Nils augers

[Bob Hicks]

I was really liking the Clam conversion plate and was ready to get one until I saw a post on this forum that the plate will not fit a Nils auger. Bummer! And after discussions on here it doesn’t look like an adapter for the low percentage of Nils augers in use is going to be built anytime soon. So what’s a guy to do?

I noticed that Nils has a recent addition (new in 2013) to their line of augers that is called a Convertible Cordless Hand Auger and it comes in 4.5, 6, and 8 inch sizes. It is a hand auger that can be converted directly to an 18v portable drill. The big difference is that it is a direct drive and doesn’t have the bearing system to lessen the stress on the drill.

But if you use the auger as directed by Nils – you don’t EVER put downward pressure on the auger to drill holes; you just let the weight of the auger provide the pressure – Nils says you should not have any problems with your drill burning out. That sounds good in theory, but does it translate to reality?

I called Nils USA and talked to them about where to get one of the new augers and they informed me that they are already sold out of the 8 inch bits for this season. But Cabela’s and a couple of other sources (including Nils USA) have plenty of the 4.5 and 6 inch models.

So I have some questions – do any of you have one of the new Convertible Cordless Hand Augers, have you had a chance to use it yet, and what are your thoughts/comments on its performance?

[Corey Bechtold]

I have a Nils "auger" but mainly like the power head. The drill itself cuts fast but leaves more slush in the holes than I care for. A lot of people I know and fish with feel the same way. If one has the means to switch the Nils bit and use the Mora hand auger bit on the Tanaka power head you obtain similar cutting with a clean/fishable hole.

Now here's the deal... I am crazy excited about the drill plate and love every aspect of it! There is no way I would use the Nils bit along with the drill. My son Cole (age 12) used the Kluge bit on a drill last year and it was great! A very clean hole every time and it is very light. Only issue is we didn't have the drill plate and his holes were usually drilled at an angle because of the torque the drill had.

Not saying the Nils "drill bit" is bad but it wouldn't be my first choice to use on the drill plate.

Good fishing,

Corey Bechtold

[bee]

This adapter gives you the best of both.

[rockman]

From what I've read, the Nils does not have any kind of bearing, or bearing assembly, to help ease the strain of torque on the drill, especially in the long run. The Clam plate/assembly does, again, from what I have read, and that's a key feature, IMO, in comparing one to the other. I do not have either product yet, but will have one of them, in the future.

[Bob Hicks]

I can appreciate that Rockman. In fact, I was wondering about that as well. After talking to Nils USA on the phone and reading some comments on another thread about this topic, it would appear that with the Nils setup, there is NO downward pressure required or recommended when using the Nils system which in turn lessens or almost eliminates any torque issues with the drill being used. You just hold the trigger closed and let the weight of the system provide the downward force and the drill doesn't undergo any undue torque forces. At least that's the way I understand it.