Motor drills for winter fishing: tips for choosing, prices

Motodrills are arranged quite simply. This is the same ice drill, but only with the presence of an internal combustion engine or an electric motor that rotates the cutting edge. Its task is to facilitate the process of drilling holes for the angler. This is especially true in conditions where the thickness of the ice is significant and drilling by hand is associated with certain difficulties. And in general, the process of fishing in winter is associated with some difficulties: sometimes you have to drill more than a dozen holes in order to find a fish site. Such fishing conditions leave after that not a very pleasant impression. After such fishing, it will take a week to recover. And this, despite the fact that fishing is considered one of the types of recreation.

Many anglers, faced with such difficulties, try to alleviate their plight and remake conventional drills by installing electric screwdrivers or internal combustion engines from chainsaws or other devices on them. After such a modernization, the ice screws certainly work, but they cannot compete with factory products in any way, both in terms of performance and reliability.

To punch a hole in the ice, anglers use several tools.

For example:

• Use strong metal objects with a pointed end. These include an ice ax, a pick, an ax, etc.
• Holes are drilled with a conventional hand-held ice drill or a mechanized device.

Any winter fishing enthusiast would prefer a mechanized product, as it really simplifies the process of fishing in winter.

Types of motor drills

The designs of such devices should be divided by type:

1. Universal, with the help of which a number of mechanical operations are possible. These devices can be used both in winter for drilling holes, and in summer for drilling recesses in the ground, for example, when arranging a columnar foundation, etc.
2. Specialized, which are designed either for drilling holes in the ice, or for drilling holes in the ground.

What is the difference?

As a rule, certain requirements are imposed on any products that are used at low temperatures. For example:

1. Products must be made of special materials that can withstand temperatures down to -60 degrees. This is due not only to natural factors, but also to the features of the device:

• increased vibration and shock loads;
• the presence of rotating elements;
• the effect of bending forces;
• static loads.

2. For work in winter, specially designed internal combustion engines are used, designed to work in extreme conditions: it is unlikely that a conventional engine, especially in severe frosts, will be able to start.
3. Choose engines whose power is in the range of 1,2-2,5 kW so that there is no excessive fuel consumption. Some models have an electronic speed control system. The engine is started by simply pressing the electronic ignition button, and fuel consumption is controlled by a special level indicator.
4. It is very important that motor drills have a minimum noise level, which is achieved due to the presence of shock-absorbing elements. Confident control of the tool is provided with an anti-slip coating, especially on the control knobs. Due to the fact that the tool works in conditions where it can get wet, and as a result of low temperatures, frost may appear, the product has a special protective coating. It will not be possible to get rid of ice, but its thickness may be minimal.
5. Cutting elements (knives) are made of high quality stainless steel. The shape of the knives can be any, but they must be sharpened so that the product cuts dry, wet or loose ice. This is achieved due to a certain sharpening angle. The surface of the auger is covered with Teflon, which makes it possible to slide more gently on the ice surface, due to which an ice crust is not formed. In addition, the force applied by the tool during the drilling process is reduced and, as a result, noise and vibrations are reduced.
6. Such designs easily drill holes in thick ice (up to 1,5 meters deep), with a diameter of 200 to 300 mm.

Does it make sense to buy a motor drill?

With the help of a manual ice drill, it is realistic to drill a hole with a diameter of 5 mm and a depth of up to 10 cm in 150-70 minutes. If you use a motor drill, then it will take no more than 30 seconds, and if there are 10 such holes, or even more. It is not difficult to calculate how long this process will take. And yet, a decision should be made – you need a motor drill or you can get by with your physical data. At the same time, both the advantages of this device and its disadvantages should be taken into account.

The advantages include:

• Drilling holes takes much less time.
• Less physical strength is spent, given that in winter, the angler has several layers of clothing.
• A dozen holes can be drilled in the same time as one in manual mode.
• If this is a universal tool, then it can be used in the summer.

The disadvantages include:

• The cost of the motor is several times higher than the cost of a conventional hand tool.
• Its mass is also several times larger than a simple and affordable tool.
• The use of poor quality fuel or lack of proper care can lead to unpredictable results.
• Cutting tools, especially imported ones, quickly become dull if the ice contains sand. Sharpening them in the field is unrealistic. In addition, their sharpening requires a professional approach, especially if the knives do not have a simple shape. And this, after all, is an additional cost of money and time.
• The whole process of drilling holes, if there is more than one, can result in serious physical costs, since it is not so easy to carry a load weighing more than 10 kg from place to place. If a group of several people leaves, then its acquisition may be justified.

In this regard, the conclusions are:

• If the number of holes is not large, and the ice is thin, then you can get by with a simple hand tool.
• A mechanical tool is necessary when there is a desire not only to relax on a fishing trip, but always to be with a big catch.
• It is better to buy such a tool (motor drill) as a whole company. This is the most cost-effective option.

The best models of motor drills

Motoledobur Mora Ice HL-250 (without auger)

A similar device is produced by a Swedish company. The product is equipped with a 4-stroke engine of a Japanese manufacturer with a capacity of 1,6 hp. The unit is characterized by quiet and stable operation. This product costs from 31 thousand rubles to 35 thousand rubles.

Motoledobur Rapala Vortex 33 CC-8 (with auger)

The model was developed specifically for the harsh conditions of frosty winters, as it is easy to start at low temperatures. Completely assembled, the device weighs 12,5 kg. Can drill holes up to 200 mm in diameter. You can buy it for 20,5-24 thousand rubles.

Petrol Drill Patriot PT AE 50

Manufactured in China under US license. This is a universal tool that can work both in winter and in summer. Equipped with a 2,2 hp engine. It costs between 15-17 thousand rubles.

High-quality motor drill: where to buy

When buying a similar product, you should pay attention to the following features:

• The outlet must have some experience in this area.
• Having relationships with service centers that can provide appropriate repairs and maintenance.
• There must be at least 3 models on sale so that you can choose from.
• There must be conditions that ensure the return of a defective product and its replacement with a working one.

Recommendations for choosing a motor auger

To determine the performance of the unit, you should calculate the average number of holes that you have to drill when going fishing.

When buying a product, it is better to clarify the availability of service centers where you will have to carry out scheduled maintenance and sharpening of knives.

In conditions where the winter is not severe enough, it is better to purchase a universal tool so that it can be used both in winter and in summer.

Motoledobur is a modern device that allows you to really facilitate the process of fishing in winter. Despite this, one should carefully and scrupulously evaluate its pros and cons. If the ice is not thick, then it may not be needed: after all, carrying an extra weight of 10 or even more kilograms is not entirely pleasant, even if there is transport. And on the other hand, you can’t always go to the ice by transport, therefore, you will have to rely on your own strength.