Metabo screwdriver for an ice screw which to choose

Varieties

There are several varieties of ice screwdriver. Each of them has its own characteristics, positive and negative qualities. It is worth familiarizing yourself with them in more detail. First of all, you need to find out in more detail what is good and bad in ordinary hand-held ice screws, in the design of which there is no screwdriver.

The advantages of these models include the following parameters:

they are inexpensive, so most of the modern buyers who are fond of fishing can afford to buy this device;
the design of hand-held models is extremely simple; there are almost no serious breakdowns here, especially if the ice auger is made with high quality.

As for the disadvantages of manual copies, the following should be attributed to them:

if the ice layer exceeds the mark of half a meter, then such a drill will be absolutely useless; he simply cannot cut a layer of such thickness;
if it is necessary to make a large number of individual holes, you have to spend a lot of effort; after that, fishing will no longer be a joy - you just want to rest.

There is not only a manual, but also a gasoline ice auger. Briefly it is worth considering what are its pros and cons.

The first include the following:

these tools are powerful and highly effective;
they are ideal for drilling holes in dense ice crust.

Of the minuses, the following should be highlighted:

are quite expensive, they are not in great demand;
are quite noisy, which is unacceptable when fishing;
weigh a lot, which makes it difficult to work with them.

Rechargeable screwdriver is different from all of these options for its quiet operation and functionality. You can choose a model of any required power to crush thick ice more easily.

This is due to the fact that these devices rotate in only one direction, for example, examples of right-hand rotation, with the unscrewing of the cartridge nut. Because of this, you will need to hold it all the time, which is very inconvenient. Of course, some people solve this problem by referring to a reduction gear. But not every angler can cope with such modifications.

Instead of a screwdriver, it is allowed to use other functional devices to equip an ice screw, for example, a wrench. Many anglers use only this part instead of a conventional screwdriver, noting the following advantages inherent in this solution:

the wrench is equipped with a more reliable and durable body;
the wrench is characterized by a fairly large torque;
this tool is in no way inferior to a screwdriver;
an adapter for such a device can be made with your own hands or you can turn to the services of experienced craftsmen.

How to choose?

Every angler, tired of working with his hands and making a choice in favor of improvement, is faced with the question of choosing a screwdriver. This mechanism has a number of requirements.

What parameters you need to pay attention to when buying a screwdriver for an ice screw and which one to choose:

Suitable for use in extreme conditions. In our case, these are low temperatures. Not every screwdriver is capable of working in frost, therefore, you should look in the device's passport for information about at what temperature minimum it can be operated.
Voltage. This parameter determines the performance of the screwdriver, that is, its power. There is one rule here: the higher the value, the more powerful the tool. An 18-volt device is suitable for fishing, but it is better to stop at its professional "relative", working from 36 volts. He will definitely cope with heavy loads.
Rotational moment.This physical quantity, which determines the force of rotation of the working element, determines how easy the drilling process will be. Here, too, you need to follow the principle: more is better. If there is no extra money, then you can limit yourself to a device operating in the range of 40-70 Nm (newton / meter), but if finances allow, it is worth purchasing a more advanced model - 80-90 Nm.
Battery capacity. The larger it is, the longer the device can work without recharging. Typically, this parameter ranges from 1.5 to 4 Ah (ampere-hour). It is clear that with a 4 Ah battery, you can drill more holes on one charge.
Hull strength. In difficult winter fishing conditions, anything can happen. For example, during assembly, a screwdriver will accidentally slip out of your hands and hit hard ice. In order not to be disappointed in an automated ice ax on the very first day, you need to choose for it a high-quality screwdriver that is resistant to impacts and other mechanical influences.
Lever. It is very convenient to use the device with a side handle. Thanks to this additional element, you can securely hold it with both hands and not be afraid to injure your hand.

If you are looking for a really high-quality and productive screwdriver for good winter fishing, then you are advised to pay attention to several primary characteristics of this tool. Battery voltage and capacity

Based on the expected loads, it is necessary to choose options with a capacity from 12 to 36 V. The direct load depends on the level of thickness of the ice layer. The voltage affects the speed of rotation of the working element of the fixture. High value options are easier and more convenient to operate, even when drilling very thick ice layers

Battery voltage and capacity. Based on the expected loads, it is necessary to choose options with a capacity from 12 to 36 V. The direct load depends on the level of the ice layer thickness. The voltage affects the speed of rotation of the working element of the fixture. High value options are easier and more convenient to operate, even when drilling very thick ice layers.

Torque. This is another important characteristic of the screwdriver. It affects the level of material strength that the tool can overcome. Ideal torque values are 40–80 Nm. The higher the value, the easier it will be to make holes in a hard and thick ice surface.
Manufacturer. Buy a branded high quality screwdriver for an ice screw. Don't let the low cost scare you - cheap gadgets may turn out to be unreliable and quickly fail. Please contact specialty stores to purchase such items only. You do not need to purchase them in markets and street shops, because such copies are unlikely to please you with effective work.

Additional accessories

You can make it yourself, or buy it at the "Hunting-Fishery" store. The most comfortable models are equipped with a perpendicular handle. In this case, it is not necessary to look for a screwdriver with a second handle.

A useful option is a safety cable connecting the adapter shaft and the ice screw rod. Less chance of dropping the drill into the hole.
Another essential element is a water cut disc. When the ice is drilled through, a fountain always comes out of the hole. A shut-off device protects the power tool from moisture. In addition, you can miss the moment of the through penetration, and by inertia, sharply lower the tool into the hole. The disc will not allow you to "sink" the screwdriver.

An extremely useful accessory is the planetary gearbox. It is a body with a handle, with input and output axes rotated 180 °. Increases the torque of the screwdriver several times, while simultaneously reducing the speed of rotation of the shaft. Just what you need for ice drilling.

How to make an ice screw yourself at home

A high-quality factory drilling tool will cost a fisherman more than one thousand rubles. Therefore, many people simply cannot afford such an acquisition. It is much cheaper and easier to assemble it yourself.

The main details of the device include:

screw;
helical surface;
cutting knife.

The sequence of work is as follows:

We are looking for a good steel pipe. It will be needed to create a brace of the required diameter.
To make the auger, we select steel plates. We heat them up. We bend it at an angle.
Cooking knives. It is better to purchase them ready-made.
We sharpen the blades. The sharpness of the surface determines the quality of the ice screw.
We weld on the details.
We grind welded seams.
We ground it. We paint.

You need to understand that the knife edge has 2 edges. With perfect sharpening, the drill will cut through even thick ice in seconds. When the knife is sharpened from only one edge, the drill will simply go to the side and it will not work to drill a hole.
During the selection, the temper of the blades should also be taken into account. The optimum hardness scale is 30–75 units.

In terms of material, the recommended option is P18 steel. More expensive knives are coated with titanium nitride. They are characterized by durability, high wear resistance. Tempering of the blades - 75 units.

We select a quality factory ice screw

The finished products that are on sale are divided into two types:

Motor-drills. They run on gasoline. An expensive pleasure. However, they are distinguished by high power and efficiency. Most of the models are designed for drilling holes with a diameter of up to 20 cm. Among the disadvantages - they make a lot of noise during operation and have an impressive weight.
Classic manual. Such a drill is a simple design. It is inexpensive. But when you need to drill more than ten holes, it takes a lot of effort. Not every model can handle ice thickness over 0.5 m.

Therefore, you will have to constantly tighten it or fix the gearbox to lower it. This is not an option.

The best option is imported goods. For example, products from Mora are absolutely all adaptable to a screwdriver. For this, an adapter is purchased that connects the auger and the cartridge.

Mora model "Nova System" is available with an additional complete set, in the form of an auger with a cutting head, which is sold separately. An extension cord is required when drilling thick ice cover.

The product has removable knives of a spherical shape, thanks to which drilling is smooth and easy. There is no need to exert much pressure on the instrument. The heinola ice screw is equipped with a retractable folding handle that has 4 height positions. The following diameters are on sale: 175, 150, 130,110 mm. With such a tool, fishing will only be a pleasure.

Details and principle of operation of the improved device

To assemble the upgraded tool you will need:

manual ice screw;
adapter (adapter);
screwdriver (cordless).

By turning on the power button, the fisherman does not need to exert much effort the drill itself will drill the hole

It is important to just control the direction. The optimal hole diameter is from 10 cm

What is better to choose a screwdriver or wrench

Despite the popularity of the screwdriver among winter fishing enthusiasts, there are those who are sure that the screwdriver will be the best addition.

The reasons for this are as follows:

the body is much more powerful;
the adapter is made by hand;
greater spinning range.

But these opinions are more subjective. After all, the principle and structure of the devices are similar. Usability is another matter. Therefore, to each his own. We will consider the option of selecting a screwdriver for an ice screw and further installation of parts.

The main characteristics of a screwdriver for an ice screw

Of course, there are no special models for ice fishing. Therefore, it will be necessary to select an instrument that is equally convenient on ice and for home use (main purpose).

Battery type. This is an important parameter, both duration of operation and reliability depend on it.And, of course, the price of an electrical appliance, especially when buying a second set of batteries.

Li-ion batteries with a compact design have a high capacity, and can significantly increase the time of tool use. In addition, these batteries charge quickly and do not have the so-called. memory effect. However, they have a serious drawback - at low temperatures, Li-ion batteries are inoperative. For winter fishing, the unit should be stored in a warm place (for example, in the inner pocket of a warm jacket). Then quickly dock it to a screwdriver, drill a hole until the battery is cold, and hide it again in the heat. The most expensive option in terms of price.
Ni-Ca batteries do not react in any way to frost, so they can be used for winter fishing without restrictions. However, such batteries are heavy, have a relatively small capacity, and take a long time to charge. In addition, the memory effect does not allow for partial recharging before fishing: you must first carry out a full discharge. The main advantage is low cost.
Ni-MH batteries are frost-resistant, have a high capacity (average value between Li-ion and Ni-Ca), but take a long time to charge and also have a memory effect. Price is a reasonable compromise.
Engine power: the more the better. Typically, numbers are in the 20-40W range. The downside - the more powerful, the faster the battery "sits down", and the heavier the power tool.
Torque. Depends not only on the power of the motor, but also on the presence of a gearbox in the screwdriver. An essential characteristic for ice drilling. For common household tools 50-90 Nm.

The choice of a screwdriver for an ice screw is based on the tasks facing it, namely, to work well and for a long time:

First of all, when choosing a screwdriver, you need to pay attention to its power. It must be at least 18 V

If finances allow, it is better to opt for models with a voltage of 36 V, since the more powerful the instrument, the easier it will be able to cope with thick ice.
The second important indicator is torque. The principle "the more the better" also works here. The minimum indicators for the correct choice are 50-70 Nm, but if there is an opportunity to acquire a more advanced model (80-90 Nm), then you should not deny yourself this pleasure. After all, the higher the torque, the easier the drilling process itself will be. Such an ice screw will be able to cope with even the driest and thickest ice.
One of the main requirements for a screwdriver is reliability and durability. As a result, it is better to give preference to proven brands of domestic and foreign manufacturers who have already managed to prove themselves from the best side.
In order to avoid wringing of the brushes, an additional handle should be located on the screwdriver, thanks to which the ice screw can be held with both hands. This will save your limbs from unnecessary injuries that can ruin the fishing experience.

Next, you have to decide what kind of battery you need so that after a few minutes your screwdriver does not turn into an unnecessary unit, uselessly dragged across the reservoir. Basically, anglers choose three types of batteries:

Li-Ion batteries. They charge quickly, are lightweight, but do not tolerate severe frosts. However, the latest models of lithium-ion batteries are designed for use at low temperatures, but they still have to be removed and periodically hidden in the bosom;
Nickel cadmium batteries. They are highly frost-resistant, but heavily make the ice screw heavier;
Nickel metal hydride battery. The most optimal battery for a screwdriver, representing something in between the above batteries.

Battery capacity is not in the last place when choosing a screwdriver. It should not be less than 2.5-3 Ah in order to have time to drill several dozen holes before the battery is completely discharged.

Which ice screw to choose?

You can choose an ice screw:

homemade;
ready.

Homemade ice screw

For a homemade fishing ice screw you will need:

lathe;
metal pipe of the required diameter;
metal plates for the auger;
quality steel knives.

First you need to weld the parts together, then grind. It is recommended to paint the finished tool: this way it will be less susceptible to corrosion.

Drilling quality will depend on two factors:

Hardening of the blades. Knives with a hardness from 30 to 70 units are of interest. These knives will be made from either P18 steel or titanium nitride coated steel.
The quality of the knives. Correctly sharpened cutting edges guarantee high drilling speeds. There should be two cutting edges.

In the video from Mikhail Smantsyrev's channel, it is considered in detail how to make a homemade ice screw for a fisherman.

Ready ice screw

Ready-made Mora ice drills are well suited for connection with a screwdriver. The advantage of these Swedish devices is that you can easily purchase a standard adapter for them, which will reliably connect the auger and the cartridge.

The Mora Nova System can be purchased separately with a replaceable cutting head. It is he who connects to the screwdriver. If the ice is thick, an extension cord can be purchased additionally.

As standard, adapters of two diameters are available in the kit for the ice drill:

18 mm - for all Mora drill models;
22 mm - only for "Mora Nova System".

You can learn how to work with the "Mora" ice drill from the video filmed by the ExivBRN channel.

Adapter for an ice screw for a screwdriver

An adapter is a must for any ice screw. He will play the role of a connecting element between the screwdriver and the working drill directly. Using an adapter, you can convert a conventional hand-held ice drill into an electrical one, correctly calculating the dimensions and diameter of all components.

An adapter for an ice screwdriver consists of two halves:

Hexagonal or four-sided from the side of the screwdriver (about 2.6 cm);
A round shaft for a drill (about 6.8 cm), in which a hole has been drilled for the mounting bolt. Standard fit diameters are 18 mm or 22 mm.

If desired, each angler can make an adapter himself, picking up a steel bar of a suitable diameter for it and asking the milling cutter to grind one edge into a shank for attaching to a screwdriver. All that remains is to drill a hole to fix the adapter with the ice screw tube.

No. 1 Makita DDF441RFE

It has a powerful motor, fast chuck and reversing function. Equipped with a 3 Ah lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 14.4 V. Its torque is 70 Nm. Has an additional handle. The price of the Makita DDF441RFE varies depending on the configuration. The average is approximately twenty thousand rubles. Manufacturer's warranty - 1 year.

No. 2 Metabo BS 18 LTX Impuls

No. 3 Makita 6337 DWDE

The best combination of price and quality. Nickel-metal hydride battery with a voltage of 14.4 V. Capacity - 2.5 Ah. The torque is 65 Nm. Impactless screwdriver. Charging time is 1 hour. Weight - 2.1 kg. Possesses auto-reverse. The average price is about ten thousand rubles. There is also a drawback - the lack of an additional handle. Not fatal, but still unpleasant.

No. 4 Bosch GSR 18 VE-EC 0 L-BOXX

The very name of the Bosch company that produces this screwdriver speaks of its quality. Unstressed. The torque is 75 Nm. Reverse. Adjustable speed. Lithium-ion battery, 18 V. Equipped with an additional handle. The average price is seventeen and a half thousand rubles.

No. 5 BISON DAI-18-2-Li KNM4

An excellent domestic screwdriver that can compete with eminent foreign brands. The torque is 60 Nm. The battery is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.5 Ah and a voltage of 18 V. An additional handle is not provided. Charging time - 1 hour. Quite an acceptable model, the average price of which is about ten thousand rubles.

Hitachi DS18DSFL

Our small rating is opened by the model Hitachi DS18DSFL.It is a perfectly balanced tool with a wonderful and very comfortable rubberized handle. The voltage of this model is 18 V. The Hitachi DS18DSFL is powered by a lithium-ion battery and weighs only 1.7 kg. Even if you use this device for a long time, your hand will not get tired. To make this tool easier to transport, it comes with a capacious case.

Fishermen, who are forced to prepare them in the dark, argue that this screwdriver would have come in handy with a backlight in the form of a good flashlight.

Makita 8434DWFE

It is a lightweight and small screwdriver. Its weight is only 2.5 kg. It works on nickel-metal hydride batteries. The maximum torque of the Makita 8434DWFE tool is 70 Nm. It is also worth mentioning that this model has a high-strength case, which is difficult to damage or break.

In this tool there is a keyless chuck, which is characterized by reliable fastening. The Makita 8434DWFE screwdriver has a very comfortable side handle.

This high-quality and reliable device is perfect for equipping an ice screw. The Bosch GSR18-2-LI Plus is a professional tool with high performance but affordable price. This model is characterized by the fact that it has reliable protection of the electric motor from overloads that are destructive for it, so we can safely talk about the long service life of this device.

The Bosch GSR18-2-LI Plus weighs 1.1 kg. It contains a lithium-ion battery. This model also has an addition in the form of a flashlight, which is ideal for illuminating the work area.

This practical and reliable drill / driver for hole drilling represents one of analogues of the Makita DDF 441 RFE device. It contains a large capacity battery.

Choosing an ice screw for a screwdriver

An important question to our choice is which one to choose the ice drill for the screwdriver

First, you need to clarify which ice screw is needed for right or left rotation, which is very important when using a screwdriver. Second, it doesn't have to be the most expensive tool.

The disadvantage of Scandinavian manufacturers is that if you manage to dull the knives, it is difficult to find a replacement, sharpen it, you also need to look for a craftsman. Therefore, if you have this drill, treat it with care. Asseri, Heipola, Alligator performed well.

The Barnaul Boers Tonar are in great demand, the price for which is very reasonable, and the quality is higher than you expect. The knives are dull, it doesn't matter, you can easily find them on sale, you don't have to bother sharpening.

There are enough adapters and adapters on sale with which you can attach the drills to screwdrivers.

They are of different shapes, from different manufacturers at different prices, from 800 rubles to 2600 rubles.

Quite good models Helios, as well as Tornado, Iceberg, but only from the latest models, Ice-screw legion, weaving Kazantsev. They are not bad, no worse than the Barnaul ones, simply not promoted by advertising.

Titanium products also appeared on the market. They serve for a long time without sharpening, durable, low weight, but, of course, they are more expensive. They are produced by Barnaul, as well as IP Museev.

Self-made ice screw

Many anglers are engaged in self-made fishing tackle and ice screw is no exception.

Nevertheless, not everyone can buy a ready-made tool, and even more so a mechanized one. To make it, you will need the following spare parts:

Metal pipe of appropriate diameter.
Metal plates for screw production.
Prepare knives from high quality steel.
Connect all elements into one structure by welding and clean with a grinder.
Paint the finished tool.

In the process of work, a lathe or an appeal to a turner may be required.

Ice screw - DIY screwdriver

The quality of drilling is influenced by:

Hardening of the blades. Modern models of ice augers are characterized by blade hardness ranging from 30 to 70 units.
Precision of knives. The knives must have two cutting edges. Correct sharpening allows you to drill ice very quickly.

Knife material

P18 steel is mainly used, although there are analogues

Pay attention to the hardness of the material, the shape and quality of the sharpening.
Titanium nitride plated. Blades like these last a very long time.

A value of 75 points indicates high wear resistance.

Fishermen use two options for making such a tool. The use of a screwdriver improves its performance due to the drilling speed.

Choosing the brand and model of the screwdriver

Battery voltage and capacity. Based on the expected loads, it is necessary to choose options with a capacity from 12 to 36 V. The direct load depends on the level of thickness of the ice layer. The voltage affects the speed of rotation of the working element of the fixture. High value options are easier and more convenient to operate, even when drilling very thick ice layers.

Torque. This is another important characteristic of the screwdriver. It affects the level of material strength that the tool can overcome. Ideal torque values are 40–80 Nm. The larger this value, the easier it will be to make holes in a hard and thick ice surface.
Manufacturer. Buy a branded high quality screwdriver for an ice screw. Do not let the low cost scare you - cheap gadgets may turn out to be unreliable and quickly fail. Please contact specialty stores to purchase such items only. You do not need to purchase them in markets and street shops, because such copies are unlikely to please you with effective work.

AEG BS 18C Li-402C

Advantages and disadvantages of ice axes equipped with a screwdriver

Compared to manual models, automated ice axes have a number of advantages. First of all, these are:

Saving time. When the fish is passive, sometimes you have to look for it for a long time, making many holes. With a hand drill, you can spend hours searching, and the winter day is already short.
Saving energy. No physical overstrain, just a little effort to hold the tool in an upright position.
Great opportunities. The redesigned ice ax is capable of handling any ice, even the driest and densest.
Silence. When the ice cover is clear, without snow, there is a loud echo from the blows of an ice pick on the reservoir. After that, the fish will not fit under the hole for a long time. Another thing is an automated ice ax. It works not only quickly, but also quietly.
Multifunctionality. It is not at all necessary to store the fixture assembled. The screwdriver can be removed and used in everyday life for its intended purpose.
Self-esteem. Not every ice fishing lover has such a device. Competitors, who continue to hammer with a pesh in the old fashioned way, will glance from the side at the work of the miracle ice ax with undisguised envy.

Unfortunately, fishing shows some of the weaknesses of the power tool.

Ice fishing takes place at low temperatures, which is a major problem. If at -10˚C the device still somehow copes with its function, then in a more severe frost, you have to take out the battery and keep it in your bosom.
Devices with ice axes, in which the auger rotates counterclockwise, are unstable. After a certain number of revolutions, the adapter loosens and begins to slip in the chuck.

As you can see, such a tool has much more advantages than disadvantages. They made it popular.