Using a cordless drill with an ice auger has been growing in popularity among anglers. It offers a lightweight option at a relatively affordable price. Additionally, many anglers already have cordless drills for other uses which they can utilize for ice fishing as well. However, it is important to note that not all ice augers are ideal for cordless drills. Some augers may be specifically designed for drills while others require specific adapters to accommodate it. We will break all of that down in this article and look into the best ice augers for cordless drills on the market.
The Angler’s Line is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program as well as other affiliate programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites at no extra cost to you.
The Best Ice Augers For Cordless Drills (Quick Summary)
- K-Drill (Best High End Option)
- StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill (Best Mid Price Option)
- StrikeMaster Lazer Hand Auger (Best Budget Option/Requires Attachment)
What To Look For When Selecting An Ice Auger For A Drill:
Weight
Weight is one of the biggest factors to consider when choosing an ice auger for a cordless drill. Having a lightweight auger is important if you plan on moving around a lot and drilling many holes throughout the day. Additionally, having a lightweight auger is much easier on your drill. It generates less torque and prevents your drill from burning out. The lightest weight ice augers are generally specifically designed to be used with drills.
Material
Contrary to popular belief, not all ice augers are made of steel. Many of the augers specifically designed for cordless drills incorporate non-steel flighting materials including aluminum or other resins. This drastically decreases the weight which is important for the same reasons previously mentioned.
Drill Adaptability
As hinted at earlier, some ice augers are specifically designed for drills while others are not. The augers that are intended for drill use typically require a 1/2″ chuck. Make sure the chuck on your cordless drill is large enough before purchasing a new ice auger.
Another popular option is modifying a hand auger to be able to be used with a drill. In order to do this, you’ll need an adapter. We general recommend against doing this for augers over 6″ in diameter. Hand augers are generally made from steel and the weight ends up being too much for the drill to handle.
Blade Type
The first blade type for ice augers is chipper blades. Chipper blades have teeth in the leading edge which tends to chip the ice in order to cut. Chipper blades are typically more durable and last longer, but provide a slightly slower cut. These blades are ideal if you plan on fishing ice which may have some frozen in debris such as twigs. Additionally, chipper blades are better for reopening preexisting holes.
The other ice auger blade type is shaving blades. Shaving blades have a smoother leading edge which shaves the top layer of the ice, hence the name. Shaving blades provide a smooth and quick cut when fishing fresh ice. They are not as great when reopening old holes. Furthermore, you have to be diligent and take good care of shaver blades to prevent them from getting chipped. Once a shaver blade is damaged, you’ll have to replace them. If you choose an ice auger with shaver blades, make sure to cover them after every use.
Chipper Blades:
Shaver Blades:
Auger Diameter
Last, and certainly not least is auger diameter. The smaller the cutting diameter, the easier it will be cut the hole and the easier it will be on your cordless drill. The lightweight augers specifically designed for drills allow you to use diameters up to about 8″. This is plenty big enough to bring up any sort of panfish or small game fish. If you plan on adding an attachment to a hand auger, we recommend an auger no more than 6″ in diameter to limit weight. Holes of this size are best suited when targeting panfish through the ice.
The Best Ice Augers For Drills (More Specifics)
K-Drill (Best High End Option)
Features:
- Attaches to electric drill with 1/2 In. drill chuck
- Drill through 36 In. of ice without extensions
- Side stabilizer arm for a secure grip
- Large center point for safer drilling of old holes
- Tool steel blades
Pros:
The K-Drill is the first ice fishing auger specifically designed for cordless drills, and remains one of the most widely used augers today. This drill is extremely lightweight at just under 5lbs which makes drilling a lot of holes much easier. It is important to note that the auger is made of a plastic material, which allows for this decrease in weight. The high carbon (tool steel) blades on the K-Drill tend to require less long-term maintenance since they are extremely hard.
Cons:
This is the most expensive of the augers listed in this article. Additionally, it may not be the fastest at drilling holes due to its design that minimizes the torque experienced by the drill. However, speed isn’t always the most important factor.
StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill (Best Mid Price Option)
Features:
- Segmented Flighting is full length and is molded with synthetic resins
- Reinforced “T” Connection with a Heavy-Duty Steel Hex Shaft
- Two Chrome-Alloy Stainless Steel Lazer Blades
- Includes: Blade Guard, NDA-3 Two Stage Drill Adapter & Protection Flange
- 1-Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
*from Rapala website
Pros:
The StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill is one of the fastest ice fishing augers for cordless drills. Additionally, the 8″ version is only 5.3lbs which makes drilling lots of holes much easier. For the price, this drill is tough to beat.
Cons:
The 8″ Strikemaster Lite-Flite Lazer drill is slightly heavier than the 7.5″ K-Drill, however the difference is minimal. Additionally, the stainless steel lazer blades on this auger can get damaged relatively easily if not properly taken care of. You’ll need to make sure to always cover the blades and avoid drilling in shallow water where you may accidentally hit the bottom. If the blades get damaged, you’re likely to have to purchase new ones.
StrikeMaster Lazer Hand Auger (Best Budget Option/Requires Attachment)
Features:
- Breaks Down into Two Pieces (Handle and Auger, you’ll only use the auger portion when using it with a cordless drill)
- Chrome-Alloy Stainless Steel Lazer Blades
- Powder Coated Paint
*from Rapala website
Pros:
The StrikeMaster Lazer Hand Auger is one of the most inexpensive augers to get you in the game. With the correct adapter, this auger works just fine with a cordless drill. The Lazer blades are quite sharp and cut through the ice with minimal effort as long as they are maintained. For smaller blade sizes (under 6″), the proper cordless drill will have no problem handling this auger.
Cons:
This auger is heavier than the other augers with the 6″ version weighing 6.5 lbs (with handle). If you plan on going this route, don’t go any bigger than a 6″ blade size to avoid damaging your drill. Additionally, this auger requires a special adapter to make it compatible to use with a drill. Just like the StrikeMaster Lite-Flite Lazer Drill, the blades can be easily damaged if proper precautions are not taken.
More Information
Now that you’ve made it through the article, you should have everything you need to feel confident in choosing the best ice auger for your cordless drill. All of the augers in this article come in at various different price points geared towards different anglers. Choose whichever one best suits your needs.
If you are looking for a drill to use for your new auger, check out The Best Drills For Ice Augers
The Angler’s Line is all about building a community centered around fishing and conservation, so that we can all enjoy this great resource for years to come. If this sounds like a mission you can get behind, consider signing up to our newsletter here
More Ice Fishing Articles:
