In this guide we’ll look at the best hand ice auger for ice fishing.
We’ve compared blade size, weight, grip and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Is The Best Hand Ice Auger?
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More Detailed Hand Ice Auger Reviews
Strike Master Ice Augers Lazer Hand Auger
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Strike Master Ice Augers Lazer Hand Auger Review
The Strike Master Ice Augers Lazer Hand Auger does a fantastic job of slicing right through the ice with minimal effort on my part. Its solid design and chrome alloy stainless steel blades add up to great performance. Plus, this auger has powder-coating to reduce ice build-up. You’ll soon have your holes cut, so you can get down to the important part: catching fish and enjoying your time on the ice.
The Strike Master has soft rubber grips and an adjustable handle that can be set between 48 and 57 inches. This lets you adjust according to your height to find the most comfortable, effective position. It’ also quite lightweight, which allows for easy transport and handling.
Thanks to its strong performance and ease of use, the Strike Master is my choice for the best hand ice auger. So, whether you want a frustration-free start to ice fishing, you’re a more experienced angler who needs an affordable but effective auger, or you want a back-up to your electric ice auger, the Strike Master has you covered.
Strike Master Ice Fishing Mora Hand Auger
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Strike Master Ice Fishing Mora Hand Auger Review
Another great option from Strike Master, the Ice Fishing Mora Hand Auger is a simple, straightforward piece of equipment that gets the job done. It has high-alloy carbon steel blades that slice right through the ice without a ton of work or strain on your part.
Keep blades sharp for best results! This goes for any auger—I recommend having blades sharpened professionally until you learn the proper procedure yourself.
The handle adjusts from 48 up to 57 inches, making it comfortable for anglers of various heights. The soft rubber grip and ergonomic design make it easy to use. At only 6 pounds, this auger is very lightweight and portable. And the two-piece design lets you break it down to make it even more compact.
Bottom line: This is an affordable, portable, effective hand auger that is well worth a look.
Eskimo Hand Auger
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Eskimo Hand Auger Review
Rounding out my list is the Eskimo Hand Auger, which is a solid entry-level auger that effectively drills through the ice and is available at a very competitive price point. It has steel blades and comes with an included blade protector. Make sure to keep the blade protector on when the auger is not in use as this extends the life of your blades.
This auger is lightweight and easy to fit in your sled and car. As with the other augers listed here, you can adjust the height to find the most comfortable position for drilling.
This model is one of the more affordable hand augers on the market. If you head out fishing a few times per year or are on a tight budget, the Eskimo Hand Auger is a good choice.
Hand Ice Auger Buying Guide
When choosing an auger, you have two basic options: electric or manual.
The augers here are all manual augers, meaning that they don’t have electric motors. They require a bit more work on your part and aren’t as fast as electric augers, but a well-designed hand auger can still cut through the ice quite quickly and efficiently.
Hand augers come with lower price tags, which makes them an appealing option for anglers on a budget or beginners who aren’t sure how much they want to invest in this hobby. Plus, they are significantly lighter-weight, so if you’re traveling light or need a more portable option, then a hand auger is ideal.
There are a few factors to consider when selecting a hand auger:
Blade Size
Augers come in different sizes for drilling holes of different diameters. Common sizes include 6” and 8”. Which size is best for you? That depends on a few factors, including the species of fish you’re hoping to catch (smaller holes work fine for smaller fish) and the amount of exertion you’re willing to put in.
With manual augers, the amount of work increases with hole size. Personally, I’d stick to 8” and under for a hand auger, since any bigger requires a good deal of physical effort. Smaller holes are easier to cut with a hand auger.
Material
Blade material is another important consideration. You want a material like stainless steel or high-alloy carbon steel—basically, a material that will stay sharp and resist rust.
I love the blades on the Strike Master Lazer Hand Auger. They cut quickly and precisely and remain consistently sharp. All of the augers on this list are good-quality, however, and have sharp, reliable blades made of suitable material.
Grip
The overall grip and design of your hand auger determines how comfortable it is to use. After all, no one wants back or arm strain the day after ice fishing!
I’ve chosen these three augers in part based on grip comfort and ergonomic design. While the Strike Master Lazer is my personal favorite, all three cut through the ice efficiently without placing undue strain on your hands or body.
Conclusion
Even when I’m heading onto the lake with an electric ice auger, I almost always have my Strike Master Lazer hand auger with me as well. And why not? It’s super lightweight and portable, and it’s always a good idea to have a back-up.
If you’re interested in getting a hand ice auger, I strongly recommend considering the three options here—they’re all reliable pieces of equipment that will serve you well whether you’re a novice or an experienced ice angler.