Nils Master Hand Auger Issues.

[dk_kon]

 Hey guys.  So i've had my Nils 8" hand auger for the past 2 seasons. It worked great when i first bought it, but after a couple months of heavy use the auger started to cut poorly. I'm assuming that the angle of one (or both) of the blades is off since the edges themselves look fine. So I bought a new head last year ($65.00) and i used it for a couple months and i worked great, but then all the sudden the same thing started to happen all over again. I can still cut a hole with it, but it's a whole different auger now.  I now have to push really hard downward in order for it to cut semi-properly.  I'm sure that i'm partially to blame in some way, since i have really used it alot. But i do take care of it and don't just toss it around.  I really am disappointed with the way this happened.  Is there any way i can take the two heads to someone and maybe get them restored back to working condition?  Anyone with similar experiences out there?  Any ideas?

Thanks alot 

[JIGGIN-]

I have the Nils 4" hand auger that I use for tie down holes. No problems with it yet and cuts unbelievable.

You may need to get it sharpened even though the blade feels sharp, I had to do with with a Jiffy auger blade.

I don't understand why it gets out of whack so quickly though. Should be good for the entire season. When drilling before it stop cutting correctly, do you lean on it and drill at the same time? I don't, I let the auger do the work.

JIGGIN.

[bart]

dk_kon, I've had my Nils 6" hand auger for two seasons. I've had no problems, still cuts ice like butter. I know the one thing can ruin any auger is pounding it on the ice to knock the ice or slush off of the blade, especially when frozen. After each hole I knock the slush off with a shake or hitting it with the heel of my hand on the side of the auger.

[Bean]

Have you been the only person to use it? It sounds like the angle of the blades have changed from dropping it or slamming the head into the ice.
This will be the 7th season for my nils 6" auger and it still cuts through the ice like butter. I've only let a couple people try my auger out, but made sure they gently placed the head on the ice before trying to cut. I know Ive babied my nils auger over the year, but because of that it still cuts like the day I got it.

[3beagles]

I too have an 8" Nils that cut great when I first got it.  In the auger's defense my son did slam it on the ice one time and it never cut right after that.  I tried to have it sharpened but it still wouldn't cut right.  So, like you, I bought a new blade. (EXPENSIVE!)  The new blade cut good for a time and then it started to be more of an effort to cut a hole.  I babied the new blade and did not let anyone else use it.  I had both blades sharpened again, but they were never like it was when the blade was brand new.  I would not spend that kind of money again on a Nils as they are simply too expensive to replace the blades.  I got a 4" Lazer last year and I really like it a lot and it is a lot cheaper to replace the blades.
Mike

[nbourque]

I've had my Nils for about 5 years now and have had to replace the head twice. The first time I had it replaced because it was just not cutting like when it was brand new. It could be because of poor use (sand on ice, too much pressure on the auger when drilling.) The second time I had a head replaced was because I drilled a little too shallow and hit a rock. Other than that the Nils is a great auger and I wouldnt trade it for anything. Dont bang it on the ice and dont put too much pressure on it while drilling a hole. Let the auger cut the hole.

[Tainterslayer]

The only reason an auger would get dull that fast would either be from banging it on the ice or you hit something in the ice while drilling. I ruined the cutting edge on my power auger by accidentally drilling through a spot with sand. You know that crap that gathers just behind your wheels? It's the slush/sand mixture. It fell off someone's truck and got snowed over.
You can get your blades sharpened for $20 by the way but I agree that the replacement blades are pretty expensive.

This may or may not be related to your case but its a good idea to let everyone know anyways.
Your auger should never do anything except drill a hole. The blades should never contact the ice unless you are drilling. Do not use it as a walking stick. Do not remove ice by banging on it. Avoid drilling half holes to store your auger upright.

[h2.0shaver]

I have both a lazer and a nils. the nils cuts great when blades are sharp, the lazer is easier to get replacements for. both cut great with good blades/head. The Nils is designed to cut the ice without any downward pressure. Youre not supposed to push down at all. If you have a crooked hole after using a nils then youre using it right. If its straight then you forced it. It would be nice if you could buy replacements for the nils at all the big outdoor shops. no matter what auger you use, its the most essential tool in icefishing.

[wetdreams]

fish 307 up in lake george sharpens them & will do a exchange with you. i exchanged my head with them at the end of the season last year but did not get to try it. good luck walt

[lake snake]

 Did you hit any sand while drilling your holes?