Wondering what size and type of cordless drill some of you might use for ice fishing and to drill holes for under ice beaver snares? I know there are a lot of options out there, just looking for a size for a cordless drill or hammer drill that will work on a ice auger.

I bought the most powerful Dewalt drill I could find at the time. Just because I already had batteries for Dewalt. Works good. If you’re going to be drilling a lot, put an extra battery in a sock with a hand warmer in it and keep it in your kit. The bigger the battery the better.

Not sure of the drill model number. I’ll get a pic of it when I head back out to the shop.

Try to get their free 5 hr battery when that sale rolls around the next time. Bomgaars just had a sale on the batteries it came out to $10 ea after the sale and rebates, limit 2 for $180 battery.

I have used Dewalt brand for years. First one or two were 12 volts and worked my way up to the 20 volt with the biggest battery you can get. I have friends who use other name brands and are happy with them, so it's like Ford or Chevrolet but NEVER China. The BEST thing you can do to any ice drill is to get a "Clam or it's equal that holds the drill to avoid side pressure on the drill bearings, provides a trigger set-up that works great with gloves and allows you to use bolt hands while guiding the auger. Enjoy your hard water fishing this winter!

This is the one I have.

This may sound dumb but what's a "Clam" as far as a drill goes does that mean a side handle?

If you don’t have any other cordless tools you’re lucky, I am married to Milwaukee M18 and M12 because of the batteries. Not saying it’s not good stuff but sometimes the dewalt tool is better. If you don’t plan on adding to your arsenal I have heard good things about rigid and there warranty

Dewalt, I have 5 or so. Milwaukee are good also, have a couple porter cable too.

https://www.flexpowertools.com/hammer-drill-with-turbo-mode-stacked-lithiumkit-fx1271t/


This would be my pick if you don't have a specific brand in mind. Project farm had an excellent video for top rated hammer drills, and the top ones were Flex, Milwaukee, Makita, and DeWalt.

I just left Home Depot with a Milwaukee 18V hole hog. The boy said he was faster at digging dirt holes than I was. We shall see this Saturday when I break this bad boy out

Look up "Clam Drill Plate" on goggle or ask your local bait shop. It's a good investment and I know you would see the benefit of it once you seen and use it.

Prolly want a 1/2" drive drill for sure. I have Dewalt that works good.

I’ve been a fan of DeWalt for about 30 years or so. The last DeWalt I purchased was the 20V impact wrench. Don’t want to waste much time changing a tire on my truck , especially if I’m chasing elk. 😂

Im not brand bashing here. My buddy had a Milwaukee go bad while using it on his K-drill ice fishing. It was covered under warranty. There is a local contactor tool shop that does the repairs and the guy told him he knew what the issue was as soon as my friend told him how it broke. He said its they all fail in that one area and recommended a larger drill.

My thought is why doesnt anyone use a cordless impact wrench rather than a drill. An impact wrench is way more powerful than any cordless drill. Im sure making an adapter to fit the drill would be rather easily made.

DeWalt 24V. And don't get the cheap Home Depot homeowner special for $99.00, or whatever they are now. Get a 1/2" chuck, and make sure you have 2 batteries.
Always have them fully charged before leaving the house.
The tool will give you years of service.
I am a retired contractor and have used most of them. Some others are ok, but DeWalt contractor grade will be the best, longest lasting.

i got a harbor freight rotary hammer drill. battery life has been excellent. battery's are half the price of the big names.i ran dewalt for years

I have the same drill as Trapset and it has worked well for me. I typically use the 60v 9.0 AH batteries, it will drill a lot of holes.

I also have the clam plate which is a jig that your drill mounts in and your auger attaches to. It keeps everything together and had a thumb lever to actuate the drill, just like a gas auger. My favorite thing about tur clam plate is that it allows you to set your auger down on the ice without your drill being in the slush and snow.