Clam Plate vs Pistol blade types?

[bassin212]

I know this comes up a million times but I am thinking what I am asking is maybe a bit different? Anyways I just bought a Milwaukee 2804-20 with a 5Ah battery, I will prob get another battery as well. Was originally looking at the Lite Flite, but don't like the issues regarding the chuck so I ruled that out. I was pretty much sold on the Eskimo Pistol because the new one has a center point, but not sure how I feel about Shaver blades. I am tempted at the 8 inch Drill Auger Conversion Kit Combo, but couldn't find what type of blades come standard on the Clam Combo? thanks for the input!

[hardwater diehard]

Looks to be Lazer style ..but not seeing any replacement blades on their site

https://shop.clamoutdoors.com/drill-auger-conversion-kit-combo.html#163=269

[hardwater diehard]

I like the Pistol Bit ..Nice video ..has Mora style blades ..believe stainless steel ..would be a great choice ..I went with this ..and a site sponsor and 20% off today use code hello2020

https://www.kitterytradingpost.com/fishing-marine/ice-fishing/augers-chisels/ht-enterprises-premium-e-drill-nylon-8-hand-ice-auger-kit-100375907.html

[bassin212]

it looks like they only have replacement for the 6 inch. I wonder if I could just use the replacement blades from the 120v considering they have 8 inch replacements. Still looks to be shaver blades though.

[Smitty5313]

Website says lazer style. Here is the link for replacement blades. (6 inch)

https://shop.clamoutdoors.com/6-drill-auger-replacement-blades.html

These blades say made in China so i’d be hesitant about the quality of the blades that come with that full kit. Probably better off buying the strikemaster lazer hand auger 8 inch to attach to just the plate. 

[bassin212]

Website says lazer style. Here is the link for replacement blades. (6 inch)

https://shop.clamoutdoors.com/6-drill-auger-replacement-blades.html

These blades say made in China so i’d be hesitant about the quality of the blades that come with that full kit. Probably better off buying the strikemaster lazer hand auger 8 inch to attach to just the plate.

Eskimo Pistol Bit it is!

[hardwater diehard]

I would think that StrikeMaster Lazer hand auger blades would fit ..gas/power Lazer auger have a different bolt pattern I believe..Lazer style blade are the fastest ..but also are not tolerant of dirty ice ..Mora are more tolerant of dirty ice ..a tad slower ..but can be hand sharpened with a lil practice...and can be found just about everywhere .

[RyanW]

For the price of the clam combo you can get the plate separately and just get the hand auger of your choice. Depending on the make/model you could even have some cash left. I use an 8” Lazer on mine. No confusion about blades and I can find practically anywhere. Eskimo/StrikeMaster mora/Lazer style hand augers are pretty standard on most drill setups.

I see absolutely no point in spending $150+ for a “drill specific” auger bit unless your body truly requires the lightest setup possible or reopening holes is a prime concern. If you’re like a lot of guys and are just looking for easier hole drilling, a standard hand auger is really all you need.

[hardwater diehard]

Not sure how they did it but that Pistol Bit is super super light from what I saw via videos ...that center point and ring are a BIG plus … a game changer on that HT E-Drill I posted above compared to a SM Mora ..night and day ..no skipping ..no hang up on break through.

[bassin212]

just got the 8 inch Eskimo Pistol Bit for $174 shipped! at Marine General

[RyanW]

Not sure how they did it but that Pistol Bit is super super light from what I saw via videos ...that center point and ring are a BIG plus … a game changer on that HT E-Drill I posted above compared to a SM Mora ..night and day ..no skipping ..no hang up on break through.

See, I guess I must be the exception because I don’t have skipping or breakthrough issues when using a mora or a lazer. Honestly, when I read all these posts about people having troubles I have to wonder why. At the end of the day though I’m just glad that companies are coming out with gear that people are actually using and liking. “Drill specific” bits might not be for me but if they help a guy have more fun fishing, more power to them! I know what I said above about $150 bits but I wouldn’t mind getting to use one to see what all the hype is about.

[hardwater diehard]

See, I guess I must be the exception because I don’t have skipping or breakthrough issues when using a mora or a lazer. Honestly, when I read all these posts about people having troubles I have to wonder why. At the end of the day though I’m just glad that companies are coming out with gear that people are actually using and liking. “Drill specific” bits might not be for me but if they help a guy have more fun fishing, more power to them! I know what I said above about $150 bits but I wouldn’t mind getting to use one to see what all the hype is about.

Well when I started to check ice for future outings this seasons ..it was glare ice ..uneven glare ice ..and a mixed bag of ice/snow cover ..the Mora needed a slow start until it engaged the ice then full speed on most of the above conditions ..the HT E-Drill with center point full speed from the start.. and break through ..the Mora on several occasions got hung up ..while the HT with a ring never got hung up ...can the learning curve be conquered.. absolutely but the center point and ring makes it more effective and efficient ..add the Clam Plate even more so ..Drill fast baby ..drill faster baby . ..now that there is very unsafe conditions for fishing I am sure to see glare ice on the refreeze soon .