Best Ice Auger Drills – Six Factors You Should Consider

Published on: March 11, 2022
Written by David Rowan / Fact-checked by Eric Devin

If you are an ice angler, a high-quality ice auger drill is quite familiar to you. This tool is literally an ice fisherman’s best friend. A cold winter morning may seem perfect if you have the right hammer drill to angle on ice correctly.

There are countless varieties of this robust toolkit with several modern features. Some focus on the price, while others focus on quality and efficacy. It entirely depends on you what to choose and what not.

However, intending to introduce you to some top-graded ice augers of recent times, we have listed them below, including our honest user experience.

We suggest you read till the end and get your exact match right away.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Decent Ice Auger Drill

There are some definite factors to judge when buying the right drill kit. You must look for the following features and analyze the pros and cons of every ice auger drill. 

Weight

Generally, a drill weighing less than 2.5 lbs is perfect to avoid hand fatigue while ice angling. So, go for a lightweight one to have a better service in fast drilling. However, cordless drills are more lightweight than gas-powered ones. 

RPM

For chipping away, even the stubborn ice blocks, you can start searching for auger drills having a minimum of 750 RPM. There is nothing wrong with going for more. This will decide how fast and robust your drill will be.

Torque

Torque is another way of measuring how powerful your drill is. Always look for it in the specifications. Or ask the manufacturers before buying. While digging through the thickest layers of ice, a high-powered drill is mandatory. A hammer drill with a 750-inch lbs torque is a good starting point.

BPM

The RPM and the BPM are equally important for measuring how the drill will perform on the ice. A minimum of 25,000 BPMs are required on an excellent auger drill. Of course, the more, the better, and the faster. 

Battery

You have already seen that most cordless drills have Lithium-Ion batteries. These are the best options available right now, assuring hours-long working periods. 

A minimum 18 V battery is good enough for you. Always try to charge at a time for having a backup. 

Mobility

We all want a drill that can travel anywhere with us. So, mobility is always an issue. We suggest you look for a kit with a convenient tool bag. A lightweight construction also increases portability. 

Our Selected Ice Auger Drills-

Having numerous options in hand, you might get confused about what to buy. It can be a daunting decision sometimes to select the right piece of gear out of innumerable variations.

However, our expert team is always there to support you in choosing the right toolkit for you. Whether for professional use or not, you can trust us for the best suggestion.

Below, find out the finest ice auger drills with detailed discussion. We have reviewed them in the light of practical user experience.

1. Milwaukee 2704-22 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill

• Power Source: Battery;
• Battery Cell: Lithium-Ion;
• Weight: 5 pounds;
• Dimensions: 4.3×15.5×15.9 inches;
• Size: ½”.

Let us introduce you to one of the finest ice auger drills. This is a battery-powered tool that is pretty user-friendly. We faced no issues while handling it. 

What we loved while running it is its extreme longevity. The product is exceptionally durable. 

2 Lithium-ion batteries are included with the ice auger kit. Get hammer drills, power drills, and power hammer drills with this M18 fuel driver kit.

What We Liked

• Very solid drill;
• Adequate speed and torque;
• Long battery life;
• Worth the price.

What We Disliked

• Not convincing enough as a full-time drill.

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2. Makita XPH11RB Ice Auger Drill Kit

• Power Source: Battery;
• Voltage: 18 V;
• Speed: 700 RPM;
• Weight: 2.9 lbs.

Get an ergonomically designed cordless hammer driver-drill at only 2.9 lbs weight. The dimensions of the item are 5.6×16.9×13 inches. 

Speaking of this brushless compact drill kit, we would love to mention its wide range of functionalities. Pretty suitable for working in tight spaces as well. Enjoy the dual LED lights services for illuminating the working area.

However, the package includes an 18 V LXT ½” hammer driver-drill, two 18 V LXT Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah batteries a rapid charger, and a tool case.

Also, enjoy the soft rubber grip for optimum comfort and security.

What We Liked

• Notably lightweight;
• Adequate power and speed;
• User-friendly;
• Versatility.

What We Disliked

• Found nothing.

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3. FORTE Hammer Drill Kit Cordless for Wood, Steel

• 1x 20V 1.5Ah Li-ion Battery; 
• Material: Plastic, Metal;
• Power Source: Battery;
• Speed: 1500 RPM;
• Includes handy storage bag;
• Torque: 500 In-lbs.

Get a maximum of 500 In-lbs torque from this mighty brushless motor. The speed varies from a high range (0-1500) to a low range (0-400) based on the fastening and drilling work. 

An extremely portable drill kit with a battery indicator is a blessing. The soft rubber grip provides absolute comfort while working with it. 

A built-in LED light lets you point to the working object even in the darkness. We used it in tight spots as well, and it fitted properly.  With a lightweight design, it has three-in-one functions.

The package includes a 20 V brushless hammer drill, a 1.5Ah Lithium-Ion battery along with a fast charger, a user manual to follow the instructions, a belt clip made of metal, and a double-ended bit. Charge the battery only within an hour.

What We Liked

• Easy application;
• Slim, slip-resistant comfort grip;
• Flawless performance;
• Rapid charging system;
• Ensures longer shelf-life;
• Widespread functionality.

What We Disliked

• Weak jaws of the chuck.

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4. Craftsman CMCD711C2 Drill for Ice Auger

• Weight: 5.39 pounds;
• Size: ½”;
• Power Source: DC;
• Voltage: 20 V;
• Wattage: 20 watts.

We could not help including this product on our top six list because of its excellent features. It is suitable to perform heavy-duty applications with a high-performance motor.

This cordless hammer drill requires 2 Li-Ion batteries that are included with it. It has a ½” ratcheting chuck that fits a wide range of drill bits. Consequently, you can perform a variety of applications with it.

For the provided battery, you will need an hour or less of charging time. Also, the battery offers sufficient runtime. The package includes a two-speed gearbox ranging from 0350/1 to 500 for fastening. 

What We Liked

• Well-made;
• Cordless;
• Extended battery life;
• Ample power and torque.

What We Disliked

• The drill bit isn’t tight enough.

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5. Ryobi P1813 Ice Auger Drill Kit

• Power Source: Battery;
• Voltage: 18 V;
• Weight: 2.99 pounds;
• Torque: 750 Inch Pounds.

Meet a high-performance tool kit to meet all your ice auger needs. We got the package with a hammer drill, one+ 18 V battery with a charger, and a carrying bag. 

You will receive this cordless drill with the 24-position clutch. With the three-position speed containment knob, it has the ability to tear through several materials. 

We loved the magnetic bit holder to keep the bit and fastener. So, you need not leave the working place every time you need to replace bits.

Get a four amp/hour battery with a long lineup. The onboard fuel gauge indicates how much power is left. However, we used it in both high and low temperatures, and it worked great in both cases.

We also got a tool bag to carry all the accessories together. The bag is adorable with a sturdy zipper.

What We Liked

• Sturdy construction;
• Absolutely cost-effective;
• Long-lasting battery life;
• High-quality chuck;
• Perfect light.

What We Disliked

• The drill bit often falls off.

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6. Ridgid R86116 Cordless Power Drill for Ice Auger

• Weight:4.27 pounds;
• Power Source: Battery;
• Voltage: 18 V;
• Speed: 2100 RPM.

What more do you need when getting more than a hundred positions of the adjustable clutch? Tighten it based on your need to get the exact torque.

Compared to its brushed counterparts, this brushless motor is both faster and more durable. On the front side, get the LEDs to lighten your workplace. 

We could insert the handle from any direction to achieve maximum control for both left and right-handed users.

Enjoy the ergonomic grip because of the rubber coating on the handle. It will add extra convenience for long working hours. 

What We Liked

• Flexible clutch with over 100 positions;
• Stable and comfortable grip;
• The auxiliary handle;
• The die-cast gearbox.

What We Disliked

• Not as durable as expected.

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FAQs

Below we have tried to answer some of the frequently asked questions about ice auger drills. Hope you will gain some more information regarding this handheld toolkit. Also, they will clear all your confusion.

Do Cordless Drills Work for Ice Anglers?

Of course, it does. In fact, it gets the jobs done better than an old conventional setup. The handheld ability makes the drilling process faster. Besides, they are effortless to use. So, cordless drills are the most convenient option nowadays.

What Is the Pick for Ice Auger?

Our research suggests that the Milwaukee 2704-22 is the top-ranked cordless drill by far. Having a torque of a maximum of 1200 lbs/inch, it occupies the top position among its contemporaries.

How Does an Ice Auger Work?

This tool directly crushes the ice and breaks them into pieces. The auger rotates downwards and acts as chipping away the ice. That’s how it can make your fishing trip to Iceland better.

Final Words

As an ice angler, it is always better to stay updated with modern gear. Only a perfect ice auger drill can make your next ice fishing journey fruitful enough. 

With thorough knowledge regarding the latest ice auger drills, we hope you will be able to decide your right selection. 

However, any item from the above will meet your requirements perfectly. Just choose one based on your priority. They may differ in features and functionalities, but cannot be a wrong choice in any way.

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