is this possible by hand or is a drill the only way to go?
As a diehard flip over guy I have nominal experience with hubs. Last weekend I borrowed a hub tried to put the anchors in by hand. Didn’t even get close to get one started let alone several inches down. Luckily there was not enough wind to matter but thinking of next time I need to set one up.
I use a small Milwaukee m12 drill with Eskimo adapter and they go in super easy. I’ve heard guys using hand drills to make a pilot hole and screwing them in by hand also.
It’s possible by hand but waaaaaaay easier with the adapter and drill. Like coletrain, I use a drill and the eskimo adapter. Done in seconds.
It can be done both ways, but sometimes they can be really hard to get started and you will need to put all your body weight behind it.
I use the Otter adapter in my 20v Dewalt hammer.
Drill only way to go. Buy the cheap usb adapter charger for the battery as well for your phone and it is a win win.
I’ve been putting off getting the drill adapter but honestly it’s a real PITA to get them started by hand sometimes
Eskimo anchors go in great by hand…but yes, nothing beats a drill.
On a side note, I’m actually surprised by how little I use anchors on my HUB. Usually I don;t use anything at all but if its slightly windy, I put my propane tank on the skirt of the wind side, if windier, I tie the one side off to the sled.
I put in by hand. Not too bad once you get it started, just go slow with lots of pressure.
The Eskimo ones are a piece of cake by hand
I’ve had a tough time getting my Otter anchors started by hand as well. Once started they screw in easy.
Tried the drill adaptor out a couple weeks ago and its it’s a lot easier. Only pain is carrying an extra drill or unchucking the auger bit on my dril.
Also agree that there has only been a couple times that I put 1 or 2 in to make sure the hub stayed put.
The Eskimo ones are a piece of cake by hand
You’re a better man than I. Gave it a few tries, gave up, and grabbed my 
Seems I’ll get an adapter for the drill. I’m converting to the pistol bit so will have a drill with me starting next season.
I quit using a drill after buying an Eskimo hub. The lag bolts with a handle that came with my Clam Command Post left me sore for 2 weeks, and that was with four other people helping. My slotted hole saw I made after that is still around, somewhere..
The Eskimo ones are a piece of cake by hand
i will second that……but 90% of the time. every so often it is a beach to get one started for whatever reason? I usually pound a small pilot hole with the tip and it will bite down good.
i have drills but usually forget to bring it or don’t really care because the eskimos bite so easy…..90% of the time.
when there is little snow to bank or hard pack like now, I sometimes bring a 20′ logging chain and throw it on the skirt of my hub. the weight holds it down nicely and no drilling. it’s heavy enough and weight don’t matter when the pulling is easy like now.
I always carry a small hatchet in my sled .I use it and a scratch awl to make a starting hole. Tried the adapter and hand drill. Much easier for me this way. I should mention I have put grommets in the skirt of my hub for the anchors .
i read about a trick but have yet to try it. take an anchor and chisel a little hole then pour some water into the hole with the anchor in the water. hold it there for a minute or so until it starts to freeze and then proceed to force the anchor into the ice.
I use mostly eskimo stuff,but I do like the otter anchor tool a little better because it has the notch to lock into my impact if I have that with instead of a driver,Eskimo wont snap lock into an impact.
I just dip them in water and screw it in by hand. If it doesn’t go just dip it in the water again.
Ice angel is the way to go. Drill a hole with your auger about 6-8 Inches deep and put them in the hole and pull up super easy
Ice angel is the way to go. Drill a hole with your auger about 6-8 Inches deep and put them in the hole and pull up super easy
For remote lakes I get it, good idea. For any well traveled lake I feel those could be irresponsible, just like the guys who drill a hole half way to store their drill. Those holes are serious ankle breakers, especially the 10″. Just my 2 cents
I set up a speeder wrench. You can put some good weight behind it. It works great and I don’t have to carry a drill or have it near my holes.
Otter hub, and I do it by hand. Goes pretty easy.
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