Ice Fishing Tips - Stop Wrecking Your Hand Auger!

[@maxsands3861]

You imitated my drunken fishing buddy perfectly!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

We all know that guy right? Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@markshanteau3234]

Another good tip for auger use is putting the cover back on when you are done drilling holes. Saves boots getting gouges and protection for the blades

[@samp3087]

Rule #1 don't let your buddies touch your auger

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

That is good advice, KPO.

[@Jon-rm9lf]

Thank you for this…I definitely learned the hard way!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are so welcome!

[@theoutdoorangler1173]

I got the same auger and mines trash. It doesn’t even cut. It basically just spins and maybe grips a sec and is so ineffecient

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Sorry to hear that. Did you buy it new? Honestly they are a pretty cheaply made auger. So it's even more important to watch out for those brackets getting bent with those $39 Eskimos. If new blades don't fix it, move on. Life is too short to waste on crappy augers. KPO

[@piecartbox]

I have an 8" eskimo, it gets dull and sharpening it wrong can ruin how it works but when the blade is at the right angle even the 8" cuts FAST. Sharpen the top bevel only and at the factory angle, don't even touch the hollow ground side it needs that hollow curve to bite into the ice instead of skipping! The handle did break on mine but they sent me a new one right away, cheap but good customer service.

[@thermal1580]

You probably aren't pushing down hard enough. You've got to really lean on it.

[@burningkarma]

I'm either doing it wrong or I'm just flat out of shape. I'm just about ready to puke by the time I'm done.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You probably just have dull blades or bent holding brackets. Maybe try a new auger? We can't have you puking every time you go ice fishing, LOL. KPO.

[@burningkarma]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors Chances are I'm just doing it wrong!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Yes, puking while ice fishing is wrong! LOL, KPO.

[@joedopp9841]

Thanks for these tips. I am new to ice fishing and had a hand auger given to me and have been out twice so far with it by myself. It took a good 2 hours to dig a 12" hole after I sharpened the blades and even longer the first time when the blades were dull. It eventually got through but it was not easy or fun but I was persistent. If you're doing a hole in under 1 minute there must be serious issues with this hand auger. Do you think there's anything that can be done to renew it or will I need to purchase a new one?

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I would try new blades and if that doesn't help I would move on to a new auger. You need to spend that time fishing not drilling, KPO.

[@joedopp9841]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors OMG new blades take 10 to 20 seconds for a hole. Incredible! It would've saved me 5 to 6 hours had I known better the first two times. Thanks!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Awesome! More time for fishing! KPO.

[@Gizzard4400]

That was informative and funny thx pal

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are very welcome! Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@gregoryhunts3006]

I have an 8in hand auger and throughout the day I easily drill 25 hole's. But I usually get out till the ice is about 12in and then Im done ice fishing. Having a buddy along helps save me having to drill em all myself. I think Im going to get a 4in auger and a drill since all I do is panfish. Awesome channel and you're very informative.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Even going down to a 6 will be way easier, KPO.

[@earlrussell1026]

You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. You must love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus the anointed is Lord! Repent and be baptized and believe the Gospel.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Cool

[@garyl6265]

Wait, what? Manual auger only good for 3 or 4 holes and not 25? Oh come on now! I purchased a 5" Swedish Bore in 2012, made at least 4 trips every season since, drilled no less than 15 holes each trip, and I'm still using the same blades it came with. That's approximately 500 holes and counting! The trick is to not let anyone but yourself use the auger. Don't ream the hole with it to clear it of slush. Drill all your holes when you get there and put the auger for the rest of the day, so your drunk buddy don't lean on it. Lastly, when you get home, dry off the blades and soak them with vegetable oil and put the cap on.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I just meant from a physical stand point. I didn't mean the auger would wear out after 4 holes. I too have hundreds of holes on the blades on this auger.

[@rickschubrink2619]

KPO I'm into hot tent camping and ice fishing. I am hauling all my gear out in a pulk and that eliminates me using my power auger due to weight restrictions and the fact I'm older than dirt...lol. A foldable manual ice auger is the way to go and it looks just as efficient. Thanks for the info !!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Rick, it must be sharp and well cared for. Of course if you wanted to drill 12 holes thru 24 inches of ice that might wear a guy out. But 3 or 4 holes is very doable even if a guy needs a little rest in between. Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@FishFinder]

I may just bring a jack hammer with me :)

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Fish Finder, that would definitely do the job! Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@HansRiveraCreations]

what the, he makes drilling holes so easy, i don't know if I'm doing it wrong but it took me forever to drill a whole. the guys with the ions started to feel bad for me after the first whole so they just drilled a bunch for me

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Sharp, correct angle blades.

[@mikebikercanada]

Thanks a bunch from Ottawa, Canada! Heading out with my new hand auger to cut my very first hole and I feel mighty confident after watching both your auger videos. Keep up the great work.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Best of luck!

[@ethanyates9353]

I just sharpened my blades but when I get the hole drilled I like to pull up really hard to get it out of the hole they got dull fast I just resharpened them and now it takes me 30 minutes to an hour to cut 1 hole I don't know if I bent something or is its the ice I don't know what to do

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Doesn't sound good. Honestly I would just buy a new auger. I think I paid $40 or so for this one.

[@davidvincentini937]

If damage done can it be repaired ? Thanks . I have the auger that you're using

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Anything can be fixed, but it might be difficult.

[@lasaventurasdej.m.5779]

Thank you sir for the tips

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

welcome

[@roblee454]

So yea I'm drunk guy for sure 🤣

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

That's OK, just tell your friends to keep their augers away from you, KPO.

[@Complabteacher]

What is brand and model number of the auger you used in your video?

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

It's an Eskimo. Literally the cheapest one you can buy. I think I paid $39 dollars at an MC Sports store. KPO

[@tomn5880]

Excellent instructional video.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@bcdwalleye6242]

Beats a spud!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Yes sir! KPO

[@michaellippmann4474]

Sure as heck does! 😁

[@davidcudlip6587]

Forgive me. I was once an ice lip banger, but have since sobered up and redeemed my hedonistic ways. My blades now last much longer.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

glad to hear it

[@davidcudlip6587]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors Word ! My wallet thanks you.

[@PortnoiJ]

You had me at hello..

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Awesome

[@matthewlyness8161]

Awesome video is that an Eskimo hand auger?

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Yes it is!

[@matthewlyness8161]

How do you like it?

[@MtnXfreeride]

Ahh ok...so 10 mins of hard work through 8" of ice is not normal.. borrowed an auger.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

not normal, KPO

[@camerongoltz5578]

Do you think those blades are compatible with a strike master? Throughout watching the video, I do bang on the brackets when I’m through the hole

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I don't think I would interchange blades from one model/brand to another. Just use the right blades and take care of your auger and it should cut good for you. Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@camerongoltz5578]

Knetters Practical Outdoors alright because the hand auger I currently use only slightly shaves the ice off

[@camerongoltz5578]

Knetters Practical Outdoors and is this the type of auger you use? Eskimo HD06 Hand Auger with 6-8 Inch Dual Flat Blades

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Yes, I own a six and eight inch model. Of course the six drills a hole a little faster with less work. These Eskimo hand augers are about the cheapest you can buy, but I always treat mine like a fragile tool and they seem to hold up pretty good. Thanks KPO

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

That is probably the biggest engineering challenge when they design the angles for these augers. That's why it is sooooo important that these angles don't change by getting bumped or banged. Too much angle and the auger cuts too deep and then it requires a lot of strength. Too little of an angle and the auger cuts too shallow and it takes forever to drill a hole. Even with the sharpest of blades, if the brackets they bolt to get bent, it won't cut right. KPO.

[@parsonsian]

I definitely wrecked my MORA years ago by breaking off the lip with the blades. Never again! Thanks man, great video.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome! Anything for Prison Mike!

[@Jerseyhighlander]

I'm certain my blade brackets are bent on my Mora auger, Can't find any information anywhere as to how to adjust them and make it work again... How do I know what the angles should be? How do I fix it?

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Not sure, the auger in this video was $37. Maybe time for a new one, KPO.

[@duckguide4109]

How tf does your auger drill holes that fast?? Mine takes me (or my friend) Atleast 3 minutes each hole...it’s 8” Blades are good quality and fairly new...maybe the head of it is bent slightly..idk

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Try new blades. If that doesn't help maybe it's time for a new auger. KPO.

[@Francois_Dupont]

used one in the past to make post hole in my garden. then years later i want to do ice fishing and found out they are like 100$+. ohh my...

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Francois, lesson learned right? Thanks KPO

[@Steve-cq9ht]

Is there a way to check the angle of the blade mounting bracket on a 8" Mora? My brother inlaw slammed it down on the ice , and now it doesn't cut. It skips around on the ice surface.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I think it's pretty tough to get it back to the right angle, KPO.

[@iingling2703]

Tank you for this vid do you have Any other tips

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I do have a whole ice fishing playlist kzbin.info/aero/PLksX0m4wrQHw2ZbF5mGBC1_lu-1Z6W_DZ Thanks, KPO.

[@savannahbanna9086]

I need help to refix the bent head pice on my ugger

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

It might be tricky. The angles are so important, KPO.

[@FougereFamilyAdventures]

Thank you for this video

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome, KPO.

[@DS-kn4bs]

Thanks for the tips 👍🏿 I bought and old hand crank one this past summer for 5 bucks. It wables so it's ether bent or it could be that one of the blade is shorter and rested. Tried it out in my pond.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

D S, nothing worse than an auger that won't cut, KPO.

[@JasonNewmanoutdoors]

Thanks for the vid. My first time out on the ice and I can't wait.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You are welcome. Also check out my ice fishing playlist LINK kzbin.info/aero/PLksX0m4wrQHw2ZbF5mGBC1_lu-1Z6W_DZ- This will help you out too, KPO.

[@tonygrant5051]

My brand new Eskimo 8” hand auger worked like a hot drill through butter the first time I used it (2 weeks ago). Problem was the ice was too thick (up to the first curve of the handle). I ran out of gas just as I started getting through. Hole begins with water and turns the ice shavings into hard packed slush. Couldn’t back the auger out. Had to carefully chip away outer edges of hole with a hatchet and scoop out some of the slush. That whole exercise took close to an hour. I was gassed! Handle a little bent now. Hopefully I didn’t fubar the cutting angles. Lol

[@tonygrant5051]

“Hole begins filling with water” I meant. So I’m sweating like crazy in -37C weather and of course my feet are freezing soon after. Fun times but hey, that’s fishing! I’ll buy extensions and ordered a cordless drill adapter off eBay. Can’t wait to try out my new rig! Thanks for tips!!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

That sounds like way too much work. Sound like iron man training. Yes please get the cordless adapter! KPO.

[@MR-zl7en]

Great video 👍

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

thanks

[@limestonelizard]

that's some thick ice! good stuff thanks for sharing

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

limestonelizard, I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and I've seen 36inches on some inland lakes in the real cold winters. Some winters guys have to put extensions on their power augers just to get through. But I know 16 inches is pretty thick for most areas. Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@kYA00h]

i just tried mine on my outdoor rink and i must say you breezed through your cutout, the blades are sharp to the touch...is hockey rink ice different than lake ice or are my ice auger blade holders bent??

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

I don't know about hockey ice. Try it on a lake, KPO.

[@kYA00h]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors i tried it on the lake...breezed through 6 holes of 18 inch ice

[@charronfamilyconnect]

What thickness of ice is the minimum that is considered safe to walk on? Thanks, and I am your latest subscriber as of this moment! :)

[@duckguide4109]

B Charron 2 inches MINIMUM. 4 inches to ice fish. 6-8 inches for 4 wheeler 8-10 for small car 10+ for small truck 14+ for larger trucks NO ice is 100% safe ice.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

If it's good solid ice I like at least 4 inches, KPO.

[@noahfrank93]

God is good .

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

You bet, KPO.

[@rdxbx]

how did you do that so fast haha took me and my cousin 45 mins to drill through with the hand auger we just bought today

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

45 min? Something is wrong there.

[@rdxbx]

@@KnettersPracticalOutdoors yes definitely we couldn’t figure it out the blades were basically just grinding down the ice until we got through it all

[@michaellippmann4474]

@@rdxbx Really? I just bought my first auger a few days ago...6" from Cabella's for $53. For the last 45+ years I have used a spud blade and I could punch through 6 - 8" of ice in about 2 minutes for a 6" diameter hole. Reason I went to an auger was I am getting on the far side of 60 and had shoulder surgery about a year ago...just cannot punch a hole like I used to. Getting back to that new spud I blitzed through 16" of ice in about 20 seconds...thought I had died and gone to ice fishing heaven! My wife did confirm I just paid a premium for being a stubborn old man! 🤣 she did say that with a mouthful of fresh caught perch! Mike 🇨🇦 🍁 👍

[@SloppyDog]

another good vid keep it up

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Cujo, thanks my friend, KPO.

[@pointsoftruth421]

17 seconds???!!! Wow! I have never fished through the ice...not yet anyway! I wondered how difficult it was to drill a hole in thick ice..apparently not too bad. . You may have made an ice fisherman out of me! Thanks for sharing! God is good!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

pointsofTruth, definitely give it a try. Just make sure the ice is safe! Check the internet for some local info for your area, pick a decent day and make it happen. Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@TitanusMaximus]

I just started as a deputy fire chief in one of the colder areas in Canada, and we needed to use the ice auger to help us draft water to our trucks. I've drafted in oceans, lakes and rivers, but never on a frozen lake so your video was perfect and to the point. A lot of great tips in here. Thanks for sharing.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Thanks for the comment. I never imagined this video would help fire fighters. Thank you for what you do, KPO.

[@johnhickman930]

Nice video Dave! Thanks!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

John, you are welcome. You may want to check out the other auger vid too. Thanks for watching, KPO.

[@brennenmogensen7449]

Was wondering what the best way was to get that bottom lip off, thanks!

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Double check the 3:30 mark of this video. I think this is what you're asking about. Thanks KPO.

[@piecartbox]

I agree completely, an 8" esimo is a bear to use even for one hole when the angle is wonky. Look at the disposition of your cuttings to see how things are with the blade. They should be fingernail size or larger, with cleanly cut edges, and a few mm thick.

[@KnettersPracticalOutdoors]

Tad. thanks for adding in and thanks for watching, KPO.