Hand Auger

I wouldn't trade my Strikemaster Laser for anything. Paired with an Ice Kicker and a cordless drill. I can cut 20 holes in 12" of ice no problem. I carry an extra batt. but hardly ever need it.

Deer Hunter if you are near the Peterborough area I have one that you can have. It is a 6 inch see if you like it before you invest in one. The blades where sharpened last time I used it. You are more than welcome to it,

Call me Graham 706 917 4451 if you want it.

Deer Hunter if you are near the Peterborough area I have one that you can have. It is a 6 inch see if you like it before you invest in one. The blades where sharpened last time I used it. You are more than welcome to it,

Call me Graham 706 917 4451 if you want it.

It really doesn't matter what size or brand you get. Sure, some are better than others and all things equal a 6 is bit easier to cut with than an 8. A few guys have already mentioned it but I think its worth repeating. Treat the blades like they're made of glass and it will cut easily. Bang it off the ice a few times and you'll be cursing the thing.

I have a 6" and never needed anything bigger just not that lucky in fishing or love.

Don't strain yourself with an 8" hand augur. 6" and, as mentioned, treat it like gold! Don't bang in on the ice or drop it. Make sure blades are dry at the end of the day so they don't rust, and don't try to sharpen them unless you know what you're doing. That's the biggest struggle with hand augurs, is not having - or knowing that - your blades are dull. Anything under 12" of ice shouldn't cause too much strain. Over that and make friends with someone who has power!

Finnbore III 6" x5 ... And look into those Clam Plates with a drill, used one last year for the first time and it was a very sweet set-up.

When you get your new hand auger, don't lend it to anyone, ever. As already stated, take care of the blades and you'll be fine. I sold a Jiffy (lemon) and went back to my reliable old swede bores.

X10

I use an 8 inch fin bore manual auger and if the blades are taken care of you shouldn't have an issue chewing through ice. It does take a little effort to cut a hole, but you will get some nice shoulder workout as a bonus. I tart with 3 holes if I am alone and then if with anyone I will cut another 2. If the ice is over 10 inches they can cut their own.

Last year my buddy chipped both blades by slamming it on the ice! I was mortified.

It takes much more effort to cut a hole since that day. I have to get new blades.

After hearing about your finbores I'm tempted to buy 1 to replace my swedebore! Is there really that much diff??

Yup..
My first auger had straight cutting blades and it did get the job done..
Now in comparison to my newer augers/finnbores there is a big difference.

5 inch strikemaster had it for about 10 years now. awesome cutting auger.

The Finbore is so much better than the swedebore there is really no comparison.

All of us tend to think whatever we personally use is best, but believe me, I have used both and no comparison at all. The problem with all gear, not just augers, is that we typically buy whats available and perhaps on sale in stores we shop at. Sometimes great gear is not readily available, so we buy something else and tell ourselves its just as good, as something else, maybe more expnsive or not available. Also in terms of augers, finbore is more expensive than swedebore, so we say, is it really worth anoth $40? Believe me it is lol. Nils Master is also very very good, but on the big ice fishing forum down south some guys did a side by side test and most picked finbore. Also Nils Master is more available in lots of American locals than finbore, so its just as I said, they buy it and then its all of a sudden the best (it is very very good though)... You get my point.

Moonman.

whichever hand auger you go with and even for a power auger, just remember to let them do the work. Don't bang them to start a hole and don't force them into the hole. Sharp blades will have you through in no time.

Also, if you look at price in the grand scheme of things comparing hand auger to hand auger, if you had to spend an extra $50 to buy the "top line" one you are going to have that auger for 10 years (low ballpark) so $5/yr is pretty easy to swallow. I've had my Swedebore for 30+ years and the Finnbore for 6 years now.

The offset handles help make drilling easier. I've owned a few types and can't go wrong with the Finn bore.