IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: mono_mono on Jan 31, 2016, 08:59 AM
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Last week I made a post about a guy flying through 20" of ice with a hand auger. AS USUAL, I got a few quick replies here and learned about Nils Augers, An hour later I grabbed one on ebay for $110, new. It was on my porch via UPS shipping the next day. used it for the first time yesterday and all I can say is WOW! I am dumbfounded as to how this auger can go through 8" of rock hard clear ice using NO down pressure. NONE. I was banging out holes in 15 seconds and looking at this thing like it was from a different planet! Thanks to the guys here who quickly clued me in on this type of auger. The things you can learn here are endless. Sell your bulky power augers and get one of these things! LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!
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I can give my buddies and their 10" propane a run with my 6" nils, but last year's 3 ft thick ice had me working.
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Haha. Three feet is a lot. You probably got close to the handle.
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I can give my buddies and their 10" propane a run with my 6" nils, but last year's 3 ft thick ice had me working.
I have the same 6" Nils...add a Tanaka engine to it and you'll be amazed :thumbsup:
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I got my nils Thursday and used it for the first time yesterday. I completely agree. I would never have purchased it without the multiple shout outs from this site. It is a dream machine and has me leaving my jiffy power auger at home for a while. Amazing. Unlike you, I paid 130 for mine at Glen's. Nice buy!
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At 70, I love my 6'' nils combo and skills 18 volt lion !!! :icefish:
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Great when they are new. The day will come when it won't cut butter. Be so careful with it. Throw away the yellow guard. Do not let your friends use it.
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Why throw away the yellow guard? I know everyone complains about it, but it seems fine to me. Covers the blades (certainly not a lot of wasted plastic!). It's easy to install and does the job. I was going to get one of those snap on ones people like, but it seems fine to me. I take care of my stuff and don't see a reason why this won't work. Yesterday when I got home I took it off and dried the blades then put it back on. I didn't oil them because I dried them off. I'll oil them when it sits for a long time though.
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My first investment in this new venture was Nils 6" that I use with my Hitachi 18 volt drill. I am getting 12-18 holes per battery, (It's only 6-10 inches here).
Love It.
Yellow cap works fine.
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I bought an auger at a lawn sale it looks like a nils it says ur iaapoart on it finland is this auger a nils got the offset handle and blade like a nils paid 5 bucks and got a second head with it
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Get a Strike Master cover and you will see a big improvement. Trust us.
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The Strike Master cover is a vast improvement over the Nils Master cover, it's what I use on my Nils power and hand augers.
(http://i1175.photobucket.com/albums/r628/mbart53/009.jpg) (http://s1175.photobucket.com/user/mbart53/media/009.jpg.html)
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I have 6" nils the clamp plate with Milwaukee m18 drill 4 amp batteries goes thru just as quick as gas drilled 35 holes today thru 7" of ice had half charge left love this thing it an animal and very lite it is a must have beat gas hands
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Love my 6 inch Nils but hated the original blade cover. Used strikemaster guard threw rubber belt away. They always break sooner or later.
Drilled tow holes in plastic installed rare earth magnet on each side. The rare earth magnets are pre-drilled with counter sunk holes.
Only time the guard comes off is when I want it to. Magnets hold it secure enough and is so easy to use. The blades are always covered now.
Must admit to being lazy before I installed the magnets. Used to leave it uncovered until I was sure I was done drilling for the day.
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If you think that Nils is something, wait until you try your first floatation suit!
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I have 6" nils the clamp plate with Milwaukee m18 drill 4 amp batteries goes thru just as quick as gas drilled 35 holes today thru 7" of ice had half charge left love this thing it an animal and very lite it is a must have beat gas hands
The drills are nice, matter of factly, I was getting annoyed at all the gas engine noise on the ice today.
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Love my 6 inch Nils but hated the original blade cover. Used strikemaster guard threw rubber belt away. They always break sooner or later.
Drilled tow holes in plastic installed rare earth magnet on each side. The rare earth magnets are pre-drilled with counter sunk holes.
Only time the guard comes off is when I want it to. Magnets hold it secure enough and is so easy to use. The blades are always covered now.
Must admit to being lazy before I installed the magnets. Used to leave it uncovered until I was sure I was done drilling for the day.
Can you send some pics? Thanks
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I would like to see pics as well .... Always looking for improvement
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As far as covers go get a Cold Snap cover. You'll thank my later...I cut my fingers too many times trying to get the guard on. This is my third season with my Nils, first year I used it as a hand auger...last year I upgraded to the drill conversion and clean plate. I usually drill upwards 100+ holes a day so the drill really comes in handy and I'd challenge anyone to an auger competition. My blades are getting dull but the thing still cuts like butter...takes a little down pressure now but cuts fast...There's a guy on ice shanty that sharpens Nills Valdese and his work is really good! I forgot to send mine in this season but I had him do it at the end of my first year and he really gets them sharp! I've got two 6 amp batteries for my drill and when one dies I just put the other on a charger running off my truck and switch them off...one battery lasts maybe 40 holes in 12" ice
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Sell your bulky power augers and get one of these things!
I'll pass but those nils do look sweet
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Will the nils for on my Ion? Adaptor?
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definately upgrade the cover as thats just a bad accidant waiting to happen. i use the cold snap cover as well
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Great when they are new. The day will come when it won't cut butter. Be so careful with it. Throw away the yellow guard. Do not let your friends use it.
send it off and have it sharpened will be even better than new the guy is Frank DeLuca 218 729 7941 just take care not to damage blade by dropping -set gently on ice then cut
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As already stated throw the OEM cover in the trash and buy a Cold Snap cover. Also, keep your scoop handy you will need it from the mess it leaves in the hole. Make sure you buy an extra cutting head or you WILL have a time in which you cannot drill a hole and without a spare head you will be dead in the water which brings me to my final tip, keep the name Frank DeLuca in your contacts. He sharpens them and he sharpens them well. You will need to have it done often (probably every 1-3 years) but I think he does it for like 20 bucks. Great Augers, they just have a few quirks.
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As already stated throw the OEM cover in the trash and buy a Cold Snap cover. Also, keep your scoop handy you will need it from the mess it leaves in the hole. Make sure you buy an extra cutting head or you WILL have a time in which you cannot drill a hole and without a spare head you will be dead in the water which brings me to my final tip, keep the name Frank DeLuca in your contacts. He sharpens them and he sharpens them well. You will need to have it done often (probably every 1-3 years) but I think he does it for like 20 bucks. Great Augers, they just have a few quirks.
If you are a dink I could see how some of what you post could be true
..some people can't drive a car without crashing it (but we don't blame the car)....some people just can't take care of their stuff...
That said Ive been wasting holes with my nils tanaka combo for years without issue...heck even the blade is dented but still no issues...we are talking thousands of holes...but like anything else, it's not for some...
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I've had my 6" nils for 6 years now. It has never been sharpened. I use one of those touch up tools that just take off any burrs. Kind of like steeling a knife. I make sure to dry my blades after using and have never put any oil on them. I still have the original plastic blade cover and have never had an issue with it and have not cut myself either. Not sure why replacing the blade cover is such a big issue. I take my off when I get to the lake and it doesn't go back on until I leave the lake. I love my nils!
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Mosley I also use the stock cover and have retained all my fingers!
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Well take it for what it’s worth. I tell it like it is. I loved my Nils except for the things I listed.
1. The cover is junk plain and simple.
2. The cutting head is (or was) bigger than the flighting which left tons of slush in the hole which was a major PITA.
3. The blades will dull easily in dirty ice. When that happens and you don’t have an extra cutting head you are done for the day.
4. Frank DeLuca is the best in the business at sharpening Nils. Keep his name handy.
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All shaver style blades will dull cutting in dirty ice. the only blade that will hold up better in dirty ice is a chipper style blade IMO.
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So Far:
Pros: The cover looks like it should work fine
Cons: I can longer substitute digging holes in the ice for a trip to the gym :)
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Glad to hear you are happy with your purchase, keep us posted :thumbsup:
WS
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So Far:
Pros: The cover looks like it should work fine
Cons: I can longer substitute digging holes in the ice for a trip to the gym :)
Agreed, the only difference being that you have a good chance finding a pair of SM blades hanging on a peg at the local bait store. That's why if you have a Nils it's imperative to have an extra cutting head.
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I think that is a good idea. I noticed last night that the cutting blades ARE the head. How deeply, or how many times can they be touched up?
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The recommendations on sharpening are very much appreciated, thank you.
I don't have a problem with the 6" Nils cover but I do have a routine down for putting on and off.
The 8" cover can be a bit of a Chinese Finger Trap though and had a few scary moments with it.
A Strikemaster cover works and better yet is the Cold Snap cover but hey can be knocked off too. If the Cold Snap saved the blade from being damaged just once it has paid for itself. I know Dtro was one of the first to use the magnets. If you go that route put duct tape of something over the magnet to protect the edge and bottom of the blade from getting dinged up.
The 6" Nils hand auger is pretty sweet and cuts a hole fast with little effort. Putting a drill on it really is amazing.
I like hearing 1st hand experiences by Nils owners when it comes to how long a blades lasts before it needs sharpening. As you have read they can go for years before needing sharpening. Good point on drying the blade and oil to prevent rust.
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So Frank, another poster was saying that the 8" Nils doesn't hold it's sharpness nearly as well as the 6"? What are your thoughts on this?
I have the 8" coming in the mail, hope it's not true! ;D
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I hope Frank sees this and replies because I am interested too. No matter what the answer, you'll probably always partially wish you had the other. I received the 6" a couple weeks ago and it is so easy to auger a hole with it I almost immediately wished I'd bought the 8"!
You can't have everything...
I think I'm going to start drilling two holes right next to each other, one for the transducer. 6 is a little tight for a transducer and a circle swimming monster crappie!
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I bought an auger at a lawn sale it looks like a nils it says ur iaapoart on it finland is this auger a nils got the offset handle and blade like a nils paid 5 bucks and got a second head with it
Could be an older Fin Bore. I had posted this one last year to find out because it looked a lot like the nils.
http://www.iceshanty.com/ice_fishing/index.php?topic=300451.msg3152146#msg3152146
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So Frank, another poster was saying that the 8" Nils doesn't hold it's sharpness nearly as well as the 6"? What are your thoughts on this?
I have the 8" coming in the mail, hope it's not true! ;D
I will post a pic of my 8" spoon and cutting head tomorrow...I don't think you have anything to worry about!
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The blades are made from the same stock. Here are the most common ways to dull your blades. Drilling in too shallow of water, getting dropped, and getting hit with ice scoops. How many times have you seen someone dragging an auger across the ice? Next up would be drilling on dirty ice. If you see road crud dropped from cars don't drill there. Guard falls off in the back of the truck gear gets a popcorn ride to the lake. All that is damage from the user and no fault of the blade. So if you can eliminate all of those your ahead of the game.
Last of all sand/dirt blown onto the ice. That is what I call dulled. Not a whole lot you can do about that but its only makes up for a small portion of blades that need sharpening. Most times it is user error.
Will a 8" blade go dull or become dull or damaged before a 4.5" blade? Yes!
Here is why.
I give you a 3" florescent tube in one hand and in the other 5'.
Go out in a hail storm and start swinging the tubes around.
What are the chances the 5' tube will break before the 3' tube?
Could that have been avoided? Yes.
Put the guard on when your done drilling. That will protect the blade, the dog, and a clumsy buddy.
Don't let anything but clean ice touch the blades.
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Thanks for that info, Frank.
My Nils 8" Arctic Trekker came in the mail yesterday. I put it together, and went straight to the pond behind my house. I used the handle to drill my first holes, as I don't have a drill yet that will fit the top of the auger unit. Took a little getting used to with the offset handle, but I got it. Drilled several holes in about 12 inches of ice, then kicked myself in the ass for not buying this 20 years ago.
The blade cover is OK. I think it has to go on in one certain location to actually stay on. I will mark the auger and cover with magic marker to remedy this.
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa429/trophygametags/IMG_0333_zps0svklogf.jpg) (http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/trophygametags/media/IMG_0333_zps0svklogf.jpg.html)
Here is a pic of the top of the auger. No adapter needed, just add drill, and start drilling. With handle removed, of course.
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa429/trophygametags/Nils%20top_zpsok1twgrx.jpg) (http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/trophygametags/media/Nils%20top_zpsok1twgrx.jpg.html)
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I scored my 6" Nils last week - I am also kicking myself in the ass for not having one before now!
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Ice surveyor, the drill chuck will have 3 jaws that will fit into the 3 indents on the Nils shaft. Align those up and tighter her down.
With that 8" standard head I'd settle for nothing less then 1000 in. lbs or torque. Have fun with it.
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I ordered a Milwaukee Fuel Drill with 1200 in/lbs. today. I should be good. All I'll need now are :tipup:'s
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What you are looking at is a match made in heaven. 8" nils trekker, and a Milwaukee 2704 drill. I drilled 27 holes through 12" of ice yesterday, and still had plenty of battery power to go. I might just have to make a video of this combo in action, it's that good. I timed one of the holes drilled, and came up with 5.1 seconds. Drill is set on speed 1.
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa429/trophygametags/Nils%20with%20drill_zpsit00d9zr.jpg) (http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/trophygametags/media/Nils%20with%20drill_zpsit00d9zr.jpg.html)
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Ice Shanty Gang,
I too made the switch to electric this Winter. I went with the 6" Nils cordless drill auger(Orange one) and paired it up with the brushless, 5ah,18V Milwaukee Fuel hammer drill(2704)
Man o man does that thing cut!!! My ole Jiffy will be collecting A LOT of dust in the garage!!! So worth the investment and so much lighter when ya have to go find the fish!!!
If you on the fence like I was for a couple years, make the jump now and enjoy it!!!
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Frank, a year ago you had made the comment about sometimes having to resurface a Nils head that had been mistreated. Would you mind sharing some of your knowledge on this comment? Sorry if I am a little bit off of the post, but Nils is Nils and any time you can gain knowledge and how to treat it, better pay attention. Someone with the amount of this man's knowledge about the Nils head and how to fix it, are far and few between (unless you live in Finland and can speak the language).
Thanks Frank
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Will a nils fit on my Ion power head? Can anybody help me out with this??? Last thread I asked the same question and got ignored? Thank you in advance!!!
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Will a nils fit on my Ion power head? Can anybody help me out with this??? Last thread I asked the same question and got ignored? Thank you in advance!!!
Not without an adapter. Where to find one??? ??? Go to a machine shop and have one custom made. ;)
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Seems like most prefer the 6" to the 8"? I've always fished out of 8-10" holes. The 10 is overkill, as I mainly fish for pan fish and walleyes. Seriously considering grabbing the 6 and pairing it with the rigid drill.
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The photo is on the box of the Nils Arctic Trekker that I bought. Obviously, Nils makes an adapter.
(http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa429/trophygametags/power%20adapter%20for%20nils_zps48u8fogv.jpg) (http://s1197.photobucket.com/user/trophygametags/media/power%20adapter%20for%20nils_zps48u8fogv.jpg.html)
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Not without an adapter. Where to find one??? ??? Go to a machine shop and have one custom made. ;)
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That's kinda what I thought! But I don't want to pull the trigger on purchasing till I know it can be done.
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Graywolf, if I mention resurfacing a Nils blade it would be in reference to the bottom of the blade which you would normally never touch.
If the blade was sharpened wrong, specifically attempted to sharpen the bottom, remove burr, or barley touched the bottom of the blade is all damage from an owner with good intentions. Don't do it. Magnets placed in a cover can do more damage then someone putting a bevel on the bottom because the whole width of the blade can be marred. That has to be taken completely out. Rust and pitting have to be taken out. Imagine shaving with a rusty razor blade. If there is rust you can't get it to hold an edge.
If the blade was flat it would be easier but a blade could still be ruined. Add a curve to a blade and it complicates matters. Really what your doing is trying to save a blade that is otherwise DOA.
About using an ION with Nils. Sure it can be done you'll just have to come up with an adapter.