Nils cordless drill auger

[Bschrock55]

I fish in NY, usually on 6-10" of ice, and have always used a hand auger.  Due to shoulder injuries, I'm finding it harder and harder to drill holes. I typically drill a couple holes and will fish unproductive holes bc my shoulders hurt too much to move and drill more.  I've been checking out the nils convertable auger and wondering if it would do the trick?  I pull everything by hand and want something lite. I also want some thing simple.  I'm thinking the nils will be ideal, but I'm wondering how many guys out there have used them? And what are your thoughts and experiences with it?  What type of drill are you using? How many holes are you drilling with it?  Any issues or down sides?

Thanks

[pete/ny]

I have had an Ice Gator since they first came out and never had a problem with it but have stopped using it because of its weight.3 Years ago I bought a Bosch 36 volt drill and have never looked back.I use it with either my Strikemaster 8 inch or 6 inch auger and it will drill about 50 holes in 6-10" of ice.It came with 2 batteries and have never used the second battery in a days fishing. Very compact and fits right into my sled with no problems.best thing is also, I can use it while doing house remodelling jobs.

[milehighfishing]

I got a 6" nils convertible auger last year and use it with my dewalt 18volt drill. I can drill between 30-40 holes through 6" of ice on one battery. Since having the nils I haven't used my jiffy gasser and I'm really thinking about selling it this year.

[knotreelly]

love my 6" nils, no drill, best hand auger out there

[da man cave shack]

Haven't used on myself, but I have never heard anyone that has used them say a bad thing about them other than they had wished they had bought it sooner.

[Bschrock55]

Thanks guys, that's exactly what I was looking for. I also have an 18v dewalt. Now all I need is a plan on how to explain a new auger to the wife.

[fishlessman]

tried an 8 inch nils with an 18 volt ryobi drill, way undersized. im thinking you really need to stick with the 6 inch nils or get a very big drill. for the long haul though i would get the little tanaka gas setup and not look back

[$ignmoney]

tried an 8 inch nils with an 18 volt ryobi drill, way undersized. im thinking you really need to stick with the 6 inch nils or get a very big drill. for the long haul though i would get the little tanaka gas setup and not look back

Glad I read the whole post, very interesting, had a idea going.  Fishlessman you answered my question. Thanks. Now back to the drawing board...

[frldyz]

I have an 8" SM lazer hand auger.  Kinda sucks.  Its all I had my 1st yr here in MN and started fishing when ice got to be 20-24".  NEVER AGAIN.  Almost 5 min. holes and just pure exhausting.

Bought an 8" strikemaster lazer mag xpress gas auger.  Way better.  But on the heavier size.  And had a gas leak somewhere so I always smelled gas when it was in the car.

Got an 8" ION electric this summer for $225!  A lot lighter then my strikemaster and NO gas.  So no cord to pul to start.

Also going to buy a NILS cordless in the next day or 2.  Will be nice @ early and late ice.  But also heard that a NILS cordless with 18V drill will slive thru 20"+ ice in less then 30 seconds.  And 3x lighter!  I will probally go with a 4.5" ( <-- yes that's  tiny hole )  But it will still be fun for pannies.

I debated an Ice Gator.  But the cost is way up there! and it is heavier then a NILS cordless and I have read lots of issues regarding the Ice Gator