Rating of the best screwdrivers for winter fishing - requirements and characteristics

Which drill is suitable for working with a screwdriver?

Experienced fishermen prefer to buy a product with right-hand rotation. The choice is related to the drilling standard of the screwdriver; despite the presence of reverse, the unit is not designed for heavy loads with the opposite action.

Important! When searching, you need to determine in which direction the electric drill rotates. Reverse motion in an expensive tool will quickly damage it.

Experienced users prefer to buy battery devices from well-known manufacturers from different countries:

• AER (aeg);
• DeWalt (Dewalt);
• Metabo (Metabo);
• Tonar;
• Milwaukee, etc.

Turning ice by hand in winter is unprofitable, especially if it is thick. Instead of fishing, you get a good sports load without the expected result. It’s easier to purchase equipment with batteries and enjoy fishing.

Characteristics of drills with screw driving function

Necessary characteristics of a screwdriver for winter fishing

Which screwdriver for ice auger should you choose? When purchasing, pay attention to the power ratings, number of batteries and adapter characteristics. Ignoring the rules will not give the results expected from the device.

How powerful should a screwdriver be?

The minimum performance of equipment for combination with an ice ax must exceed 60 Nm. The average cost of the equipment is 8-35 thousand rubles, weight including battery is 3 kg.

Some inexpensive options include an adapter with a gear reducer, which is used to reduce output speed and reduce the load on the device. When choosing such equipment, you can save on expensive power tools. The adapter together with the built-in gearbox will cost 5 thousand rubles.

Technological properties

How many batteries do you need?

Most fishermen use 2 batteries for a one-day procedure. Sometimes one battery is enough for 10 or 20 holes, but performance indicators depend on:

• on ice thickness;
• its qualitative features;
• blade indicators.

During fishing, batteries should be kept in a warm place to prevent cooling and reduce charge capacity. The screwdriver does not need heat, but after a long stay in the cold and placing it in a warm car, the parts are instantly covered with condensation. Moisture is the first enemy of electronics.

Important! Before purchasing batteries, check their expiration date. If the power supply was manufactured 2-3 years ago, then there is a risk of irreparable loss of its capacity.

Equipment with 2 batteries

Which adapter for a screwdriver is better to take?

A special device is designed to connect the drill axis and the screwdriver drive. The adapter has an additional handle for the left hand to make drilling more convenient and safer. Don’t forget about the limiter, which helps prevent the tool from falling into a hole with a large diameter when leaving the chuck.

Important! The description of the equipment indicates the possibility of combining equipment. Not all adapters can be built into an electric drill; they may not fit some versions.

DIY ice drill with screwdriver

The adapter allows you to quickly drill any required number of holes. Buy an adapter ready-made in a store or make it yourself. Always take into account the diameters of the adapter, ice auger, and screwdriver. The hexagonal parts of the adapter fit comfortably inside the screwdriver chuck; an L-shaped hexagon is also suitable (it will stop the screw from turning).

To connect the cylindrical part of the adapter to the auger, use a drill - it will be convenient for making holes inside the cylinder. The bolt will allow you to fix everything in the auger pipe. Additionally, you will need a handle - it will hold the adapter in a given position and prevent the screw part of the drilling rig from falling into the water.

A worm belt with a significant diameter is ideal for creating wide holes, but it weighs a lot. A diameter of 10-12 cm is suitable for catching medium-sized fish; making holes with such a tape is easy and quick. The most popular adapter parameters:

• Cylindrical diameter 18 mm;
• Hexagonal shank;
• Availability of emphasis.

Selecting the brand and model of screwdriver

Popular and affordable units include:

• AEG BS18C2BL LI-402C - with 4 Ah batteries and a performance of 65 Nm, an extended warranty is given after registration on the manufacturer’s official website;
• Makita DDF458RFE - with a storage capacity of 3 Ah, a performance of 91 Nm.

Cheaper equipment includes the Bosch GSR 18-2-LI Plus Professional. Its batteries operate up to 2 Ah, there is no additional handle. If fishing activity is low (from 50 to 70 holes), you can take this device.

Bosch GSR 18-2-LI Plus Professional

Advantages of automating an ice drill if you use a screwdriver.

Comparing different designs of ice augers, fishermen choose an ice auger made from a screwdriver.

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Subglaciers note the following advantages:

1. General availability of gear assembly. Does not require much time or professional knowledge.
2. Cost-effectiveness in upgrading an ice drill using an adapter.
3. The satisfaction of making a DIY ice fishing accessory.

In addition, if an ice auger driven by a cordless screwdriver is used, gasoline is not needed. There are also no unpleasant odors, which is important when fishing.

Inexpensive models

The category of budget devices includes devices costing up to 10 thousand rubles. The list of the best selling ones is presented:

• BLACK+DECKER BL186KB - has a rubberized body, small dimensions and additional lighting. Increased productivity, no overheating is ensured by a brushless motor, torque is adjustable in 22 positions. Standard equipment: 2 batteries, charger and storage case.
• Hitachi DS18DS FL - weighs 1.7 kg, comfort and convenience is achieved due to the ergonomic body. The sample has air cooling and several operating modes. The kit consists of 2 batteries, a hand-held flashlight, a charger, bits, a holder for attachments, and a mechanically resistant briefcase. Charging the equipment takes 40 minutes.
• Makita DF331DWYE - features long-lasting performance and low weight of 1.1 kg. The device has a power key lock and spot lighting for the dark. The maximum speed is 1700 per minute, the package includes a suitcase and 2 batteries. The disadvantages of the device include the absence of a special sleeve for bits on the body.
• Makita DHP482Z - the device regulates the number of shocks and revolutions, has a performance of 54 Nm. The equipment package does not include batteries or a charging case; they must be purchased separately. The weight of the equipment does not exceed 1.8 kg, the maximum number of revolutions reaches 1900 units, and there is additional lighting. The surf does not have an additional handle.
• Interskol DAU-13/18VK Li-Ion - 2 batteries, a charger, a case and a user manual are supplied with the equipment. The assembly is of high quality, the equipment operates at different temperatures and in any conditions.

Interskol DAU-13 18VK Li-Ion
Another interesting option: ZUBR DAI-18-2-Li KNM4. This domestic device can be used both for construction work and for combination with an ice auger. The metal body is resistant to mechanical damage, the device uses a brushless motor and an electronic brake that limits it. The equipment is standard, and simplicity and ease of use have made the equipment popular among fishermen. The disadvantages of the equipment include small battery capacity and rapid discharge, and the absence of a secondary handle.

Average cost screwdrivers

The list includes devices with a price of up to 20 thousand rubles. Which screwdriver to choose for fishing:

• BOSCH GSR 18V-60 - the company's products are known for their durability, quality and performance. They can be used at home and outdoors, and have deservedly gained popularity among fans of ice sports. The equipment shows a low percentage of noise and vibration during use. Depending on the working material, the rotation speed can be adjusted, and when the drill jams, the engine lock is automatically activated. The comfortable handle prevents it from slipping out of your hands during the drilling process. Batteries operate at temperatures down to -20 degrees. The disadvantages of the device include the lack of a secondary handle.
• Denzel BLDL-IB 18-02 - the equipment is equipped with a brushless motor with an extended resource. The device has additional illumination of the workspace, charge indication, and protection against discharge or overcharging. The device has a speed controller and an electric brake. The device with a reinforced design is sold together with 2 batteries, a case and charger, and other additional accessories.
• DeWALT DCD709S2T is a Chinese device of high quality and reliability, used to perform various tasks. The brushless motor prevents overheating, the maximum speed is 1650 units per minute. The disadvantages of the device are the small battery capacity of 1.5 Ah, the absence of a secondary handle and the inflated price.
• RYOBI R18PD7-0 is a modern device with an improved engine, a built-in computer, and an electronically controlled clutch. The equipment has a power lock key, the performance is 85 Nm. The kit does not include a battery or charger; they must be purchased separately. Additional accessories for the device are represented by a drilling depth limiter and a second handle.
• Drill DeWALT DCD791D2 - with a power of 70 Nm, optimal for combination with mechanical drills. The device is lightweight and small in size and is easy to carry; it comes with standard accessories: 2 batteries, a charger and a case. The brushless motor guarantees good performance and does not cause overheating. The equipment provides additional lighting.

Important! Medium-priced devices are sold more often than cheap and expensive analogues. Professionals and amateurs prefer to choose modern equipment that meets safety criteria and certain parameters.

Drill DeWALT DCD791D2

Auger for ice auger for screwdriver

The most popular auger for upgrading drills is Mora, specifically the Mora Nova System series; Rapala and good quality Ise Arctic (Micro, Viking) are well suited for this purpose.

In conclusion, I would like to say that self-assembly of an automated ice drill is not a very difficult task. But if you want to get a high-quality tool that will last for many years, you must at least take a responsible approach to the choice of components.

Expensive units

Which screwdriver for an ice drill in this category is better: products with a cost of more than 20 thousand rubles. selected based on quality characteristics. A feature of the devices is considered to be greater productivity and power indicators. You can choose the right one based on its place in the best-selling ranking.

Metabo BS 18 LTX Impuls

TOP equipment includes:

• BOSCH GSR 18 VE-EC L-Boxx is a professional tool with two speed modes, brushless motor and electronic overload protection. It takes 45 minutes to fully charge the battery. The device is characterized by a long service life, no heating during prolonged use, high wear resistance, and small size. Disadvantages of the equipment include the unreliable second handle and the price.
• KRÜGER KD-18Li is a reliable and durable German unit that works in domestic and outdoor conditions. There is a secondary backlight on the body, which helps in low light conditions; the weight of the device does not exceed 2.1 kg. The product has a rubberized handle that prevents the equipment from slipping during use and smoothes out vibration. The set consists of 2 batteries, a charger, user instructions and a storage case.
• Makita DHP451RFE - the equipment takes into account all standards and requirements, the design is made of safe and durable materials. The device weighs 2.2 kg, the batteries are rated at 3 Ah, and the rotation speed is 80 Nm. The device can be used during the cold season when fishing, with ice thickness up to 1 m. The present braking system is responsible for the timely stopping of the engine, and the secondary handle increases the level of safety. There are three modes to control torque, the choice depends on the working material.
• Metabo BS 18 LTX Impuls is a professional device with a strong battery, high torque of 110 Nm, ideal for working at low temperatures. The set consists of three nutritional elements, a case, and a charger. The device has a side handle that helps to hold it and ensures safety; the design provides protection against overloads. The disadvantages include heavy weight.

Important! When searching for expensive equipment, you need to focus on the permissible operating temperature, weight, and safety. High-quality products have wear protection and engine stop protection mechanisms.

Makita DHP451RFE

Purpose, designs, features of adapters

The purpose of the described device is to transfer rotation from a power tool to an ice drill. Many industrially manufactured adapters are made with a handle to more securely hold the tool during use. Adapter designs vary. The simplest adapter is a metal sleeve, one end is fixed to the ice auger auger, and the other has a hexagonal shank for fixation in the chuck of a power tool. With this design, a safety washer (or plate) is often used, which prevents the auger part of the drill from going under the ice if the shank suddenly jumps out of the chuck.

A slightly more complex adapter for an ice drill for a screwdriver, for example, the ASh-400 model, designed for Barnaul Tonar drills, is actually the same simple adapter. On one side, the device is attached to the auger part of the drill, on the other, it has a hexagon for mounting in a screwdriver chuck. The difference is the presence of a handle, which not only allows you to hold the entire structure while drilling, but also acts as a limiting element that helps you not to lose the auger if the hexagon suddenly slips out of the chuck. The price of this adapter is 900–1000 rubles.

Using the device requires a few simple steps:

1. The bolt connecting the two parts of the drill is unscrewed.
2. Instead of the upper part of the drill with handles, an adapter is mounted to the auger.
3. The hexagonal shank is clamped into the chuck of a screwdriver (or impact wrench).

The electrically driven ice auger is ready for use. After use or if you need to switch back to manual drilling, dismantle the adapter in the reverse order. For Tonar ice drills, the ASh-800 adapter is also available, the main difference of which is the ability to adjust the drilling depth (which may be useful for northern regions, where the ice thickness is often greater than the auger part of the ice drill). The price of this model is practically no different from the cost of the ASh-400 adapter. For ice drills of the Iceberg series, an adapter ASh-05 is produced, the fundamental difference of which is the diameter of the output shaft, equal to 22 mm.

Tips and useful information on selection and operation

Experts advise paying attention to the following nuances:

• If the unit does not have an additional handle, you can use an adapter with a welded handle. The finished design allows you to save on basic equipment and purchase a more budget model.
• If the screwdriver is equipped with a lithium-ion battery, then when winter fishing it is better to have a spare one with you. While the main one is in use, the second one should be kept warm.
• Some craftsmen replace a standard screwdriver with a wrench. The latter features a highly durable body and better performance.
• When creating holes, make sure that the ice ax rotates in the opposite direction from the movement when unscrewing the cartridge on the screwdriver.

Impact wrench model
The selection and decision to purchase an expensive or economical device remains with the future owner. Purchasing a budget model often becomes the reason for re-purchasing fishing devices due to low wear resistance, breakdowns and the inability to drill the required number of holes in one day. Cheap does not always mean quality and reliability.

Requirements for screwdriver parameters

The choice of a screwdriver for an ice drill is based on the tasks facing it, namely to work well and for a long time:

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Next, you have to decide what kind of battery is needed so that after a few minutes your screwdriver does not turn into an unnecessary unit, uselessly dragged around a pond. Basically, fishermen settle on three types of batteries:

As practice has shown, most often fishermen prefer nickel-cadmium batteries. Despite their weight, they cope with the main responsibility of a good ice drill - to break through any ice, regardless of severe frosts. And this, you see, is an important factor in winter fishing.

Battery capacity is not the last thing when choosing a screwdriver. It should not be less than 2.5-3 Ah in order to have time to drill several dozen holes before the battery is completely discharged.

How to choose a battery?