Power Auger on a Budget

[MTangler]

Hey guys,

Snowin like crazy here    

I have been in the looking for a good power auger because drilling by hand is just a thing of the past. But, work is slow therefore $$$ is tight. I have seen brand new augers in the stores go for around $400 and up. Is there anything out there that is cheaper?

[SINX53]

The Eskimo Stingray is under $300. 33cc 8" blade.

[xcr440]

you can get a stingray(33 cc 8") for $270 and a mako(43cc 8") for $300 from reeds. Both are good augers and very dependable.

[iceholer]

try pawn shops craigs list ext strike master the way to go

[littlesturgeonguy]

I also say keep your eye on craigslist. Any local guides you can call to see if they are upgrading?

[RustyWaterDogs]

There's a couple of power augers on Craig's list right now.

[J_Edwards]

http://greatfalls.craigslist.org/spo/2060062344.html

Looks like a good deal

[CLUB 32]

A friend of mine got one of those Stingrays last year and it cuts real smooth and fast.  We were both impressed. I agree with everybody on craigslist.  Another place to check is if you can put anything on the radio.  We have a tradio show on AM radio where you can call in classifieds for free.  When I was looking to buy an auger I called in and an old boy called me and had a strikemaster in great condition that he only wanted $75 for and its the auger that I'm still using. 

[badgericeman]

Craigslist doesn't have a lot for ice augers around great falls.  Ebay is a nother place to try

[hooker1]

i know of some in helena, if u want to contact me let me know.

[BlueDuck]

I got an Eskimo Stingray last year and love it.  Its one of the lighter ones our there, it cuts great and it starts on the first pull. 

[MTangler]

I've got a jiffy legend 3hp $275 8'' or $300 if you want my 10'' blade, or $350 all.

Where did you pick that up jigger?

 

[littlesturgeonguy]

Where did you pick that up jigger?

 

?, He is offering to sell it to you.

[andercee]

Reconsider hand augers.  If you have a decent one and take care of the blades you can drill just as fast without carrying gas around or making noise.  You can get a Nils for just over a hundred.

[Seedtree]

Reconsider hand augers.  If you have a decent one and take care of the blades you can drill just as fast without carrying gas around or making noise.  You can get a Nils for just over a hundred.

I have an opposing view.  Get a power auger and you will not regret it.  Out in Eastern MT where the ice can get several feet thick and one can have up to 6 lines in the water, you must have a power auger or you will be severly hindered.

[fishinwithbrittanies]

If the money is really tight try a smaller hand auger.  It makes a huge difference.  A couple years back I got to go back to Minnesota for some ice fishing.  We didn't have room in the car for the power auger so I had my 8" mora.  It was march but the ice was still super thick.  It took like 20 minutes of huffing and puffing to get the crank right against the ice before breaking through.  I am all for some exercise but that was murder.  I saw a 6" for like 40 bucks at the bait shop.  I had no idea it would make that much difference but I could cut through so much faster.  I could drill holes all day with that thing.  I like a good power auger as much but something to think about

[Mt.Bucket]

I was offering it for sale, sorry for not being clear.

[andercee]

I'd like to clarify if you're going to be drilling dozens of holes through more than 2 feet I'd go with a power auger, but less than that a hand auger is all you need.

[fisherman_chuck]

watch craigslist i picked up a jiffy model 30 for 100 bucks that runs like a top. If you must hand drill go to a 4 inch all one needs really unless your after big lakers or pike. But even then later in the season the ice gets harder and it still sucks i have hand drilled holes for 4 years cause a broke a$$ college kid but found a good deal on an old jiffy which i think is the best brand.

[xcr440]

Have you checked any pawn shops or small engine shops? Alot of times guys won't pay the repair bill and it gets sold after so many months.
There really is no best brand they all work well if maintaned.

[albo]

I have been using a hand auger for years, and the exercise  helps keep me warm. It usually takes 50 revolutions for me to get through 16" of ice, but last year I got tennis elbo from drilling and had to switch to left handed operation which sucked... this year I am getting a gas auger and I'll just wear an additional layer to keep warm.

[Bullelk34]

I actually saw quite a bit of ice fishing equipment in Costco in Helena the other day. They had shantys, augers, tipups, etc. I think the Eskimo was $280-ish.

[WildOutdoorAddict]

watch craigslist i picked up a jiffy model 30 for 100 bucks that runs like a top. If you must hand drill go to a 4 inch all one needs really unless your after big lakers or pike. But even then later in the season the ice gets harder and it still sucks i have hand drilled holes for 4 years cause a broke a$$ college kid but found a good deal on an old jiffy which i think is the best brand.

I got one too, a "model 30  9 inch" from online for $100 that was barley ever used. It is possible it just takes a little searching and probably a bit of luck, but they are out there

[MTangler]

Da-jigger-  I realized that after I posted that. I was hoping to find one between 100-200 doll hairs because I just splurged and bought a brand new flasher/finder 8) and am over-budget already.

I got one too, a "model 30  9 inch" from online for $100 that was barley ever used. It is possible it just takes a little searching and probably a bit of luck, but they are out there

I wish I could find me one of those! Keep ur eyes peeled for me 

[Mt.Bucket]

I'kk keep my eyes open 8) for ya