Ice drill for mountaineering, how to choose and use

Helios HS-110D – optimal weight distribution

A classic ice drill made using an auger design. Cuts a through hole in ice with the most common diameter of 110 mm. The eccentric displacement of the upper and lower handles relative to the axis of the auger helps reduce effort and speed up the drilling process.

An additional factor is that the work is done with both hands. Knives with a semicircular cutting edge are used. This shape allows you to process dry and wet ice masses. Comfortable transportation is ensured by the folding design and reduced weight.

Pros:

• Folding, lightweight, good leverage for creating force.
• Complete set with hemispherical knives.
• Price, good drilling depth.

Minuses:

• The diameter of the hole is too small.

Budget models

Rextor Storm 130

Despite the fact that this Ukrainian brand has been on the domestic fishing market not too long ago, it is very popular among both beginners and experienced fishermen. There are several models on sale, both belonging to the budget price segment and differing in a more expensive price. This model is not the cheapest, but its price is not very high. The quality of the materials from which the device is made is at a decent level, the ice auger is convenient to use.

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One of the distinctive points is the telescopic design of the model. In addition to the folding handle, there are two retractable sections. They are mounted in height on four reliable pins. This allows you to adjust the design to your height. The knives have a spherical design, which allows you to drill through ice regardless of its structure and thickness. Even if the ice is covered with a layer of water, it will be possible to drill through it, and a person does not have to make any significant effort for this. The manufacturer provides the product with a two-year warranty.

Advantages:

• Able to cope with ice of any structure and thickness;
• The telescopic design allows you to adjust the drill to the user’s height;
• There is practically no effort required when drilling;
• Long warranty period.

Flaws:

• Knives become dull quickly if the ice is loose.

Drill Rextor Storm 130

Ermakov-ROST D-130 mm

The model is lightweight, so it can be easily moved from one place to another throughout the whole day and practically not get tired. The weight of this design is only 1.85 kg. The structure of the drill is quite familiar - it is intended for use with both hands. The screw is made of high quality plastic. Rotation is carried out counterclockwise - for most Russian fishermen this is familiar.

The cutting part of the model is represented by three sharp straight knives, but semicircular models are also supplied in the kit. The diameter of the hole that can be drilled with this drill is 130 mm. The drill is designed for a maximum ice thickness of 1 m. The holes are drilled gently, almost effortlessly. When rotating, snow does not stick to the auger, ice or water does not begin to freeze, the handles rotate without a characteristic creak.

Advantages:

• There is a set of straight and semicircular knives;
• Decent hole diameter;
• Snow does not stick to the auger;
• Capable of drilling through ice up to a meter thick.

Flaws:

• From time to time the fastening will have to be tightened - it becomes loose during drilling.

Drill Ermakov-ROST D-130 mm

Nero 130

Another domestic model, which in its operational capabilities is completely identical to the previous version. The design is two-handed, it is made in a standard design - the drill rotates to the left. In order to make working with this device as convenient as possible, and the user had to put in less effort, the manufacturer decided to move the upper handle away from the axis of rotation by 13 cm, and the lower handle by 15 cm. The model turned out to be not too heavy: despite its overall dimensions In size, the weight of 2.3 kg can be called generally insignificant. When folded, this device is only 88 cm long.

As many users note in their reviews, the product is one of the most suitable tools for winter fishing. The drilling speed is also mentioned separately - the product drills through even very thick ice in a matter of minutes.

Advantages:

• Reliable folding mechanism;
• It’s easy to drill through even fairly thick ice;
• High drilling speed;
• When folded, it takes up a minimum of free space and is convenient for transportation, including hand carrying.

Flaws:

• The paintwork leaves much to be desired - the paint begins to peel off from the drill even before the end of the first season of operation.

Drill Nero 130

Tonar LR-180D

The products of this Russian company are well known to fans of winter fishing. The presented model is perfect for catching large and sometimes even trophy fish. The screw diameter is 180 mm - significantly larger compared to the models discussed earlier. The maximum drilling depth is 1 meter. The weight of the device turned out to be decent - 3.1 kg, so walking with it all day will be quite problematic. The direction of rotation is left-handed. When folded, the structure takes up a minimum amount of free space - only 93 cm, which allows it to be transported even in public transport.

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The cutting part is made of two straight knives, the screw is made of steel, but the handle is made of high-quality plastic. Reviews note the excellent build quality - the elements do not become loose even with active use.

Advantages:

• Easy to transport on public transport;
• It is comfortable to drill even a fairly large number of holes;
• The diameter of the hole is decent;
• Capable of drilling through ice up to a meter thick.

Flaws:

• The paint begins to peel off the auger.

Drill Tonar LR-180D

Nero 130 – left rotation

A lightweight drill for working on different types of ice, including frosty dry ice or wet spring ice. Rooted work is facilitated by the optimal displacement of the point of application of force due to the eccentricity of both handles.

An additional factor is the use of knives with a spherical cutting edge. The internal diameter of the hole has been increased, allowing you to confidently remove medium and large fish. A design solution has been used that allows both parts of the ice drill to be folded exactly in half.

Pros:

• Spherical knives, optimal dimensions when folded for transportation.
• Cost goes through ice like a knife through butter.
• Durable, long lasting knives, lightweight.

Minuses:

• Not a case, but one name.

Motorized drills

IRON MOLE E53 Ice

Despite the fact that this is a very convenient device, it is unlikely that you will be able to walk long distances with it for one simple reason - the design weighs quite a lot. Its weight is 8.5 kg without an auger, and with an installed auger this parameter increases to 11 kg. This device is characterized by an increased power level. With its help you can drill not only ice, but also frozen dense soil.

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The model is placed in a solid body, with original shock absorbers located between its moving elements. With their help, it is possible to significantly reduce the level of vibration, and accordingly, working with the tool becomes much easier. The TESAMESN T53 gasoline engine is installed here. It has low fuel consumption and has a soft start system that operates even at very low temperatures.

Advantages:

• The model is capable of drilling not only ice, but also soil;
• There is a soft start system;
• Low fuel consumption;
• You can start the engine using a conventional starter.

Flaws:

• It weighs a fair amount - not suitable for running fishing;
• They can only be transported in a car - in public transport with such equipment it will not be very convenient, to put it mildly.

Drill IRON MOLE E53 Ice

Iceberg-Arctic 130R

It is distinguished by its versatility of use - this drill can be used both with and without an engine. The motor function will be performed by a drill or screwdriver. The auger diameter is 130 mm, the maximum ice thickness is 190 mm. The weight of the device is insignificant - 4.5 kg, it rotates strictly clockwise.

The quality of drilling is quite high, there are no backlashes after assembly. The design is made of high quality materials that will maintain their performance for a long time.

Advantages:

• High quality manufacturing and assembly;
• Able to overcome a decent thickness of ice;
• There are no backlashes after assembly;
• The kit includes a telescopic insert that acts as an extension.

Flaws:

• The handle is rather weak;
• Snow often gets stuck under the knives.

Drill Iceberg-Arctic 130R

ADA GroundDrill-2 Ice Fisherman

This Chinese model can become an excellent assistant for the Russian winter fishing enthusiast. This device comes with a unique Ice Drill 150 auger. With its help, it is possible to make holes in the ice with a diameter of 150 mm. The greatest thickness of ice is 1 m. The model is equipped with a two-stroke gasoline engine, its power is decent - 2.45 horsepower with a volume of 52 cubic meters. cm. This indicator is quite enough to install augers whose diameter can reach 200 mm.

The weight of such equipment is 11 kg; the fuel tank holds about 1.2 liters of fuel. This device comes with a convenient canister designed for mixing oil and gasoline. The design is very durable, it has comfortable ergonomic handles and little vibration.

Advantages:

• You can make holes with a diameter of up to 200 mm;
• Works quickly, vibration is minimal;
• Characterized by reliable assembly;
• Powerful gasoline engine.

Flaws:

• Large tool;
• Decent mass;
• It weighs a lot.

Drill ADA GroundDrill-2 Ice Fisherman