If you’re an ice angler, then you know that having a dependable and easy-to-use ice auger is key to a successful day on the ice. And if you’re looking for an electric ice auger, you may be wondering if they’re worth the extra money.
Electric ice augers have been around for a few years now, and more and more anglers are switching to them because of the many benefits they offer. Electric augers are much easier to start than gas augers, and they’re much quieter, which is a big plus when you’re fishing in a crowded area. They also produce no pollution or oil leaks, which is great for the environment.
So, are electric ice augers worth the extra money? In our opinion, absolutely! They offer many advantages over gas augers, and they’re much easier and more pleasant to use. If you’re in the market for an ice auger, we highly recommend considering an electric model.
What Are Electric Augers and What Do They Do?
An electric auger is a powerful tool that is used for drilling holes in the ice. It consists of a drill bit that is attached to an electric motor. The motor turns the drill bit, which cuts through the ice.
Electric augers are becoming increasingly popular with ice anglers because they offer many advantages over gas augers. They do not emit any fumes or pollutants, they’re very quiet, and they’re much easier to start than gas augers.
These augers start quite easily by simply pressing a button, and they will often run for up to an hour on a single charge. This is more than enough time to drill multiple holes for ice fishing.
How Do Electric Augers Work and How Durable?
Electric augers are becoming increasingly popular for a number of reasons. They’re cleaner and quieter than gas-powered augers, and they’re often cheaper to operate and maintain. But how do electric augers work, and how durable are they compared to their gas-powered counterparts?
An electric auger has a motor that turns a drill bit, much like a drill. The motor is powered by electricity, either from a battery or from a power outlet. The auger’s drill bit is made of metal and is designed to cut through soil and rock.
Powered by Lithium batteries, brushless motors, or a power cord, electric augers are much quieter than their gas-powered counterparts. And because there’s no combustion involved, they produce no fumes or pollutants.
Electric augers are generally more lightweight and portable than gas-powered models. They’re also much quieter, which can be a significant advantage when you’re trying to drill a hole in a quiet area.
Having minimal moving parts also makes electric augers more durable than gas models. There are no spark plugs or carburetors to maintain, and no oil changes are required. Electric augers require very little maintenance and can often last for years with proper care.
Are Electric Augers Powerful Enough?
For ice fishing, electric-powered augers with a 40- V lithium-ion battery are enough. You can do with a 20-V if you don’t want to spend too much. For all types of ice thickness, these augers are well equipped. 3-inch augers can go through up to 20 inches of ice without much struggle.
You can literally charge these batteries and go on fishing for a whole day as they last long. If you want to use an auger for other purposes, you can go with the gas-powered ones as they are more powerful.
For most use cases a portable cordless 12 Volt powered lead acid battery auger is powerful enough. A lead acid battery is not as good as a lithium-ion battery but it’s much cheaper. These ice drilling tools are quite portable, you can take them with you on the ice without any problem.
Do Electric Augers Require Any Maintenance?
Electric augers are very low maintenance. You only need to keep the battery charged and the drill bit sharp. There are no oil changes or tune-ups required, as there are with gas augers.
If you take care of your electric auger, it will last for many years. Many people find that electric augers are much easier to use and maintain than gas models.
Which type of angler is most likely to benefit from using an electric auger – someone who fishes frequently or just occasionally, for example – and why is that so?
An electric auger is a great choice for anyone who fishes frequently or wants to ice fish in a remote location. They’re easy to use and require very little maintenance. Electric augers are also quiet, which can be a significant advantage when you’re trying to drill a hole in a quiet area.
However, if you hardly do ice fishing and already have a gas auger, there is no need to switch to an electric one. For infrequent use, a gas auger is still a good choice.
Gas-powered or propane-powered augers are more powerful than electric augers. If you’re looking for an auger that can drill through thick ice quickly, a gas model may be a better choice. However, gas augers are also louder and require more maintenance than electric models.
Common Problems of Electric Augers
Less Power: One of the main problems people have with electric augers is that they lack power. If you try to drill through thick ice with an electric auger, it will take longer than with a gas model.
However, if you’re only looking to drill through thin ice or soft soil, an electric auger should be more than enough. Electric augers are also much quieter than gas augers, which can be a significant advantage when you’re trying to drill a hole in a quiet area.
Battery Issues: Another common problem with electric augers is that the batteries don’t last as long as they should. If you’re using your auger frequently, you may find that you need to recharge the battery more often than you’d like.
Temperature Issues: Electric augers can also be less reliable in cold weather. If the battery gets too cold, it may not work as well or may not work at all. In very cold conditions, you may be better off with a gas auger. Being a new technology, electric augers still have some kinks that need to be worked out.
Expensive: Electric augers can be more expensive than gas models, although the price difference has been narrowing in recent years. Prices of Lithium-ion batteries have grown exponentially higher making these augers much more expensive.
How to Choose an Electric Auger
When choosing an electric auger, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, consider the type of ice you’ll be fishing in and the thickness of the ice. If you’re only going to be drilling through thin ice, an electric auger should be more than enough. However, if you’re planning on drilling through thick ice, you may want to consider a gas model.
Next, think about the size of the hole you need to drill. If you’re only going to be drilling small holes, a 3-inch auger should be sufficient. However, if you need to drill larger holes, you may want to choose an auger with a larger bit.
Finally, consider the battery life and charging time. If you’re going to be using your auger frequently, you’ll want to choose a model with long battery life. You should also make sure that the battery can be quickly and easily charged.
Electric augers are a great choice for anyone who fishes frequently or wants to ice fish in a remote location. They’re easy to use and require very little maintenance. Electric augers are also quiet, which can be a significant advantage when you’re trying to drill a hole in a quiet area.
Parting Thoughts:
Being easy on the environment, low maintenance and portable are some of the reasons why electric augers are becoming more popular. Portability and weight are also important factors to consider if you plan on hiking into your fishing spot. If you don’t mind spending a little extra money upfront, electric augers can be a great investment for the serious fisherman.
Clifford Slater is a seasoned writer with over 25 years of experience in boats and fishing trips. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in boats and fishing, he has become a recognized authority in the industry. Clifford has made it a point to regularly visit popular fishing destinations such as Florida and other places in the USA to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the field.
Over the years, Clifford has acquired a wealth of knowledge about boats and fishing, which he has shared through his writing. His articles and books are widely read by fishing enthusiasts and professionals alike, and his insights are highly valued by those seeking to improve their skills in the field. Clifford’s passion for boats and fishing is evident in his writing, and his readers appreciate the depth of his expertise and his ability to communicate complex topics in an engaging and accessible way.
Clifford Slater’s impressive credentials and dedication to his craft make him a trusted authority in the world of boats and fishing. His commitment to staying up to date with the latest developments in the industry, combined with his deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, ensures that his writing is always informative and valuable. For those seeking to improve their skills or simply enjoy the beauty of the sea, Clifford’s writing is a must-read.
