

PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX Hammer Drill

• High-performance DEWALT hammer drill delivers 27,200 BPMs
• The cordless hammer drill has a 2-speed gearbox that ranges from 0 to 1600 revolutions per minute (0 to 400 RPM for high torque applications)…
• 1/2-inch metal ratcheting chuck minimizes bit slipping in chuck
• Battery fuel gauge, belt hook, LED light, (2) magnets for bit storage
• Battery and charger are sold separately

This is a good option to choose if you require a very high-performance hammer drill that supports both regular drilling and hammer drilling.

In terms of standard drilling, what you get is a 2-speed gearbox with a range of 0 to 400 and 0 to 1600 RPM.

Additionally, this unit can reach a maximum of 27,200 BPMS. Overall, you have more than enough speed, torque, and overall power to handle just about any kind of ice.

It’s a major plus that you get a metal ratcheting Chuck to hold onto that ice auger bit.

This device also features a battery fuel gauge, allowing you to accurately determine how much battery life is still left.

The fact that a battery is not included, however, is a significant time disadvantage.

Having said that, this brand is well known for creating high-quality products, and they have succeeded in doing so here as this is unquestionably one of the more durable drills available.

You might also appreciate the fact that it has an LED lighting system to illuminate your workspace, which can be very useful for ice fishing at night.

It is also important to note that this device is very lightweight, small, and compact, making it simple to use for extended periods of time. Additionally, it is constructed in a way that is generally ergonomically sound.

Pros

• Plenty of speed and power
• Good speed and torque control
• LED light
• Battery fuel gauge
• Ergonomic design
• Small and lightweight

Cons

• No secondary handle
• Battery not included

Hitachi DS18DGL

• Powerful 400 in/lbs of turning torque to handle tough jobs in tight spaces
• Powered by Lithium Ion battery technology for less weight and fade-free power
• LED job light effectively illuminates dark work spaces
• Two-speed gear setting to match the appropriate speed to the application
• 22+1 stage clutch delivers 22 torque settings and a drill mode for ultimate precision and control

This is a good option to keep in mind if you require a reasonably compact, importable impact driver and drill that has enough power for most jobs.

What you get in this case is an 18 Volt power system with 400-inch pounds of torque, which should be adequate for most ice layers.

Do keep in mind that you also get a 22-position clutch here for the best control.

While it is true that this isn’t the strongest or fastest device available, it should still be adequate for ice fishing.

It’s true that we stated that this drill is portable and small, and it’s also true that it doesn’t weigh much.

But even though it’s lightweight and won’t make you tired, you will have to work to hold onto it and keep it in place as you try to drill through the ice because it doesn’t have a secondary handle.

Having said that, you do receive a good LED lighting system to illuminate your workspace, which can be useful when night fishing.

Even though it’s not the best in the world, the materials used to make this particular drill are fairly high quality.

However, despite all of that, it does have a respectable warranty. In fact, the battery has a two-year warranty and speaking of the battery, what you get is a lithium-ion battery that retains its charge for a considerable amount of time and doesn’t degrade over time.

On a single charge, the battery ought to last for at least a few hours.

And the charger is indeed included. You also receive two batteries with this purchase, which is another plus.

This is undoubtedly one of the better options available in terms of overall control and usability, in addition to the fact that its ergonomic friendliness is top-notch.

Pros

• A good amount of control – 22 clutch positions
• Enough power for basic needs
• Ergonomic design
• Great battery + dual batteries included
• LED lighting system
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• Limited power and speed
• No secondary handle

Rotary Hammer Drill

• WAKYME includes a fast charger and TWO 4000mAh lithium-ion batteries. The metal…
• This tool has a variable-speed WAKYME 21V high-performance cordless motor…
• between 0 and 1400 RPM when drilling without any load…
• To keep your project moving forward, the SDS Plus chuck enables quick and secure bit changes.

This hammer drill is what you need if you want one that has more than enough power to cut through even the thickest ice sheets.

Here, you get a multi-purpose tool that can be used for drilling, driving, and impact driving.

What you need to know about this unit in terms of drilling through the ice is that it has an amazing range of adjustments from 900 BMP to 4600 BMP.

This provides more than enough power and torque to cut through nearly any thickness of ice you may come across.

This unit will be able to get through whatever material is in front of you.

Additionally, for excellent control, it has a variable speed trigger.

Speaking of control, this item also comes with a secondary handle that can be placed in either a vertical or horizontal position.

This makes it simple for you to maintain control of the hammer drill while drilling through the ice, providing stability and security.

However, it must be noted that due to its size and weight, you won’t experience any reduction in user fatigue.

Having said that, this device does have an ergonomic design and a shock group handle to lessen vibrations and impacts that are transmitted to you.

This particular drill’s dual battery setup is something we really appreciate, though.

Both of them have 4.0 aH, indicating that they are very potent and durable batteries.

A quick charger is also included. Another thing to note is that the power system includes a heat dissipation feature to help prevent overcharging and high temperatures.

Pros

• Tons of power
• 3-in-1 design
• Lots of control
• Stable
• Easy to use
• Ergonomic
• Great battery life + dual batteries + fast charger
• Quite durable
• Secondary adjustable handle

Cons

• Very large and heavy

What Are the Important Features of a Cordless Drill for An Ice Auger

For your ice auger, there are a few crucial details and features that you should consider before purchasing any old cordless drill.

Torque & Control

The amount of torque a drill has is among the most crucial characteristics to consider when buying one for an ice auger.

Approximately 1000-inch pounds of torque is the ideal amount for an ice auger, with 700 or 750-inch pounds serving as the acceptable minimum, as you will see below.

Additionally, look for a clutch that has at least 10 different positions so you can actually regulate the amount of torque being produced.

Size & Weight

The overall size and weight of the drill in question are two other factors that you should consider.

Now, in general, you do want something relatively small and compact because if it’s too big, it will also be very heavy and difficult to use.

In spite of this, you do want hammer drills to be reasonably heavy when being used as ice augers.

A drill with a good deal of weight can push itself through the ice and do most of the work by itself.

A Light System

If you intend to go ice fishing at night, you should invest in a device with a lighting system so you can illuminate the ice as you drill.

Overall Durability & Quality

It goes without saying that you should look for a product that is constructed with high-quality materials and is long-lasting.

An Ergonomic Design + Secondary Handle

A device with an ergonomic design, or a handle that is comfortable to hold and can also absorb vibrations, is something else you should look for.

The drill in question has a secondary handle, which is one of the most crucial things to watch out for in this situation.

This will give you the ability to hold on to it while driving through the ice with both hands, giving you more control and stability.

Speed & Control

When it comes to hammer drills, you should also consider the BPMs, or beats per minute.

Hammer drills range in speed from 400 beats per minute to nearly 30,000 beats per minute.

Generally speaking, the machine will move at a faster rate and you will be able to drill through the ice faster the higher the beats per minute. Try to find a machine with variable speed control.

How to Drill An Ice Fishing Hole With a Cordless Drill and An Ice Auger?

Planning ahead and being prepared can make drilling an ice fishing hole enjoyable and successful. Create a small radius using these steps to practice subsistence fishing.

Check the Spot

Watch what is happening beneath the water’s surface before it freezes. The ideal depth for the finish is typically 2 to 4 feet from the lake’s base. After drilling holes, you can use a depth indicator to determine their depth. When searching, keep an eye out for clues to help you decide where the fish are more likely to be. You can choose rocky areas, protected areas, or deep pools; avoid weedy areas, inlets, or locations where the water moves more quickly.

A professional angler may be able to help you locate a location that froze later than others. The dredging and water maintenance team can also help you find the ideal location.

Stand Securely

Place your feet firmly on the ground before beginning the drilling so that you can use the ice auger in a safe and effective manner. Create a small snow pitch on top of the ice to build a strong base because the snow has better traction than ice. There are two advantages to doing this. The snow beneath your feet will turn into slush if the auger cracks through the ice and rushes into the water, to start. The tent skirt can be fastened using this slushy snow as an anchor.

Leave the Job on the Blade

Avoid using a lot of force on the lade when using your power drill auger. The task will take longer if you push the blade with excessive force. While the blades slice through water and ice, keep the balance in your hand. Simply use light pressure to allow the auger to drill through downward with your cordless drill.

Prepare the Hole

Remove the junk from the ice hole. To create a channel for the debris you will pull out of the hole, and remove the snow that is covering the hole. Make sure there is enough snow to completely encircle the hole and serve as a barrier between it and the slush. Then, using your ice auger, remove any loose ice or leftover slush from the hole.

Know the Ice Auger

It takes technical skill to select the best ice auger. A popular option for quickly drilling many holes into thick ice is a power drill auger. They can, however, be more difficult to manage. On the other hand, despite being lightweight to control, hand augers demand a lot of physical effort and are nearly impossible to use on ice that is thicker than 4 feet thick.

How to Turn a Drill into An Ice Auger?

Undoubtedly, converting a drill into an ice auger is simple. All you have to do is gather an ice auger drill adapter, a drill machine, and a hand auger with a good blade.

As you loosen the wing nut, take the handle off the ice auger. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as you remove the handle. The blade assembly itself could sustain damage.

The blade assembly is now ready to receive the ice auger drill adapter. To fix the adapter in place, tighten the wing nut. Now that it is prepared, the auger can be used with the drill. Any drill machine that is best for routine use will accept the adapter’s open end.

Any thickness of ice can be cut through by simply turning on the drill.

Conclusion on Best Drill for Ice Auger

For a hand-ice auger, I think you have two really good options here. And each costs less than $100. After using one in the past, I chose the Eskimo. They are strong, precise, and occasionally even less than $50.

Heck, some augers cost that much to replace their blades! I will most likely also purchase a Strikemaster Lazer, though, as they are also fantastic for drilling holes in the ice. They are somewhat pricey in comparison, but well worth it if you want an ice auger that will last.

FAQs on Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger