Ice Anchors

[braves57]

Has anyone used the ice anchors that screw into the ice? I received a pair for Christmas and I am debating whether to keep them or not...

I was thinking I would rather have the kind that gets put into a partially drilled hole.

Any expertise here???

Thanks!

[S.D. Ice Angular]

If they are the “T – Handle” type I would return them…

I tried to make them work several times before I threw them in the drawer, now I use 5/16” X 4” hex screws and run them in the ice with my lightweight 6 Volt Drill / Driver.

It shoots them in the ice in just seconds. I have not used the other type you mentioned using a partially drilled hole, but I would think they would work well. I just cannot imagine you get any quicker or lighter weight then the above-mentioned screws.

[Gus]

I've never had any problems getting the screw in style to work when needed.

[braves57]

yeah, these are the "T-handle".

Cabela's sells some that are 3 times the price but they fit into a partially drilled auger hole... these seem like they would be alot better.

[carverfshrmn]

Now please forgive my question, but what are they used for? never seen or heard of them.

[braves57]

well I'm getting sick of looking like loooser on windy days on lakes with no snow. Ends up being more of a wind surfing day...

[Ole #1]

I have them and they work great.

[Unclefluffy]

I use Irbis Ice Screws that I ordered from REI online. They are for ice climbing and quickly screw into the ice with one hand. They hold a tremendous amount of weight as they were designed to hold a person off the face of an ice cliff. A little pricey at around $13 a piece, but they are extremely light and tough as they are made of titanium.

[rooney5150]

I use 4 Ice Anchors in each corner of my Clam 6800 screwed directly through the plastic floor and into the ice. I haven't had any problems in 30+ MPH wind with my house. Of course the key is to get the house anchored before popping it open.

I'd guess if you are looking to anchor another type of house (one without a floor in it), you'd most likely need the type that install in a partially/fully drilled hole.

[JohnMickish]

I have the T handle ones and for the $3 I spent they work great. You have to use a little effort to get them in but they do hold your house. The anchor that goes in a partially drilled hole I believe is the way to go, but I did not want to spend the $30.

[metrojoe]

For as often as a guy really needs them I think the ones you have are the ticket. It didn't look like it took all that much effort to get them in. Also, the price makes them very appealing.

[Duffman]

For those that use the T-handle types, if I know ahead of time that it's going to be windy, I'll bring the cordless drill along for pilot holes. I can get four anchors in pretty quicky that way, saves a lot of frustration out in the wind. On some ice conditions the T-handle types will want to lift up thin sheets of ice rather than auger in. The pre-drilled holes eliminate this.

[FISH NET]

I tried 4" 5/16 Lag Bolts and they shot right into the ice with a cordless drill. Did not have a heavy wind but they worked good as tiedowns for a wind break.

[Sandmannd]

Quote:

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If they are the “T – Handle” type I would return them…

I tried to make them work several times before I threw them in the drawer, now I use 5/16” X 4” hex screws and run them in the ice with my lightweight 6 Volt Drill / Driver.

It shoots them in the ice in just seconds. I have not used the other type you mentioned using a partially drilled hole, but I would think they would work well. I just cannot imagine you get any quicker or lighter weight then the above-mentioned screws.

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How do you make the bolts work? Do you drill them through your floor?