If you’re looking for a reliable, lightweight, quiet, and indoor-approved ice auger, one option that’s increasingly common is a convertible – or drill-driven – auger.
If you’re not using a snow machine or ATV to drag a sled onto the ice, you know that every pound matters, and with the right drill, a convertible auger can rival the performance of a gas-powered model, at a fraction of the weight.
A convertible set-up also won’t set you back nearly as much as a good electric auger, and for most fishermen, that matters, too.
But be aware that not just any drill can drive an 8-inch auger through feet of ice. For that, you need plenty of power, a motor that doesn’t know the word “quit,” and a battery that shrugs off the cold like a sled dog.
If you’re looking for a drill to power your convertible auger, we’re here to help. Below you’ll find reviews of the best drills, as well as a complete buying guide to get you up to speed.
Quick glance at the best drills for ice augers:
Related: Top Ice Fishing Augers Reviewed For 2022
Best Drill For Ice Augers Reviewed
Milwaukee 2804-22 M18 Fuel – Best Drill for a Convertible Auger
RPM: (2 speed) 0-550 / 0-2,000
Torque/UWO: 1,200 in./lbs.
Battery: 18V
Side stabilizer arm: yes
Chuck size: ½”
Weight: 3.2 lbs. (tool only)
Milwaukee’s 2804-22 is the hammer drill sibling of the 2703-22, duplicating its performance when set for standard drilling mode.
And as you’d expect, it’s more than capable of spinning a big auger through thick ice, generating both plenty of speed and torque to spare. A foot of ice is simply a warmup for this drill, and it’s more than capable of eating as many holes as you want to make.
This drill can power an auger through ice as fast, or faster, than a gasoline-powered auger.
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The AC840089 battery pack provides plenty of juice for this drill, but I really don’t think it can compare head-to-head against the big boys on the hard water. Expect some overheating and a shorter practical duty cycle than with either of its premium competitors.
What it can do, however, is offer reasonable performance at an affordable price, and if every penny counts, this is not an option you should overlook.
DeWalt and Milwaukee are the undisputed kings of the ice, but if your budget won’t stretch to the DeWalt, give the Ridgid Gen5 a close look.
Pros:
- Very budget-friendly
- Good batteries
- Good torque and speed
Cons:
- Can’t compete with the performance of DeWalt or Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2803-22 XC M18 Fuel
RPM: (2 speed) 0-550 / 0-2,000
Torque/UWO: 1,200 in./lbs.
Battery: 18V
Side stabilizer arm: yes
Chuck size: ½”
Weight: 3.2 lbs. (tool only)
On the ice, the Milwaukee/DeWalt debate is as contentious as the Ford/Chevy debate in a garage, and there’s simply no question that Milwaukee offers more powerful, longer-lasting aftermarket batteries for the M18 Fuel lineup.
If you want the (theoretically) highest performing batteries available for your drill, Milwaukee offers the REDLITHIUM, a 12 Ah battery that theoretically delivers way more power over time than DeWalt or Milwaukee’s standard power packs.
In the real world, however, these batteries still need some work, as plenty of construction tradesmen can attest.
Right out of the box, with the standard battery pack, the 2803-22 is clearly a beast. Generating as much as 1,200 inch/pounds of torque, it’s going to spin any auger you want, as long as you’ve got a firm grip on the stabilizing arm and plenty of traction!
Its two-speed transmission is probably better off in the lower gear, where it generates ridiculous amounts of torque and won’t spin water and slush all over your legs.
Milwaukee’s 18V batteries are excellent, and their performance in the real world is unquestionably excellent. They’ll take a beating from the cold and continue delivering power, and with a warm spare ready to go, you’re not going to need more holes than this drill can deliver.
If there’s a downside to the powerful models of the M18 lineup, it’s that they’re pricey.
Pros:
- Excellent batteries
- Awesome torque and speed
- Shrugs off the cold
Cons:
- Expensive!
DeWalt 991P2
RPM: (3 speed) 0-450 / 0-1300 / 0-2000
Torque/UWO: 820 UWO
Battery: 20V/5A
Side stabilizer arm: yes
Chuck size: ½”
Weight: 4.6 lbs.
DeWalt’s line of cordless drills are used by professionals the world over, and they’ve built an enviable reputation in the construction trades for dependable, no-nonsense power.
The 991P2 is a real work horse, easily capable of spinning an 8-inch auger through feet of ice. Featuring a three-speed transmission, the mid setting is probably the best place to start, but you can slow down and produce ridiculous torque with this drill.
The batteries that come with this DeWalt are excellent, offering juice to spare and handling the cold well. Keeping them warm will keep them alive longer, but trust me, they can handle tough conditions and deliver.
This excellent drill is one of the least expensive options capable of handling an auger, and plenty of anglers think it keeps up with the best Milwaukee can offer!
But don’t take our word for it: