Strikemaster Auger w/ Three Blade

[JacobMHD]

I picked up a drill unit for a Strikemaster Auger that has three blades. All the blades are razer sharp and very clean. I only paid $50 for it off of c-list and it appears to be like new. It's going to be awhile before I cna try it out, but I'm pretty excited to swap out the old drill on my current Strikemaster.

Is there anything I need to be careful of or aware of? The drill does have the center point on it, so I don't need to worry about replacing that.

[Brad B]

the extra blade will make the cost of replacement blades a little more expensive but other then that you may need to replace the point every so many seasons because that does dull like the blades do.

[JacobMHD]

These are blades that can be sharpened, right? I shouldn't have to replace the blades if they are taken care of.

[Brad B]

I wouldn't try to resharpen them. strikemaster gets $62.95 for a brand new set. If you get their blade exchange ones you can get them for $34.95 for the set. They only made this drill unit in a 9 inch model. It was called the 9" triple lazer. The power point can only be bought new and they are $19.95 for a 2 pack. Note all prices where from strikemasters 2008-2009 customer service reference catalog(prices may have changed).

[zamboni]

The 3 blades were on the 443, right? I swapped out the synthetics off my StrikeLite for a Lazer Mag bit and it screams through the ice. They told me the 443 was done, but it screams through ice as well

[zamboni]

triple lazer. hmmm I thought it was the 443. maybe i am wrong

[Brad B]

It's listed in their parts book as a 9 inch triple lazer. I never heard of a 443 before.

[McGurk]

I thought that the red, three bladed auger was called the Ultra Mag, and they never could quite get them working right. The powerhead is the same 2hp that is used across their line, but the auger was tweaky. Actually what I remember most about them is that people returned them and SM replaced them with a standard 2 blade black Lazermag auger. I have no proof, though.

I bought a few 10" extensions directly from SM a couple of years ago (all worked great) that seemed a little odd when they showed up. They were red in color, and looked like they were the top 10" of auger assemblies that had a plug riveted onto the bottom with a hole drilled in it. I may be way off base here, but I bet they pulled the blades off of the returned augers, cut off the tops and turned them into extensions to recoup a bit of their money!

[JacobMHD]

That could very well be the case. I hope the one that I have is not "tweaky" but for $50 I wouldn't be out much. I'm excited to see how it cuts this winter.

[toughguy]

I picked up one from a pawn shop about 4 or 5 years ago not knowing the issues that the 3 blade bit had. The blades go bad quick and are expensive to replace (there are 3 of them after all). I took it into stikemaster (after reading on this site that they would replace the 3 blade bit) and they let me choose from an 8, 9 or 10" double or single chipper blade bit. I got a 9 inch 2 blade bit and it's worked great since. Because of the customer service I'll always buy strikemaster. I'd call first this time of year before heading up there. I don't know what their hours are in the this horrible above 32 degree weather.

[Hibbing]

I had the triple blade auger from Strikemaster. Wouldn't cut even when the blades were sharp. Called SM and the sent me a whole lower unit at NO COST after 5 plus years. I had my choice of 8, 9, or 10" auger.

Gotta love a company that stands behind its product like SM does.

[opsirc]

It is the Lazer Mag Ultra, and SM does not make them any more. Bought one when they first came out, the first year it would pull you throught the ice. Second year took a little pressure, the third year even with new blades it took a lot to cut. SM gave me a new 9" two blade at no cost and even replace the two extra set of blade I had for it. GREAT service.

[JacobMHD]

I'm seeing lots of bad reviews for this and I am a little worried. Does anybody actually like and consistently use this auger?

[toughguy]

Just get the new free bit and it will serve you VERY well. Awesome deal for $50.

[JacobMHD]

Tough guy,

How do you suggest I go about exchanging it for the free bit?

[toughguy]

Call strikemaster. They may even let you mail it in if you pay for shipping. If not I think their HQ is in Big Lake MN.

[sunnyday]

I have a red-three blade auger too and yes it's a pain to drill. The only good thing is you get a pretty good workout out of it. A few years ago I replaced the blades and was good for a short time only. I thought the blades were bad again and have been looking for new blades. I have looked at Cabelas, Gander Mountain, and Mills Fleet Farm and haven't been able to find new blades. I guess now I know why they don't sell blades for it anymore.

I'm also interesting in how to go about getting a replacement from SM.

[JacobMHD]

I called SM. They were honoring the trade while the warranty was in effect. Since they discountinued the model in 2004, they are offering a trade for the 9" lazer drill for $90, basically $50 off.

[fishnhooks]

I know someone who has the the same bit and really likes it. I have another friend that bought that bit used and it would not cut itself through a paper bag. SM offered him the same deal as they did for you and he took it. It is my understanding from SM that the ones that work, will work great, but the ones that don't.. well... I guess don't. Too bad we don't have ice so you could try it out now.

"hooks"

[sdpikehntr]

I purchased one as soon as they came out about 5 or 6 years ago. There were some major issues with them when they came out. Fisrt the blades would not cut very well at all, they were the serrated (sp) ones, so they exchanged them for the streight blades, those also would not cut. Finally, I sent the whole auger in and they replaced the auger with a new 9" lazer Mag auger. The problem with the first auger they release was the lack of supprt for the blades, The blades would flex with any down pressure and mess with the cutting angle. The new auger has a 3/4 by 1/4 inch flat steel that connects the blade plates at the bottom, thus eleminating the flex.

I have been using mine every since and this last season is the first time I have put new blades on, I have cut side by side with other augers and it cuts faster than other brands. I would not trade mine for any other auger. and in fact the $50 purchase is a steal. Just make sure that the auger blade plates have been reinforced.

[JacobMHD]

Can you tell by looking at the picture I previously posted if they are reinforced?

[sdpikehntr]

Yes, JacobMHD, that looks just like the factory replacement that I received. the flat steel bars that run from each blade around the outside edge of the auger is what they added on the replacements. Good luck on the ice (5 1/2 mo. to go).

[huntnfish]

I have the same reinforcements on my 3 blade and it still doesn't cut all that well. Its kind of odd. Sometimes it works really good and other times its a huge pain to drill a hole. I called SM this winter and they told me it would be about 50-60 for the two blade chipper and one of these days I'll get around to sending it to send it in and get the replacement.

[Craigums]

I'm seeing lots of bad reviews for this and I am a little worried. Does anybody actually like and consistently use this auger?

I've had that same auger for 5 years and havent had many problems with it at all

[student]

Well, I'm gonna give a try tonight and report back later. Hopefully it cuts nice and smooth and I don't find out why it was priced at only $50.