Hand drill bit size for Clam and Eskimo ice anchors

[MidCoast]

Anybody know what size drill bit is similar to the Clam and Eskimo ice anchors? I wanna use my hand drill to drill in to the ice first before using my Clam and Eskimo anchors....... Is it 1/4, 1/8, or 3/8?

Edited January 24, 2016 by MidCoast

[RebelSS]

Shouldn't have to do it with the Eskimo anchors; they go in great as is......can't speak for the Clam.

Eskimo also makes an adapter that slides over their anchor, and work with other brand anchors.It goes right into your drill chuck.Think they're about $12. I wouldn't pre-drill........

Edited January 25, 2016 by RebelSS

[Iambjm]

We were setting up hubs last weekend and had a pretty tough time with the clam anchors, even with the the adapter bit. If you do want to pre-drill use a bit almost the same size as the anchor, we were using a smaller bit and every time we we tried to screw the anchor in the ice around it would shatter and it wouldn't hold.

[RebelSS]

I've heard that quite a bit. Lots of guys I know end up buying the Eskimos, they go right in. 

[Cooter]

Have a bud who makes his own anchors and/or welds a 3/8 nut on top - set up and take down go quick with a cordless. Even if we pre drill its faster than doing it by hand.

[jgrimmz]

My Gander Mountain brand go in very well and I would guess they are 3/8" coarse thread screws.