Looking for thoughts on how do the batteries hold up or work in cold temps. I have heard far ranging discussion.
Do any of you use ways to keep the batteries warm while on the ice or line?
The temps I would be using these in would vary from say upper single digits to freezing.
Thank you

Bryce

I will be getting a 1/2inch drill to use with my 6 inch auger. Lithium batteries as well.

My old Craftsman 19.9volt used on a 10 inch auger got through 1 1/2 holes before it went up in smoke.

So I'm choosing a smaller auger and stronger drill.

The temps don’t seem to bother them especially the balmy temps your talking about.Dull blades are the problem.

This is my third year with a Strikemaster 40V Lithium auger. I don't drill a ton of holes in a day, but I'd say I drill at least 6-10 per outing. I've only had to use my backup battery once, and I don't remember how many holes or inches of ice were drilled that day. The batteries seem to last a good while, and, like Mad Scientist said, sharp blades always help.

I have a Strikemaster Lithium. I haven't had any problems with mine as far as a dead or weak battery. Maybe if it was outside in below zero temps for a while it would.

I bought the milwaukee drill and strikemaster auger set up this year. If above 10° I have left the battery attached and out in the cold with no noticeable change. When its colder I take the battery off and store it in a insulated bag with a hand warmer. I watched a cold test for batteries that showed the milwaukee batteries are built to handle cold, the test showed they gained "energy" back once they were being used if they were "frozen". Guessing they somehow warm themselves up enough to get back to a better operating temp.

I was stuck between buying the strikemaster 40v or the milwaukee/strikemaster set up. I got the milwaukee because the sale was 500$. It came with 3 5amh batteries. The 40v was more $ only 1 batt. And was the metal auger.( they now have the pro model that comes with the new bigger batt and lite flight auger, but its even more $)

I have the stikemaster lite flight and my milwaukee drill that I had.
Can't beat it.
Way lighter and just carry some batteries with you.

I just bought a Strikemaster Lite Flite 8" auger to use with my DeWalt Flex Volt Advantage drill (model 999). I have only had it out 1 time so far but it worked great and I am happy with it. Very light weight and drills fast. I used a 9ah 60v battery and drilled about 25 holes and the battery indicator showed that it was still full. The ice was only about 8 inches thick so no idea how it would fare with thick ice yet. I kept the battery warm before going out but didn't do anything special once on the ice. It sat in the sled between drilling holes. Temps were in the teens.

I have a buddy that has the Strikemaster 40v electric auger and he is happy with it. He had a wheel house and travels to Lake of the Woods every year. Even with an extention on it drills 10 inch holes without issue. He never uses his propane auger any more. Rarely ever needs his second battery.

had a good long talk with a friend that picked up a Strikemaster lithium and saw the cremaic blade when and got a 3 year warrantee, only to go out and the thing would only work in reverse, they came with two batteries.back to Cabelia's and saw the same person that sold the warrantee. being a former lawyer he cautioned his remarks to the person so they did not get the brunt of his anger.She thanked him and then they proceeded. Long story short where is a large batch that only run in reverse and the store knew about it, but sent them out. The manager gave a 100$ rebate back and a new auger that was tested.
now you know why i spell Waran-tee the way I do

I run a K-Drill with M18 Milwaukee; on subzero days I keep the battery in a wool sock with a handwarmer. I've never had any issues- one battery can drill more holes than I'll ever need in a day

My friend who is a guide runs the K Drill with his Brushless Milwaukee. He usually has three batteries when he goes. That said - he runs and guns but rarely gets into using the second battery.

I've had an ION for 6, maybe 7 years now and would never consider gong back to gas. If the temp is single digits you will need to put the battery in your shanty in between uses. 20's and 30's doesn't seem to bother it as much. If I had to buy new today I would probably use a cordless drill and a strike master auger

Thank you for all the responses. I am planning to use some device but it is for trapping for opening holes for body grippers and pushups, so capacity to drill 40 plus holes in an outing is very important as is weight.

I had thought about getting a good drill, an auger and some batteries, but am interested in thoughts from experienced users. I currently do not own an auger nor have I ever.

Bryce

I have an Ion G2, it's light and fast and you can cut a lot of holes on a charge.

Bryce, why not a chainsaw

A rigid 20 has done well for us,..cheaper

Chain saws would be extremely impractical from my view for drilling to sleeve pushups, cutting for runs, yeah but then one is still dealing with all the aspects of gas, oil, starting etc. Putting in 330s or beaver snares is a lot different then 160s or sleeving.

Bryce

Check the details on whichever auger you end up with. Ones like my strikemaster are not ideal for reopening holes. I think its something like they will dull faster cause they aren't designed to bounce around the sides of the already drilled hole. There are some brands that have been rated as better for reopening holes.

In my overall judgment for trapping related I think the ideal would be a brushless battery drill,( milwaukee,dewault,royobi) they all have good reviews. 2 batteries on a good named brand drill will easily get you 50holes. 1 batt would come close on its own.

Auger, I would consider buying all those blue hand crank ones you see at garage sales and auctions for 5 or 10$ you can buy an adapter that attaches them to the drill for 30ish $. Those blades are fairly easy to sharpen by hand you could have several sets for under 50$. That way when you run it into the mud or a log ect.. you can swap out the blades and keep going. Sharpen the blades when you have time.

Thank all of you. Mutt that sounds a lot like something I can put together before next winter.

Bryce

Old school still use and ax and spud bar but only six holes per person.