Check the bolt on your auger shaft

[pmmpete]

I was drilling a hole in the ice today, and suddenly my auger's motor was running, but its shaft wasn't going around.  I inspected the shaft and discovered that the bolt that held the shaft to the motor was missing. But the good news was:

1. I was able to use a friend's auger to complete the hole.

2. I found the bolt buried in the snow next to the hole, although its threads were so beat up that I couldn't re-install it in the shaft.

3. I hadn't finished drilling the hole when the bolt came out, because if I had finished the hole, I could have lost my auger shaft down the hole.

I went to a hardware store and bought a replacement bolt, and have re-assembled the auger. I learned the following from this experience:

(a) Periodically check the bolt which holds your auger's shaft to its motor to be sure it isn't loose or backing out.

(b) Buy a replacement bolt and keep it in your ice fishing gear. I have a a small plastic box in my ice fishing gear in which I keep a spare spark plug and auger blades, and the tools needed to install them. I'll keep the bolt in that box.

[Fortpeck1]

wrap electrical tape around shaft and bolt and it wont fall out if it comes loose.

[G fish]

Fortpeck1 nailed it!!

[Raquettedacker]

wrap electrical tape around shaft and bolt and it wont fall out if it comes loose.

  Yup thats what i do..

[esox_xtm]

I've always replaced that bolt with one that's .25" longer. Run it all the way through and put a nylok nut on the bit that sticks out. Completely secure and no gummy messy tape residue.

Additionally I always remove blades and put thread locker on the screws. That lesson learned on a first trip with a brand new auger that shed one of its blades down in the drink on about the 8th hole. Never again!

[Born Late]

The only thing I don’t like about my Ion is the tendency of the auger connection Allen screws to loosen resulting in a wobble. I go thru a lot of Lock-tite but the tape idea sounds like cheap insurance.

[Fortpeck1]

if you are worried about tape residue, us the reel tape sold by Clam.
It works good on reels, so should work on the auger bolt.

[207 in the 406]

I've started keeping a spare bolt or two in my tackle bag ever since I hauled my gear close to a mile one time only to realize I had lost my bolt somewhere on the trek through the snow. Had to tromp back to car, reload gear, and head to Lowe's before repeating the process. Lousy way to spend fishing time!

[NorEasterInMT]

Will be sharing this post with my fishing buddies. +1 for solid advice all around.

[MT_BINX]

heavy loctite, found washers that fit over the top of the bolt in the hole, stack 2 to make it almost flush. wrap with electrical tape. works for me. redo every couple months haven't had issues so far.

[Fortpeck1]

Don't use blue or red Loctite, won't take the vibration or cold.
Use the green or purple, works a lot better

[skifisher]

One more thought... be sure the replacement bolt is at the same grade/class as the one you’re replacing. Using the wrong bolt could definitely be a problem. Good Fishing! Ski

[meandcuznalfy]

Never had a problem with mine, but looking like it's something I need to keep a eye on.

[Live4fishing]

Stored my auger last year, pulled it out when moving houses and shaft fell out. That's when I replaced my bolt. Lots of blue loctite. Hasn't moved yet and drilled many holes so far. The tape method is a very good idea too.

[hagfan72]

I upgraded to a pin like the one you use to lock a trailer’s ball hitch into place. Perfect diameter and length, and easily removable for removal of the shaft

[BloodShotP]

Hey Haggadah, where did you get a trailer type bolt setup that size?? Does seem like a good idea. Tape/glue dont sound good

[Fortpeck1]

you can get them at Lowes, Ace hardware, Home depot.
Trailer supply and sales also have them.

[SirCranksalot]

Make up a circ piece of thin wood or plastic with a dia bigger than the auger dia, drill a hole in it so that it fits over the shaft. If the auger falls down the hole it will bring upon the 'plate'