Ice Auger Question from a Newbie

[conococheague]

I have only been ice fishing about 4 times, but I really enjoy it.  I bought a Mora StrikeMaster 7" auger last year (brand new) and used it one time.  The problem is that I can't seem to drill holes with it this year.  It seems to take extraordinary effort to keep it from walking out of the hole.  The friends that I fish with have older Mora 7" augers and when I use theirs it seems effortless. They have tried mine and agree that there is something wrong.  Any suggestions?  Thanks.

Conococheague

[jigginPig]

Replace the blades with ones that were made in sweden. I bet if you look, yours were made in china. Junk.

[conococheague]

Is the country of manufacture marked on the blades?  The blades on it are the ones that came on it.  If I buy the Mora blades from Fish USA, are they from Sweden?  Thanks.

[Kevin23]

Should be on the blades. Blades are dull or out of whack, no doubt about that. Did you check the screws to see if they are still tight?

The new blades should be from Sweden, but I would call them and make sure.

The new blades are going to run you about $30, for another $50 you can upgrade to a strikemaster lazer auger (black one). It is 150 times easier than the mora (blue one). Once you go black you will never go back (unless you can afford a nils)

[Bullelk34]

If it's walking on you I bet a blade got bent. Even a miniscule bend will make them wander. get new blades.

[keva]

Definitely bad blades. If you have only used it once, you probably have banged the blades around too much. Keep them covered, and only drill with them. I agree with BBK about upgrading to a lazer ice auger. They are much nicer.  

[bassmaster01]

save your time and effort and get a lazer...there worth there wieght in gold! ive had mine for 8 years so far and never put a pair of blades on it...as long as u dont bang them off the ice theyll last forever. the only problem i have with mine is since its so old my paint is flaking off...which isnt a problem really it just needs to be repainted.

[esox_xtm]

as long as u dont bang them off the ice theyll last forever. the only problem i have with mine is since its so old my paint is flaking off..

x2!

Not quite forever but at least a few years and hundreds of holes. The edge and angle of auger blades are very sensitive to damage. Banging or even just leaning on the auger while the blades are in contact with the ice can create the very problem you describe. Lazers are just as susceptible as Moras...........

I always carry an extra set of blades just in case I bottom out in an unfamiliar area or otherwise ding 'em up.

Don't forget, even when those blades won't cut ice, they can still put a gash in your hand that could require stitches to close..............

/m

[Icenutter]

The blades may be good, but may have bumped the blades and changed the angle.  Cut some pieces from an aluminum soda can and try shimming the blades.  Strikemaster used to include shims with their blades.  If the blades are not marked Sweden then this is probably your problem.

[conococheague]

I just ordered a set of new ones from FISH USA.  Can I send my old ones and have them resharpened to have a spare set?  I saw a reference somewhere to an exchange program (FISH USA?) but couldn't find anything on FISH USA's website about it.  It seems like a waste not to resharpen the old set.  Thanks for everyone's posts, they were helpful.

Conococheague

[jigginPig]

Fish307 has the exchange

[Reel Force]

Contact StrikeMaster and tell them about the blades. I did and they mailed me out a set (FREE)-got them in 3 days... didn't even ask to return the bad set.

[esox_xtm]

Conococheague, absolutely have those blades resharpened. Our local tool/chainsaw sharpening service also does auger blades and a darn fine job.................

/m

[conococheague]

Thanks all.  I took the blades off this morning and confirmed what a couple of you surmised.  When I checked the blades against the edge of a precision square, one was not flat.  Also, they were marked clearly "MADE IN CHINA".  I have contacted Strikemaster to see what they say (no reply yet; they might be closed this week) and I plan to exchange these for a sharpened set from FISH307.  Thanks for all of  your help.  If this doesn't work, I might invest in a Lazer.  Thanks again.

Conococheague