ideas for hole covers

[johnb340]

I've never seen those before Doeslayer, they are really cool. 

[Seamonkey84]

I use these and rarely get a freeze up ezcept on brutally cold windy days and its still minimal... How they didnt catch on idk

Is it just me or does the looks of that just scream made from legos lol.

[hot tuna]

ever had problems with the 3/8" thick not being enough? im pretty sure the ones I just made are 3/8" as well.. but theres a lot of different thickness options available to buy just wasn't sure if maybe I should consider getting them 3/4" or even 1" thick

I've had some light skim on extremely cold days but not frozen in tip ups.
In those types of cases I don't think even thicker material would matter anyway.
I have thought about spray painting them black but after using these for several years as is, no complaints.

[SirCranksalot]

In those types of cases I don't think even thicker material would matter anyway.
.

if it was a sunny day thinner would prob be better.

[hot tuna]

So for kicks and giggles,  I just painted 1 with black gloss.  The paint soaked in and it became flat black.  Wouldn't bother painting them unless is a sunshine daydream  or steal your face  paint scheme (Now I got an idea ).I like custom things.

FYI,
I use the bottom of a 5 gallon bucket for the template,  not the top.
The cover diameter turns out at 10.5 inches.
Plenty enough for even an 8" auger hole.

[tarmstrong24]

I personally love my thermals. I’ve never and I mean never had to skim a hole. I’ve also never had someone run on over. To me I pray someone runs one over. They can give me $20 to replace it when I paid $7 at gander for my 16

I have a set ( 5 ) thermal tip ups.  Not a fan of them at all.
The telescoping ( antenna) flags laws bend and or break . They are not very visible from any distance so machines just run them over. They are awkward to wind up and transport. 

Haven't used them in years

[hot tuna]

If it wasn't for taking kids out who don't own traps,  I'd sell mine.  They were bought on clearance many years ago at $13.00 which I thought was a good deal. I've never seen them lower.

The telescoping antenna is a disaster.  Both are broken in this picture and you have no choice but to retract them for transportation.
I've had the holes skim below them as well and no different than a hole cover.
Fish a lake with lots of snow machines and they will run them over.
I currently run high sticks with a hole cover on big waters and a frabil artic flats on small waters .

[johnb340]

I just checked and mine are the black HT Polar Therms.  I had a love hate relationship when I first started using them but the more I've used them the more I like them.  I don't extend them unless I need to and maybe after this hyped up snow storm I'll have to do that. 

[esox_xtm]

For cold sunny days the best thing is a THIN black cover. the object is to let the sun's heat into the hole rather than retain what little there still is in the cold water. I use a cheap thin rubber floor mat. heavy enough nit to blow away, too.

Where'd ya get a cockamamie idea like that Sir?  It's easy to overthink stuff. Thin is in!

Truck tire innertube. 14" x 14". Done.

[hot tuna]

Where'd ya get a cockamamie idea like that Sir?  It's easy to overthink stuff. Thin is in!

Truck tire innertube. 14" x 14". Done.

Absolutely,  repurposing is in.
If I had a giant intertube I'd probably do it.
As an alternative,  these things I had were cheap enough.

[esox_xtm]

Usta be a able to pick 'em up offa the highway like empty beer cans...

[SirCranksalot]

Where'd ya get a cockamamie idea like that Sir?  It's easy to overthink stuff. Thin is in!

Truck tire innertube. 14" x 14". Done.

It's kinda funny---no matter how often you or I say that, others just continue on their merry way and ignore our comments!!!