IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: straightShot on Aug 17, 2018, 07:07 PM
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Could you please tell me why I would I need a Clam’s ice auger conversion kit for my Milwaukee drill motor and a Nils 8" auger? Would it make it easier to drill or hold? Does the gearing somehow protect the drill? What are the benefits?
This past season, I used Nils auger adapter and the drill without the additional Clam product. If the Clam conversion kit it beneficial, I would add it before the season starts.
Thanks!
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I believe the Clam plate that is for 8 inch augers has a gear reduction in it causing less wear and tear on the Drill. In my opinion the 8 inch augers are very hard on the drills not saying you cannot do it but it is tough on them. Also even with my 6 inch K -Drill the Plate is nice because you can hang on to it. I did not want to get one at first but the handle can rip off of the drill Milwaukee's a great drill but the handle is something to be desired. I used the 8 K drill and a lazer and with the 8 inch my wrists were so sore from torque that I had to get the plate I love it with the 6 inch Kdrill but plan on getting the Mora in a 6 for more battery life. Less torque. There should be a lot of info from others on here for you also. Hope you find the info you need.
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I think? you’re referring to the Clam Plate. While you don’t NEED it to use any auger with a drill, especially a Nils, some people are more comfortable using the Clam Plate. It will also keep your drill off of the ice surface, and does make for a more comfortable, controlled hole drill imho. You will need a separate adapter to connect the Nils Auger to the Clam Plate. I use my Nils Auger attached directly to my Milwaukee Mud Mixer fwiw.
DN
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It’s overall more comfortable and ergonomic, which can equal being safer. You can get a nice grip with the plate handles, it’s better balanced, and takes the weight of the auger off the drill itself. Plus it makes it feel like your useing a regular power auger with the trigger lol.
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I use my 8' Nils and 6" Finbore augers directly attached to my Milwaukee Drill. Never felt the need to use any clam plate adapter. Hang onto the drill is all.
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In the past few years there have been guys on this site injured when their augers catch at the bottom of a hole. This is one major reason why I am a big fan of the Clam auger plate. The new brushless drill technology is producing products that are capable of 1200+ in/lbs of torque and soon I believe they will produce 2000+ in/lbs of torque. This is easily enough power to break a wrist, tweak a shoulder or wrench your back, especially when it's cold out. While I personally love the light weight and power of the drill auger set ups I do respect the 1200 in/lbs of torque my Milwaukee makes. I also think the plate takes stress off the drill motor by having it mounted down solidly and transferring the power through the bearing on the plate. It gives more control while drilling and also helps keep your investment of drill and batteries out of the slush, water, snow and ice when you set it down. A hundred other guys will comment about how the plate is not needed, but I won't use a drill on a ice auger without one... Just not worth it, my 2c worth.
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The Clam Plate is not a gear reduction at all. There are some gear reduction plate made by someone on Ebay though. It is called the Ice Kicker II I believe.
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I didn’t see the benefit of the Clam Plate at first either but now that I’ve had one for a season I really like it for all the reasons mentioned. It’s perfect for my 6” Nils when walking out. I still have my 8” on the Tanaka. I’m a big fan of that setup when pulling with the snow machine but the 6”/Clam Plate/Milwaukeeis a great combination.
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Full disclosure, i have never drilled a whole with a drill alone.
With that said, the plate had 2 key benefits for me. First, I have confidence that I can handle any kickback when the auger breaks through.
Second, the plate handle acts as a kickstand, keeping the drill off the ice/snow without having to send the auger unnecessarily into the ice to stand straight up
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With my Milwaukee, I didn't use the drill's T-handle last year after my second time out since the casting broke where the handle screwed into the drill. I replaced the drill, but I braced the motor against my jacket when I drilled holes for the rest of the season and didn't use the handle.
I know that I can use the auger without the plate. I did that many, many times last year. I do like the thought of keeping the auger safely out in front of me, away from my legs and feet, and I like the thought of not having to brace it so tightly. Holiding two handles makes sense. For me, it seems like the Clam plate is the way to go. I just need to figure out how to connect the plate to my blue Nils 8".
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In two words: you don’t.
However, it is a huge convienince. I bought my Clam plate after the casing broke where the auxilary handle attaches to the Milwaukee. I use an 8” lazer. I used just the drill for about 2 weeks (no handle and no plate) and found it to be easy to use still but I wanted some reassurance when drilling. The Clam plate, above all else for me, stabilizes the auger so there’s minimal chance of it jumping around. It also makes it much easier to handle (being you can use two side handles like a power auger). It also keeps your drill out of the snow and ice.
Another good thing about the plate is that I have zero worries of the auger detaching from the drill. No bolts flying around to catch on clothes. No frisbee disks taking up unnecessary space (I try to be as minimalist as possible while on the ice). It’s an all around safer way to use a drill for punching holes. I believe it to be Clams best product and I love mine. I also find that the plate helps with the learning curve of using a cordless drill for punching holes.
Is it 100% necessary? Not at all. Will it make drilling holes with a drill more comfortable and safer? Absolutely.
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The biggest reason I'll be buying one this season is so I can keep my drill out of the snow.
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Big fan of the Clam Plate here....I consider it like my Kahtoola Micro spikes ...don't really need them ...but if I did stumble/slip on the ice...the rest of my season would be not as smooth sailing...I have slipped on the ice... on one bare spot last season ...pulled some thigh muscles that I shouldn't have..little bit of a split action ….twist your wrist w/o the Plate could be painful jigging/healing process. Bumbles bounce I do not anymore .
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The Clam Plate is not a gear reduction at all. There are some gear reduction plate made by someone on Ebay though. It is called the Ice Kicker II I believe.
On Clam's webpage, they recommend adding their "Conversion Kit Gear Box" to the plate if you're using 8" or 9" augers.
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I thought they did away with the gear reduction. Guess they figured it out now and are selling it again.
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I find that it's so much nicer to have the plate. It gives you the feel of a traditional ice auger, keeps the drill off the ice, and distributes the torque more evenly, thus allowing more holes to be drilled. If you have the money, it's well worth the investment.
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Could you please tell me why I would I need a Clam’s ice auger conversion kit for my Milwaukee drill motor and a Nils 8" auger? Would it make it easier to drill or hold? Does the gearing somehow protect the drill? What are the benefits?
This past season, I used Nils auger adapter and the drill without the additional Clam product. If the Clam conversion kit it beneficial, I would add it before the season starts.
Thanks!
1. Turns a drill setup into a power auger setup
2. Plate bolts to auger-no need to worry about drill chuck coming lose and auger going down hole.
3. Easier to hold/operate with hands. Helps keep wrist from getting hurt
4. Handle bars will keep drill off ice/snow/water when setting it down
5. A gear box can be on the clam plate which will give the drill 2x the tourque
6. The bearing helps keep the side tourque off the drill
7. No need to worry about the side arm breaking off the drill or slipping
8. Makes an easy change power head to run different size augers
9. Your in the clam plate club
10. The resell value if you ever want to sell it will be close to what you paid for it.
I use my clam plate for my 8in nils & 10in mora. One thing to check with your nils is how wide a hole it actually drills. My original nils red cutting head cuts an 8in hole. A used nils power point 8in cutting head I bought from a guy that was sharpened by Frank.....well it cuts an 8 1/2in hole. Not sure why but it does. So I don't use the nils drill adaptor plate with it because the stopper saucer is 8 1/2 in wide. With the power point head...it could go down the hole if I use the nils drill attachment. With it on the clam plate I have no worries.
When I'm fishing out of my one man Eskimo wide one inferno, I usually just take my old 725in lb Milwaukee drill & 6in lazer. I just have a drill plate adaptor on it. It allows me to fit more holes in the one man shack. Plus without an extention it fits in the tub of my one man shack. While drilling holes works fine with it, I tend to have to be a bit careful because it will catch and twist a guy's wrist. I don't use the side bar with it though.
I'm looking for a new clam plate with the gear reduction on it so turning the 10in mora is easier on my Milwaukee 1200in/lb drill. If I find one, the old clam plate with go on the 725in lb Milwaukee and 6in lazer.
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If you run an extension, which up here in NE WI we needed to by last April, it's a great tool for gaining leverage on your auger.
(https://i.imgur.com/isBQViW.jpg)
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I'm just going to toss my 2 cents worth in and say that there are those of us with physical problems that the Clam auger plate can help with. I have arthritis in both shoulders and if I were to go to a drill setup, I would go with the Clam plate. Just my $.02 worth.😉
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I thought they did away with the gear reduction. Guess they figured it out now and are selling it again.
I just want to comment that the gear conversion box is not something available. It's on their website but they won't have it unless they changed their minds since Friday. I have physically talked to their fabricator and they won't be selling it anytime soon.
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If I was using anything larger than a 6" auger it would be on a clam plate with gear reduction - no way would I go without
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^^ +1
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I just want to comment that the gear conversion box is not something available. It's on their website but they won't have it unless they changed their minds since Friday. I have physically talked to their fabricator and they won't be selling it anytime soon.
I had emailed them asking about in inquiry about the gear box. They had replied saying non were in stock, but that they hoped to have a supply by fall/winter. Did this change?
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no one has removed the gear box from their websites - basspro, cabelas, sportmans, etc.
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Dont need a gear reduction, just the normal clam plate works fine with a 8". I have a 6" and 8" Mora for my setup.
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Never knew there was a gear reduction option. 1200"/lb Fuel and clam plate had no issues spinning 8" Mora last year
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Never knew there was a gear reduction option. 1200"/lb Fuel and clam plate had no issues spinning 8" Mora last year
This topic always seems to amaze me. Some people don't realize that the clam plate and clam plate gear reduction setup are two different things. The original gear reduction setups were junk and they recalled them. Regardless, a reduction setup is not needed if you use an adequate drill even if you are using an 8in auger. Been using my 2704 with an 8in lazer for 3 years with no issues. Now, the clam plate is just the plate, no gear reduction and in my experience is very handy and worth the $60. For those that say they don't need, waste of money, etc just think they have bigger balls than the rest of us :) There are plenty of good things about the clam plate that make it well worth $60.
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This topic always seems to amaze me. Some people don't realize that the clam plate and clam plate gear reduction setup are two different things. The original gear reduction setups were junk and they recalled them. Regardless, a reduction setup is not needed if you use an adequate drill even if you are using an 8in auger. Been using my 2704 with an 8in lazer for 3 years with no issues. Now, the clam plate is just the plate, no gear reduction and in my experience is very handy and worth the $60. For those that say they don't need, waste of money, etc just think they have bigger balls than the rest of us :) There are plenty of good things about the clam plate that make it well worth $60.
Perfect, thanks for the history (and the good news)
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I copied this from the Clam website, another good reason to use the plate:
"Recommend using high torque 18 volt lithium battery powered drills. Ball bearing absorbs the load from the auger so the drill is only used to spin the auger and not to support the auger torque, greatly extending the life of your drill. Attach your auger bit just like you normally would on a power auger. No hassle, no worry setup, no loose bit falling out of the drill. Just pull the trigger, drill and start fishing!"
I started using the drill setup without a Clam plate. I would brace the drill against my hip for when the blades would catch at the bottom of the hole so I wouldn't hurt my wrist or shoulder.
I now own a plate and use an 8" Fin Bore auger (same blades as the Strike Master Laser). I find it easier to drill the hole, way more comfortable and the blades do not get hung up at the bottom of the hole.
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Perfect, thanks for the history (and the good news)
Sorry Active Trapper, i didn't mean to quote your comment above. Just meant to respond to the thread. ha. sorry
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no worries, i am just glad i don't have to shell out any more money!
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I had emailed them asking about in inquiry about the gear box. They had replied saying non were in stock, but that they hoped to have a supply by fall/winter. Did this change?
I would be surprised if you see it this Fall/Winter but who knows. Maybe they will come out with it in the future IDK. The struggle is them is making a high quality product with basically zero chance of breaking and making it cost effective. All of us hardcore guys might pay $130 for a gear box but we have to remember we are the minority. Not everyone is going to shell out that much money and then it doesn't become cost effective and a big revenue producer for Clam. The way I understand it, is that the current generation of gear box had some issues with durability (I'm a victim of a broken one) and to make it indestructible would cost more than the average consumer is willing to pay. Especially when the high end drills can handle an 8 inch bit. So until they can bring the cost down and not sacrifice having components break it won't be a product I think you will see.
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I would be surprised if you see it this Fall/Winter but who knows. Maybe they will come out with it in the future IDK. The struggle is them is making a high quality product with basically zero chance of breaking and making it cost effective. All of us hardcore guys might pay $130 for a gear box but we have to remember we are the minority. Not everyone is going to shell out that much money and then it doesn't become cost effective and a big revenue producer for Clam. The way I understand it, is that the current generation of gear box had some issues with durability (I'm a victim of a broken one) and to make it indestructible would cost more than the average consumer is willing to pay. Especially when the high end drills can handle an 8 inch bit. So until they can bring the cost down and not sacrifice having components break it won't be a product I think you will see.
They should be able to make it for the price range they had. All they need is tempered gears inside a composite box. This isn't rocket science. A guy makes them on eBay for Christ sakes. The reason they had issues is they tried to go way to cheap on the guts and stuff broke.
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They should be able to make it for the price range they had. All they need is tempered gears inside a composite box. This isn't rocket science. A guy makes them on eBay for Christ sakes. The reason they had issues is they tried to go way to cheap on the guts and stuff broke.
Yep. Plus, as mentioned, the newer drills don’t need the reduction gearing to handle a 8” auger. The first season they put it out, the most popular drills used were in the 725-900(?) in/lb range, now we have 1200in/lb if we needed it.
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Yep. Plus, as mentioned, the newer drills don’t need the reduction gearing to handle a 8” auger. The first season they put it out, the most popular drills used were in the 725-900(?) in/lb range, now we have 1200in/lb if we needed it.
True, but plenty of people don't own drills like that.
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Yep. Plus, as mentioned, the newer drills don’t need the reduction gearing to handle a 8” auger. The first season they put it out, the most popular drills used were in the 725-900(?) in/lb range, now we have 1200in/lb if we needed it.
Even at 1200 they are still better off with more reduction.. Running even a 6" on my gear box, everything is smoother and happier than without.. Speed is still about the same too.. An 8" bit is still a lot for any cordless drill made..
<°)))>{
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Even at 1200 they are still better off with more reduction.. Running even a 6" on my gear box, everything is smoother and happier than without.. Speed is still about the same too.. An 8" bit is still a lot for any cordless drill made..
<°)))>{
I would agree.....but then God made the Milwaukee 1200in/lb drill......a 10in makes it grunt a bit but she still cuts pretty good.
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I would agree.....but then God made the Milwaukee 1200in/lb drill......a 10in makes it grunt a bit but she still cuts pretty good.
Do you turn a 10" auger regularly? If that dont jack up a drill nothing will!
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Do you turn a 10" auger regularly? If that dont jack up a drill nothing will!
Just for the 9holes in my wheel house.
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They should be able to make it for the price range they had. All they need is tempered gears inside a composite box. This isn't rocket science. A guy makes them on eBay for Christ sakes. The reason they had issues is they tried to go way to cheap on the guts and stuff broke.
Have you tested these Ebay ones? Problems seem so simple when a handful of guys are discussing over a forum post and actually have no clue about what is truly going on within a business they aren't part of. I'm sure there is a lot of reasons it isn't working and they have tried to think through all the scenarios and make it right for their business model. I'm just saying that the gear box isn't going to be something you see in the near future from Clam from what I gathered at Pro Day.
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Have you tested these Ebay ones? Problems seem so simple when a handful of guys are discussing over a forum post and actually have no clue about what is truly going on within a business they aren't part of. I'm sure there is a lot of reasons it isn't working and they have tried to think through all the scenarios and make it right for their business model. I'm just saying that the gear box isn't going to be something you see in the near future from Clam from what I gathered at Pro Day.
I think clam can afford to be a little closer to breaking even on one of their products while they overcharge for the rest of them. I'd be embarrassed to admit i was part of their prostaff with the crap they are putting out
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I think clam can afford to be a little closer to breaking even on one of their products while they overcharge for the rest of them. I'd be embarrassed to admit i was part of their prostaff with the crap they are putting out
Just to be clear, when I say "business they aren't part of" I'm also referring to myself, I have no knowledge of the inner workings of the company as I am not a paid employee.
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Now that I've decided to get one, I'll have to wait until someone has them in stock.
I wanted to start getting set up now for ice fishing, and I know that I'll have to figure out how to connect my Nils auger, so I wanted to get it done. I'll probably have to make something to connect the auger, but I was hoping to get this all done in advance this summer. The same thing goes for the one-man flip over that I wanted to purchase and outfit this summer with lights and more...I'll have to wait.
I guess that I'll just have to focus on deer hunting and getting my treestands, clothes, gear and meals ready and practice a bit more with my bow so that I can disappear into the woods. The bow opener here is a little over 5 weeks away.
On the other hand, I could get some painting done around the house before the weather changes, but maybe I shouldn't since it's so hot. Maybe I should just run a fan and get some reloading done so that I can shoot more every week and be ready for the gun season deer opener should I get shut out during archery season...I guess that painting can wait.
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Just buy the Milwaukee Mudmixer. Still have a very powerful drill if needed at home. The handle setup is perfect for use as ice auger and variable speed selector allows for attaching basically any auger bit you want. The MMM is a heavy duty power tool.
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Us "Grumpy Old Men" need some help when drilling more then a couple of hole at any one time. The Clam Plate gives us that advantage.
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Have you tested these Ebay ones? Problems seem so simple when a handful of guys are discussing over a forum post and actually have no clue about what is truly going on within a business they aren't part of. I'm sure there is a lot of reasons it isn't working and they have tried to think through all the scenarios and make it right for their business model. I'm just saying that the gear box isn't going to be something you see in the near future from Clam from what I gathered at Pro Day.
LMAO....have you ever been around any kind of machinery ever? Simple example for you. I'm from agriculture. The gears/sprockets in machinery that turn things is all they need inside the gear box. For example on a combine bean head....it has a 30ft long 2 1/2ft auger that gears turn. On a round bailer gears turn the belts. Choppers use gears in the heads to chop corn. Having a decent set of gears/cogs should not be difficult to find that would exceed the tolerances needed in the ice auger. Saying that a cost effective measure on bringing the gear box is impossible.......well that is down right wrong. If they aren't bringing it to market, it's for a different set of reasons.
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I had the drill catch the day before the NAIFC Mille Lacs championship. When the drill caught at the bottom of the hole it dislocated my knee and fractured my femur and tibia. I am a believer in the clam plate. I wish I would have had it at the time. I ended up fishing two important days on crutches. Money well spent i.m.o. That leg was easily over 10 grand.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/y9p1aruel/millelacsoncrutches2014championship.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/y9p1aruel/)
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I had the drill catch the day before the NAIFC Mille Lacs championship. When the drill caught at the bottom of the hole it dislocated my knee and fractured my femur and tibia. I am a believer in the clam plate. I wish I would have had it at the time. I ended up fishing two important days on crutches. Money well spent i.m.o. That leg was easily over 10 grand.
(https://s22.postimg.cc/y9p1aruel/millelacsoncrutches2014championship.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/y9p1aruel/)
Ouch! I hope that you’re much better, now!
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For me, it's easier to hold, keeps the drill off the ice when I lay it down, seems to handle the off-axis torque better, and looks cool.
Dave
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Does anyone have a source for a Clam to Nils auger adapter?
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Does anyone have a source for a Clam to Nils auger adapter?
Keep checking eBay usually a guy makes a run of the adaptors then they sell out quick.
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I didn't use one all last year but I think it would be a great addition to my Milwaukee and 8" auger. Must be easier to drill with even though it wasn't that hard before.