There’s never been more choice in the ice auger market than there is today. Here’s a look at what’s available to best suit your needs on the ice.
Gas augers
For more than 70 years, the crack of two-stroke augers has been a familiar sound across the ice belt. Reliable and sturdy, these workhorses have withstood the test of time. Gas augers are still the cheapest option for a power auger. With two-stroke and four-stroke models available, they’ll drill holes until you run out of fuel.
The downside: They’re heavy. Two strokes require mixing oil and gas. Inside an ice shack, the exhaust fumes are less than desirable, as is the noise.
Propane augers
A more recent addition to the combustion auger lineup is propane power. Running off disposable one-pound tanks, propane augers are a cleaner burning, lower emission, and quieter option in the combustion auger market. Touted as easier to start, propane augers have no choke, priming, or flooding — issues known to haunt gas augers.
The downside: Propane augers can be difficult to start during extreme cold.
Drill attachments
Drill style electric augers offer the ultimate in power and mobility. These systems combine a standard cordless drill (typically an 18 or 20-volt unit) with a detachable auger bit. The biggest advantage is how light these setups are. Most auger bits are six to eight inches in diameter. For larger holes, the full-size electric units are a better choice.
To combine the look and feel of a traditional auger with the light weight and portability of a drill system, adapter plates are available. The plate provides a frame to mount the drill and bit to, giving the user handles and a trigger to start and stop the drill.
The downside: Smaller batteries means they drain fast. You’ll need spares for any serious outing.
Mounting plates are a solid way to combine the drill you own with an auger bit.
Full-size electric
The auger market has seen a massive shift to electric models. With companies dropping their gas auger lineup altogether, it’s clear that electrics are the way of the future. Full-size electric augers range from 24-volt to 40-volt units and auger sizes from six to 10 inches in diameter. Leading the list of advantages is ease of use. Drop in a battery, push a button, start drilling.
Electric augers are quiet and have zero emissions — ideal for use inside shacks. They are also lighter than comparable gas/propane units.
The downside: Once your batteries are dead, you’re done. Battery performance decreases with colder temperatures. Keeping them warm will result in more holes.
At this time, full-sized electric are the most expensive augers on the market.
Who can’t use the workout?
Those looking for inexpensive and light-weight augers, hand units are still used. Their light weight and compact size make them ideal for foot travellers searching for adventures off the beaten path. Hand augers with larger diameter holes and thicker ice require more work. Keeping blades sharp is especially important with manual augers.
The downside: Sweaty work.
Originally published in the Nov.-Dec. 2023 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS
Leave A Comment