No fisherman’s here is complete without a top-quality auger drill. Whether you are looking forward for a couple of hours on the ice or intend to spend your entire weekend on a bucket waiting for the fish to bite you need the best drill for ice auger so you can get the job done fast and get to the part where you actually go fishing.
We looked at 27 of the best drills for ice auger currently available on the market and concluding that the DEWALT DCD777C2 is the best choice for beginners and advanced users alike. The reason we included this drill as our editor’s choice is the fact that it is a well-designed and user-friendly model that comes with high-speed transmission and a powerful brushless motor. This mid-priced drill is also lightweight and ergonomic, and is a robust choice for those who are looking for a powerful unit. We also reviewed three more drills for ice auger, so you can easily find one that suits your needs.
We spent a couple of days researching the best deals for eyes auger on the market, and reading reviews from users who tested them. When researching the drills for ice augers, we looked at numerous factors, including motor, voltage, battery, weight, no-load speed, chuck, and warranty as they are all important for the user experience. All the information is condensed in the comparison table below, which is followed by in-detail reviews of each of the drills for ice augers we selected. At the end, you’ll also find a buying guide with all the info you may need to buy the best drill for ice auger.
More features: built in LED with 20 second delay after trigger release, (1) Charger and (1) Kit Bag
A very popular compact drill driver, the DEWALT DCD777C2 comes with a wide range of features, which is the reason it made it to our top. This cordless drill can handle just about any project you throw at it, an ice auger included. According to many professional reviews and reviews from regular users who tested this drill for ice auger, the DEWALT DCD777C2 is a compact tool that packs a punch when it comes to getting fast and clean results.
The DEWALT DCD777C2 is very compact, which comes in handy when you need a tool that you can easily transport in the outdoors. It also features a solid integrated work light with 20 second delay after trigger release, which many users praised. The two li-ion batteries the DEWALT DCD777C2 comes with offer you enough mobility to make this power drill and excellent companion on your fishing expeditions.
We liked that this drill only weighs 2.6 lbs., which is extremely lightweight in the world of portable drills. It also sports an ergonomic handle that keeps you comfortable and removes the risk of fatigue when you engage in prolonged drilling sessions. We found that the build quality might not be perfect, as the chuck is made of plastic, but overall, this highly portable cordless drill works perfect for ice augers. Just keep in mind that the powerful motor tends to drain the battery fairy quickly, so be careful to always have the spare fully charged before beginning work.
More features: 22+1 clutch positions, LED light, 18V 35-Minute Charger, Double-Sided Phillips Bit, Carrying Case
Offering great value for money, the Metabo HPT DS18DGL, before also called HITACHI HPT DS18DGL, is a good option for those looking for a drill for ice auger that delivers good results and that they can also use comfortably for other home tasks. The drill sports a brushed motor with a 2-speed gearbox, a reversible belt hook, and a keyless chuck. It also has a rather large footprint, but it’s still portable enough so you can take it with you on your fishing adventures.
This drill for ice auger has two-speed gear setting so you can match the appropriate speed to the application you have for the tool. What we lies a lot about this tool is the fact that it can handle jobs in tight spaces and that it has a keyless chuck so you can easily change the bits. The Metabo HPT DS18DGL comes complete with a hard-shell carrying case, so you can transport it safely.
The Metabo HPT DS18DGL has 22 torque settings for extra control and precision, and you can easily adjust them to suit the type of application you are using the drill for. The tool comes with two batteries, but if you want to use it for ice auger, you might want to get some extra spare batteries. Many of the reviewers who tested this drill praised. The built-in LED light that does an excellent job at illuminating dark work spaces.
More features: 100-position clutch, auxiliary handle, independently activated LEDs
A compact drill for ice auger that also comes with a budget-friendly price tag, the Ridgid R86116 sports some very cool features for a drill in this price range. It has a fully adjustable clutch, so you can get the perfect positioning every time you use it. The clutch is very easy to tighten so that you can obtain just the right amount of torque you need. The brushless motor the Ridgid R86116 is equipped with runs fast, and many users mentioned that it runs much faster than traditional motors.
We liked the LED lightening feature of this drill, which keeps your working spot conveniently illuminated. Because it comes with an auxiliary handle, the Ridgid R86116 works great for both right-handed and left-handed users. The grip of the handle is very smooth to the touch while also sporting a good grip so there are not chances of slipping off your hand.
The overall dimensions and weight of the Ridgid R86116 drill for ice auger make it a not-so-compact choice, but the tool is still easy to handle, even if it looks and feels a bit bulker than some of the other models we reviewed. It is a powerful drill that will do a great job on the ice, and the price makes it a highly attractive proposition for beginners.
More features: Redlink Plus Intelligence feature
Manufactured by Milwaukee, a well-known brand in the world of power tools, the Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 sports a brushless motor for faster run and is one of the best choices on the market if you are after a tool that you can use for ice auger, but also for multiple other jobs around the house.
The powerful brushed motor of this drill offers up to 60% more power than other similar drills on the market. One of the things that we liked most about the Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 is the fact that it comes with protection against damages to the tool and the battery as well. The drill is also compatible with other M18 systems.
The battery pack offers long-lasting performance, one of the best we have tested in a drill for ice auger. Powered by a Red Lithium XC5.0 battery pack, the drill also packs a maximum torque of 1,200 in.-lbs., which is a lot of power for reliable performance no matter the job you intend to complete.
The Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 comes with a five-year warranty for your peace of mind and also features a metal gear housing. You can use it as a traditional drill and a hammer drill, which makes this tool a highly versatile one.
A top-quality drill for ice auger is essential for every serious fisherman, and the food news is that just about any cordless drill can be used for ice auger. However, it’s important to look at the features your drill comes equipped with, as some models will allow you to do the job faster and more precisely than others. Below is a buying guide with everything there is to know about drills for ice auger so you can make an informed choice.
Some of the most important features to consider when shopping for a drill for ice auger that will make you angling days perfect include the type and speed of the motor, the voltage, type of battery, weight, chuck, and warranty. You should also make sure you take into account the recommended temperatures for using the drill safely.
One of the most important features to consider when shopping for a drill for ice auger is the motor, as this will determine the power you’ll have for your tool. Brushless motors are the most popular motors fitted on cordless drills these days, and all the models we reviewed have them. The main advantages of having a brushless motor for your drill are speed, power, durability, and great energy. These motors are sure to make the entire experience easier and quicker, so opt for a brushless motor whenever possible.
The higher the voltage, the more powerful the drill is. Many of the drills for ice auger available on the market have a voltage range between 12V to 20V. Our editor’s choice, the DEWALT DCD777C2, has the highest voltage from the models we reviewed, clocking in at 20V.
Lithium ion batteries are highly popular choices for cordless drills, and they are usually lighter than traditional batteries. They are also durable enough to allow you to complete your ice auger without having to recharge. Some models, such as our editor’s choice, the DEWALT DCD777C2, come complete with a set of two batteries for extra peace of mind.
A lightweight cordless drill is essential for your comfort, and is also easier to transport, which is an essential feature for fishermen. When shopping for a drill for ice auger, make sure you opt for a model that is lightweight so fatigue doesn’t become an issue. Go for an ergonomic design as well whenever possible, as they can make your job easier.
The term “no-load speed” refers to the maximum speed the drill can reach without a load, that is without drilling holes or driving screws. It is measures in RPM (rotations per minute). This is essential to consider because drills with a high RPM can turn the chuck at higher speeds, allowing you to complete your tasks quicker, like with Milwaukee 2804-20 M18.
The chuck is the part right at the front of the drill that holds the screw bit or the drill bit. Keyless chucks are preferred by many because it means that you can change the bits easily without having to use any other tools. This comes in very handy for fishermen, as you don’t want to bring additional tools with you just to be able to operate your drill.
If you’re looking for the best drill for ice auger, it means that the place where you intend to use the tool is a very cold one. As such, you need to look for a model that comes with a battery that is designed for use in cold weather. When it’s too cold outside, some batteries might not charge properly, and others might not work at all. All the drills we reviewed work in low temperatures, but you still need to be careful not to leave batteries outside overnight and keep batteries in your pockets when not in use, so that they can get some warmth from your body.
You can expect a cordless drill to come with a warranty of up to five years, but Metabo HPT DS18DGL offers even a lifetime warranty. This covers parts and repairs for faulty models, but will not offer cover for misuse or problems that arise from improper storage. Common warranty issues with drills used for ice auger arise from water damage, so to avoid this make sure you keep it away from the water.
Some of the extra features you should look for in a drill for ice auger include:
We tested dozens of drills for ice auger and concluded that the DEWALT DCD777C2 is the best drill for ice auger currently available on the market. This cordless drill is compact and powerful while being highly ergonomic at the same time. It also comes with a set of two batteries so you don’t have to worry about being left without juice. The Metabo HPT DS18DGL comes in a close second, and is a very good option for those looking for a drill that packs lots of features, including keyless clutch and variable speed trigger. Finally, the Ridgid R86116 is the perfect option for those looking for a budget-friendly drill with the high no-load speed. No matter what type of drill for ice auger you look for, make sure it’s suitable for any auger or adapter you might already own.
