Author Topic: Hand auger wont work (Read 974 times)

chris_reid1980 · « **on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:11 PM »

Can't decide whether to get a new auger or new blades for the one I have. I just bought new blades and it worked real good for 4 or 5 holes but tried to drill another hole and it just kept on spinning on top of the ice. Couldn't have worn a new set of blades out after 4 or 5 holes which makes me think maybe the auger itself is no good. There was some sand on the ice where I drilled the last hole. Would that chew up a new set of blades?

Beets · « **Reply #1 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:16 PM »

Welcome to IS!
Yes,sand ruins them and too much downward pressure does too.

fishermantim · « **Reply #2 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:26 PM »

Also, if you were drilling in shallow waters and might bottom out when breaking through the ice. (that's what did mine in.)

Depending on the weather conditions, you could have ice buildup on the blades that could affect how they cut, but you would see the ice clearly clumped on the blades.

Gills-only · « **Reply #3 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:29 PM »

Don't lay a wet auger in snow as it will freeze up and is worthless till unthawed. Will just skate around on ice with no bite at all!!!

Icefisher40 · « **Reply #4 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:31 PM »

Sand is BIG blade killer!

Other than that, you may have to get your auger repitched if you can find someone to do so.

Huntindave · « **Reply #5 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:32 PM »

Quote from: chris_reid1980 on Jan 27, 2014, 01:11 PM

There was some sand on the ice where I drilled the last hole. Would that chew up a new set of blades?

I usually have trouble getting the motor started on my hand auger. To answer your question, yes even a little sand can dull a new set of blades.

Bucket Brigade · « **Reply #6 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:32 PM »

LOL...More elbow grease!

scottperchguy · « **Reply #7 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:32 PM »

I had this problem to so I started the quad held the auger infront of the exhaust and meted the ice off

rtibbs48 · « **Reply #8 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:35 PM »

In this cold weather water will freeze on the blades and it will not bite into the ice, just spin on top.hold it in front of heater a few minutes and try.Roy

WEREGEL · « **Reply #9 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:48 PM »

Sounds just like my Nils when its very cold. Ice builds up on the edge of the heavy blade and it just spins.

Dakota Angler · « **Reply #10 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:50 PM »

When I used a hand auger I used a beat-up hatchet to chip up a grove or knotch in the ice and then start working at it. I always found even with new blades its rather hard to get started on smooth ice.

perchnut · « **Reply #11 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 01:59 PM »

Definitely sounds like you have ice on the blades. Flip it over and look....you can CAREFULLY chip the ice off if you dont have a heater. Dont hit the edge, sharpened part, of the blades though. Just use your metal skimmer and be really careful and you can knock the ice right off.....

kpd145 · « **Reply #12 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 03:55 PM »

Quote from: Huntindave on Jan 27, 2014, 01:32 PM

I usually have trouble getting the motor started on my hand auger. To answer your question, yes even a little sand can dull a new set of blades.

LMAO.

My gas auger motor is more reliable than my hand auger motor

32footsteps · « **Reply #13 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 04:11 PM »

Try cranking the opposite direction.

jonny boy · « **Reply #14 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 04:36 PM »

imo. sand is the reason. i bought a niles 8" afew years back, the fellow said he had an extra head to go with it. he said it would need to be sent out to get sharpend.he said there was sand on the ice and after that it just quit working.

HuntHard · « **Reply #15 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 04:38 PM »

Quote from: Beets on Jan 27, 2014, 01:16 PM

Welcome to IS!
Yes,sand ruins them and too much downward pressure does too.

x2

Pindrifter · « **Reply #16 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 06:13 PM »

Its funny My Eskimo 8 inch acts like that, with a new blade. Had a young guy come along, And he put it right through the ice. Mine was just spinning on top of the ice. Have to eat more Wheaties I guess. Or use my Lazer 6 inch.

Muskyrush · « **Reply #17 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 07:45 PM »

May also have a blade that out of whack

mikerudy · « **Reply #18 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 08:00 PM »

When replacing the blades, sometimes have to shim them. Don't bottom out, because the sand or bottom will destroy the cutting edges. Another thing that I learned is not to let anyone borrow my augers, gas or hand units.

Kevin23 · « **Reply #19 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 08:07 PM »

Sand did it. Only takes a couple specks of sand to dull the blades beyond usable.

Nightbird · « **Reply #20 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 09:24 PM »

I'd go with the sand, also. I sometimes fish a sandy river and even the ice has sand in it. Blades don't last any time, compared to the lake I usually fish.

Reel trouble · « **Reply #21 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 10:05 PM »

I did the exact same thing Saturday went from perfect functioning fast auger to worthless in about 12 holes. This was also good Swedish steel sand just kills them i was fishing at the base of a rocky out cropping and dirt and blow sand above. with all the wind we have been having there was a good amount on and in the ice as it has been melting the top during the day.

Gary Gallons · « **Reply #22 on:** Jan 27, 2014, 10:16 PM »

make sure blades tight and didn't lose its angle

News:

Author Topic: Hand auger wont work (Read 974 times)