Screwing in Ice Anchors

[deerminator]

Got my Clam Bigfoot 4000XL and set it up last night in the living room and it is sweet. Was looking through the clam site afterward and they showed how they screwed in the anchors using an adapter tool that fits on the end of a cordless drill. Certainly would be quicker, less work and maybe more effective at thredding into the ice. But does anyone do this with a drill without the adapter tool. I figure I'd try to tinker with some homemade setup on my own but thought I'd ask first.

[RawHog]

I bought one of those adapters at the show and it seems like its well designed and is going to be a very valuable tool for me this season.

[TruthWalleyes]

I drill a pilot hole and then spin those ice anchors in with 1 finger.

[bobbymalone]

I don't drill any holes and hand screw those things in with 3 fingers.

[LakeDocktor]

I would look at the Digger Anchor Ice Angels. Simply use your auger to drill half way through the ice. Put the Ice Angel in the hole and pull snug until is grips.

They also are a valuable tool if you get stuck with your ATV and you have a winch. Use the same way as the pop-up anchor, but walk about 20 feet in front of the wheeler and hook the winch cable up to the eye on the Ice Angel and you will be able to pull yourself right out!

If you are interested, I have a ton of these in my garage that are new in the box and I would like to get rid of them!

[ThunderLund78]

It is possible to hand-screw them in without a pilot hole and adapter but if it's 10 deg and windy, you'll need a fast operation. Learned this the HARD way last year. I'd rather be quick than tough. I put a compact cordless drill on my xmas list this year specifically for this purpose. Adapter will ensure a good, deep, fast hold.

[schweady]

I got one of those drill adapters and wound up giving it away (poor schmuck), made me so mad that I wasted the $$ and made no sense to be dragging along more weight in the portable. Did a search for climber's hollow ice screws for a while, but they were way too expensive, even on the auction site. I used Digger Ice Angels last winter, and I'm very happy with those.

[fishinnut_3446]

I would have to say I gave mine away also,thats if someone picked it up after I threw the dang thing as far as I could!

[ThunderLund78]

I haven't had any issues, but I do drill a pilot hole first. Sucks to carry around a drill and bit, but at the end of the day, it's just one more item on my sled. That's why a compact cordless is on my xmas list this year.

[cichlid_baby]

Easiest thing by far I have found so far is to simply pour a bit of water onto the area where you plan to put the ice anchor in.. wait like 10-15 seconds.. then start screwing in the anchors by hand... I like the Eskimo branded anchors better than the Clam ones but I am sure they will all work with this method.

The water is allowed to soften the ice just a tad bit to allow the anchor to dig in.. piece of cake.. no special tools to buy or more gear to carry out onto the ice.

Need a video?

[MNCPRGUY]

Did a search for climber's hollow ice screws for a while, but they were way too expensive, even on the auction site.

I picked up a pair of Ultimate Ice Anchors at the St Paul show for $28. Wish I had bought a second set now.

[NCLaker]

Get Eskimo ice anchors, cheap and they go in great with out need for any additional tools.

[deerminator]

Thanks guys. I think I may try drilling the pilot holes and see how that goes with the anchors that came with the shelter. When I had my old breadbox style house, I just remember whatever anchors I got from the Farm being a pain in the rear to screw in and the ice would start cracking and they wouldn't set well.

[bobbymalone]

Get Eskimo ice anchors, cheap and they go in great with out need for any additional tools.

I use the eskimo anchors that came with my old QF6 and am honestly confused about the troubles people seem to have with ice anchors.

I can screw them in by hand in about 10-15 seconds with no pilot hole.

[schweady]

I picked up a pair of Ultimate Ice Anchors at the St Paul show for $28. Wish I had bought a second set now.

Hmm... even the regular price they have on their HSOforum is only half of what some climbing sites had for the same design. Thanks for the heads up.

[simple1]

I just bought some screws that have a very wide head. Worked like a charm, and worked every time. And if I lost one, I had many many more. All hardware stores have them and I recommend them.

Simple1

[shizzy]

Get Eskimo ice anchors, cheap and they go in great with out need for any additional tools.

I'm quite fond of mine as well. I just kind of lean on it until the bit grabs and then they spin right in. not worth dragging a drill out on the ice.

[fishwater]

Easiest thing by far I have found so far is to simply pour a bit of water onto the area where you plan to put the ice anchor in.. wait like 10-15 seconds.. then start screwing in the anchors by hand...

[TruthWalleyes]

I'm quite fond of mine as well. I just kind of lean on it until the bit grabs and then they spin right in. not worth dragging a drill out on the ice.

I didn't start using a drill till later last season. Eskimo's do bite in really well, but i simply worn mine out. Made some mistakes and bent the crp out of em, they are quite maluable. Broke a few tips off of them too, mostly when trying to screw in to ice when temps are below zero, and no snow cover. They are difficult to start then. So instead of buying new anchors to replace the old worn ones, i pop a few holes with the drill quick and spin them in like a top. Now, i think i'll pick up a few cheepo's as extra's and still drill a pilot hole. Quite a bit easier IMO, and doesn't take any space in my large sled.

[chad austin]

If you are interested, I have a ton of these in my garage that are new in the box and I would like to get rid of them!

I tried to PM you but you're over your limit. I am Interested in a set or two.

[Vlasin]

I use Eskimo Anchors for 2 years now...never have had to pre-drill holes before and I've really have never had difficulty getting the anchors to go in.