Auger care

[reelmaster]

I bough a new auger yesterday and was wondering if youy could tell me some storage tips after a day of fishing. Do you bring them in where its warm, take them apart. etc. Also was wondering how long the blades last before you need to change them. 

[Trevor]

Is it a hand or gas auger?  One thing I do is always keep an oily rag against the blades inside the blade cover.  This way whenever the cover is on the blades are oiled, they'll never have a chance to rust this way.  With proper care your blades will stay sprp forever.  When cutting avoid cutting in tire tracks where vehicles have driven on the ice.  Just a little gravel could be present and that's all it takes to dull, or worse yet, chip a blade.  If it's a gas auger bringing it from a cold to warm environment isn't a great idea.  Over time condensation can lead to water in the fuel.  It's best to store in such a way as to avoid extreme temp. fluctuations.  Also, and this should spark a debate, avoid running premium fuel in your auger.  It will run better and cold start best when running on lower octane fuel....

Trevor

[billditrite]

i leave my auger in my garage where it is above freezing but not warm.im no mechanic but in and out of the cold sounds like a bad idea beacause of condensation.as far as blades go it really depends on your ice and how often you go and how many holes you drill when you go.some pond ice has a lot of debris and sand in the ice and will dull your blades faster.not to be a wiseguy , but you will know when its time to replace or resharpen your blades.you should not have to push down on your auger for it to cut... hope this helps

ps i also read a tip on here about using a dufflebag upside down over your auger head to protect it in its travels

[cowpoke]

If it is a gas auger I would encourage you to use Sta-bil fuel stabilizer in the gas.

I use it in all the small engines I have and it does help quite a bit.

The others have all offered excellent advise too.

[Lottie]

I have a Jiffy and I keep it in my Jeep from 1st ice to last. Its 5 years old never sharpened and cuts like a hot knife thru butter. Only maintance I do is fresh gas at the beginning of season.  Took it out of the shed after sitting all summer and it started on the 3rd pull.  After that 1st or second ever time. I think the key is to protect the blade I never drill in an old hole incase something other than ice is in there and so that the blade doesn't catch on the sides and twist.

[seaweed01]

I keep my auger in my garage. It is not heated, but it does not
freeze either. Start with fresh gas every year. Iv'e had mine for
over 25+ years and it is still going strong. Tight lines.

[bushbunny]

I carry my Tanaka in my pickup box from freeze up to breakup.  Temps in northern Alberta can reach -40C.  Two pulls and it flashes.  Opti2 oil and premium fuel seem to work well.(Later this winter Trevor)

[nepa old man]

I keep my mag 2000 in the garage, fresh gas at the beginning of the year w/ stabil, wipe down blades with lite coat of oil at end of day. Keep blade guard on when not using & blades will last a long time. At the end of the year, I drain fuel, & clean filter. Don't forget to tighten any screws on augar shaft periodiacally.