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 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 DCD991P2.
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 DCD991P2 20V Max XR Drill (Best Overall)
- Dewalt DCD991B 20V Max Drill
- Makita XFD11R1B 18V LXT Drill
- Milwaukee 2804-22 M18 Hammer Drill
- Porter-Cable PCCK607LB 20V Max Cordless Drill
- Craftsman CMCD710C2 V20 Cordless Drill
- Skill 20V Cordless Drill (Best Budget)
The drills we’re listed for quick overview –
1. Dewalt DCD991P2 20V Max XR Drill
If you are looking for the best of the best no compromise cordless drill or what model Dewalt cordless drill for ice fishing then look no further. The Dewalt DCD991P2 Max XR is everything you will ever need for your fishing trips. It is a 20V powerful cordless drill with a maximum speed of 2000 RPM. So, expect your ice auger to make clean and quick cuts on ice.
What is good about this cordless drill is the 5.0 Ah battery capacity and it comes with not one but two batteries. Each of them should last pretty long. So, your fishing trips will remain uninterrupted. Also, the charger is pretty quick too. Takes only 90 minutes or less to charge each battery.
The Dewalt DCD991P2 Max XR is a powerhouse for Power, efficiency and long battery life. This cordless drill is one of the best cordless drill to use for ice fishing auger that you can buy today.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 20V
- RPM: 450, 1300, 2000
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Battery Capacity: 0 Ah (2x)
- Recharge time: 90 minutes
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Chuck size: 1/2″
Features:
Powerful motor: The 20V motor is great for cutting ice swiftly and easily. When you are using a giant tool like an ice auger this extra power can really come in useful.
Two batteries: It comes with two batteries in the box. So, you don’t have to worry about running out of power anymore. If one drains then just swap it for the other. This makes this drill great for professional ice fishers looking for a drill to go on long fishing trips.
Long battery life: Each of the batteries is 5.0 Ah. So, it is safe to say they can hold a lot of charges and run for a long time.
Quick Charging: The quick charger this cordless drill comes with can charge each battery under 90 minutes.
We Liked:
- Very powerful motor
- Great maximum speed
- Long battery life
- Comes with two batteries
- Fast charger
- Heavy-duty chuck
- Great build quality
- Comes with a sturdy case
- LED light
- Comes with a 360-degree side handle
We Didn’t Like:
- The battery doesn’t fit tightly with the tool
- Heavy
2. Dewalt DCD991B 20V Max XR Drill
The Dewalt DCD991B 20V Max XR is the same as the DCD991P2. But it costs significantly less as it doesn’t come with the battery, charger or the case. This one is mainly people who already have some used a Dewalt product in the past and looking for an upgrade.
Besides the exclusion of some items, the tool is exactly the same as the DCD991P2. It got the same 20V, 3-speed options, LED light and other features of the DCD991P2.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 20V
- RPM: 450, 1300, 2000
- Battery Type: Not Included
- Battery Capacity: Battery Not Included
- Recharge time: Charger Not Included
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Chuck size: 1/2″
Features:
Powerful motor: The 20V motor is pretty powerful and can take on the toughest ice you’ll ever face.
High maximum RPM: With a maximum RPM of 2000 you can make sure your ice cuts are clean and quick.
Heavy Duty Chuck: The 1/2″ chuck is made of nitro-carburized metal that provides superior gripping capacity. This eliminates the problem of your ice auger detaching by itself.
We Liked:
- Very powerful motor
- Great maximum speed
- Great build quality
- LED light
- Heavy-duty chuck
- Comes with a 360-degree side handle
We Didn’t Like:
- Heavy
- Batteries not included
3. Makita XFD11R1B 18V LXT Drill
The Makita XFD11R1B 18V LXT Drill is a great brushless drill to pair with your ice auger. It’s got an 18-volt motor which is enough for taking on fishing trips. Unless fishing is your lively hood you won’t be noticing much difference between an 18 volt and a 20-volt motor. The drill also has a nice maximum RPM of 1700 which is pretty good.
This drill is lightweight and has a very comfortable and ergonomic design that makes handling very nice. It comes with built-in LED lights that should help you fish at night. The 2.0 Ah battery might sound a bit underwhelming but Considering it has a less demanding motor it should run for a decent amount of time.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 18V
- RPM: 500, 1700
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Battery Capacity: 0 Ah
- Recharge time: 30 minutes
- Weight: 8 lbs.
- Chuck size: 1/2″
Features:
Powerful Motor: Powered by an 18-volt motor this cordless drill can handle drilling on ice pretty well.
High Speed: This drill supports up to 1700 RPM which is pretty nice for taking it with you ice fishing.
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
- Powerful Motor
- Durable build
- Decent battery life
- Fast Charging
- 1700 RPM maximum speed
- 3-year warranty
We Didn’t Like:
- Difficulties in changing torque settings
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. Porter-Cable PCCK607LB 20V Max Cordless Drill
The Porter-Cable PCCK607LB 20V Max powerful cordless drill is a sweet spot between expensive professional-grade and cheap Consumer-grade driller. If you are a fisher looking for a reasonably priced drill to get through the winter then you can undoubtedly go for this one.
It has a 20V powerful motor and a maximum RPM of 1800 which is more than enough for ice fishing. The thing that kind of disappointed us was the 1.5 Ah battery. But it comes with two and considering the price we thought it was acceptable.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 20V
- RPM: 450, 1800
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Battery Capacity: 5 Ah
- Recharge time: 30 minutes
- Weight: 3 lbs.
- Chuck size: 1/2″
Features:
Compact: The compact size makes carrying it around pretty simple. And when we’re talking about ice fishing a compact device can make a difference.
Two batteries: Having two 2.0 Ah is great for improving workflow. When you run out of charge just replace it with the charged battery and continue working on your fishing.
Fast Charging: The recharge time for each of the batteries is just 30 minutes.
Powerful motor: Having a 20V powerful brushless motor it should help your ice auger to drill through even the thickest ice with ease.
High RPM: 1800 RPM of maximum speed is clearly a plus for a drill intended to be used for cutting holes in the ice with an ice auger.
We Liked:
- Very durable
- Powerful motor
- High RPM
- 3-year warranty
- Comes with 2 batteries
- Fast charging
- Compact size
We Didn’t Like:
- Low capacity batteries
6. Craftsman CMCD710C2 V20 Cordless Drill
The Craftsman CMCD710C2 V20 cordless drill is a great option for people who are looking for a decently powerful cordless drill for their fishing trips without spending a premium. But don’t let its price fool you. Because when it comes to performance the Craftsman CMCD710C2 does not lag behind by much.
It is powered by a 20V motor, two 1.5 Ah batteries and a charger that takes only 60 minutes to charge each battery. It has a maximum speed of 900 RPM which is enough for ice fishing hobbyists.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 20V
- RPM: 600, 900
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Battery Capacity: 5 Ah
- Recharge time: 60 minutes
- Weight: 6 lbs.
- Chuck size: 1/2″
Features:
Powerful Motor: It comes with a 20V brushless motor which is great for using an ice auger for ice fishing.
Two batteries: The two 1.5 Ah batteries are a great addition. They might have low capacity but you easily switch the drained battery for the charged one to extend your working time.
Fast charger: The charger can quickly charge each battery within 60 minutes. It is not the fastest charger around but surely, it’s not the slowest.
Built-in LED: The built-in LED light is great for low light drilling. So, if you plan on going ice fishing at night then this should be really useful.
We Liked:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Powerful brushless motor
- Decent maximum RPM
- 3-year warranty
- Comes with 2 batteries
- Fast charging
We Didn’t Like:
- Low battery capacity
7. Skill DL527502 20V Cordless Drill
Well, if you are really on a budget and just can not go over 100 bucks then you can go for the Skill DL527502 20V cordless drill. For the price you are paying this is a pretty solid cordless drill.
It has got a 20V motor and a maximum speed of 1450 RPM which we found quite impressive for such a budget-friendly cordless drill. The battery is 2.0 Ah which is also pretty great. The charger it comes with takes only an hour to fully recharge the battery. All in all, this is a great little budget option for people who don’t want to break their bank.
Specifications:
- Voltage: 20V
- RPM: 420, 1400
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Battery Capacity: 0 Ah
- Recharge time: 60 minutes
- Weight: 05 lbs.
Features:
Great motor: At the price you are paying a 20V motor is pretty impressive. This should be all you need to start your ice fishing hobby.
Great battery: The 2.0 Ah battery should last you a good while before running out.
5-year warranty: Skill is pretty confident about the quality of their product. And that shows with the 5-year warranty plan.
We Liked:
- Cheap
- Well built
- Powerful motor
- Great battery life
- Fast charger
- 5-year warranty
We Didn’t Like:
- Only 2.0 Ah battery, not recommended for long fishing trips.
What Is the Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger?
Our Top Choice
We’ve used lot of really great cordless drills on this list. But we had to choose one as our top choice. And that is the Dewalt DCD991P2 20V Max XR Drill.
We think you already know from our quick overview why we picked it as our top choice. Powerful, durable, tons of features and it comes with two high capacity 5.0 Ah batteries. 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 motor of a particular cordless drill is the faster you’ll be able to make holes with it. Generally, high-end cordless 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.
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.
Learn more about how to attach a drill with an ice auger see this video:
Best 3 Ice Auger list (Good Hand Drill Ice Augers)
See another video
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 8- 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 2704-20 M18 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.
