Off brand power augers?

After using a very old Jiffy Power Auger for many years I’m in the market for a new one this year.
My question to you guys is this.
Have any of you had any experience with what I would call “off brands” of the power augers like a Eskimo?
Ryan Hale

Hi Ryan,
I’m going on my second season with my Jiffy Stealth, and it’s my first one ever, so I have no info or opinion about any other augers.
But I’ve been reading about the auger that you can attach to you cordless drill, and am thinking about converting and old mora hand auger to use this way. I’ll let you know if it happens.
herb

From My experience Eskimo makes a great gear case, however, I was able to use one last year and found the cutting blade was far inferior to the Strikemaster. I have used all brands. Keep in mind for the most part they are all using The same power heads, the only thing that is proprietary is the gear case and the blade and auger. I have owned a lazer mag since its inception, as a matter of fact the one I have is one of the first ever produced has been absolutely outstanding. Again, nothing wrong withthe mechanics of any of the others, but when it comes to performance the lazer mag is hands down the best cutter.

Post deleted by Jason26

Ryan, if you can wait til after January, I have an eskimo that I’m going to bring up, and I like it. Its fairly reasonable, and works good.
dave

Hi Herb,
For a couple of bucks I adapted my auger to a 19.2 volt Craftsman drill. It worked in 15 inches of ice, but not exactly what I was hoping for. Can’t remember precisely, but estimate a dozen holes and it was time to replace the battery. Batteries were freshly charged when I started. Perhaps a better quality, more powerful drill would perform satisfactory. Suspect Wisconsin/Minnesota environment would even be tougher.
Good luck,
Charlie

Charlie, I’ve been reading the posts on a couple other sites about the commercial one that’s for sale. It was stated by the inventor I believe that their’s would drill through 10″ of ice 30 or 40 times before the battery gave out. And I think it was an 18v. Have you tried any other drills? I think a person may have trouble with snow ice or refrozen slush ice. Just a thought.

Hi Herb,
Regarding the drill I used, it was brand new and I repeated the “test” on several different days with similar results. I expect there is a serious difference between the capabilities of DeWalt and Craftsman drills of identical voltage. Also, the price of the DeWalt becomes quite serious. If we weren’t so far apart, I’d be glad to give a “free home demonstration”. It does do the job, but 2 battery packs will do about 20 holes through 15 inches of ice. I would also be glad to send some pics of the “conversion” if you are interested.

Charlie

Charlie

What size hole are you drilling? I’m looking for a 5 inch hand auger this year, I may not buy a gas auger. Time will tell…

I’d love to see some pic’s of the conversion. I’ve got a Ryobi 18v w/2 batteries I have been told by other ice fisherman I should get 10 holes in 12″ of ice with each battery.

Mine is a 6 inch StrikeMaster. Regarding battery life(or lack thereof), it is a simple effort to remove the adaptor and replace original brace. I will take some pics and try to send. Might need some help.

Charlie

Ryan, I have a Eskimo I will be bringing to DL. I bought it last year and it has worked flawlessy for me, and you can’t beat the price.

Chad

I’ve taken a half dozen pics of the adapter at various stages of assembly. Not savvy as to how to send over this site. Please send your email address and I will drop a PM.

Thanks,
Charlie

Chad,what model do you have?
Ryan Hale

Ryan, I have the Barracuda with a 9″ auger.

I wouldn’t consider Eskimo an “OFF BRAND” at all. I have one (Sportsman) that is well over a dozen years old and still runs like a charm. ARDISAM is a major maunfacturer of outdoor equipment especially contruction and excavating stuff. ESKIMO is the brand they put on stuff they make for icefishing. It has those “Serrated” chipper type blades. They don’t cut as fast as these new lazer things but they last forever, even when I go to ponds and end up cutting through small timber of submerged trees. Cuts a clean hole too. Replaced the blades once since I got it, buddy “borrowed” it and dig a couple dozen post holes without using an earth auger, touch ’em up at the beginning of the season and I am good to go.

Herb, I have a cordless drill adapter for strikemaster auger bits. I used it with my 14.4 and was able to get maybe 3 holes per battery in 2′ of ice with a 6″ bit. Part of that may be that my drill is old, but really I think this would be a much better idea with a 3″ or 4″ bit.

I’m pretty sure I know where it is… if you want it, it’s yours.

I ended up buying an old gas auger… best money I’ve ever spent if you ask me.

I have a Jiffy 2 horse. Some of you may have seen it at work at the GTG at Prairie last winter. I like it just fine, but there are some days you almost dread hauling it to that out of the way spot with all the other stuff a person “needs” to catch fish through 20 inches of ice.

Got them! Thankx Charlie