Pistol bit jamming up with ice

[badger132]

I love my pistol bit, but on cold mornings, the head gets ice on it after a few holes, and it will not cut at all. I have never had this before, and wonder if it is related to the ring around the blade. Does anyone else have this issue, or better yet, a solution? All I can do is try starting a few dry holes until the ice breaks off and it will start up again.

[RuralMT]

Mine will do that as well on particularly cold mornings.  The only thing I can recommend isn't a solution to the problem once it develops, but rather a mitigation measure.  After every hole I drill, I'll pull the auger out of the hole and let it spin for a few seconds in the open air.  I find that it sheds most of the water and prevents any significant buildup.

[Subway4X4]

Mine will do that as well on particularly cold mornings.  The only thing I can recommend isn't a solution to the problem once it develops, but rather a mitigation measure.  After every hole I drill, I'll pull the auger out of the hole and let it spin for a few seconds in the open air.  I find that it sheds most of the water and prevents any significant buildup.

I learned to do the same. Once I pull out of the newly drilled hole I continue the spin out as I pull up the auger to spin-off the ice flakes from the flutes and get rid of residual water sticking to the flutes, blades and ring. Also set it down so the blade section is protected from wind and snow to keep everything from refreezing on the blades.

[Hardwater2]

Mine will do that as well on particularly cold mornings.  The only thing I can recommend isn't a solution to the problem once it develops, but rather a mitigation measure.  After every hole I drill, I'll pull the auger out of the hole and let it spin for a few seconds in the open air.  I find that it sheds most of the water and prevents any significant buildup.

X2. I keep the cover on it when not in use and out of the wind. I also carry a small can of silicone spray with me. Keeping blades oiled often prevents ice build up as well. Great bit!

[Skadi]

I start another hole but only drill a couple inches this results in a clean dry blade every time.

[Wyoming_Ice]

I start another hole but only drill a couple inches this results in a clean dry blade every time.

Awesome  solution  !!!

[hawg]

🤯

[panfishman13]

i've had this issue with every auger i've owned, so it's not just a pistol bit problem. my solution was the same as skadi's; excess water sticks to ice shavings as they're made, and you end up with a functional blade.

[Ronnie D]

Spray it w/ Pam before drilling

[slipperybob]

I start another hole but only drill a couple inches this results in a clean dry blade every time.

Yes! right answer.

[mushroom_capd_1]

I had the same problem with my old lazer mag, and my my older strikemaster with the chipper bit. And yes, that is a great tip to spin the excess water off when you are done drilling. Another tip was to spray it with cooking spray.

[800stealth]

I start another hole but only drill a couple inches this results in a clean dry blade every time.

No doubt this works but seems like a good way to install a bunch of ankle breakers around your camp, especially on a snowy day.

[IceAddict87]

Like the above said, spin it freely after each hole. I also carry some aerosol lock de-icer. Works great in a pinch.

[wirenut45]

800 stealth; punching a hole a few inches deep is to dry the bit. remove from hole ,n, put out of way. i put cover on ,n, put in sled. wire

[800stealth]

800 stealth; punching a hole a few inches deep is to dry the bit. remove from hole ,n, put out of way. i put cover on ,n, put in sled. wire

Yup, I understand the concept... That's why I opened my sentence with "No doubt this works"....