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Best Drill For Ice Auger

For some, fishing is their livelihood, while some do it for fun; no matter what, you’ll need the right equipment. When it comes to fishing on ice, you’ll need to auger, and to power the ice auger, a power drill is indispensable.

You need a drill with a good RPM to rotate that auger with speed to dig holes in thick ice. Any regular home-use drill won’t work with the auger, so I’ve curated this list of the best drills for ice augers. All the models I’ve reviewed are battery-powered, solving your biggest problem. 

Bonus: There’s a quick buying guide to help you make an informed choice.

Best Drill for Ice Auger: Reviewed by Experts 

Ice augers are heavy, plus they need to drill through a thick layer, so I’ve selected powerful drills only. Moreover, I asked several ice fishermen about their preferences to present the top drills you can choose with confidence.

Makita XPH07Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2” Hammer Driver-Drill:  Overall Best 

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-XPH07Z-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Driver-Drill/dp/B00M46N19K

Specifications 

Hammer drills are robust, and the number one choice for a hammer drill for ice augers is Makita XPH07Z. Powered by a brushless motor, the drill delivers 1,090 in. lbs of max torque capable of powering any ice auger, whether big or small.

The ergonomic design and the big handles offer ultimate comfort, and you can hold this drill comfortably while drilling holes. In addition, the gripped body absorbs vibrations, and the drill doesn’t wobble when used with an ice auger.

Since it lets you control the speed, you can dig deeper holes without extra effort. The efficient battery by Makita performs great in freezing temperatures and offers a 50% longer run time per charge. The LED gauge on the drill tells you about the current battery status, and you know when it’s time to snap on the backup. 

Lastly, it’s a super-portable drill that occupies minimal space, and its versatility makes it perfect for other drilling tasks as well.

Pros 

Cons 

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit:  Best Complete Kit 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DR90NA2 

Specifications 

If you need a drill kit you can readily use with an ice auger; there is no better choice than DEWALT 20V MAX XR Hammer Drill Kit. The powerful drill offers 3 speeds, and you can easily drill through the thick ice. Furthermore, the motor operates at 2250 RMP, and the drill can power any ice auger effortlessly.

DeWalt ships the drill with Li-Ion batteries that offer 33% more run time than standard batteries. The drill features a battery indicator, and you can install the other battery when one gets low (you get two batteries with this kit).

I loved the 20X brighter LED light, as it lets you drill during dark hours and in confined spaces without natural light. Installing an ice auger with the drill is pretty easy, as the 2-inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck offers superior gripping strength. 

Finally, the super-durable case lets you carry this ice auger drill conveniently, and you don’t lose your previous equipment.

Pros

Cons 

Ryobi P1813 One+ 18V Lithium Ion 750 Inch Pound Cordless Hammer Drill:   Best Drill with Long-lasting Battery 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NA0658V

Specifications 

Ryobi P1813 checks all the boxes when it comes to the best drill for an ice auger. Plus, the P108 battery can work well even at extreme temperatures of up to 14 degrees Fahrenheit, so you don’t lose the charge when enjoying your ice-angling adventures.

The drill offers you complete control over its speed, and you can switch between drill modes to open holes in the ice, wood, plastic, and other materials. Ryobi P1813 might appear small, but the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, especially when drilling with an auger.

You can easily install an ice auger with the chuck, and it’ll grip properly. One thing I didn’t like about this drill was the small handle, but after using it for some time, you’ll get accustomed to it. 

Besides a long-lasting battery, the powerful drill comes with a fast charger for uninterrupted usage.

Pros 

Cons 

BOSCH GSB18V-535CB15 18V EC Hammer Drill:  Best Heavy-duty Drill 

https://www.amazon.com/Bosch-GSB18V-535CB15-Brushless-Hammer-Driver/dp/B07KMP388H

Specifications 

BOSCH tools are popular for their durability and reliability; you get both things in GSB18V-535CB15. The heavy-duty drill comes with a powerful motor capable of working at up to 1900 RPM, and you can even use a big ice auger to drill holes. 

The drill provided pro torque and kickback control, so you don’t get that jerk when drilling on thick ice. The highly ergonomic design lets you hold it comfortably while you can effortlessly drill holes in different types of materials.

Under the drill is a big CORE18V li-ion battery that offers ample runtime and supports fast charging. It can even withstand extremely freezing temperatures, and that’s why I’ve recommended this to use with an ice auger.

Lastly, it even features Bluetooth connectivity, and you can customize the drill settings from your smartphone.

Pros 

Cons 

CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless Drill:  Most Affordable Drill for Ice Augers

https://www.amazon.com/CRAFTSMAN-CMCD710C2-Brushless-Cordless-Driver/dp/B07KKH3S5Q 

Specifications 

Don’t want to stretch your budget but need a durable and efficient drill? The CRAFTSMAN V20* is certainly the best drill you can use with an ice auger. The powerful motor can achieve up to 1 900 RPM, and you can easily drill holes even in thick ice. 

A switch on the top lets you toggle between different drilling modes, and you can use it for multiple drilling applications. Ice augers are pretty heavy, and need more power, fortunately, the 20V battery can run them while offering a 20% better runtime. 

The days during winter are shorter, and you can use the built-in LED flashlight to drill holes precisely, even in low light. If you are new to using drills, you’ll miss the handle; rest, this drill has everything you need to use with an ice auger.

Pros 

Cons 

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Drill for Ice Auger 

Ice augers are bulky, plus drilling on thick ice requires more power, so you can’t settle for any regular drill. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a drill for ice augers.

Type (I recommend cordless drills)

If you don’t mind carrying a generator to power the drill, you can go for a corded one. Cordless drills are powerful enough to work with an ice auger. Moreover, you don’t need a continuous source of power. Just carry some extra batteries if you love fishing for hours.

Speed 

The speed of the drill defines its capability to drill holes. Ice augers are big, and a drill with a higher RPM will do a better job. The drills I have reviewed, like CRAFTSMAN V20* Cordless Drill, come with varying speeds, and you can adjust them as per your requirements.

https://www.amazon.com/CRAFTSMAN-CMCD710C2-Brushless-Cordless-Driver/dp/B07KKH3S5Q

Battery Backup 

The battery backup varies depending on several factors, such as the temperature, so I didn’t mention it when reviewing the drills. Always choose a drill from a popular brand, and prefer kits that come with additional batteries.

Chuck Size 

You must consider the chuck size when choosing a drill for ice augers. Make sure the drill can fit a range of augers without using multiple extensions.

Weight 

Finally, consider the drill’s weight to ensure you can hold it comfortably. Plus, the drill becomes even bulkier when you install an ice auger.

Tips to Attach an Ice Auger Bit to a Drill 

https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Auger-Drill-Adapter/dp/B09LLHDH3Q

FAQs

Q: Do you need a hammer drill for the ice auger?

A: Hammer drills work great with ice augers, as they are powerful. Also, these high-torque machines include an auxiliary handle for better stability. 

Q: Can you use a drill driver for the ice auger?

A: Yes, you can use a drill driver for the ice auger. Go for a drill with a powerful brushless motor and good chuck size. 

Q: How much torque do you need for a drill ice auger?

A: You need a drill with at least 700 in. lbs torque to power an ice auger. Makita XPH07Z is the best option as it has excellent torque.

https://www.amazon.com/Makita-XPH07Z-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Driver-Drill/dp/B00M46N19K

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=151&v=OhXvaBeEroQ&feature=emb_logo

Final Thoughts 

With one of these best drills for ice augers, you can conveniently drill holes. Make sure to buy a good quality adapter along with the drill to screw the auger bit properly. If you are still confused about which drill to buy, I recommend the Makita XPH07Z 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 1/2” Hammer Driver-Drill.

 https://www.amazon.com/Makita-XPH07Z-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-Driver-Drill/dp/B00M46N19K

Lastly, wear proper gear when using a drill, and go through the instruction manual to learn everything about its features.