Are you out for fishing in a frozen lake? Looking for cordless drill that work better with ice auger? Great news that I did all the experiments to get the best cordless drill for ice auger. I have more than ten years of experience on winter fishing and using cordless drill with ice auger. Powerful cordless drills boost up ice fishing without any hassle.
Ice auger is much heavier and if you choose heavy drill then ice fishing would be irritating. We need a light weight but powerful cordless drill for ice auger. Have you noticed I said cordless? We choose cordless since there isn’t a wired electrical system around rivers or lakes. Secondly, cordless drills are portable, so you can carry them anywhere you want.
DIYers Pick: 5 Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger
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Makita XPH07Z 18V | Brand: Makita Power Source: Hand Powered Material: high-carbon steel Voltage: 18 Volts Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters |
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TECCPO Cordless Drill | Brand: TECCPO Power Source: Battery Powered Maximum Chuck Size: 10 Millimeters Color: Brushless Drill Green |
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DEWALT 20V MAX | Brand: DEWALT Color: Multi Source of Power: Battery Powered Speed: 2000 RPM Voltage: 20 Volts |
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BOSCH GSB18V | Brand: Bosch Source of Power: Hand-Powered Special Features: Variable Speed Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters Color: Black and Blue |
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Metabo HPT 18V | Brand: Metabo HPT Power Source: Battery Powered Maximum Power: 850 Watts Voltage: 18 Volts Amperage: 1.5 Amps |
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Cordless drill will eliminate both the risky electrical connection and help apply the effort to catching large species instead of leading the auger through thicker ice. Cordless drills are also highly versatile and portable to carry around and use for a variety of drilling applications including creating accurate ice fishing holes.
Simply read the following article to discover some of the most effective and adaptable cordless drill sets for frozen ice augers. Not everyone has the ability to buy the expensive one, so here comes our review section to offer some budget-friendly cordless drills for you. The cost cut doesn’t mean the quality of the product will be less accurate or faster.
Top Pick Drill
Makita: Best Cordless Hammer Drill for Ice Auger
- Makita cordless hammer drill improved power and runtime with a small 18 Volts LXT Lithium-Ion battery.
- The cordless drill is a beast for ice fishing with its max torque and BPM.
- The drill offers a longer run time than the typical model, making it perfect for larger ice-fishing projects.
- Makita drill comes with an ergonomic side handle to control and push the ice auger efficiently through the ice.
- It’s a perfect power drill for continuous drilling job, thanks to the BL motor that keep the drill cooler.
- Brand: Makita
- Power Source: Hand Powered
- Material: high-carbon steel
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters
- Color: Black, Silver, and sky blue
- Dimensions: 15 x 6 x 11 inches
- Customer Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5.
While researching, we find this Makita as the best cordless hammer drill for ice auger in almost every aspect. This cordless drill has a powerful brushless motor that delivers maximum torque to penetrate thicker and tougher ice and create multiple holes even without getting overheated.
If you are a professional angler and looking for a cordless drill with a longer run time, this item will fit your needs. Though this model comes at a reasonable price, it can be pricy in end as need to buy the battery and charger separately.
Without a connecting cable or extension, it’s also ready to use and handy. At first glance, this drill appears stunning with its look and performance. You can understand why they essentially hand you a pry bar to grasp onto because it has unbelievable power and torque. The efficiency of this ice auger cordless drill, however, makes it worth the money.
- Makita cordless drill is durable, lightweight, and fairly easier to control when drilling through ice. It’s also powerful enough to handle any demanding job whether is thicker ice or tougher metal. A reasonable price, easy-to-use design, and sturdy and ergonomic features make this auger drill stand out.
- The hammer drill isn’t preferable for night fishing as don’t have LED. However, it has a hook for secure hanging and effortless carrying. This drill was most likely contained in a simple cardboard box with no padding or security precautions.
Runner Up
TECCPO: Cordless Drill for Ice Auger
- This cordless drill reaches max torque at low speed, making it perfect for drilling through thinner ice.
- Comes with two batteries and a fast charger, this cordless drill won’t let you finish the ice fishing halfway due to lack of run time.
- It features a forward/reverse switch to avoid getting the auger block in the ice· It has an ergonomic and rubber-covered handle to avoid causing the drill to slip off due to getting wet while ensuring better control over the auger.
- The drill kit has a brushless drill including two 2000mAh Li-Ion batteries with rapid charging in one hour.
- Brand: TECCPO
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Maximum Chuck Size: 10 Millimeters
- Color: Brushless Drill Green
- Max Rotational Speed: 1500 RPM
- Voltage: 20 Volts (DC)
- Amperage: 2 Amps
- Usage: Screws Driving, DIY, and Drilling
- Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5
Seeking the complete set of cordless drills for your various drilling application and sometimes for ice fishing to make holes with auger? Try this TECCPO Cordless Drill Set. It comes with a more powerful motor than the previous one and includes a large number of drill bits to create precise size holes based on the working surface.
In terms of drilling ice fishing holes, its higher torque and two variable speed setting will make the job more precise. More excitingly, the cordless drill set includes two batteries to let you create a large number of holes through the ice for your more successful ice fishing even at night.
- TECCPO Cordless Drill Set is a perfect choice for professional enthusiasts who often need to work on various surfaces. It also has all the aspects required to drill ice fishing holes safely, efficiently, and perfectly even at night without compromising with ice thickness or run time. The drill didn’t weigh a lot, but it wasn’t exactly “light.” Overall, it’s amazing with cost-friendliness.
- On the low-speed setting, this drill does have sufficient torque to complete the task. The drill may produce whistling noise, particularly when used at low speed, and won’t be suitable for heavy-duty work.
Best Overall
DEWALT 20V: Cordless Drill for Ice Fishing
- Dewalt cordless drill for ice auger has a higher RPM and two-speed transmission to handle various drilling applications including ice fishing holes.
- It has an ergonomic handle to avoid hand fatigue even after longer drilling through the ice while controlling the auger more efficiently.
- The drill is extremely lightweight and compact to work in tight spaces and carry around for a longer time.
- Comes with a 1/2 inch ratcheting chuck, this cordless drill for ice auger ensures tight bit gripping strength.
- The performance of XR Li-Ion batteries with a fuel gauge is improved by 33%.
- The brushless drill motors offer up to 57% more run time than brushed ones.
- Brand: DEWALT
- Color: Multi
- Source of Power: Battery Powered
- Max Rotational Speed: 2000 RPM
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Max Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty
- Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5.
DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill is one of the best-selling items from the brand due to its affordable price, extremely compact, and powerful design. Though the drill comes from the most popular brand, it makes a separate fan base with its impressive performance over drilling applications even in tight spaces.
Even this cordless drill bit is hard to beat because of its rare combination of high-speed variable transmission and fairly lower price. The 1/2′′ ratcheting metal chuck provides secure and comfortable grip that fishermen always demand.
Dewalt will never compromise on the features of their drills, which are also manufactured in the USA. The innovative LED light mode has a 20-minute shutdown option that you will undoubtedly appreciate. You will get three years of warranty from the Dewalt brand.
- It’s the best value cordless drill for ice augers with a compact, ergonomic, and powerful design. The LED setting is ideal for a stronger light that can provide you with illumination for 20 minutes. The manufacturer also offers 3 years of warranty and the most satisfying customer service even after producing durable and long-lasting drills.
- It’s a lower amperage drill. Hence you may feel it has less torque and battery life. The the keyless chuck tends to become loose.
Premium Pick
BOSCH: Hammer Drill for Ice Auger
- The drill has a brushless motor to remain cool even after drilling multiple fishing holes in the ice.
- The hammer drill features Bluetooth connectivity to customize tool settings and get improved tool control.
- This compact and lightweight cordless drill has a core18 V compact battery to allow creating plenty of holes to increase ice fishing productivity.· It has a variable speed setting to drill various sizes of ice precisely using an ice auger blade.
- You can select from two speeds: one for power and another for speed.
- The ease and sturdiness are increased with the clutch, chuck, and extended belt clip.
- Brand: Bosch
- Source of Power: Hand-Powered
- Special Features: Variable Speed
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters
- Color: Black and Black Blue
- Max Speed of Rotation: 1900 RPM
- Voltage: 18V
- Amperage: 4 Amps
- Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Searching for the best ice auger drill? Bosch is a reliable brand in the power tool industry and has regional companies in over 60 countries. Compared to the previous cordless drill, this cordless hammer drill is a bit pricy while having the same 18 V Lithium-Ion batteries, two-speed settings, and various clutch positions. Then why should you opt for this model?
The key reason is that this cordless drill can control kickback, making it a safer choice for beginner anglers. This bosch hammer drill can reduce the effect of sudden rotational torque reaction to help control the ice auger more conveniently during drilling through ice.
The tool receives a 5-star rating for value for the money due to its good battery health, ergonomics, and lightweight construction.
- This 18-volt Li-ion battery-powered drill delivers a strong battery life in comparison to other brands of ice auger cordless drills. The cordless drill for ice auger is a preferable choice for starter ice fishermen particularly those who don’t have a deep indicator. Its powerful yet compact design and the anti-reverse system will make your ice fishing as easier as possible.
- Many customers complain that the drill comes in poor packaging and is covered in dust and rubbing. However, it’s easier to clean and give the fresh look back.
Best Budget
Metabo HPT 18V: Best Ice Auger Drill
- Metabo 18V drill kit includes a UC18YKSL charger, two Philips bits and a BSL1815 battery.
- The cordless drill is made of a powerful brushless motor that won’t overheat even when drilling through thicker ice.
- It’s quite lightweight and ergonomic to handle an ice auger for a longer time and carrying place to place.
- The versatile cordless drill has multiple clutch settings and a keyless chuck to handle a wide range of applications including ice fishing.
- It has a powerful toque and led light to conquer tougher ice even in darker weather.
- The drill also features two-speed transmissions to allow setting the perfect speed based on the ice.
- Brand: Metabo HPT
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Maximum Power: 850 Watts
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Amperage: 1.5 Amps
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters
- Customer Rating: 4.6 stars
A professional fishermen will always look for the best drill for ice fishing. Metabo 18V cordless drill is extremely powerful with higher torque and fits nicely in hand and arsenal. The drill can also hold power for a long time even in cold weather while featuring multiple torque settings.
It also has led lights as well as offers a limited lifetime warranty. So, this one can be your best cordless drill for ice auger for drilling multiple fishing holes on thicker ice without causing hand fatigue or loss of power.
The drill has 22 + 2 clutch settings, LED light and indication, Reactive Force Control (RFC) for safety and lifetime warranty.
- The stylish cordless drill is fairly durable, lightweight, and versatile to withstand any challenging Jobsite in any environment. It also comes in a complete set and features a charge indicator for improved convenience over long-distance ice fishing.
- The cordless drill is a bit loud however won’t irritate an open space. It also doesn’t have useful low speed. Otherwise, the cordless ice auger drill is outstanding.
Japanese
Milwaukee M18: Best Drill for Ice Auger
- The brushless cordless drill that offers over 50% longer working time than drilling with brushed motors.
- Unlike the typical cordless motor, this model has a redlithium battery to deliver long run times during ice fishing.
- This cordless drill monitors the temperature and protects against rough applications, making it perfect for drilling larger ice fishing holes even if it is deeper than 4’.
- Its metal chuck ensures maximum impact and shock durability during demanding applications.
- With higher RPM and torque, this cordless drill can conquer deeper ice to create precise holes using auger for ice fishing.
- The tool offers excellent balance and coordination.
- Milwaukee cordless drill has a metal gear case.
- Brand: Milwaukee
- Color: Red
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Maximum Rotational Speed: 1800 RPM
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Maximum Chuck Size: 6.35 millimeters
- Maximum Power: 800 Watts
- Item Torque: 500 Inch Pounds
- Package Dimensions : 10.693 (L) x 18.592 (W) x 24.612 cm (H)
- Rating: 4.7 stars
The only complaint this Milwaukee Cordless drill get is poor packaging. Many customers are worried about the drill being nicked at the tip due to shipping in bubble and plastic wrap packaging instead of a box.
But when it comes to durability, quality and longevity, many DIY enthusiasts start replacing this cordless drill with their older one that comes from a reputed brand like Makita! It’s a budget-friendly and compact cordless drill that has a brushless motor for efficient and powerful performance, making it one of the best cordless drills for ice augers.
The robust battery-powered drill has 1800 RPM motor, increased runtime and remarkable torque for driving an ice fishing auger through hard and thick ice.
- It’s a cheap, compact and powerful cordless drill for ice fishing and any home improvement job. The drill is also the perfect choice for longer outdoor applications and overhead projects. It also provides a max 5-year warranty. A highly suggested tool with 4.7 stars.
- The cordless drill comes in poor packaging surprisingly without any damage. It’s also a bit hard to shift speed high and low using this cordless drill for the first couple of times.
Customer Choice
BLACK+DECKER: Best Cordless Drill for Ice Fishing
- This light weight cordless drill has a lithium ion battery to deliver longer runtime.
- This low-cost cordless drill has an integrated bit holder and LED for improved convenience over the works conditions and environment.
- The cordless drill features a variable speed setting to ensure precise drilling through ice based on its thickness.· With 11 position clutch, this cheap cordless drill for ice auger helps prevent stripping and overdriving the screws.
- A brilliant drill with a two-year warranty and certification that is frustration-free.
- Brand: BLACK+DECKER
- Special Feature: LED Worklight, Lightweight
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Maximum Chuck Size: 10 Millimeters
- Maximum Power: 1800 Watts
- Color: Black and Orange
- Certification: Certified Frustration -free
- Warranty: 2-Year Warranty
Finally, if you are looking for the best cordless drill for an ice auger at a tight budget even without sacrificing quality and performance, go for this one. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Drill comes at a surprisingly low price while its features and capability are comparable with any high-end model.
For example, it has variable speed settings, an ergonomic handle, a lithium ion battery, and an LED work light. However, the downside is that this cordless drill doesn’t have a brushless motor and only has 11 position clutches. So it might not be powerful and versatile for handling demanding drilling jobs. Still, it’s an acceptable option for drilling through ice.
- Another best cordless drill for frozen ice augers with budget-friendly costs uses lithium-ion cells and typically has a battery life of one hour. The cordless drill is suitable for light-duty ice fishing projects. It is also suitable for drilling into various types of surfaces, thanks to its ergonomic and powerful design. It is also versatile and offers two years warranty.
- It doesn’t have many clutch positions and a brushless motor to penetrate deeper ice. So you may struggle to handle a gas or electric ice auger.
Factors to Pick the Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger
Drilling fishing holes isn’t the same as working on wood, steel, or other materials. A cordless drill should have certain features so it can drill holes in thicker ice efficiently without breaking the auger’s blade. Let’s check out the features that should have in a cordless drill to help you create ice fishing holes safely and perfectly.
Power
Your cordless drill should have enough power to drill through thicker ice even if it is more than 4 feet deep. If you want better control over your fishing spot, choose a cordless drill that has around 750 lbs torque, 750 RPM speed, and around 25000 BPMs.
Dimension
The cordless drill you’ll choose should fit in your hand and arsenal comfortably. A compact model will let you carry it to the desired destination and handle the ice auger conveniently until you get those holes.
An Ergonomic Design
Opt for a cordless drill that has an ergonomic handle. It’ll absorb the vibration and let you push the auger’s blade through ice comfortably avoiding slipping off. A cordless drill with a light system will be a bonus for nighttime fishing or in darker conditions. The model should also be waterproof for increased safety as it’ll be exposed to water.
Durability
Ice particularly thicker ones are quite tough to drill through. Hence you should have a durable cordless drill in your hand that can handle ice auger and ice efficiently and let you create multiple holes without causing failure. A cordless drill with a 3 to 5 years warranty will be a bonus.
Speed Transmission
Your cordless drill should have double or three-speed transmission so you can set the accurate speed based on the ice thickness.
Battery
The type of battery and its runtime is crucial aspects of a cordless drill, particularly for long-distance ice fishing. In this case, choose a model that has lithium-ion batteries and offers a longer run time.
Portability
The first great feature that allowed us to choose a few cordless drills for the review section is their portability, which makes them simple to carry from one place to another. Furthermore, a toolkit or bag is also nice enough.
Durability
You should always use a powerful cordless drill for an ice fishing auger because ice is hard or solid. It’s important to pay attention to the low failure rate reported by hardware professionals.
Power Level
It’s crucial to have a cordless ice auger drill capable of drilling through thick ice. As a result, you should always look for best cordless drill for ice auger with a high level of torque. A 1000-inch-pound torque with 700 or 750 inch-pounds of weight is ideal for an ice auger. The best choice is to have at least 10 different clutch settings.
Flexibility and Speed (RPM and BPM)
The ideal speed for the most significant ice fishing drill is 750 RPMs, so you should take that into consideration. The hammer’s action is also measured in terms of blows per minute (BPM), and it should be able to deliver up to 25,000 BPM. Additionally, your drill machine should have at least two-speed transmissions.
How to Use Cordless Drill for Ice Auger
So, what have we discovered? We found some excellent drills machines for frozen ice augers. Well, it’s time to learn how to make a hole for fishing. Let’s talk about all the steps to making a cut with the ice auger.
Mark The Spot
You should pick a location where there is at least 2-4 feet of space from the lake’s base. Before the ice melts, understand the surface. To be sure there are fish below, check a few signs first.
Avoid inlets or weedy areas and stick to deep pools, rocky places, or sheltered locations. You can find the ideal fishing spot with the assistance of a professional angler or fisherman, as well as dredging and waterway maintenance staff, which is crucial.
Think About Safe Footing
Fishing under the ice is quite risky, so you need to stand securely by placing your feet firmly on the ground. As snow produces superior traction over ice, you should begin by making a tiny snow pitch on the ice surface for a stable footing. The good news is that the snow under your feet will melt and turn into slush, which you can utilize to anchor your tent skirt.
Pick the Right Ice Auger Drill
The hole will always be accurately cut for angling with the appropriate auger. What should you choose, then? Therefore, the more powerful one has the ability to drill through both thick and thin ice. Hand augers require more effort and may be difficult to drill through 4 feet or thicker of ice. Skip it then!
A Sharp Blade Duty
Keep in mind that applying too much pressure with the blade will slow everything down. To encourage the cordless drill auger to drill downward, just use moderate pressure. However, if you have a laser drill, you can lift it slightly higher.
Clean the Ice hole
Cleaning up any remaining debris and kicking snow away from the hole’s downwind side is now mandatory. Fill the clean channel you made with the slushy particles. To remove any leftover slush or loose ice from the hole, use the auger now.
The Auger Must Be Cleaned
Your auger’s blade constantly gathers ice when you drill too many holes; therefore, you need to clean it. It’s quite simple! Simply spin off any remaining moisture by running your auger over the ice. Position the auger in the sun to keep the blades warm. Additionally, protecting yourself from flying ice breakages is critical, as it may cause eye damage.
Tips for Drilling Hole using Cordless Drill for Ice Fishing
Drilling ice fishing holes require proper preparation and practice with the right essentials. We expect you’ve already got your best cordless drill for ice auger. Let’s understand how to drill an ice fishing hole:
Scout the Spot
Since you can’t explore underneath the water’s surface after it freezes, scout the spot before it happens. In terms of depth, 2’ to 4’ is your best bet you can determine with depth indicator. Look for sheltered rocky areas or deep pools as fishes are most possibly to be there. Likewise, avoid stumps, rocks, or weedy areas.
You should also keep away from inlets and other areas where water moves fast as there will be thinner ice. For more accurate information on your target areas, talk to the local veteran fishermen and connect with the water maintenance team.
Understand the Auger
Auger is a vital piece of equipment for successful ice fishing. Many anglers consider the power drill ice augers as their top choice since these are handy for drilling multiple holes quickly even through thicker ice.
However, these are heavier options to control for a long. Conversely, hand augers are lighter and safe to use on thinner ice while tiresome to work on ice thicker than 4’ deep.
Stand with Solid Footing
It’s essential for operating an auger safely and carefully. Start with drilling tiny snow patches into the ice surface. This’ll turn the ice into the snow to offer you better traction for creating a wider and more solid stance. The snow will also protect you from sudden spray and allow anchoring a portable ice hut or secure a tent skirt.
Let the Blades do Their Job
Don’t push your drill auger down with excessive pressure as it can prevent the blades from operating quickly. You may also tend to lose balance by doing these mistakes. So apply moderate pressure and let your blade penetrate through ice efficiently.
Prepare the Hole for Fishing
Remove the ice debris and snow from the hole’s downwind side to create a channel for clearing the debris. Make a blockade between slush and the ice hole using the remaining snow. Then use auger to pull out any loose ice from the hole. Finally, clean the auger blades quickly before ice build-up to prevent reducing its effectiveness.
How to Connect a Power Drill with an Ice Auger?
Connecting a power drill with ice auger is quite a simple and quick task and helpful for making ice fishing affordable yet effective. To do this, lessen the wing nut from the auger to remove its handle. Then attach the drill adapter to the blade assembly and tighten the nut to make the connection secure. Finally, turn on your cordless drill and start drilling into the ice to create a hole for your desired ice fishing.
How to Convert a Drill into an Ice Auger
There are situations when you must turn the drill into an ice auger before drilling for fishing. Therefore, gather a hand auger with a solid blade, a drill, and an ice auger drill adapter just before you go.
Now, by releasing the wing nut, detach the handle from the ice auger. After that, the blade assembly is attached to the ice auger drill adapter. For the adapter to stay in place, tighten the wing nut. Remember, just using the drill for 6-inch augers is enough for a regular task. For your purpose, the drill machines we’ve recommended above are perfect! So, choose the one that is right for you.
FAQs on Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger
Undoubtedly, a cordless drill is useful for ice fishing. While hand augers and cordless drills can both be used for angling, corded drills are not suitable for outdoor activities like ice fishing because they require a cable and electrical connection, and some of them are tough to carry.
How much torque do I need for ice auger?
A brushless drill with a minimum torque of 700 in-lbs. For an ice auger, a battery with a minimum capacity of 5 AH and a 12-inch chuck will also work well.
Can I use an auger bit in a cordless drill?
The optimum tool is a high-torque corded or cordless drill with a low RPM of less than 600, making 18V–20V high torque significantly more efficient.
Why do you need a brushless drill for ice auger?
A brushless drill is a preferable option for an ice auger a brushed motor drill will work as well. A drill motor need to work hard to lead an auger through the ice and hence may overheat easily. A brushless motor won’t get damaged over time due to getting overheated.
Can you drill ice fishing holes using cordless drills in the rain?
It won’t be safe to use a cordless drill in the rain, particularly if it’s not a water motor, the water can damage its motor completely entering into the drill.
What size ice auger is best?
If it is an electric or gas auger, choose the largest size if you can afford it. A 10” auger is the most common size and can handle any species. If you desire to catch panfish, 4 ½” augers will be your perfect choice.
Final Words
In the end, you get some of the best cordless drills for ice augers as well as a wide range of drilling and fastening applications. These power drills are coming from world reputed brand and already have proven their capability on a variety of surfaces including leading augers through thicker and harder ice.
We recommend having these drills not because of our pick but because they have all the must-have features like portability, sturdiness, level of power, RPM or BPM, Chuck size, ergonomic style, LED lighting, and so on. And we guarantee that you will not find a better drill for an ice fishing auger anywhere else.
Though this cordless drill varies in price, design, included accessories, and functions, all are capable of handling any type of ice auger conveniently through the icy surface. So opt for any of these drills confidently based on your budget and preference and enjoy precise ice fishing holes for successful fishing.
