12-03-2015, 12:36 AM
I was getting my ice fishing gear ready and thought of another safety item that I don't think has been mentioned. Even if it has been covered it is worth repeating.
Besides being careful with falling through the ice, the other major concern is being extra careful with the sharp blades on the ice augers. I have a Nils and I was cleaning it up and oiling the edges to prevent corrosion.
These blades are super razor sharp and I try to take every precaution. I know I get out to a good spot and am anxious to get a few holes cut to start fishing. But remember if you or others in the party get a really bad cut, you are going to be a long ways, both time and distance, from first aid.
I have a pretty good plastic blade guard that installs with a rubber tie-down. But on top of this I have fashioned a second guard that just consists of a plastic container, that fully covers the blade head. It is held in place with a small bungi cord attached to holes I punched in the edge of the container. Be very careful removing and installing your blade cover(s) because this is the time your hands are closest to the blades.
For yourself and others in your party, especially kids that may not pay much attention to augers that are laying on the snow, I recommend making it a habit to install the blade cover when you complete drilling your holes. Of course be careful while handling your auger and drilling your holes.
So be safe out on the ice this year! Tight lines!!
[signature]
Besides being careful with falling through the ice, the other major concern is being extra careful with the sharp blades on the ice augers. I have a Nils and I was cleaning it up and oiling the edges to prevent corrosion.
These blades are super razor sharp and I try to take every precaution. I know I get out to a good spot and am anxious to get a few holes cut to start fishing. But remember if you or others in the party get a really bad cut, you are going to be a long ways, both time and distance, from first aid.
I have a pretty good plastic blade guard that installs with a rubber tie-down. But on top of this I have fashioned a second guard that just consists of a plastic container, that fully covers the blade head. It is held in place with a small bungi cord attached to holes I punched in the edge of the container. Be very careful removing and installing your blade cover(s) because this is the time your hands are closest to the blades.
For yourself and others in your party, especially kids that may not pay much attention to augers that are laying on the snow, I recommend making it a habit to install the blade cover when you complete drilling your holes. Of course be careful while handling your auger and drilling your holes.
So be safe out on the ice this year! Tight lines!!
[signature]
