Ice screw. types, characteristics and choice. varieties of knives for this tool

Advantages and disadvantages of ice screws with a screwdriver

Drills with a screwdriver have certain advantages:

• Energy saving. The angler spends minimal effort to drill the ice. Keep the tool upright.
• Drilling speed. In relation to a hand tool, a mechanized brace is able to drill more holes in the same period of time.
• An ice screw with a screwdriver successfully drills dry and wet ice of any thickness.
• If necessary, the "shura" is disconnected from the auger. It can be used in home renovation work.

Despite the advantages that the modernized drill gives, it has some disadvantages that affect the features of its operation:

• Cannot be used in extreme cold. At –15 degrees and below, the battery is quickly discharged, it has to be removed from the screwdriver and hidden in a bosom in a pocket.
• The battery, even the most capacious one, is discharging. You have to buy additional removable batteries and take them with you.

Some anglers note the inconvenience of operating counterclockwise rotating ice augers. Over time, the adapter looses out, periodically begins to slip in the screwdriver chuck.

How long have you had a really BIG CAPTURE?

When was the last time you caught dozens of HEALTHY pike / carp / bream?

We always want to get the result from fishing - to catch not three perches, but a dozen kilogram pikes - this will be the catch! Each of us dreams of this, but not everyone knows how.

A good catch can be achieved (and we both know this) thanks to good bait.

It can be made at home or bought at fishermen's shops. But in stores it is expensive, and to prepare groundbait at home, you need to spend a lot of time, and, frankly, homemade bait does not always work well.

Do you know that disappointment when you bought groundbait or cooked it at home, and caught three or four perches?

So maybe it's time to use a really working product, the effectiveness of which has been proven both scientifically and practice on the rivers and ponds of Russia?

Of course, it's better to try once than hear a thousand times. Moreover, now is the season!

Find out more about the bait!

DIY ice screw

The simplest method, known since the time of the shortage of goods in the Soviet era, includes the following list of actions.

1. Handle and auger.

We are looking for a pipe of a suitable diameter. From one segment, we bend the handle of the desired configuration, the second we leave as the barrel of the auger.

1. It is better to entrust the base for the knives to an experienced milling machine or locksmith. The finished product is inserted into the pipe and fixed by welding.
2. The individual parts of the screw spiral are welded to the pipe and also welded together. The seams are removed with a grinder.
3. The two parts of the ice screw are connected using pre-prepared brackets and a long bolt with a nut.
4. To make high-quality knives, it is necessary to carefully select a metal that, after quenching, would have a hardness of about 57-60 units. The parts will be ground by a milling machine, a locksmith will make holes, a thermist will harden the metal, and a grinder will sharpen it.
5. Painting and assembly can be done by yourself.

Which ice screw should you buy?

Of course, there is no definite answer to this question. Each of the listed types of ice augers has both its pros and cons compared to the others.

So, electric versus fuel:

• have noticeably less weight;
• easier to operate and maintain;
• make much less noise, which is of fundamental importance when fishing;
• do not give exhaust gases and waste fuels and lubricants;
• do not involve fuel costs, as well as the inconvenience of refueling.

However, mechanical (manual) ice screws in all these parameters will give odds to both electric and gasoline devices. At the same time, of course, they are less efficient in drilling.

Review of online stores

Sites such as:

.

In addition to the ice augers themselves (both manual and motorized), there is an extensive list of all kinds of mounts, cutting knives and heads for various models on sale.

Here you can find both manual and motorized equipment. Models of the most famous companies are presented. Such as HEINOLA, MORA, Rapala, Tonar and many others.

Huge selection of hand-held ice augers, as well as consumables for them at a very low price.

There are many imported goods on sale with detailed descriptions. A large list of reviews.

From all this, only one conclusion can be drawn: an ice screw should be chosen based on your specific needs and, of course, financial capabilities and available transportation conditions.

Differences between the original and the fake

The original Barnaul ice screw primarily contains a reliable, well-centered lock. The quality of the seams and joints also deserves attention here. In particular, factory products always have original shape fasteners with metal inserts. The latter give the structure additional strength.

There is always an inscription on the cap of the upper handle of Tonar ice augers, which indicates the brand and series of the product. Among other things, the original models have a richer, more shock-resistant paintwork.

Optimal parameters of the screwdriver

Not every "Shura" is suitable for installation on an ice screw. Obviously, a low-power, cheap product will not work. It will not pull active ice drilling and will break quickly. The fisherman will not receive any benefit from such a modernization of the drill.

To choose a screwdriver for drilling ice, you need to take into account its parameters:

• torque;
• speed modes;
• operating voltage;
• battery type and capacity.

Better to stick with 18-volt instruments. They are powerful, reliable, weighing 2-3 kg. It is necessary to clarify the possibility of using a screwdriver at low temperatures, from -10 degrees. The information will be indicated in his technical passport.

Torque

This is the main parameter of the screwdriver. The requirements are simple: more power is better. Weak models with a torque below 45 N * m will not work. It is advisable to take a tool with an indicator of 60 N * m and above. He will be able to develop enough effort to fully drill ice.

Battery type and capacity

Modern screwdrivers use lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal hydride batteries. The latter type is rare. In terms of voltage, instruments are available at 10.8, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 volts. Some manufacturers produce 21, 24 and 36 in models.

Features of lithium batteries:

• light weight;
• charges quickly;
• high energy intensity;
• ease of maintenance.

However, the lithium-ion battery is not resistant to cold and wears out quickly.

The nickel-cadmium battery of the screwdriver is not afraid of low temperatures, and allows storage in a discharged state. Its cons:

• memory effect;
• loss of energy intensity;
• decent weight.

For winter fishing, it is better to choose a nickel-cadmium battery with a capacity of at least 1.5 A * h. With this tool, for example with a 130m auger, you can drill up to 50 holes. Recently, however, lithium-ion energy sources have seriously supplanted them, depriving fishermen of a full-fledged choice.

Number of accumulators

For full-fledged fishing, you must have at least two fully charged batteries. They can drill up to hundreds of holes in ice up to 20 cm.If you have to travel to a thick coating at low temperatures, then it is advisable to take three or four batteries. This requirement especially applies to "penguins" who prefer active search and movement in the water area.

The subtleties of the location of the upper handle

Among the main models of the Barnaul ice augers, there are modifications with different positions of the upper handle. Such a design solution allows ice fishing lovers to choose the most convenient hole drilling method for themselves:

1. The upper handle, located above the axis of rotation, assumes the application of the main force on the lower handle, which is applicable in the orthodox version of ice screws.
2. The position of the upper handle when the pivot axis is shifted implies the distribution of the load on both handles. The indisputable advantage of this device is the increased drilling speed relative to the traditional variation of the drill.

When purchasing an ice screw, it is recommended to focus only on personal preference regarding the method of positioning the upper handle. The products of the Tonar Plus plant have more than 15 varieties of ice augers with a screw diameter of 10 to 18 cm, the cost of such models is within 70 cu. e. Recently, however, the Barnaul manufacturer has set up the production of more reliable, high-quality and at the same time lightweight instruments with a weight of 2-2.5 kg from titanium alloys. Of course, the cost of such ice augers is several times higher ($ 200-300).

Peculiarities

Ice auger "Tornado" is a unique device adapted for fishing in the most severe winter conditions. Its main difference from other types is considered to be a convenient design of the lock, an extension hose covered with polymer paint, and sharp knives. The manufacturer releases the device in several modifications. It is equipped with a tapered detent located on the handle.

In the disassembled state, such a retainer easily fits into the auger tube, while the handle itself is attached to the structure with wing nuts.

The ice screw is brought into the working position quite simply. To do this, unscrew the screw, release the handle and stretch until its axis and the axis of the auger are aligned. After that, using force, everything is tightened with a screw. Before starting assembly, make sure that the thumbscrew is equipped with a spring and flat washer. Thanks to such a convenient design of the lock, the drill is assembled and disassembled quickly. In addition, the device has a telescopic extension, painted with powdery polymer paint, it is able to increase the drilling depth of holes up to 1.5 meters.

The manufacturer also cared about the comfort of the fisherman and equipped the ice auger with a comfortable handle. Its body is made of durable plastic and externally covered with a soft material. Thanks to this feature, it always remains pleasant to the touch and warm, even in the most severe frosts.

The design of the Tornado ice augers includes inexpensive knives, but they are of high quality and are characterized by a blade hardness of 55-60 HRC. These knives are sharp and make it easy to drill holes.

Model overview

For many years, the production group "Tonar" has been supplying to the market a chic assortment of ice augers that are of high quality and affordable prices. The line of these products is represented by various modifications, they differ in design and technical characteristics.

Today, the following models are especially popular with fishermen.

"Tornado-M2" (f100). The weight of such a device is 3 kg, it has a right-hand rotation handle. In working position, the length of the ice screw is from 1.370 to 1.970 m.This is a modern version that allows drilling holes with a diameter of up to 100 mm and a depth of no more than 1.475 m.

• "Tornado-M2" (f130). In the folded state, the device has a length of 93.5 cm, in the working state - from 1.370 to 1.970 m. The weight of the ice screw of this modification does not exceed 3.3 kg. Thanks to the equipment, you can quickly and easily drill holes with a depth of 1.475 m and a diameter of up to 130 mm.In addition, the manufacturer also produces this model in a simplified version weighing 2.6 kg, it allows you to drill holes with a diameter of 130 mm and a depth of 0.617 m. This mini-view is perfect for fishing enthusiasts who go in search of fish over long distances.
• "Tornado-M2" (f150). This is a modified model that weighs 3.75 kg. In working position, its length is from 1.370 to 1.970 m, when folded - 935 mm. Such a drill can drill holes with a diameter of up to 150 mm and a depth of 1.475 m. The main advantage of this ice screw is fast ice drilling with minimal physical effort. To make a hole, it is enough to put the drill on the ice and, leaning on it, rotate.

Despite the fact that all of the above modifications have worked well, when buying one or another ice auger, it is important to pay attention to the technical characteristics that would fully correspond to the working conditions. So, if you plan to fish in reservoirs covered with a thick layer of ice, then you need to give preference to models with a large number of auger turns. Due to this, the effort during drilling will be reduced, and the hole will be freed from sludge much faster.

Due to this, the effort during drilling will be reduced, and the hole will be freed from the sludge much faster.

It is recommended to purchase mini models for drilling holes with a depth of no more than 1.5 m. They are easy to move and operate, equipped with a telescopic extension and can be adjusted in steps in height.

As for durability, all modifications are of high quality and have a 1 year warranty.

In the next video you will find an overview of the Tornado ice auger.

Distinctive characteristics

The smooth entry of the Nero ice screw into the ice and the optimal drilling force are achieved by careful calculation of the angles of the head planes and the ideal centering of the working part.
Effective elimination of ice crumbs in the updated version of the product is provided due to the increased distance between the auger turns, the bending profile and the angle of inclination of the turns. The joint unit of the sections at Nero has been modernized and is now distinguished by its strength and reliability. Although its external similarity with foreign models is noted, this is only at first glance. Here the sections are connected in a special lock, which removes axial loads from both the stud and the hinge. Thanks to this technique, a long service life and trouble-free operation of the unit are guaranteed. The node as a unique technical solution was protected by the copyright certificate from the designers of Nero.
The planetary geometry of the handle contributes to the high performance of the ice drill when drilling holes. The handles symmetrically located in relation to the axis of the auger make it possible to use two hands, that is, the ergonomics of the design works. Of course, there are different opinions about the supremacy of the right or left hand, but this does not affect the final result.

It is important that the tool during drilling has a strictly vertical position, and does not swing from side to side. Ice screw knives are rightfully considered one of the most important components of the entire structure of the product.

The efficiency of the tool, in particular with native knives, depends on the peculiarities of the coordination of the working surfaces at the angles of inclination and sharpening of the knives in the process of designing ice augers. In this regard, if it is necessary to install knives from another manufacturer on an ice drill, you will need not only patience, but also the ability to correctly set the optimal angles of inclination of the cutting platforms, and not everyone succeeds. It is more advisable to use knives from the same manufacturer as the tool.
As a rule, most manufacturers use 65G spring steel for the manufacture of knives. Knife production technology is also very similar, the distinctive stages are heat treatment, final sharpening and finishing.Due to the optimally selected modes of these processes, Nero ice drills have high-quality knives that work confidently and for a long time even in the most adverse conditions.
The cost of the Nero ice screw, given its performance, is truly democratic, unlike the Swedish models. It is almost 3 times lower, while the drilling efficiency is at a height. So why overpay if the domestic models are quite worthy to cope with the tasks set?

How to choose an ice ax for fishing?

Experienced (and economical) fishermen approach the choice of equipment responsibly and, when choosing an ice screw, pay attention to several aspects at once

Operation intensity

The frequency of using this device is directly related to the regularity of going out on the ice, as well as, of course, with the fishing strategy. For the most part, experienced fishermen do not wait long for a bite at the first drilled hole, but prefer to look for fish, thus making up to 20 holes in one exit to the pond.

Based on how intensively it is planned to use the device, fishermen are determined with their quality requirements:

• material;
• anti-corrosion coating and painting of the auger;
• sharpening knives on the cutting head;
• fastenings.

The structure and thickness of the ice to be handled by the product

Anyone familiar with winter fishing knows that ice is wet or dry, flaky or homogeneous. It depends on the depth of the reservoir, the presence (absence) of aquatic vegetation in it, the current, weather conditions, etc. The thickness of ice on some lakes can reach 1.5 and even 2 m, or be slightly thicker than 10 cm.

Considering all possible features of the ice cover, manufacturers of all types of ice augers:

• equip their products with special knives, depending on the structure of the ice;
• set different "angle of attack" of the cutting parts of the head and the angle of sharpening of knives;
• the location and length of the handles vary.

Screw diameter

The auger (a rod with a surface in the form of a screw) can be of very different widths, and is selected based on the size of the fish, because it is rather difficult to pull a large individual through a small hole.

So, augers are:

1. 90, 100 mm - usually used by amateurs of sport fishing and are suitable for catching perch, dace, roach, the weight of which does not exceed 700 g.
2. 110, 115, 130 mm - the most popular auger diameters for most fishermen who prefer fishing with a jig and a balancer. This hole diameter is suitable for medium-sized fish (up to 4–5 kg) of almost any type of fish.
3. 150 mm - called "a drill for any occasion", but fishermen most often use it in the hunt for a gnome. It should be borne in mind that drilling with such a screw already requires tangible physical efforts, but a pike weighing up to 7 kg easily passes into the hole.
4. 180, 200, 205, 250 mm - drills for the fisherman, counting on especially large individuals. Only a person of remarkable strength can drill a hole of this size, and therefore motorized devices are most often used for these purposes.

Choosing an ice screw, you should also adequately assess your ability to transport it. For the manufacture of screws, manufacturers usually use:

• titanium (the lightest material);
• cold rolled sheet steel;
• hardened steel;
• iron (the heaviest).

Thus, if we are talking about hand-made construction, then when going out on foot to a pond, a titanium product will be the least hassle.

Ice screw Barnaul Tonar 130

Tonar 130 is the classic representative among the available models of this manufacturer with a universal diameter of 130 mm. It is ideal both for hunting white fish and for catching small representatives of the predatory category of aquatic life. This ice auger is available in the following varieties:

1. Tonar "Tornado M" with a diameter of 130 mm is considered the best option for sport fishing.The two-handed model with a cutting head of a unique shape greatly simplifies the workflow, makes it possible to clean the hole several times better. The working depth is 1430 mm. The weight of the drill, excluding the packing accessory, is 3.12 kg.
2. Tonar LR 130D is a two-handed model designed for high-speed hole drilling, the process is carried out due to the offset arrangement of the handles. The working depth is 1 meter and the weight is 2.6 kg.
3. Tonar LR 130 is a classic version of the instrument with the placement of handles on one axis. This model is the optimal solution for those who want to operate the tool with one hand, just holding the upper handle. The working depth is 1 meter, and if you use an extension cord weighing 2.5 kg, then it is possible to make a hole to a depth of 1400 mm.
4. Tonar LR 130T is a telescopic model designed for drilling both the first brittle ice and dense last ice. Thanks to the built-in extension bar, the working area can be 1-1.3 m, and the weight of the tool is 3.0 kg.

All models of Barnaul drills have a working size of about one and a half meters, and for transportation their length is reduced to 800 mm.

Short review

Ice auger Mora Ice Easy has a fairly simple design, the appearance can be compared with our two-handed models. In working conditions, it can handle even wet ice thanks to the equipment of advanced flat knives with an arcuate edge.

The recommendations for the use of this product describe the advisability of substituting special pads under the knives if the work is associated with dry and hard ice. Such pads are capable of increasing both the angle and the drilling speed. This model is available in the following sizes: with auger 125, 150 and 175 mm. The working ice thickness is 0.87 cm. The standard color of the tool is blue.

The Expert pro model is a modernized version of the well-known but already outdated Expert tool.

The main feature of this model:

• equipped with spherical knives with a straight cutting edge;
• telescopic extension (the working depth is extended up to 1.3 m);
• a gradual increase in drilling depth eliminates the need for kneeling while drilling;
• it is used when drilling ice of different consistency;
• the auger of the tool can be adapted for drilling ice in combination with a cordless screwdriver, as an adapter Mora 210141 is suitable;
• screw variations: 110, 130, 150 and 200 mm;
• base color: green.

The Mora Ice pro ice auger is endowed with an innovative folding system, which greatly simplifies the process of storing and transporting the tool. Due to the retractable handle, the angler can easily and quickly not only increase the length of the tool to suit his height, but also adapt to the required ice thickness. It is ideal for tall and short users. Thanks to the spherical knives of this model, any type of ice can be handled. And a special coating on the auger protects it from all kinds of mechanical damage. This model has a range of 110, 130, 150 and 200 mm augers. Standard color of the tool: yellow.

The Mora Ice Micro ice auger stands out for its incredible lightness and ease of use, and due to its compactness it can even be transported in a backpack. The user of this instrument will never have problems with the selection of a cover. The folded product has a little more than half a meter in length, the minimum drilling length is 0.98 m, and the maximum is about 1.4 m. Auger diameters: 110,130, 150 and 200 mm. Instrument color: red.

The Mora Ice Arctic ice auger was designed and adapted for operation in northern latitudes with fairly thick ice.

The tool is equipped with the appropriate attachments and extension cords, allowing you to quickly and efficiently drill ice with a thickness of 1.55 m.

Possible hole diameters: 110, 130, 150 mm. The standard color of the Mora Ice Arctic fishing tool is yellow.

The Mora Nova System ice auger is the latest development from Mora.The tool is notable for its low weight, which was achieved due to the use of metal with a lower thickness in the production. Such innovations did not degrade the performance of the ice screw in any way. And one more feature of this product: the lower part of the tool can be used with a gasoline engine. Available in 110, 130 and 160 mm diameters. The standard color for the Mora Nova System is white with prominent yellow handles.