Clam Ice Auger/Cordless Drill Review

[Wyo Outdoorsman]

While I was at the VA hospital (getting what I hope is the last chunk of shrapnel cut out from Afghanistan?), a idea came to me.  So today I bought a 1/2" fine thread harden bolt 2 1/2" long.  I took my drill off, and tighten the bolt in and loosen up the side plate.  I then cut the head off the bolt and ground 4 flat sides on it, then screwed down my 19.2 volt hammer drill with a 4 ah battery, and tightened the side plate, and used some velcro to hold the drill.  I had to move the trigger plate out a inch, and away 1/4" and drilled a new bolt whole for the trigger paddle.  Works great in the air, and I can get my drill off quick.  Cant wait for ice to see how it works this winter, or if I need to buy a new Clam plate?  Lol

[Spider1]

yup. I did the same thing last year. Worked great!


Thank you sir for your service.

[peteinvermont]

The adapters and plates are still throwing me off. 

If I buy the M18 and a lazer, I'd like to try it witout the clam plate first.  What adapter would I buy to use these 2 together?

It sounds like a lot of you guys will recommend buying the Clam plate, but I'm thick and I'd like to try drilling holes with just the side handle on the drill first.

[SirCranksalot]

Hold the drill lightly in case the auger binds in the hole. Otherwise it will damage you wrist.

[rickwalley]

Am I hearing correct that even with a Clam plate, the new 1200# torque Milwaukee can still be a handful occasionally if the auger bites ?  That you still better hang on tight.

[peteinvermont]

solid advice gents.

[Townie]

The adapters and plates are still throwing me off. 

If I buy the M18 and a lazer, I'd like to try it witout the clam plate first.  What adapter would I buy to use these 2 together?

Ice Master auger adapter

[Fisherman-Andy]

Am I hearing correct that even with a Clam plate, the new 1200# torque Milwaukee can still be a handful occasionally if the auger bites ?  That you still better hang on tight.

The current Gen 1 M18 Fuel drill already is a hand full when it bites.  Best be ready when that happens or you will be thrown and shook like a rag doll on the ice.

[Hunt n Fish]

The adapters and plates are still throwing me off. 

If I buy the M18 and a lazer, I'd like to try it witout the clam plate first.  What adapter would I buy to use these 2 together?

It sounds like a lot of you guys will recommend buying the Clam plate, but I'm thick and I'd like to try drilling holes with just the side handle on the drill first.

Although I can't speak for your exact drill/auger combo (I use a 6" Mora and a Dewalt 18v drill) I drill without the plate with no issues.  I forgot my drill handle the first time I used it and it drilled so easy I didn't bother putting it on.  I used it all of last season.  I can't remember what adapter I bought but I think they're one size fits most.

[SirCranksalot]

I have used that same combination but found that sometimes the auger jams. When that happens the drill gets wrenched from my hands and if I'm not careful my hand/wrist gets wrenched and injured too. I think the Clam plate would at least partially protect from that type of hazard.

[Spider1]

I went to check on the battery prices at Home Depot. They had the Ridgid 4amp batteries still listed at $99 a piece.... or... I could by a set of 2  4amp batteries for $99!!! Tough choice, I bought a pair.

[Rugburn]

Am I correct in saying we need to go from a 1/2"-20 female to a 9/16"-18? If so there is plenty of material, as the tap drill is 1/2 to 33/64". Piece of cake. Just getting back on the site, guess I have some catching up to do. Don't throw away the old clam plates, they can be modified for sure. 

[zip7111]

The current Gen 1 M18 Fuel drill already is a hand full when it bites.  Best be ready when that happens or you will be thrown and shook like a rag doll on the ice.

I just got the 1200# model in today.  I will post a review after I have a chance to try it out.

[Damn Yankee]

Am I correct in saying we need to go from a 1/2"-20 female to a 9/16"-18? If so there is plenty of material, as the tap drill is 1/2 to 33/64". Piece of cake. Just getting back on the site, guess I have some catching up to do. Don't throw away the old clam plates, they can be modified for sure. 

You do need to take .120 " off the end of the clam adapter or the LH screw will not engage properly and drill thru .328 (21/64) clearance for the new
8mm LH thd. chuck screw.
ALSO bore and thread 9/16-18. If you drill and tap, the new thread will not run concentric with the 1' diameter which fits inside the bearing.
Not running concentric will cause the auger to spin in a larger circle and rob cutting power from your drill/auger.

Nullum Gratuitum Prandium

[daman4799]

Ok guys been out of ice fishing for a long time. 63 years old and this clam plate and this forum caught my eye, first post. I have a milwaukee 18v fuel already. Would a Srikemaster lazer 7" work or is there something else in 7" that would work better? Would really like to go bigger than 6". Glad I found this forum!!!

[hardwater diehard]

Ok guys been out of ice fishing for a long time. 63 years old and this clam plate and this forum caught my eye, first post. I have a milwaukee 18v fuel already. Would a Srikemaster lazer 7" work or is there something else in 7" that would work better? Would really like to go bigger than 6". Glad I found this forum!!!

I believe Clam recommends a 6 inch or less drill unit .Also the Lazers tend to "bite " at the bottom of the hole .


I would love to see pictures of the "newly homemade adapters " for the older Clam plate design.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Ok guys been out of ice fishing for a long time. 63 years old and this clam plate and this forum caught my eye, first post. I have a milwaukee 18v fuel already. Would a Srikemaster lazer 7" work or is there something else in 7" that would work better? Would really like to go bigger than 6". Glad I found this forum!!!

If it is the brushless fuel with 725in/lbs or more you can run a 7in lazer. I started with a 7in Eskimo shaver last year, converted that to a 7in lazer, then went to an 8in blue nils with a red cutting heat. Unit cut fine with all of them.

[daman4799]

Did you get more holes with the 7" lazer or the Nils?
Thanks for the fast responses guys.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Did you get more holes with the 7" lazer or the Nils?
Thanks for the fast responses guys.

Can't really tell you for sure. We just kinda fished and moved around. My guess is I would get somewhere around 25-30holes on 2 foot of ice. With a 4amp battery. I always had a spare battery in a soft pack cooler, but never needed it. I personally think the 8in nils cuts easier then the 7in lazer plus it doesn't catch on the hole when breaking through the bottom. Both work fine. Just make sure the drill is set correctly.

[daman4799]

One more question. How deep can you drill with a blue Nils without extension?

[Agronomist_at_IA]

One more question. How deep can you drill with a blue Nils without extension?

50in until you would be at the top end of the auger shaft.

[daman4799]

Does the 7" lazer hang up on the bottom? Thinking of going 7" mora read they don't hang up like a lazer. Worried the 8" nils is to much for the drill. Maybe could drill more holes with a 7" also.

[gunnerdog]

Does the 7" lazer hang up on the bottom? Thinking of going 7" mora read they don't hang up like a lazer. Worried the 8" nils is to much for the drill. Maybe could drill more holes with a 7" also.

8" Nils will be less on your drill than a 7" Mora

[peteinvermont]

I haven't used it yet, and I understand the reviewers on Amazon may not be the best market for reviews on a tool, but so far, the 4 reviews on the m18 Gen2 are ugly.

[Gills-only]

I haven't used it yet, and I understand the reviewers on Amazon may not be the best market for reviews on a tool, but so far, the 4 reviews on the m18 Gen2 are ugly.

                           I have a m18 (2604-22) I think, 6" lazer and have had no problems, as well as 3 buddies have the same set up with the clam plate,(lazer also) and they have had no problems either!  Don't know there might be a couple lemons out there!

[daman4799]

I bought the new clam plate no chuck removal. Having problems with the way it fits. The shaft for the auger is about .705  The opening on the auger is .750. The auger wobbles which I think would take away from battery life. Was the older plates made the same way?

[Fisherman-Andy]

I bought the new clam plate no chuck removal. Having problems with the way it fits. The shaft for the auger is about .705  The opening on the auger is .750. The auger wobbles which I think would take away from battery life. Was the older plates made the same way?

Common issue when using different brand ice bit.  Use black electrical tape and wrap around just enough on the shaft that it stops the wobble.

[rolfe]

Use strip of aluminum can as a shim. Cut to size and wrap around shaft.

[peteinvermont]

The bad reviews from DIY'ers and Contractors on the Gen 2 Fuel keep coming in.  Are any ice fishermen using it yet, or is everyone still using the Gen1?

[prospector]

The bad reviews from DIY'ers and Contractors on the Gen 2 Fuel keep coming in.  Are any ice fishermen using it yet, or is everyone still using the Gen1?

For cutting ice, the 750 or 1200 both do well with not too much torque. The side handle is poorly designed for hole saws above 5" as it has enough torque to break the connection and damage the body of the drill where the handle connects. Makita side handle is a much better design and has no problem keeping up with the M18 1200. The only reason I choose to take the M18 over the Makita on ice is that I use other Milwaukee products while fishing and can keep the same battery system for everything else. Where are you reading the reviews and what problems are others having? I just ordered an M18 Super Hawg and will be using it with a 10" Nils. Should be a fun experiment...