Reopening Holes with an Ion

[holmsvc]

My buddy is having problems reopening holes in his ice castle with his 8 inch Ion. They are partially froze holes from the previous day sometimes and a few times they have been froze all the way. The auger is getting stuck on the way down. Anyone else running into this issue?

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

Pretty common with a "shaver" style auger. For easy re-opening, look to a single chipper style blade.

[eagle_3464]

So what is the best auger for reopening holes in a wheelhouse?

I knew my Jiffy STX wasn't going to be a good auger for the wheelhouse but never imagined it would be as bad as it is. It's ok when setting up a new spot when you can drill before setting down. When reopening a hole it is horrible. You can turn it slow enough to avoid bringing water up the fluting and still be effective opening the hole. From now on until I get a new auger I will be cranking up to reopen.

Seriously thinking about the Ion but I don't want the hassle of getting it stuck on reopening partially frozen holes. Does the new reverse help with freeing it up when you get stuck? Thanks.

[holmsvc]

I thought the Ion was supposed to work good for reopening holes. I thought that was the point of the ring around the bottom.

[Hawg]

My Ion has never been stuck.

[concretekid]

I have a ION and ran into the issue and I reopened holes a lot (had good year). Changed the blades and was back in business

[JollyJoker]

My Ion has never had a problem reopening holes.

[eagle_3464]

Does this include opening holes that still have a water-filled center? Does it spin slow enough to not make a mess with the water?

Anyone want to give me a demo in my wheelhouse, lol?

[JSK76]

I reopened holes that were getting narrow over the weekend with my 10'" and it worked just fine, might have stuck for a second but backed it up by using the reverse, although I could have got it out without it. I've drilled old holes that were completely froze over with the 8" and it worked great too.

[Crappyfisherman]

My buddy just used a new Strikemaster Lithium auger to reopen partially open holes in a sleeper on Upper Red. I couldn't beleave how well it worked. I was sure he would wreck the blades.

[pushbutton]

Not being a homer, not saying it is not happening to some, but also have never had one hang up reopening. Eagle, am up on Osakis nearly every weekend, and your welcome to take it out for a test spin.

[eagle_3464]

pb, thanks for the offer. Just might take you up on that when I am ready for a day trip. Right now still focusing on walleyes as long as they cooperate.

Would definitely like to try one before pulling the plug.

[pushbutton]

Well, if it's all about the eyeballs....just show up between 4:37 and 13 seconds and 5:03 and 32 seconds.....and will hook you up Just PM me if you ever want to try it out.....

[Don Julio]

My 10 1/4" big volt re-opens holes with ease. Works great in a wheel house. Now to try out the new slush copter I got for x-mas on URL tomorrow.