Wintertime ice anglers can enjoy a more efficient and time-saving approach to drilling ice with the aid of a cordless drill. In this article, we will cover the best options on the market for ice auger drills, offering buyers insight into which models provide the most reliable performance at a great value. We will discuss the required features including the battery and power of the motor, to help you make an informed purchase decision. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to choose your ideal cordless drill for icy tasks!
Cordless drill requirements for ice drilling
When it comes to ice drilling, we cannot just use the same drill bits used for wood or metal. Instead, a unique and specially crafted auger needs to be employed. These augers are typically 40 inches long with diameters from 6-14 inches in size. After attaching this huge ice auger—which is about 8-10 times bigger than the average drill bit—you have to drill through the very hard ice. It clearly requires power and torque. But apart from this, there are many other criteria that an ice auger drill must meet.
Let’s have a look:
1. Type of drill - What Kind of Drill Is Right for Ice Drilling?
When selecting a cordless drill for ice drilling, it is important to avoid using tools such as an impact drill or a rotary hammer drill. Instead, the best type of tool to use would be a cordless drill driver with a regular drilling mode. The hammer drill is also good, but it’s wise to refrain from using the hammer function when drilling through ice, as this can end up damaging your drill bit. With the proper tool at hand, ice drilling becomes an easy and enjoyable experience.
2. The power - How much torque do you need for a drill ice auger?
To ensure that the drill has enough power to handle the large auger and penetrate through the ice of any thickness, it should have a minimum torque of 700 in-lbs. This is the minimum required torque; however, 1000 in-lbs of torque is recommended if possible. As the thickness of the ice cannot be determined beforehand, having a reserve of power is ideal.
3. The chuck - What size chuck is needed for the ice drill?
The required minimum chuck size is 1/2 inch. Since the ice auger itself is large, the clamping shaft is also large and wouldn’t even fit in a 3/8-inch chuck. This size is necessary to transmit such a large torque.
4. The motor - Brushless or brushed?
Brushless motors are known to be more advanced and powerful than brushed versions. There is no friction, and they can withstand cold temperatures better.
5. The battery - What kind of battery is required for the ice auger?
The required combination is a 4 Ah battery with a voltage of 18V (20V Max). The higher the voltage, the more power you will get, and more power is required for drilling through thick ice. Moreover, batteries drain more in cold weather, so aim for as high a battery amper hour number as possible.
6. Side handle
A side handle provides extra stability and control when drilling. Try to look for a model that has one included with the purchase or is available as an option.
Now that you know all the criteria for choosing the best cordless drill, let’s take a look at some of our top picks!
5 Best Cordless Drill for Ice Augers
When we write the best cordless drills for ice augers, we really mean the best. Therefore, the following five recommendations are real top-class power drills. These machines are guaranteed to be easy to use for ice drilling and meet all the requirements described above.
- Brushless Motor
- 1020 in-lbs torque
- 18V (20V Max)
- 5Ah Battery (2 pcs)
- 1/2 inch metal chuck
- Side handle
- 3-speed settings
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The DEWALT DCD991P2 Cordless Drill Driver is an excellent choice for serious ice auger work. This powerful drill driver has an 18V (20V MAX) brushless motor, with a maximum torque of 1020 in-lbs that can be regulated via its 12-position clutch. It has three-speed settings and can reach a maximum speed of 2000 rpm.
The stable bit grip is guaranteed by the nitro-carburized, all-metal chuck. The DCD991 comes with two 5Ah batteries and weighs only 4.3 lbs, so it’s not only incredibly powerful but also incredibly light – perfect for extended use in icy conditions. With its incredible power and lightweight design, this high-quality drill driver from Dewalt is unbeatable for ice augering projects.
- Brushless Motor
- 1250 in-lbs torque
- 18V (20V Max)
- 5Ah Battery (2 pcs)
- 1/2 inch metal chuck
- Side handle
- 2-speed settings
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Makita’s flagship XPH14T LXT Hammer Drill is equipped with many features that make it perfect for ice augers. It has a voltage of 18V (20V MAX), 21 clutch settings, a two-speed transmission with a maximum speed of 2100 RPM, 1250 in-lbs of torque, and an all-metal chuck – making it one of Makita’s most powerful and valuable hammer drills!
Additionally, this drill comes with two 5Ah batteries and a side handle. The Makita XPH14T is also lightweight (6 lbs. with the battery) and durable, making it ideal for heavy-duty projects like ice augering. With extreme power, you can be sure the Makita will never let you down, even in frigid temperatures!
- Brushless Motor
- 1200 in-lbs torque
- 18V (20V Max)
- 5Ah Battery (2 pcs)
- 1/2 inch metal chuck
- Side handle
- 2-speed settings
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Our third pick is the Milwaukee 2804-20, an incredibly powerful and feature-packed hammer drill. With a voltage of 18V (20V MAX), fourteen clutch settings and 1,200 in-lbs of maximum torque, a maximum speed of 2,000 RPM, this power tool can tackle any drilling project.
In addition to being powerful, it also weighs only 4.8 lbs with a 5 Ah battery and the all-metal chuck provides even more durability while helping to avoid slippage. With the Milwaukee 2804-20 power tool, you can trust in PowerState’s brushless motor for incomparable reliability and performance. RedLink Plus technology safeguards against overheating and overloading.
All in all, Milwaukee’s 2804-20 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill is an ideal pick for tackling icy environments; it is durable, lightweight, and extremely powerful.
- Brushless Motor
- 1330 in-lbs torque
- 18V (20V Max)
- 1/2 inch metal chuck
- Side handle
- 2-speed settings
- Battery not included, but available
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The Bosch GSB18V-1330C ProFactor Hammer Drill is the ultimate tool for any heavy-duty tasks, such as an ice auger. Boasting a Biturbo Brushless motor, 18V voltage (20V MAX), and 1330 in-lbs of max torque, it definitely packs quite a punch! It provides 25 clutch settings and two-speed settings with a maximum speed of 2200 RPM, while its all-metal chuck offers a firm grip on the job.
There is no battery in the package, but batteries of 4, 6, 8 or even 12 Ah are easily available. In short, get ready to be amazed by the Bosch GSB18V-1330C – this beast may just become your favorite tool on the ice!
- Brushless Motor
- 1200 in-lbs torque
- 18V (20V Max)
- 4Ah Battery
- 1/2 inch metal chuck
- Side handle
- 2-speed settings
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The Kobalt XTR 24-Volt Max Hammer Drill is an excellent tool for those looking to tackle tough tasks. With a brushless motor and a maximum torque of 1200 in-lbs, this hammer drill is perfect for drilling through the ice with an auger. It comes with 24 clutch settings, a quick mode selector, two-speed settings, and a maximum speed of 2000 RPM, allowing you to adjust the power output depending on your needs.
This lightweight hammer drill comes with an all-metal chuck, a 4Ah battery, and a side handle. Considering its impressive features and quality construction, the Kobalt XTR 24-Volt Max Hammer Drill gives unbeatable value for money when augmenting for ice.
How is ice drilling done with a cordless drill?
- For ice drilling, you will need an ice auger and a high-torque cordless drill.
- Start by inserting the shank of the drill bit into the chuck of the drill.
- Place the bladed end of the drill bit where you want the hole, ensuring that it is perpendicular to the ice.
- Switch the cordless drill to normal drilling mode (do not use hammer mode) and turn the torque switch to its highest setting. Shift the transmission into position 1.
- Start drilling at a slow speed and then increase the speed gradually. Thanks to the circular motion, the blades cut through the ice layer by layer.
- Keep safety in mind by avoiding any quick movements that could cause you to drop the ice auger into the water beneath.
Important things before ice drilling with a cordless drill
Check that the drill is working properly and that the ice auger is undamaged
Safety should always be the number one priority when you’re drilling through ice. Before you even think about powering up your cordless drill, check it to ensure it’s in good working condition and that all components are strongly connected. This includes double-checking that the auger you’ll be using is undamaged both on the blade and where it connects to the drill.
Always check at home to make sure the battery is fully charged
It is unpleasant when ice fishing is thwarted by a dead battery. It is difficult to find a power source for charging on top of the ice. Although today’s Lithium-ion batteries are already quite advanced, extreme cold temperatures can take their toll even if the charge level is not adequate. It is well known that batteries can drain faster or even extremely fast in cold weather.
Insert the ice auger into the chuck of the drill at home
If you want to try ice drilling now, do not attempt it on the ice first. If there are any issues with the fit, it should be rectified at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a hammer drill good for an ice auger?
Yes, it is good, but if you only plan to use the drill for this purpose, then you don’t need to invest in a model with a hammer feature. However, if you plan to use your drill for other projects, such as construction and repair work throughout the year, then having the hammer capability is certainly advantageous. By opting for a more versatile multi-function tool, you can avoid having two separate pieces of equipment taking up space.
What are the best ice auger brands?
Some of the top ice auger brands in the market are Eskimo, StrikeMaster, Jiffy, and Nordic Legend. All these brands offer ice augers in different sizes with durable blades to make your ice fishing experience enjoyable.
