12-09-2017, 02:00 AM
A long time ago, I tried a low cost sharp muscle powered auger and then knew the reason for power augers.
Later, I bought a Nils auger with thoughts of powering it with a battery powered drill. But, after trying it and seeing and feeling how smooth and easily it cut through the ice with just muscle power, I thought: "Why bother with power?".
In fact, wanting to save the work of carrying extra weight, I think it's better to go lighter weight than having a battery powered drill to carry.
But, if you are going to power an auger with a drill, then design and materials and sharpness is what makes it work and Nils will not need much power to cut through ice.
I looked at the K-Drill, but haven't tried one. But, at it's price, I suspect it is good. I just know that I never want to use an inexpensive manual auger again.
I have a couple that I considered throwing away after I got my Nils, but I'm glad I didn't because I found a good use for them. I have some downrigger rod holders that are very sturdy and I'll remove the blades and modify the cheap augers and add a T-handle and weld on a mount for rod holders. Then that will be my sand spike that doesn't pull out when a big fish hits for my surf fishing coming up.
[signature]
Later, I bought a Nils auger with thoughts of powering it with a battery powered drill. But, after trying it and seeing and feeling how smooth and easily it cut through the ice with just muscle power, I thought: "Why bother with power?".
In fact, wanting to save the work of carrying extra weight, I think it's better to go lighter weight than having a battery powered drill to carry.
But, if you are going to power an auger with a drill, then design and materials and sharpness is what makes it work and Nils will not need much power to cut through ice.
I looked at the K-Drill, but haven't tried one. But, at it's price, I suspect it is good. I just know that I never want to use an inexpensive manual auger again.
I have a couple that I considered throwing away after I got my Nils, but I'm glad I didn't because I found a good use for them. I have some downrigger rod holders that are very sturdy and I'll remove the blades and modify the cheap augers and add a T-handle and weld on a mount for rod holders. Then that will be my sand spike that doesn't pull out when a big fish hits for my surf fishing coming up.
[signature]