Ice Augers

[BigBuckHogg69]

I am looking at purchasing a new ice auger, but i am not sure on what brand to buy. I am looking for an auger that will cut through fast and last a long time. Please post on what kind of auger you think would be best or if u have any urself post it on here please. THANK YOU

[Buford T]

This topic was beaten to death in December. Look at some of the December posts and you should find more than enough information about Jiffy, Strikemaster, Eskimo, and Nils Master.

My suggestion is to go somewhere that sells various makes and models, so you can touch and feel the real thing. Pick up different augers, inspect the moving parts, see what materials they are made from, and go with the model you like.

Don't get caught up in the "who's fastest" baloney, because they are all fast when properly maintained.

[minneman]

Do a search here on FM, this subject has been around forever.

take note on which brand has had the fewest complaints/problems. they are all good, just that some have more issues than others. then make an educated choise.

Down time is Down time regardless how fast and how light wt they are.

[Captain B.R.K]

Quote:

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I am looking at purchasing a new ice auger, but i am not sure on what brand to buy. I am looking for an auger that will cut through fast and last a long time. Please post on what kind of auger you think would be best or if u have any urself post it on here please. THANK YOU

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Welcome to the forum and hope you enjoy your stay. Auger information, as stated above, has been beaten to death over the last few months.

As for augers out on the market, you really can't go wrong with the strikemaster, jiffy, or nils masters. All make an excellent auger- all use similar engines on their product.

Any specific questions you might have about the augers?

I myself have a strikemaster lazer mag 2hp, 8" auger that I like on the warm days:) On the colder days, I do have problems with my blades icing up when they have been dipped in powder snow or any snow to that fact. Otherwise it is a good auger- light and cuts fast.

[hanson]

BigBuckHogg69-

I haven't responded to an auger thread in awhile so I'll jump in.

I currently run a Strikemaster Lazer Express 8" 2hp. I really don't think I guy needs any other auger. I've had 3 years of maintenance free use. Heck, I've just put it in the corner of the garage and its been fine for summer storage. Still has the original plug, and probably some bad gas from last year. No wait, I've run through that bad tank of gas already.

[herdog]

O.K. as long as we are on augers. I have a Lazer mag Ultra (9"-3 blade) that was new last year. It has drilled 20 holes or less and is on the 3rd set of blades. 4th if you count the set that the local blade guy tried to sharpen. I figure I have about $4.00/hole just in blades. When the blades are new it cuts so fast the weight of the auger is too much, but this is only for a couple holes. Anyone else have a problem with blades not lasting?

[hanson]

herdog-

I believe the 9" Ultra's have had many problems with the blades. There has been a number of discussions in the past on this problem as well.

They should last longer than that. Heck, I can get an entire year out of my Lazer blades (2 blade 8") before I need to switch. With 3 blades, the work is spread out from 2 to 3, so technically you should be getting 1-1/2 years or so out of them.

Contact Strikemaster customer service. Something isn't right and they should be able to help you out.

[Dan Thiem]

herdog,

Make sure your not cutting through ice that has salt and sand from truck tires laying on the surface. That will dull them up pretty quick.

[TV BOY]

I recently got a strikemaster electric 8" with the battery. I was tired of the fumes in the permenant house, and don't usually punch a lot of holes anyway.

Last weekend it cut 13 holes through 24" of ice. It still wasn't dead, I just didn't feel like drilling any more holes. Next weekend I'll go till she dies and let you know how much ice it will handle. Only a touch slower than my strikemaster express 8"--definately faster for the first hole if you would count start-up and warm-up times against the gas augers. Just push the button and go!

[PERCHJR]

Hey Bigbuck, I just purchased a Jiffy 8" 2hp Stealth and am pretty impressed with it so far. They seem to be the auger of choice for a long hard life, so like everyone else has posted it is your choice because I think they all are good augers!!!

GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FISHING!!!

[Gus]

I'm on my 9th year with my strikemaster 2hp laser two blade model. 8". I'm on my second set of blades in the 9 years. Although some years I don't think I even went though an entire tank of gas. But It's been a great auger for me. I've replaced the spark plug once. I think I'll replace it after this year. It's getting a little cold blooded. 5-6 pulls to start cold from 2-3 it usually takes cold. I've had great luck. I cut both new and old holes with mine easy. I've never owned another brand gas auger though, so take it for what it's worth. I've cut with others, and prefer the shaver blades. But that's a personal preferance. Good luck. I hope whatever you choose will last you many years.

[Northlander]

I have owned every type of auger. All have good and bad points. Jiffy,s last forever. Strikemasters are quick. Eskimo is a good inbetween.

I currently run a 8" Nilsmaster and love it. Its fast and effortless to run. Best thing to me lately is its light. I can cut all day with this baby and another bonus is its not as loud.

Like others have sid there are a lot of good augers out there. Go find the one that works best for the way you use it. If your mobil and cut a lot of holes I highly recomend the Nilsmaster.

[Iceseeker]

Please read my subject Great SrikeMAster service. It will give you an insight as to the kind of company you will deal with.

Iceseeker

[McGurk]

I hear people talk of their auger being "cold-blooded." It doesn't make sense that these are used only in the cold and called as such. Is there anyone who has run synthetic oil in their cold weather toys with any success? I've heard the results with 4-cycle engines and seen a jar of used synthetic at below-zero temps swishing around like it was 90 degrees. I would think this may overlap to a point. Or does mixing it with gas reduce all of those properties?Doesn't amsoil make a 2-cycle oil?

[Northlander]

I have run Amsoil in my Nilsmaster and have good luck with it. Its weird mixing 100 to 1 though. I started out richer and the auger didnt like it so now Im at the 100-1 and its running great!

[styx]

D-rock in new brighton has a great deal on 8 in Strikemaster lazer mag express that are almost new ( used for the forest lake contest) I was there today and they had about 8 on the floor for $270 a piece.

[Beaver15]

Boys I have a question that needs an answer. Bought a 9" Jiffy Stealth at XMas. Idled it lots, perfect mix of oil. Starts up great, but when get down through about a foot of ice, it seems "catch" where the blade just stops with the motor is just running. I need to do the old "lift up" and the blade uncatches and I work it back down another few inches where I have to repeat the process. Time consuming and tiring when going through 3 ft of ice. What am I doing wrong?? I have it going full throttle. The motor also seems to want to turn on me, so much that it's easiest if I brace the handles on my right hip and I drill. Anyone have any help. Looking for any suggestions. Thanks guys--

[BigBuckHogg69]

thanks guys for all the info I just dont know if i want to buy a jiffy or a strikemaster I want an auger that cuts fast but is gonna last me a long time and also one that will cut a lot of holes. If u have an input on that just reply thank u i appreciate everything

[Captain B.R.K]

You are going to have to decide what auger is best for you is within your price range. One that is going to cut and last a life time - is one that you take care of, maintain it, and replace/sharpen the blades over the life of the auger.

A Jiffy auger and a Lazer Strikemaster are going to do you just fine. The longer you procrastinate, the more you will keep questioning and prolonging the inevitiable (buying either brand)!!

I have a strikemaster (4 yrs old) and have had no problems with the motor or it's cutting ability.

I bet you got a hunch at what one you want to buy and whatever one that might be, you'll be happy you have it.

[muchowja]

Beaver 15. I have a 10 inch stealth and it cuts great, but I cannot push down on the auger at all. I have to let the auger cut through on its own or the blade will catch. Maybe you lean down on the auger a little more when the auger gets lower in the hole.

[Beaver15]

Thanks Much-

I know, maybe I have been leaning down a bit without knowing it. Has anyone else had this "blade catching in the ice" stuff happen. Maybe it's common, I don't know. But I don't think it's good for the unit to be putting it through that abuse. Does the head on yours want to turn somethin fierce clockwise on you at all. Need to brace the right handle on my right hip to keep it from wanting to turn. Doesn't seem right... Any other thoughts or experiences with this guys... Thanks---

[minndonn]

I have had a strikemaster for 2 years. I had a problem initially with the carburator and also the recoil. I brought it to their plant ans had it fixed immediately and actually upgraded. I have drilled a couple hundred holes with the same blades and they still are sharp. Last weekend I drilled at the same time as other people I could see and was as fast or faste than anybody else. there is a thread below this on great stikemaster service that you should read. I liked the idea of going to the plant and getting immediate help.

[GoodToGo]

Beaver

I had that problem, especially at the bottom of the ice. My blade was installed incorrectly (probably by me) to the bottom of the auger plate instead of the top. Switched it to the top and it cuts like a champ. Someone else pointed this out on a previous thread and I can't believe the difference it made.

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

My last Jiffy 3hp ran like new when I sold it after 10 years. I bought a 2hp Jiffy Stealth last season and it has worked flawlesly. The Stealth blabe cuts fast and has no problem the last couple inches to the bottom. The multiple chipper style blades can be hand sharpened. I used the original set on my 3hp because of that convienence. The comment on taking care of whatever brand you purchase is right on. I use fresh gas, good oil and most importantly prepare it properly for summer storage. I think that alone is the biggest key to keeping it trouble free the next season regardless of which brand you choose.

[pegleg]

Hey Bigbuck, if you are ever going to buy one now is the time. I just got back from Gander Mountain in Lakeville and they had the Strikemasters on sale. I bought the Lazer Mag Ultra for $299.99 - normally priced $429.99. The regular Lazer Mag was marked down to $225. I've used Strikemasters for a while and I couldn't pass up this deal.