Setting up my mora auger, is this everything I need?

[TheCrappieFisherman]

Alright, for my first year going electric I'm going to use my 6 & 8" mora augers since I already have them and reassess after one season. I have some cabelas gift cards and ready to purchase everything from there, just wanted to make sure I am not forgetting anything.

Drill- Ridgid Octane w/ handle
Auger - mora's
Extension - Clam 16" https://www.cabelas.com/product/CLAM-CORPORATION-DRILL-EXTENSION/2779341.uts?slotId=0
Adapter- Kovac https://www.cabelas.com/product/Kovac-Ice-Master-Drill-Adapter/1311533.uts?slotId=0

Is the kovac adapter better or should I go with the strikemaster one? I like the idea of using the handle vs paying for a clam plate, I'm young and thinking handling it shouldn't be a problem, just keep it against my leg? I know I've read people on both sides of the clam plate fence with the lazer hand auger.

Thanks guys! 

[hardwater diehard]

StrikeMasters NDA-3 is new for this season I believe ..its used on the new StrikeMaster Lite Flight auger unit .. can add the SM flange .

[DR.SPECKLER]

Ive ran the kovac with 6” mora/clam extension  with the ridgid octane works great.id be careful running a 8” mora though.could break handle off drill.mora grabs pretty hard at the bottom of the hole.i run a clam plate when using the 8” mora.jmo

[PikeKing23]

I have used this exact same setup for years with no complaints:

Ridgid drills (various torque)
6ah to 9ah batteries
6" to 8" mora augers
Kovac adapters

A few things -
Get the Kovac. I snapped a strikemaster in half.
More ah makes a big difference in power not just run time.
Sharp blades are a huge difference.
I never needed a clam plate. I try to stay light and compact though.

Plate or not, you have a pretty standard and common set up. You will definitely be happy with it. Strongly recommend 9ah batteries. Night and day compared to a gasser.

[Seamonkey84]

Just make sure you start slow, and don’t use any downward pressure once it gets going. Especially with the 8”, Before it breaks through, lift up slightly to slow down a bit so it doesn’t catch the bottom of the ice.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Good tips guys.

A mora with dull blades can skate on the ice, having sharp blades especially the beginning cutting edge is key. Also run the drill in the slowest drill setting.

I always put a touch of pressure to get the blades to start then once they grab you don’t need to push down at all.

[rdhammah]

I have heard that either the handles break or the notch on the drill housing breaks

[32footsteps]

I have a clam plate that I ditched in favor of the Kovac. Many swear by the plate...it’s all about personal preference and I’m much happier using the Kovac.

[TheCrappieFisherman]

Great info guys, appreciate it. I'll definitely watch out with the 8". I think I'll use the 6 a lot.

I should look into hand sharpening the blades also, the more shaver blades are the easy ones to sharpen right? Unlike the lazers.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Great info guys, appreciate it. I'll definitely watch out with the 8". I think I'll use the 6 a lot.

I should look into hand sharpening the blades also, the more shaver blades are the easy ones to sharpen right? Unlike the lazers.

Yea. A cheap $15 gatco ice auger sharpener works great for sharpening the blades on it.