I know it may sound crazy but I'm looking at augers for ice fishing. I would use it almost every year once or twice a year- for say the next 40 years. Time is everything and I want something easy to use and reliable. My 2 second review yields a bunch of electric models- anyone have experience with battery powered augers?

You're going to be hard pressed to find an auger that will last 40 years. Check out the Nils hand auger if you're only using it twice a year. No engine/ batteries to maintain or worry about

My buddy had an electric one for a couple years The times I went it was a sweet machine. He sold it because his health failed him. Wish I could have afforded it at the time.

They make ones that a drill will run, haven't used on but have heard they are sweet. Then you can use the drill for other things in the off season

If I was only planning on going a time or 2 a year, I would have to agree with the "quality hand auger" idea. The last thing I would want to worry about, if only able to get out a few times, would be getting an auger started or if batteries were still good to punch a few holes. If you are catching panfish, you don't need a big bit to get fish up the hole. I've pulled some xl size crappie up through a 6" hole before I bought an gas auger. I bought a used gasser with a 10" chipper for cheap from a guy that moved to IA from MN. I'm guessing because it had a 10" auger....don't do that. I hate how big the dang hole is with a 10" auger. My buddy has a gasser with an 8" bit and it is way to go on bit size.

If you want a manual auger get a Lazer auger. I use a ion battery auger. This is it's fourth season. Can't be beat. I fish every day, unless the weather is bad.

i just splurged on a new gas one.last one made it about 18yrs.

I had to get an electric auger since a gas auger is a no-no with a pacemaker. I have had an ION for 3 years and no problems. Quiet, lightweight, no gas mixing/leakage or starting problems. We get a lot of ice and a long season.

I just use a hand auger. If I get cold I go and drill a new hole. Warms me right back up.

I've got a jiffy that is 25 years old I expect it to last until I'm dead.

The new ions are pretty sweet. Expensive for a once or twice a year usage.

I have a gas and a battery auger, I like them both. The ION that I have is used for rat trapping, nice and light.

I own, or have owned every type of ice auger known to mankind.

My current favorite is a Nils hand auger. Cuts holes as fast or faster than any power auger, and if the ice is super thick I connect a cordless drill with 1/2" chuck.

With a 40-year service/storage time, all you'd have to do is keep some grease or vaseline on the cutting edge, in the off season. All other types of augers with power heads, will have maintenance and shelf-life issues.

-NC

I haven't changed over yet .

"Depending on your needs" , many guys are using converted drill augers .

I have the one that fits a 20v cordless drill. Be sure to get the one with two blades.

I had a jiffy for 30 yrs. Just switched to an eskimo.
Run saber synthetic oil and no smoke and starts like a champ.
Run some stabil thru in spring and run dry and should last forever.
I don't feel like dealing with batteries when its around 0 degrees.

how thick is your ice , a bar will get you through 4 inches of ice fairly quick

I have a hand auger but used to use my bar a lot more , there were generally holes where I wanted them and could just open them up of the few inches of ice they had.

If I ever get around to building a quasi permanent fish house, then I will buy an ION, I don't believe they will put up with the kind of abuse my jiffy has seen. I'm sure it's rode 10,000 miles on the front of the snomobile. That's a lot of pounding.

ran jiffy for 20 years then got a husquvarna...great unit or find a tanaka

I love fishing with all my buddies and watching them pull and pull there gas augers while I'm cutting holes with my 6 inch spoon auger. They are cheap to buy on eBay or Craigslist and as long as they are sharp they are the way to go and they even make a nice ice chunk for you or the kids to play with.

Thank you for input- only found here on Tman. So maybe 40 years is a bit too much to ask from a powered auger. I have a couple of hand powered and I’m truly only asking because I’m facing more than my normal 4-15” of ice and likely 24-30” by the time I make it. The ion sounds interesting even tho I understand battery life is not something I can count on long term. Can I expect to easily drill 10-20 holes with an ion or other electric In say 18” of ice?