Winter is coming or maybe it’s already here where you live. One thing is certain. A little cold is not going to stop fishers like you. You’re going to need a powerful cordless drill to pair with your ice auger. But which one should you get? How do you know which one is the best cordless drill for ice auger? How do you use it? In this article, we’re going to answer all of these questions.
We’re going to talk about what we liked and didn’t like of 7 best cordless drill for ice auger that we could find. If you don’t have the time or patience to go through the whole guide then we recommend our top pick the DeWalt DCD1007B 20V Max XR Brushless.
But we advise that you read through the whole guide before making a decision.
7 Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger You Can Buy
- Dewalt DCD1007B 20V Max XR Hammer Drill (Best Overall)
- DeWalt DCD999B 20V Max XR Brushless Hammer Drill (Best Value)
- Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Hammer Drill (Best Budget)
- Milwaukee 2804-22 M18 Hammer Drill
- Milwaukee 2904-22 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
- BOSCH GSB18V-975CB25 18V Hammer Drill
- RYOBI PBLHM101K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Hammer Drill
The drills we’re listed for quick overview –
1. DeWalt DCD1007B 20V Max XR Hammer Drill
If you are looking for the best of the best no compromise cordless drill or wondering which Dewalt model is truly built for ice fishing, this one deserves your attention. The Dewalt DCD1007B Max XR brings serious strength and control, giving you everything you need for your fishing trips. It runs on the dependable 20V system and reaches up to 2000 RPM, which means your ice auger can cut cleanly and open holes with confidence even when the ice is thick.
One thing that sets this model apart is its advanced control system. The built in anti rotation feature senses excess movement and shuts the drill down before things get unstable. This helps you stay safe when the auger bites harder ice layers. You also get a clear red indicator light that lets you know the protection is active, something you will appreciate when working in cold and uneven conditions.
The 3 speed transmission is all metal and built to deal with demanding use. You can switch between 0 to 450, 0 to 1200, or 0 to 2000 RPM depending on the ice and the size of your auger. The brushless motor delivers strong power output and holds performance even when the temperature drops. You also get an adjustable LED setup that lights your work area if you start early or stay late on the lake.
The Dewalt DCD1007B Max XR is built for strength, stability, and long term reliability. With its high output brushless platform, protective safety system, and the ability to punch through a large number of holes per charge once paired with a proper battery, it stands out as one of the strongest choices for powering an ice auger during your fishing trips.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 20V
- RPM: 0 to 450 / 0 to 1200 / 0 to 2000
- Max Torque: 169 Nm
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity: Depends on the battery you pair it with since this model is sold as tool only
- Recharge Time: Based on chosen charger
- Weight: 4.1 lbs
- Chuck Size: 1/2 inch
Features:
Powerful brushless design: The motor delivers strong output for pushing an ice auger through thick ice without slowing down. The higher torque helps when the blade bites deeper layers.
Advanced control: The built in anti rotation system senses when the drill twists too hard and shuts it off before it yanks your wrist. The red indicator light confirms when the safety is active, which is helpful in cold outdoor conditions.
Three speed transmission: The all metal gearing lets you switch between 450, 1200, and 2000 RPM depending on hole size and ice hardness. This keeps you in control whether you want steady drilling or faster cutting.
LED visibility: The adjustable LED setup brightens the drilling area so early mornings and late outings are easier to manage.
Compact build: The shorter body design helps you work in tighter spots and gives you better leverage when the auger starts to pull.
We Liked:
- Strong brushless power
- High top speed
- Three speed options
- Sturdy 1/2 inch chuck
- Reliable build quality
- Safety shutoff system
- Adjustable LED light
- Side handle included for better control
- Comfortable size for outdoor drilling
We Didn’t Like:
- Batteries and charger sold separately
- A bit heavier than some competing models
2. DeWalt DCD999B 20V Max XR Brushless Hammer Drill
The Dewalt DCD999B 20V Max XR is a great choice if you already have Dewalt batteries and want to upgrade to something stronger for your ice auger setup. It costs less because it comes as a bare tool, but the performance jump is noticeable once you pair it with a good battery, especially a FlexVolt pack.
Even though it is sold without the battery or charger, the drill itself brings a serious boost in capability. You get the same 20V system along with a 3 speed setup, a bright LED light and better power output that helps when you are drilling into thicker ice. FlexVolt Advantage support also gives it stronger output compared to regular models when you use the right battery.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 20V
- RPM: 0 to 450 / 0 to 1300 / 0 to 2000
- Max Torque: 112 Nm
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Chuck Size: 1/2 inch
Features:
Powerful motor: The brushless design gives you strong torque for taking on tough ice. When the auger bites deep, the drill holds steady instead of slowing down.
High maximum RPM: With a top speed of 2000 RPM, you get clean and fast cuts that help you open holes quicker during fishing trips.
Heavy duty chuck: The ratcheting nitro carburized chuck grips your auger securely. This reduces the chance of the bit slipping or backing out, which is important when drilling through thick layers.
Bright LED: The LED setup is stronger than older DeWalt models and helps a lot during early morning drilling.
We Liked:
- Strong motor output
- Fast top speed
- Sturdy build quality
- LED light
- Heavy duty chuck
- Comes with a 360 degree side handle
- Compatible with FlexVolt for extra power
We Didn’t Like:
- Batteries not included
- Heavier than some bare tool options
3. Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Hammer Drill
The Makita XPH14Z 18V LXT Drill is a solid brushless option for pairing with your ice auger. It runs on an 18 volt motor that brings plenty of strength for drilling through ice on a fishing trip. Even though it is an 18 volt tool, you won’t feel like you are missing out compared to a 20 volt setup, especially with the strong torque this model delivers. The maximum speed reaches 2100 RPM, which helps your auger cut clean and fast.
The drill has a compact feel and is comfortable to hold, making it easier to manage when you are working on uneven ice. The built in LED lights help you see better when fishing early in the morning or late in the day. Since this is a tool only model, the overall runtime will depend on the battery you use, but the brushless motor keeps the power delivery efficient.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 18V
- RPM: 550, 2100
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion
- Recharge Time: Depend on battery capacity and charger
- Weight: 4 lbs (6 lbs with battery)
- Chuck Size: 1/2 inch
- Max Torque: 1250 in lbs
Features:
Powerful Motor: The brushless motor puts out up to 1250 in lbs of torque, giving you more than enough strength for drilling through thick ice.
High Speed: With a maximum of 2100 RPM, this drill keeps your cuts smooth and quick.
3 year warranty: With the 3-year warranty Makita ensures top quality. And if anything goes wrong Makita promises to back you up.
We Liked:
- Compact size
- Strong torque
- Durable build
- Comfortable handling
- Good LED lighting
- 2100 RPM maximum speed
- 3 year warranty
We Didn’t Like:
- Battery and charger not included
4. Milwaukee 2804-22 M18 Hammer Drill
The Milwaukee 2804-22 M18 Hammer Drill is a best Milwaukee drill for ice auger. We’ve found this to provide satisfactory performance when used with an ice auger. It shines with its powerful 18V motor and 2000 RPM top speed that makes cutting through ice quick, easy and clean.
It comes with a nice side handle to enhance stability. This is pretty useful as maintaining stability can be difficult when drilling through ice.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 18V
- RPM: 550, 2000
- Battery Type: M18, Red Lithium .
- Battery Capacity: 5.0Ah
- Charger: Included
- Weight: 13 lbs with Case.
- Chuck size: 1/2″
Features:
Great motor: The 18V motor is powerful enough to drive ice augers for drilling into ice easily and quickly.
High maximum speed: It has a maximum speed of 2000 RPM which is quite desirable for cutting through ice.
Included side handle: The side handle is a nice addition that can be attached to the drill for enhancing handling.
We Liked:
- Compact size
- Well built
- Great motor
- 2000 RPM maximum speed
- Included side handle
We Didn’t Like:
- Lacks some useful accessories
5. Milwaukee 2904-22 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
This is another best Milwaukee drill for ice auger. The Milwaukee 2904-22 M18 Fuel Hammer Drill fits nicely for anyone who wants strong performance without stepping into the ultra premium price zone. If you are heading out for winter fishing and want a drill that can handle thick ice with confidence, this one is a dependable pick.
It comes with a powerful brushless motor and reaches up to 2100 RPM, which is more than enough speed for clean cuts with an ice auger. The torque output is impressive at 1400 in lbs, giving you the strength you need when the ice gets stubborn. The included 5.0 Ah batteries help the drill run longer, and since the motor is efficient, you get solid runtime even in cold conditions.
Another thing that stands out is the safety feature. The Auto Stop control reduces the risk of the drill over rotating if it binds up, which can be helpful when drilling on uneven or thick ice. It also has a durable all metal chuck with carbide teeth that grips the auger bit very well.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 18V (M18 system)
- RPM: 550, 2100
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity: 5.0 Ah
- Recharge Time: 30 Minutes
- Weight: 8.1 lbs
- Chuck Size: 1/2 inch
- Max Torque: 1400 in lbs
Features:
Compact: Easy to carry around on the ice and the sturdy build makes it suitable for harsh winter trips.
Two batteries: The kit includes high capacity 5.0 Ah batteries that offer longer use between charges, which helps a lot during long fishing sessions.
Powerful motor: The brushless motor provides strong torque and stable performance even when drilling through thick ice.
High RPM: The 2100 RPM top speed helps make smoother and faster holes with your ice auger.
Auto Stop: The safety feature prevents sudden twists if the drill binds, making it more comfortable for extended drilling.
We Liked:
- Very durable
- Powerful motor
- High torque
- High RPM
- Comes with 5.0 Ah batteries
- Good safety feature
- LED light
- Comfortable to use
We Didn’t Like:
- Higher price compared to basic models
6. BOSCH GSB18V-975CB25 18V Hammer Drill
The Bosch GSB18V-975CB25 18V hammer drill is a solid choice for anyone who wants strong performance for ice fishing along with premium quality and long lasting durability. It keeps things simple but delivers enough muscle for everyday drilling on the ice. Even with its advanced features, the drill stays practical and easy to work with when you are outdoors.
It runs on an efficient brushless motor and reaches up to 2100 RPM, which is plenty of speed for clean auger cuts. The max torque sits at 975 in lbs, giving you steady strength when the ice gets tougher. The included Core18V 4 Ah batteries offer double the runtime compared to older 2 Ah versions. They also handle heat well because of Bosch CoolPack 2.0 tech, so you get more consistent performance in cold weather.
Safety is another thing this drill handles well. The kickback control helps reduce sudden twisting if the bit binds. You also get a precision clutch with 25 settings that helps protect your fasteners and keeps your drilling smoother. The all metal chuck adds durability and holds your auger attachment firmly.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 18V
- RPM: 600, 2100
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity: 4 Ah
- Recharge Time: 65 minutes
- Weight: 3.4 lbs (tool only)
- Chuck Size: 1/2 inch
- Max Torque: 975 in lbs
Features:
Brushless motor: Gives you strong and efficient power that works well for drilling through thick layers of ice.
Core18V battery: The 4 Ah battery provides longer runtime and better heat control, helpful for long fishing sessions in cold temperatures.
Kickback control: Reduces the chance of sudden rotation if the bit gets stuck, which can make drilling safer and smoother.
Precision clutch: The 25 clutch settings help keep your drilling accurate and prevent unnecessary damage to fasteners.
Durable chuck: The all metal chuck grips the auger bit tightly and adds more long-term durability.
We Liked:
- Lightweight
- Strong performance
- High RPM
- Longer runtime with 4 Ah battery
- Kickback control
- All metal chuck
- Efficient brushless motor
- Durable build
- Good for cold weather use
We Didn’t Like:
- Connectivity module sold separately
- Torque is slightly lower than premium heavy duty models
7. RYOBI PBLHM101K ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Hammer Drill
If you want a solid hammer drill for your ice fishing setup and prefer something that delivers strong performance without cutting corners on quality, you can take a look at the Ryobi PBLHM101K ONE+ HP 18V brushless hammer drill. It covers the essentials well and brings enough strength for auger use on thick ice.
It runs on an 18V brushless motor and reaches up to 2100 RPM in its high setting, which is quite impressive for drilling on the ice. The max torque goes up to 750 in lbs, giving you steady power when your auger pushes deeper. The 4 Ah battery included in the kit gives you longer use per charge, and the charger keeps things convenient on long fishing days. Overall, this setup works nicely for anyone who needs dependable drilling power for regular trips.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 18V
- RPM: 500, 2100
- Battery Type: Lithium Ion
- Battery Capacity: 4.0 Ah
- Recharge time: 90 Minutes
- Weight: 2.8 lbs (Bar Tool)
- Chuck size: 1/2 inch
- Torque: Up to 750 in lbs
Features:
Brushless motor: The brushless design gives you stronger and more consistent drilling, especially helpful when using an auger on thicker ice.
4.0 Ah battery: The high performance battery keeps the drill running longer, which is useful when you spend hours outdoors.
Hammer mode: The hammer function and 31,000 BPM can help when you are dealing with harder ice or compacted layers.
Two speed gearbox: The 0 to 500 and 0 to 2100 RPM range gives you better control depending on your auger size and ice conditions.
Durable chuck: The ratcheting metal chuck holds your auger attachment firmly and handles tough drilling without slipping.
We Liked:
- Strong RPM range
- Good torque output
- Brushless motor
- Longer battery life
- Hammer mode
- Metal chuck
- Comes with a 4 Ah battery and charger
- Tool bag included
We Didn’t Like:
- Low torque compare to DeWalt models
What Is the Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger?
Our Top Choice
We’ve used a lot of great cordless drills on this list, but we had to choose one as our top pick, and that is the DeWalt DCD1007B 20V Max Hammer Drill.
We think you already know from our quick overview why we picked it as our top choice. Powerful, durable, tons of features but it comes without battery. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Benefits of Using a Cordless Drill for ice auger
Here are some benefits of using a cordless drill for ice auger:
Convenience
A cordless drill is easy to carry and use, which makes it convenient for ice auger. You don’t have to worry about finding a power outlet or dealing with messy cables, which can be difficult in a cold outdoor environment.
Portability
A cordless drill is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to transport to your ice fishing location. You can easily pack it in your car or on your snowmobile, and it won’t take up much space.
Versatility
A cordless drill is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including drilling through ice. You can also use it to drill holes in wood, metal, or plastic, which makes it useful for other tasks on the ice.
Efficiency
A cordless drill is powerful and efficient, which makes it ideal for drilling through ice. It can quickly and easily create clean, smooth holes in the ice, which makes it easier to set up your fishing gear.
Safety
A cordless drill is safer to use than a manual ice auger, which can be difficult and dangerous to operate. A cordless drill reduces the risk of injuries and makes it easier to control the drilling process.
Cost-effective
Cordless drills can be more cost-effective than gas-powered ice augers, especially for infrequent use.
How to Choose the Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger?
Before deciding on a cordless drill for ice auger, you need to know what to look for. Here some things that you should keep in mind while shopping for a cordless drill for ice auger –
Power
The more powerful the brushless motor of a particular hammer drill is the faster you’ll be able to make holes with it. Generally, high-end cordless hammer drills will between 18 to 20 volts. But if you are not a professional fisher then a cheaper and less powerful motor will do just well for you.
Speed
The speed of your drill is expressed with RPM which abbreviates to revolutions per minute. The speedier your drill is the faster you’ll cut ice. Also, a high-speed drill will ensure that the cut is clean and easy. So, you should check the speed of your drill before buying.
Battery Capacity
We don’t think We have to explain how important it is to check for the battery capacity when buying a cordless drill. The bigger battery a cordless drill comes with the longer it will run on a single charge. So, if you fish a not in the winter then invest in a drill with a big battery.
Also, you should check the charging time. Lower charging time is just better. No reasoning required.
Weight
Buying a heavy drill will definitely hamper your workflow. You will get fatigued easily. So, looking for a lightweight drill is recommended. Consider buying drills that are at least below 3 lbs. But a lighter drill with a good amount of power will cost more. So, think about how long you’ll be using the drill at a time and whether its weight will cause difficulties.
Grip
When it comes to powerful drilling and cutting devices a good grip is always desired. A good grip will allow the user to hold on to the drill much more securely and avoid accidents. This is especially important for drills intended to be used with ice augers. The grip should have proper texturing and preferably covered by rubber.
Using a Cordless Drill with an Ice Auger
If you are new to using drills with ice augers, then don’t be scared. It is pretty simple. To use a drill with an ice auger you are going to need the following –
- Ice auger
- Drill-auger adapter
- Cordless Drill
How Do You Attach an Auger To a Drill?
Attach Ice Auger To an Adapter
First, unscrew your ice auger from the attached handle. There should be just one screw holding the handle and the auger together. Now, attach the drill-auger adapter to the ice auger.
Learn more about how to attach a drill with an ice auger see this video:
If you don’t have an ice auger adaptor kit you can buy one hand ice auger adapter.
Attach Ice Auger to Drill
Enter the drill bit into the drill and securely chuck it in. Having a stabilizer arm attachment would be great for increasing stability.
Position The Ice Auger
Position the ice auger at a 90 dree angle to the ice. Do not push down on it. Ice augers are pretty heavy by themselves. So, let gravity handle the pressure.
Position Yourself
Before pulling on the trigger button position yourself properly. Stand straight with your legs apart for the best balance.
Start Cutting
Pull-on the trigger and start cutting. Judging you’ve followed our guide and bought a good drill the auger should go through the ice pretty easily.
Best 3 Ice Auger kit
- Strike Master Hand Auger (Hand Drill Ice Auger Kit)
- Eskimo Pistol Bit (Premium Quality)
- VEVOR Nylon Ice Auger Drill Bit (Most Popular)
Safety Tips
Here are some safety tips for using ice augers with drills –
1. Wear Protective Goggles
When you are using a drill powered ice auger you should expect tons of ice crystals flying in your face. Using a pair of protective goggles with the help you retain your vision.
2. Wear Protective Clothing
Wear waterproof warm clothing while going on ice fishing. You don’t want to get sick from wet cloths.
3. Use a Stabilizer Handle
You could do without a stabilizer handle. But just because you could don’t mean you should. A side handle will increase stability and decrease the chance of accidents.
4. Use an Ice Chisel
The ice chisel will help you determine the thickness of the ice. If it is below 3 inches then you should be fishing there.
5. Notify Someone Where You’re Fishing
Take a friend with you or at least notify someone where you are going to fish. Every year many people die due to ice fishing related accidents. So, better safe than sorry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Drill Do You Need for an Ice Auger?
For using with an ice auger, you should be getting a drill with a 1/2-inch chuck. Ice augers are pretty heavy and have a tendency to come off. So, a 1/2-inch chuck is necessary.
What Size Ice Auger Should I Buy Using With a Cordless Drill?
The most common size for ice augers is 10-inch. Besides, one of the most popular auger is 7.5- inch K-Drill auger. We think that should be enough for most situations. But it really depends on your personal preference. Many ice fishers like to buy the biggest one they get. So, think about your fishing spot, the equipment that you will use and make your decision accordingly.
What Drill to Use With K-Drill?
Our recommended drill is Milwaukee 2904-22 M18 FUEL Hammer Drill for K-Drill auger
Do You Need a Hammer Drill for Ice Auger?
No not really. But it shouldn’t hard have the extra functionality.
How Much Torque Do I Need for Ice Auger?
The recommended minimum torque for using an ice auger is 700 in/lbs or 500- 750 RPM
How Fast Run Drill Motor Drilling Hole in Ice With Auger?
First the drill machine has to be set perfectly on the ice then you run it slow speed then fast speed. Our recommended 750 RPM.
Conclusion
For many, fishing is not just a hobby or livelihood. It is a passion. A little cold or ice shouldn’t stay between your passion and you. We’ve seen people use manual augers and even gas augers in the past. They were either slow or really bulky and hard to handle.
The invention of drill-auger adapters solved this problem. Drills are lightweight, easy to handle and cut ice pretty quickly when attached to an ice auger. So, if you do a lot of ice fishing, investing in a good drill would be a great idea.
We’ve given you our list for the best cordless drill for ice auger. We’ve also added a buying guide and tons of other information to help you buy and use a proper cordless drill for ice augers. So, why wait? Get yourself one today.
We hope this guide was able to help you out. We really appreciate your visit. Thanks for stopping by.
