ICE HOGGER

[Crappyfisherman]

Just ordered a Icehogger for my Nils 8".Didn't think of this when I orderd it.

#1.How durable is it, will it crack if you set anything on it in the back of a pickup?

#2.Has anybody come up with a auger rack that will hold these other than the Otter tube.

#3.Any good or bad I should know about.

Thanks Dan

[DTro]

I've been using mine for a couple of months now. Here is what I've found.

1. It leaves the hole 95% clean. There are some shavings that still fall or are left in, but it leaves it clean enough to follow behind and fish each hole without scooping. I haven't been able to find a technique yet though that will leave the hole completely clean.

2. Every other trip or so, you will need to cinch down the straps as they will loosen a bit from vibration. No big deal.

3. It takes a little getting used to for carrying it around. I've found that the slush chute hole makes a nice handle.

4. On really cold days (like today) the slush will build up at the very top of shroud (inside). It won't affect performance, but will add some weight.

5. The plastic seems very durable and flexible. Unless you are dropping stuff on top from a distance I can't see it breaking just by setting stuff on top.

6. I think the otter tube might be a good option for carrying it around on a sled or ATV.

[Crappyfisherman]

Thanks for the info. Did you ever try sraying Pam in the top of the tube to slow down the ice build up, and is there any problem putting on the auger guard? I also ordered the magnets for it.

[DTro]

Haven't tried the spray oil trick, but honestly the build up has been minimal and if it was too bad, I just brought the auger inside at the end of the day to thaw.

I made my own cover out of a magnets a couple of years ago so I cannot comment one way or another on that.

I know Surface Tension isn't really fond of them because they end up magnetizing the blades and when he sharpens them the filings are attracted to the blade. But from a user standpoint, I love the magnets. I don't have to fuss with the bungies anymore and the magnets I used are pretty darn strong. If you do a search on YouTube, I have a video showing how I did it.

[Surface Tension]

The Hogger is flexible and seems durable to me.

Would it break if it was struck hard? Maybe but think you'd have to be trying to break it.

I hang onto the discharge hole or the straps when I carry it around.

I don't have any problems with ice getting caught above, maybe I have the discharge hole a little lower.

For now I just bungie it to the rack of my ATV and snowmobile.

I might make some type of mount for it but yes the Otter Tube would work well not to mention the added protection for the blade.

[Deitz Dittrich]

The hogger really does seem like a neat tool to add to an auger..

[Crappyfisherman]

dtro stated that you don't like the magnets. I plan to send you my blades when they need sharpening, is this a problem. What is your opinion on the magnets.

[slurpie]

I own a Nils in 6" and 8" why is it they leave the hole so full of shavings? Cuts good and is light no complaints there.

[Crappyfisherman]

The auger shaft is smaller than the cutting head. Might be why they cut so fast.

Less drag on the powerhead. Love mine, just hate all the slush.

[Surface Tension]

My concern would be the magnets coming in contact with the edge of the blade and damaging it.

Wait, that isn't a problem for me.

Hey if you be careful go for it, maybe put duct tape or tool dip over the magnet.

The magnets magnetize the blade so filings stick to the edge when being sharpened but I can work around that.

[Crappyfisherman]

This is true. I put them in the middle away from the blades. wish the guard went on easier, hate the rubber thingabobs. My son lives in Cloquet, is it possible to drop off and pick up at your place?