Auger Drill Storage

[Jim Kusuda]

I thought that I may offer some suggestions for off season storage of the Ice Auger Conversion Kit. I used the 6” Clam auger steadily through the season, adding the extension in February and the original blades lasted just fine. I was skeptical at first, because I have always used Swedish blades but apparently now the Clam ones from China ones are good and reasonably priced.

I put a drop of low strength lock tight on the wing bolts because I noticed that they were loose when I checked them periodically. I also used some on the blade bolts as I am always surprised to find that they are not properly tightened. The exception is that I don’t use it on synthetic or plastic flightings, I have seen a chemical reaction where some lock tight formulas will cause cracks in some plastics. Those just get the 8 mm combination wrench tightening with a leather gloved hand.

Next I spray the auger blades to prevent corrosion, put the blade guard on and hang the auger up on the wall. I am confident that it will be ready to go next season, but will make sure that I get some spare blades anyways. Murphy’s law dictates that if you have spares, you won’t use them but if you don’t, you are bound to need them desperately!

Disassembly of the Auger Drill Plate is the reverse of how you put it together. I found that the adapter was easy to remove. I sprayed penetrating oil in the opening to loosen the threads on the drill, then found that a #2 Phillips screwdriver shaft fit well in the wing bolt hole. I set the drill in the low speed forward position, braced it on the floor and smacked the screwdriver handle hard with a dead blow mallet a few times.

[Tod Todd]

Great info for post season when most discussion is all about gearing up of the start of the season.

[Coryy]

Thanks for the tips!

One thing that to keep in mind when you put it all back together is to put some Anti-seize on the drill shaft prior to installing the auger attachment shaft.

[amateurfishing]

why in the $%^*&$ cant I ever get that screw out to take the adapter to take the adapter off now.

[clayton08]

Ah yes just took mine apart today. One of the most revolutionary ice fishing products ever.