Ice fishing is an experience like no other and many who try it get hooked at once. But before you can target the fish, you need to get to them first. An auger is an indispensable piece of equipment for hardwater anglers. Without one, the ice will remain a barrier between you and the fish below.
Many augers are completely self-contained with a large drilling bit powered by an attached motor. But recently, augers run by attaching a cordless drill have become increasingly popular.
Advantages of Using Battery-Powered Drill for Ice Fishing Auger
Using a battery-powered drill for an ice fishing auger is more than just a passing fad. This is a practice that is gaining in popularity among ice anglers everywhere. These are some of the advantages of using this setup to drill holes in the ice:
- A battery-powered drill is more affordable than a motor-driven auger.
- A motor-driven auger serves just one, albeit an important, purpose. A battery-powered drill, on the other hand, can be used for countless tasks, not the least of which is powering your auger to drill fishing holes in the ice.
- A battery-powered drill is much easier to carry around.
- A battery-powered drill is easier and quieter to operate than a motor-driven auger.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the key advantages offered by a battery-powered drill, here are the best options out there to power your ice fishing auger.
Bosch GSB18V-535CB15 18V Hammer Drill
The Bosch brand continues a long tradition of innovative German design and engineering. Bosch tools have earned a strong reputation around the globe for quality and reliability. Perhaps this is why Bosch products can be found in over 60 countries worldwide.
Bosch power tools are known for combining cutting-edge features with old-school craftsmanship. For instance, the GSB18V-535CB15 18V hammer drill features Bosch’s signature motor and clutch design while offering Bluetooth capability for connecting to an optional wireless monitoring module.
These are the highlights of the Bosch 18V hammer drill:
| VOLTAGE | 18 volts |
| SPEED | 0-600/0-1900 rpm in drill mode (2 speeds) |
| BATTERY TYPE | Lithium-ion |
| BATTERY CAPACITY | 4.0 amp hours |
| TORQUE | 585 inch-pounds |
| MOTOR | Brushless |
| CLUTCH | 2-speed transmission |
| CHUCK SIZE | ½” |
| WEIGHT | 2.7 pounds |
The Bosch GSB18V-535CB15 18V hammer drill is a game-changer on any job site or with any project. It has the power and speed to complete tasks quickly and efficiently and the longevity to keep going no matter how many tasks you throw at it.
These same attributes make it the perfect sidekick for those winter ice fishing trips. Fasten a standard ice fishing auger to the ½” chuck and you’re ready to drill whatever size hole you want and however many you need. We recommend getting the complete hammer drill kit. Here’s what you get:
- One Bosch GSB18V-535CB15 18V hammer drill
- One 18V 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery
- One 18V charging station with Core technology
- One carrying case
The Bosch 18V hammer drill is compact and lightweight. Throw it in with your ice fishing gear along with a fully charged battery and you’re ready to tackle whatever ice conditions you encounter.
What We Like About the GSB18V-535CB15 18V Hammer Drill
The Bosch 18V hammer drill is as user-friendly as a power tool can get. For instance:
- Its cell technology gets you up to full power quickly while keeping the lithium-ion battery cool
- The 2-speed transmission quickly switches you between power mode and drill mode
- The 20+ clutch settings ensure that you’re at the right power level for the job at hand
While you’re drilling holes through the ice, the automatic kickback control feature will protect you and those cold hands against seizing when you hit especially hard or thick ice.
DeWalt DCD996P2
DeWalt is a major player in the power tool game and its battery-powered drills are popular among professionals and do-it-yourselfers alike. DeWalt’s 20V Max series is a cordless tool platform featuring over 300 tools and accessories designed to deliver high-level performance at any job site.
The DCD996P2 20V Max XR from DeWalt’s 20V Max line is a versatile performer that is capable of taking on any task. From drilling through masonry to driving large fasteners, this rugged hammer drill is the perfect choice for drilling through ice, whether you’re going through six inches or several feet.
Here are the highlights of this power drill:
| VOLTAGE | 20 volts |
| POWER OUTPUT | 300 watts |
| SPEED | 0-450/0-1300/0-2000 rpm in drill mode (3 speeds) |
| BATTERY TYPE | Lithium-ion |
| BATTERY CAPACITY | 5 amp hours |
| MOTOR | Brushless |
| CLUTCH | 3-speed transmission |
| CHUCK SIZE | ½” |
| WEIGHT | 4.5 pounds |
Your purchase of the DeWalt DCD996P2 kit includes a rugged hard case for carrying your hammer drill to and from job sites (and your favorite hardwater fishing spots). Here’s what’s in the case:
- One DeWalt DCD996P2 20V Max XR cordless hammer drill
- Two 20V Max XR lithium-ion batteries
- One battery charging station
- One belt hook
- One 360-degree side handle stabilizer bar
Having an extra battery on hand is great for long days on the ice when you’re chasing the schools of fish around the lake and drilling a lot of holes. The stabilizer bar will come in handy when drilling through multiple feet of thick ice.
What We Like About the DeWalt DCD996P2
With its signature yellow and black color scheme, the DeWalt DCD996P2 20V Max XR hammer drill is the ultimate multi-tasker. It can handle any job around the house or on any job site. When attached to a piston ice auger, it is equally adept at drilling holes through several feet of ice.
This drill is powerful enough to drill dozens of holes on a single battery and it runs smoothly. The built-in LED spotlight with 3 lighting modes is a big plus for drilling inside a dark ice fishing hut or when light conditions are poor outside.
Flex 24V Turbo Mode Hammer Drill
Flex power tools may not have the name recognition as some of the better-known brands on this list, but make no mistake, which may soon change. With their eye-catching black and gray color scheme, Flex power tools are slowly but surely building a reputation for power and performance.
In particular, the Flex 24V Turbo Mode hammer drill (model number FX1271T-2B) is proving to be a true workhorse, delivering unmatched power, speed, and efficiency. Here’s a snapshot of how the Flex 24V hammer drill measures up:
| VOLTAGE | 24V |
| SPEED | Maximum 2,500 rpm in turbo mode |
| BATTERY TYPE | Lithium-ion |
| BATTERY CAPACITY | 2.5 amp hours and 5.0 amp hours (both included) |
| TORQUE | 1,400 inch-pounds |
| MOTOR | Brushless |
| CLUTCH | 2 modes: standard and turbo |
| CHUCK SIZE | ½” |
| WEIGHT | 3.8 pounds |
When it comes to the Flex 24V Turbo Mode hammer drill’s capabilities, the numbers say it all. First of all, the Flex hammer drill is 24 volts, putting it in elite company in the power tool space. This means a lot of power on demand, to the tune of 1,400 inch-pounds of torque and up to 2,500 rpm in turbo mode.
Looking at the Flex 24V hammer drill’s performance capability through the eyes of an ice angler, this translates to raw power capable of cutting through thick ice with minimal effort. With the 5.0 Ah battery, the Flex 24V Turbo Mode hammer drill can cut dozens of holes without breaking a sweat.
The Flex 24V Turbo Mode hammer drill kit is a complete solution for your DIY and ice fishing needs. Here’s what you get:
- One Flex 24V Turbo Mode hammer drill
- One 5Ah lithium-ion battery
- One 0Ah lithium-ion battery
- One 160-watt charging station
- One hard carrying case
This is a professional-caliber drill by any measure. Whether you are a builder by trade or a do-it-yourselfer, the Flex 24V Turbo Mode hammer drill is capable of handling the toughest drilling and driving applications. This performance also makes it the ultimate tool for drilling holes for ice fishing.
What We Like About the Flex 24V Turbo Mode Hammer Drill
The Flex 24V hammer drill brings together power and technology like no tool has done before. Not only is its power and speed tops in its class, but it also boasts cutting-edge features including:
- 50% shorter charging time thanks to the 160-watt charging station
- Cooler, more efficient operation from the brushless motor resulting in more power and a longer service life
- 25% longer run time through Flex’s smart battery technology
Flex power tools are also built to withstand tough conditions. Sealed tools and battery casings keep out dust (and ice) so you can focus on the task at hand without worrying about whether your Flex 24V hammer drill can take the punishment.
Makita XPH14T
Makita has been in business since 1915, starting as a company specializing in motors. Fast forward one century and today, Makita is one of the most trusted brands in the cordless power tool category with satisfied users in over 40 countries worldwide.
The Makita LXT System is a fully integrated family of 18-volt power tools and accessories offering over 325 solutions for projects small and large. Popular platforms include:
- Drills
- Drivers
- Saws
- Grinders
- Sanders
- Polishers
- Vacuums
- Fans
- Gardening and lawn solutions
As far as powering an ice fishing auger, the Makita XPH14T 18V LXT hammer drill is a powerful companion that can easily handle all the heavy lifting. Let this tool take care of drilling holes in the ice so that you can focus on the most important task at hand, which is pulling trophy-sized fish through the ice.
Here’s the Makita XPH14T 18V LXT hammer drill at a glance:
| VOLTAGE | 18 volts |
| POWER OUTPUT | 350 watts |
| SPEED | 0-550/0-2,100 rpm in drill mode (2 speeds) |
| BATTERY TYPE | Lithium-ion |
| BATTERY CAPACITY | 5 amp hours |
| TORQUE | 1,250 inch-pounds |
| MOTOR | Brushless |
| CLUTCH | 2-speed transmission |
| CHUCK SIZE | ½” |
| WEIGHT | 6 pounds |
The Makita XPH14T kit comes with everything you need to tackle challenging projects around the house and hardwater fishing trips in your free time. Here’s what it includes:
- One Makita XPH14T 18V LXT hammer drill
- Two 18V LXT lithium-ion 5.0 Ah batteries
- One 18V LXT rapid charging station
- One side stabilizer bar
- One durable carrying bag
Makita is a brand known for rugged performance and the XPH14T hammer drill is no exception. You can trust that whatever the working conditions, this high-level performer is up to the task.
What We Like About the Makita XPH14T 18V LXT Hammer Drill
As far as key performance indicators are concerned, the Makita XPH14T 18V LXT hammer drill checks all the boxes. Powerful? Check. Reliable? Check. Easy to use? Check. With its classic blue and black colorway, the Makita XPH14T even looks great.
But sometimes it’s the little details that can make the biggest difference on the job, and when it comes to drilling ice fishing holes, these include:
- Soft, rubberized grips that provide tool stability while enhancing comfort
- Built-in LED spotlight to brightly illuminate your work area
- Rugged construction that keeps dust and moisture (and ice shavings) out of the tool and battery casings
Have some unexpected free time on your hands? This hammer drill’s 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries can be fully charged in 45 minutes for those unplanned ice fishing trips that happen on a whim.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel
Milwaukee is a brand that’s all too familiar among do-it-yourselfers and people who work in the construction industry. Its tools are a familiar sight on many job sites, including those where challenging tasks separate the true performers from the wannabes.
The M18 Fuel series from Milwaukee is a collection of powerful and rugged power tools featuring the latest in cordless technology. One of the stars of this lineup is the M18 Fuel ½” hammer drill, a true jack-of-all-trades that delivers the most power of any power tool in its class.
Here’s a snapshot of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel ½” hammer drill’s key features:
| VOLTAGE | 18 volts |
| POWER OUTPUT | 800 watts |
| SPEED | 0-500/0-2100 rpm in drill mode (2 speeds) |
| BATTERY TYPE | Lithium-ion |
| BATTERY CAPACITY | 5.0 amp hours |
| TORQUE | 1400 inch-pounds |
| MOTOR | Brushless |
| CLUTCH | 2-speed transmission |
| CHUCK SIZE | ½” |
| WEIGHT | 3.21 pounds |
When attached to a standard ½” ice fishing auger bit, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel hammer drill shows off its unmatched power. Whether you’re drilling an 8-inch hole for pulling monster pike through the ice, or multiple holes chasing after schools of perch, this drill is your perfect hardwater companion.
The M18 Fuel hammer drill kit includes the following:
- One impact-resistant hardshell carrying case
- One M18 Fuel ½” hammer drill
- Two 0Ah lithium-ion batteries
- One M18 multi-voltage charging station
- One side-handle stabilizer bar
The built-in LED spotlight can illuminate even the darkest ice fishing hut while the rubberized grips on the drill and stabilizer bar ensure that you spend less time drilling holes in the ice and more time pulling daily limits of fish through them.
What We Like About the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Hammer Drill
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel ½” hammer drill is a multitasking wonder. Not only can it take on tough jobs like drilling through concrete and working large fasteners into the toughest materials, but it can also handle harsh conditions out on the ice.
This drill delivers a whopping 800 watts of output and 1400 inch-pounds of torque, making quick work of drilling holes through thick ice. All this power comes in a lightweight, compact design measuring just 7” in length and weighing under 4 pounds. Perfect for stowing away in your tackle box or on your sled.
Ridgid R86115K
For solid performance with great value, Ridgid is a great choice. This is a no-nonsense brand for users who just want to get the job done without any of the fancy bells and whistles offered by some of its competitors. But make no mistake, Ridgid doesn’t compromise when it comes to quality and reliability.
Known as the company that invented the modern pipe wrench, Ridgid is a trusted brand whose tools are passed down from one generation to the next. Ridgid’s 18V Max line of power tools is based on the same basic principles of quality craftsmanship and durability.
The Ridgid 18V Max hammer drill delivers a lot of power in a compact design with an ergonomic touch. A versatile performer, this hammer drill can power through challenging tasks without breaking the bank. Here’s a snapshot of its key specs:
| VOLTAGE | 18 volts |
| SPEED | 0-500/0-2100 rpm in drill mode (2 speeds) |
| BATTERY TYPE | Lithium-ion |
| BATTERY CAPACITY | 4.0 amp hours |
| TORQUE | 800 inch-pounds |
| MOTOR | Brushless |
| CLUTCH | 2-speed transmission |
| CHUCK SIZE | ½” |
| WEIGHT | 2.8 pounds |
The same rugged capability that makes the Ridgid 18V Max R86115K hammer drill such a reliable performer on the job also makes it a valuable companion to bring with you on your next ice fishing trip. This drill can work through tough conditions and deliver power when you need it most.
Here’s what you get with the 18V Max hammer drill kit:
- One Ridgid 18V Max hammer drill
- One 18V Max 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery
- One side stabilizer bar and belt clip
- One battery charger
- One carrying case
When paired with an ice fishing auger bit, the Ridgid 18V Max hammer drill makes easy work of drilling holes through just about any hardwater surface out there. Even in an ice hut or in the pre-dawn hours, the built-in LED will allow you to see where you’re drilling.
What We Like About the Ridgid R86115K
Like a champion flyweight boxer, the Ridgid R86115K hammer drill packs a lot of speed and power into a small frame. These characteristics make this 18V powerhouse the perfect tool to bring on those trips to the ice.
Weighing a mere 3 pounds and measuring just 7.5” in length, the Ridgid 18V Max hammer drill is so easy to carry around that you’ll almost forget it’s there. But when it comes time to drill holes through the ice, this power tool will make its presence known with speed, efficiency, and reliability.
What To Look for in a Drill to Power Your Iced Fishing Auger
Hardwater anglers are a hardy but finicky bunch. From ice fishing spots no one knows about (and never will) to top-secret jigging setups, every angler has that certain way they like to do things out on the ice.
The same goes for deciding which battery-powered drill to use for cutting holes in the ice. While some anglers want on-demand raw power for drilling an 8” hole through multiple feet of ice, others may need long battery life to chase after schools of fish over the course of a long day, drilling holes along the way.
Having trouble deciding or suffering from choice anxiety? Here’s a quick rundown of some important things to consider:
- Voltage – this is usually the first thing that power tool buyers look at and with good reason. A simple way to think of voltage is that it’s an indicator of a battery-powered drill’s power at the moment of use. In other words, how much power can a drill deliver when you pull the trigger?
- Amp hours (Ah) – since cordless power tools run on batteries, this is another important thing to consider. The amp hours show how long a power tool’s battery will last. As a rule of thumb, the higher the number, the longer lasting the battery.
- Torque – this is usually measured in inch-pounds and shows how much rotational force a drill can produce. Put another way, when attached to an ice fishing auger, will the bit power through thick ice or seize up when it hits an especially hard spot.
- Speed (rpm) – drilling speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm) and many drills have 2 or 3-speed transmissions. At lower speed ranges, more power is produced. At higher speeds, the bit rotates faster but with less power being delivered.
- Size and weight – this may not seem important but if you’re planning a long day on the ice and have a lot of gear to fit in your bags or pull around on a sled, you will be thankful to have a battery-powered drill that doesn’t take up much space and is lightweight to carry around.
There are, of course, other things to consider. Perhaps you’re loyal to a particular brand or want to stay within a family of power tools so you can use the batteries interchangeably among the devices. Maybe you have a certain budget in mind or simply don’t like how some models look or feel in your hand.
Whatever factors matter the most to you, hopefully, this guide will allow you to make an informed decision so that you can go out on your next ice fishing trip confident that you made the right choice.
SOURCES:
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/gsb18v-535cb15-06019G211A
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KMP388H?tag=murphious0d-20
https://www.dewalt.com/systems/cordless-platforms/20v
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DR90NA2?tag=murphious0d-20
https://www.flexpowertools.com/innovation
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CV7NF5P3?tag=murphious0d-20
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https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Innovations/M18-Fuel
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