Contents
It makes no sense to talk about winter fishing if there is no such tool as an ice screw. Some anglers punch holes with an ordinary ice pick. But if the ice is thick, then doing it without a special tool is quite difficult, and it will take a lot of time. The ice drill allows you to quickly make holes in the ice, regardless of its thickness. Each fisherman is very careful about his tool, which saves precious time for him.
The choice of such a tool is a responsible matter. A lot depends on its functionality, including the mood for the fishing process itself. An unreliable tool can fail at the most inopportune moment. In specialized stores you can find both domestic and imported models of ice screws. The angler can enjoy even a cheap model, as it simplifies the whole process of fishing. The only question is how many holes it will last.
Each fisherman has his own ice drill, which means that none of them runs around the pond and does not try to borrow this tool even for a short time. As a rule, it is constantly involved, because you have to constantly drill holes in search of fish. Breaks through at least 10 holes at the beginning of fishing. If you’re lucky to find a fish stop, you can get rid of these holes. Otherwise, you will have to break through the same amount.
Features
Climbers were the first to use a similar tool called an ice pick. They drilled holes in the thickness of the ice for reliable fastening of climbing equipment. For drilling ice in reservoirs, it began to be used in the 30-40s of the last century. At first, it was called a rotator, based on the principle of its work.
Winter fishing is practiced in those countries where water bodies freeze in winter and it is not so easy to get fish out of the water. Therefore, old models are constantly being finalized and new ones are being produced, only in countries such as Finland, Sweden and Russia. It is the models of ice drills of these countries that are presented on the domestic market. Models differ in quality and cost.
Which ICEBOX to take? Cheap vs expensive! Tonar, Nero, Rextor, Mora. Part 1
Material
A good ice drill model costs a lot of money. Therefore, many winter fishing enthusiasts are trying to purchase a tool that would serve for many years. Ice screws are made either from ordinary metal or from titanium.
As far as we know, titanium is a fairly light material, but much more expensive than ordinary metal. An ice drill made of titanium is convenient in that it is lighter, which means that less effort and energy will be spent on its use. At the same time, you need to be prepared for the fact that you will have to pay 5-6 thousand rubles for it. Unfortunately, not everyone can buy such a tool.
Knives
The most important part in an ice drill is the knives. The better the steel from which the knives are made, the knives are more reliable and sharper. The ice drill consists of an auger, at the end of which knives are installed. The diameter of the screw may be different, depending on the design features of the device. Depending on the diameter of the auger, a hole of the appropriate size is drilled.
Ice drills can drill holes with a diameter of 90 to 200 mm, depending on the size of the fish that is found in this reservoir. The optimal hole diameter is 100-120mm. In reservoirs where large fish are found, it is advisable to drill holes with a diameter of 200 mm.
A pen
There are several designs of the handle, where one or two hands are involved. Older models are designed to use one hand, while newer models use two hands. Naturally, drilling a hole with two hands is much easier and faster. Despite this, you have to learn a little to work synchronously with both hands.
Such ice screws can easily cope with a meter of ice. For thicker ice, special extensions are provided.
Ice screws made in St. Petersburg
According to a long tradition they are called Leningrad. Are issued for drilling of holes, with a diameter from 100 to 180 mm. Knives are made of high-quality steel, besides, they can be replaced at any time with new ones.
Ice drills come with knives that can drill through wet ice.
The set may include one or two handles.
Barnaul ice screws
These are the most popular structures among winter fishing enthusiasts. In addition to being high quality, they are also not expensive. Therefore, any angler can purchase such a tool. In addition, you can always find spare parts for them.
Barnaul began production of a new model called “Tornado”. This ice screw is able to compete with another ice screw called “Nero”.
Ice screws “Nero”
In the city of Rostov, Yaroslavl region, they mastered the production of a new Nero ice drill, which is very popular among anglers.
According to its characteristics, this ice screw is not inferior to the best Swedish models.
Due to the appearance of an impact-resistant wing nut, the model has become more durable. Any commercially available knives can be mounted on this ice screw. The product set includes spherical knives, as well as covers for the auger and for knives.
The price is not high, which makes it affordable for a wide range of anglers.
Other domestic manufacturers
In the city of Pushkin, titanium ice screws are produced.
In the city of Ivanovo, ice drills for winter fishing are also produced. Unfortunately, the quality of this ice auger wants to be better, although it is a cheap construction. Naturally, there should be products on the market that could satisfy different segments of the population. If the ice drill is used infrequently, then you can purchase a cheap model.
Swedish ice screws
“Nora” are reliable and high-quality ice screws. Russian engineers have created a similar model. Are issued with the screw, with a diameter from 110 to 200 millimeters. The handle height can be adjusted in the fixture. The blades are made in such a way that the ice ax drills wet ice without problems.
Unfortunately, you will have to get used to it, as it rotates in the opposite direction. This is a reliable fishing tool with high-quality welding and high-quality paintwork. In this regard, it is easily cleared of snow. In the event of failure of the knives, it is difficult to replace or sharpen them yourself. Due to the fact that the knives are made of very high quality steel, they quickly become blunt when in contact with sand, which is abundant in reservoirs.
Finnish ice axes
They are also worthy assistants for anglers. Their advantage is that instead of knives, you can replace the entire head. In addition to advantages, they also have a number of disadvantages. Their main disadvantage is the difficulty of replacing knives. In addition, spare parts are not cheap. Are issued with the sizes of screws from 90 to 180 mm.
Ice screw maintenance
Regardless of how much the tool costs, it needs care. Care comes down to regular sharpening of knives. After each fishing it needs to be cleaned and lubricated. After the end of the winter season, put in storage. Before this, it is good to clean and lubricate, otherwise it will rust over the summer.
Knives are afraid of blows, so you should use the ice screw carefully and try not to hit it on the ice. If after sharpening the knives cut paper, then the ice will be drilled accurately.
Lubricants for knives. My experience.
Moto ice drills
Technology does not stand still, but is constantly being modernized and developed. Motorized ice screws are replacing hand-held ice screws. And this is not surprising, since a person does everything to mechanize manual labor. Every year they become more powerful and, at the same time, lighter and more convenient to use.
Petrol ice screws
Such ice screws operate on a mixture of gasoline and oil, in a ratio of 4: 0,1. Their sizes of knives completely coincide with the sizes of knives of manual ice screws. In the event of a breakdown, the entire auger can be replaced.
Since most ice fishing enthusiasts have vehicles, it is not a problem to take a gasoline ice drill with you.
Unfortunately, not every angler will be able to purchase it, since you will have to pay 18-20 thousand rubles only for the motor. For an auger – 5-8 thousand rubles, as well as for spare knives from 12 to 15 thousand rubles.
Ice drill models
If the main characteristics of hand-held ice drills are known, then you can’t say the same about motorized ice drills, since there are only one or two models. Therefore, it is difficult to compare which of the models is more preferable.
The ice-drill of the Japanese company “Hitachi” can work not only on ice. They can drill holes in the ground. Therefore, we can safely say that this is a versatile and powerful tool that is not intended for amateur fishing.
The American Jiffy ice auger is very popular among anglers because it fully copes with its task.
Electric ice screws
As without power tools, especially in our time. Since the ice drill for ice fishing runs on batteries, it is, most importantly, an environmentally friendly tool. By the way, it is much more pleasant to work with a power tool, because it does not have vibration and excess weight. In addition, it works absolutely silently.
The main condition for the reliable operation of an electric ice drill is the care of the battery. Before starting work, it must be discharged and then charged. It charges in one hour. The power tool works without problems in the cold and the battery charge can last for a whole day.
Batteries can be charged both from the network and from the car, which is quite convenient. Such a device weighs about 9 kg.