Sharpening Auger Blades

[ice-pro]

So I think I've recently ran my auger into some sand or something of the sorts because it will not drill now. It's a 6 inch eskimo hand auger. Is there anything I can do at home to make it work again? I've never needed to sharpen or change my auger blades before. I have a gas auger for the weekend but would like to get mine working again. Thanks

[Dave R]

They make hand sharpening tools.
https://www.fishusa.com/product/StrikeMaster-Lazer-Ice-Auger-Blade-Sharpener

[Kevin23]

You can touch them up easily at home, but if they are that far gone then you are better off sending them in to be sharpened by a professional or just replaced.

[ice-pro]

You can touch them up easily at home, but if they are that far gone then you are better off sending them in to be sharpened by a professional or just replaced.

Well it will shave a thin layer off the top and then just walk across the ice. The blades still feel sharp as they still catch on my jersey gloves

[Dave R]

Well it will shave a thin layer off the top and then just walk across the ice. The blades still feel sharp as they still catch on my jersey gloves

Please for give me, but it sounds as if they might have been removed and put back on incorrectly. Don't ask me how I would know this.

Also in the Auger section of the Equipment forum, there is a step by step tutorial, with pictures, on how to sharpen auger blades.

[Kevin23]

Well it will shave a thin layer off the top and then just walk across the ice. The blades still feel sharp as they still catch on my jersey gloves

Sounds like you damaged them, not dulled them.

[RIVERRAT2]

Please for give me, but it sounds as if they might have been removed and put back on incorrectly. Don't ask me how I would know this.

Also in the Auger section of the Equipment forum, there is a step by step tutorial, with pictures, on how to sharpen auger blades.

also the angle of the cutting edge may be off
RAT

[Bates]

Ice blades can be very touchy, I'd recommend buying a new set and getting the old set professionally sharpened. Don't go to just someone who says they can sharpen them, see if Eskimo does it.

[DavidA]

I agree....sounds like it's time to replace those old blades.  As someone suggested I would give Eskimo a call and see if they offer a sharpening service.  I have tried to find local people that would do my Lazer blades but they did not get the blade angle right and wasted my time and money.  I usually replace my blades start of every season.  Good luck

[PhishinFil]

I put a DeWalt grinder with a soft metal blade lightly across the top side of my strike master and it cuts ice like a champ! Just the top!

[PanFisher85]

Would a plain ***** file at the correct angle to bring it back? Thats what i would try first... Take the blades off put em in a vice or hold em and sharpen at the same original factory angle shouldnt have to remove much metal if they are in decent shape. If that doesnt work i would just buy new blades maybe you will get lucky and notice in the process of sharpening them if some thing else is the problem like some thing bent loose etc give it a good look over. Good luck let us know your results.

[silverado23]

Please for give me, but it sounds as if they might have been removed and put back on incorrectly. Don't ask me how I would know this.

Also in the Auger section of the Equipment forum, there is a step by step tutorial, with pictures, on how to sharpen auger blades.

The tutorial and a diamond stone revived some blades for a jiffy hand auger that I revived.   The blades started out rusty chipped and dull. Barely could tell that they were even blades.  Could not find replacement parts so I gave the sharpening tutorial a try. This auger is now my first choice.

[Oldbear]

All I've ever been able to do when trying to sharpen them is really screw them up.  Get a new set and try to find a sharpening service for the old ones.

[Santa]

If this is on a gas auger, I suggest buying a chipper blade. A shaving blade will really get trashed if you get into sand. Chipper will not pull
through the ice like a shaver but will last a lot longer.

[RGR175]

My auger last weekend was bad. About 60 seconds to get through 8 inches of ice. I used the dremel buffing wheel and chrome polish method and it's cutting through ice like butter again. I think it got banged against something because I could feel a metal lip/curl on the bottom of the blades. I used a honing stone and just a few very gentle passes to knock this curl off, and by a few I mean like 3 or 4. You want to be careful to not change the angle on the bottom of the blade.