Augers for Drills

Hey, hoping for some help and opinions,

I have been interested in getting an auger that’s made for a drill. Im slowly getting more into ice fishing, and I figured that’s my best option as I already have a nice drill and not trying to spend a whole lot of money on an electric auger yet.

I have been trying to do some research on which auger is the best to go with. All the reviews I can find is all from a few years ago. I was wondering if anyone has any updated recommendations on which one they think is the best and which ones i should consider.

I know eskimo just came out with the pistol 2.0; i have been looking at the strikemaster lite flites, and there are few other brands out there that seem good also.

And maybe this isnt the best option anymore, i know drill augers were really big a few years ago, but maybe the lack of reviews as of late should be an indicator. Thanks in advance for anyone will to share their thought, reviews, and advice.

I think the eskimo, strikemaster, and K-drill are all good units, and I’ve had the pleasure of drilling with all 3.

I’ve been running a K drill since they hit the market. Crazy how cheap you can find used ones now! I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a used unit from any of the manufacturers; blades can be sharpened or replaced but there’s no moving parts or anything to worry about, they’re just expensive rotating shafts, essentially.

K drill uses a chipper blade, I think eskimo and strikemaster offer both blade styles. If you’re in really “dirty” ice chipper blades are nice. They are a little slower than lazer blades in good clear ice. If I were buying new today I’d probably go for the eskimo, but I have no reason to replace my K drill at all after 5+ years.

I have a clam plate and 8 inch lite flight for sale for 150 bucks. That’s one of the best combos you’ll find. Priced very good for the buyer.
I have 2 drill set ups, that’s why I’m selling 1 of them. I have to many auger laying around.

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Bearcat’s unit above is what I use and works perfect with a dewalt 996 drill. That is a good price also.

I’ve had a K-drill since the 1st year they came out. Nothing bad to say about it other than I’ve had to replace a few flites due to cracks in them. My next one will be a strikemaster lite flite. personally I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.

I would be all over that setup BC has for sale if i were you.

I love my 8″ lite flite, smooth and fast cut. Like everyone has said you can’t go wrong with either one.

I have same set up as BC and skeeter, works great. Not a lot of experience with the others but buddy has the pistol bit and he likes it. As others have said, prolly can’t go wrong with either.

I just picked up the Dewalt DCD1007 and a Lite Flite 6″ and 8″ drill unit. Haven’t used the 8″ yet, but the 6″ with that drill is just a beast plain and simple. Unbelievably impressed with its speed and performance. I didn’t time it officially but bet I was punching holes in 6″ of ice in 4-6 seconds and i wasn’t really getting after it with downward pressure.

lshd69 wrote:

I just picked up the Dewalt DCD1007 and a Lite Flite 6″ and 8″ drill unit. Haven’t used the 8″ yet, but the 6″ with that drill is just a beast plain and simple. Unbelievably impressed with its speed and performance. I didn’t time it officially but bet I was punching holes in 6″ of ice in 4-6 seconds and i wasn’t really getting after it with downward pressure.

The lite flites are awesome bits for sure. I used to run mine all season until I bought my 40v, now I hardly use my drill unless it’s 6 inches or less.

I’ve tried them all, owned a few.

My current favorite is the Pistol Bit.

The blades hold an edge a lot longer than Lazer blades, and it doesn’t use up as much battery power as the K-drill (and it’s faster than the K-drill)

Haven’t tried the 2.0 yet, but I like the idea of a center pin (probably makes it safer to use)

Side note, I lost my cover last season and just replaced it with a Cold Snap. That thing is awesome! It took a short learning curve where to place the blades while snapping it down, but I’ll never go back to a bungee one.

B-man wrote:

Side note, I lost my cover last season and just replaced it with a Cold Snap. That thing is awesome! It took a short learning curve where to place the blades while snapping it down, but I’ll never go back to a bungee one.

The snap is where it’s at! Have one on my Ion, first thing I’ll get when I get a new auger.

B-man wrote:

I’ve tried them all, owned a few.

My current favorite is the Pistol Bit.

The blades hold an edge a lot longer than Lazer blades, and it doesn’t use up as much battery power as the K-drill (and it’s faster than the K-drill)

Haven’t tried the 2.0 yet, but I like the idea of a center pin (probably makes it safer to use)

Side note, I lost my cover last season and just replaced it with a Cold Snap. That thing is awesome! It took a short learning curve where to place the blades while snapping it down, but I’ll never go back to a bungee one.

If your PB is an 8″, they had a centering point before the 2.0. I think only the very first version of the PB 8″ did not have a centering point (must be what you’re running). The new element of the 2.0 is the Turbo blades.

You beat me to it vinella.I have the centering point and mine is a coupla years old.

Tutts still has the Eskimo pistol bits on sale for $99. Just picked up a 8″ on Sunday.Should add it does have the centering bit and comes with an extra set of blades.

I have a 5″ lazer, a 6″ Lazer and a 7″ Rayzr that I spin with the big Milwaukee drill. Of these, the Rayzr cuts the best for punching through the bottom of the ice. My 40V Eskimo 8″ synthetic has a cut superior to all three.

If I were going to buy just an auger to drive with a drill, knowing what I know now, I’d have to buy the Eskimo auger.

Marine General has the older version of the pistol bit for $99 as well.

I run a 6″ Lazer for perch on a Milwaukee M18 with a forge 6.0 battery. I have probably drilled 50 feet of ice and the battery is still over half a charge. I have an 8″ pb that I love but I rarely use it since I mostly chase perch.

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Bearcat what made you switch from drills to the 40v? I’m looking into either getting a drill setup or the 40v just curious as to why you switched? Thanks

Hunter Baxley wrote:

Bearcat what made you switch from drills to the 40v? I’m looking into either getting a drill setup or the 40v just curious as to why you switched? Thanks

I run both the 40v and a clam plate with a lite flite bit. Both have their place and time. If I’m hauling stuff with atv or truck then the 40v goes. If by hand or staying light the the drill set up goes.