If you’re currently on the hunt for the best cordless drill to use for your ice auger, make sure to consider these important factors first: size and weight, portability, power and speed, and comfort. I took it upon myself to look for the best ones right now and I have them all listed and reviewed below. If you want to find out what made the cut and how these factors played out, go ahead and scroll along now!
I’ve never been ice fishing or gone ice angling. But I do find it interesting whenever I see it done on TV or movies. For people who do it for fun or sports, it’s important to have an efficient way of breaking ice or digging holes to fish from. An effective tool to get it done is with an ice auger. And what if I tell you that you can further improve your tool’s performance with a cordless drill?
Buying a cordless drill will not only electrify your manual ice auger but will also give you an all-in-one handy tool for fixing around the house!
If you’re ready to add a cordless drill to your ice fishing adventures, no need to fret as I’ve got you covered right here!
Why Should You Use a Cordless Drill for Ice Auger?
Getting a cordless drill to use for your ice auger has been a popular go-to by many as it presents so many benefits.
Breaking ice is so much easier
If you love your ice auger because it makes breaking ice easier, then you’re going to love a drill to use with it! This helps make the task at hand so much easier as it requires less effort on your part.
Convenient to use and carry for ice fishing
So many cordless drills are compact and lightweight, thus very easy to carry on your ice fishing trips.
Serves a lot of purpose
Getting yourself a cordless drill will not only help you break ice easier. You can also use the tool around your home for quick fixes and improvements.
Cheaper than an electric ice auger
An electric ice auger definitely makes ice breaking so much easier but they can be very expensive, especially for a tool you would be using only for a couple times a year.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger
| Product Image | Product Name | Price | |
| Our Pick |  | Dewalt DCD791D2 Cordless Drill | Check Price |
| Best with Multiple Accessories |  | TECCPO Cordless Drill | Check Price |
| Best Lightweight |  | Makita XPH11RB Compact Cordless Drill | Check Price |
 | Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill | Check Price | |
 | Porter-Cable PCCK607LB Cordless Drill | Check Price |
The Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger
1. Dewalt DCD791D2 Cordless Drill – Our Pick!
Our number one pick for the best cordless drill for ice auger is the Dewalt DCD791D2 Cordless Drill! A brushless motor cordless drill, this boasts of up to 57% more run time and a longer battery life than most. This operates on 20 volts and with a maximum speed of 2,000 RPM. Its compact and lightweight design at only 3.4 lbs is easy to handle and can fit in tight spaces. Many would agree that this works well with an ice auger and turns the tool so much easier than you would have to do by hand.
This offers 2 speed settings you can choose depending on your needs. With a 1/2″ metal ratcheting chuck, this provides superior gripping strength. This comes with 2 20V batteries with 33% more power capacity than most battery packs. You can rest assured that you will never run out of power when this is in use. It comes with a built-in fuel gauge to let you know your battery’s power level as well.
This Dewalt drill comes with a 3-mode LED light for focused light on what you’re working on. It features an LED Spotlight Mode with a 20-minute shutoff function as well. With an ergonomic grip design, this is very comfortable to hold. It’s also very lightweight and compact, so you can carry this with you on your ice fishing trips with so much ease!
On top of the charger and the extra battery pack, this comes with a hard carry case – definitely a dream to travel with. Many have praised its powerful performance and provides enough power for any project or use that comes up. One downside a few have shared about this is that they received it with a defective chuck that sometimes comes loose. And given the brand, this is on the pricier end – though not the most expensive on our list.
Pros:
- Brushless motor cordless drill
- Works well with ice augers
- Compact and lightweight design for travel and any project
- 3-mode LED light
- Comes with charger, 2 battery packs, and hard carry case
- Ergonomic and comfortable handle grip
Cons:
- Chuck can come loose
- A bit pricey
2. TECCPO Cordless Drill – Best with Multiple Accessories!
If what you’re looking at in your new cordless drill for ice auger are the accessories for multipurpose use, you might want to check out the TECCPO Cordless Drill! This comes with 2 2.0Ah batteries, a fast charger, a carry case, and 33 pieces of premium bits accessories. Not only does this make your use of your ice auger easier but this is sure to come in handy in your home projects as well! This works on 20 volts and has a maximum speed performance of 1,500 RPM.
This one offers 2 speed settings for all your needs. Its fast charger boasts to fully charge your battery in only 1 hour. This one is a brushless motor, an option many prefer as this generates no sparks and is more durable. Weighing only 3.37 lbs, this is very lightweight and compact. This works to reduce hand fatigue even for extended periods of time. With its lightweight design and carry case, this is the perfect companion on your ice fishing trips.
This sports a 1/2″ keyless metal chuck that provides durability. This comes with a forward/reverse switch design to either screw or remove bits for any purpose you might see fit. This has an LED light for illuminating your work. Its ergonomic and rubber-covered handle is sure to be comfortable to hold. Many have lauded this for its really long battery life and with the extra battery pack, you are sure to never run out of power.
It comes in a cheaper price than most but don’t be fooled! Many would agree that this is solid enough for any home improvement or ice fishing needs. Though it provides enough power, some found it does have its performance limits.
Pros:
- Comes with 2 batteries, fast charger, carry case, and 33 pieces of bits accessories
- Lightweight and compact is easy to handle and carry
- Works well for ice fishing trips
- LED light for illuminating work
- Long battery life and fast charging feature
- Cheaper price than most
Cons:
- Not for heavy-duty work
3. Makita XPH11RB Compact Cordless Drill – Best Lightweight!
If what you prioritize in your new cordless drill for ice auger use is its lightweight design, you better check out the Makita XPH11RB Compact Cordless Drill! Weighing only 2.9 lbs, this is sure to reduce hand fatigue and is very easy to bring on your ice fishing trips. With its ergonomic and rubberized handle, this is very comfortable to hold and grip.
This one is a brushless motor which means this provides a longer battery life than most. It operates on 18 volts and has a maximum speed performance of 700 RPM. A purchase of this also comes with 2 2.0Ah batteries, a rapid optimum charger, and a tool case. This offers 2 speed settings for a wide and multitude of uses. Even with a small and lightweight structure that’s easy to carry and travel with, this has enough power to power your ice auger for easy drilling.
Its keyless 1/2″ chuck makes bits installation and removal a breeze. Its dual LED lights help illuminate your work area. This boasts having the fastest charging time with only a 25-minute charging time. Though the lightest among our picks for today’s list, don’t be fooled by its weight and size! Its solid and good build is sure to be reliable.
For maximum protection of your tool on the inside, this has the Makita Extreme Protection Technology. This adds a series of seals to protect the inside of the tool from water, dust, and debris. Because this is lightweight and compact, this does pose some limitations to its performance and many found it not able to do very heavy-duty work. Some also experienced the chuck separating and coming loose from the drill after a number of uses.
Pros:
- Lightweight and compact at only 2.9 lbs
- Ergonomic, rubberized handle for comfortable grip
- 25-minute charge time
- Dual LED lights for easy working
- Reliable and enough power to dig through ice
- Makita Extreme Protection Technology
Cons:
- Chuck can come loose and separate
- Not for heavy-duty work
4. Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill
The next item to make it into our list of the best cordless drill for your ice auger is the Milwaukee M18 Cordless Drill! Operating on 18 volts and with a maximum speed of 1,800 RPM, this is sure to come in handy for multipurpose use – home improvements or drilling through ice to ice fish. Another brushless motor cordless drill, this promises 50% more runtime and 2x longer battery life.
Equipped with an advanced overload protection, this works to defend your tool from abusive use. This watches your tool’s temperature to prevent internal damage. You can trust this one to perform well when you have to drill with your ice auger to catch you some fish on your trip. Not only do you get to ice fish much easier but this also comes in handy for many other uses.
This comes with an all metal 1/2″ chuck that is stable and reliable. Designed to be lightweight and compact, this is very easy to work and travel with for your needs. The structure and design also makes it easier to work in tight places or overhead without hand fatigue. This comes with an LED light that activates when the drill is in use. This is perfect for working in low light and dark places. Many have lauded this thanks to its reliable and powerful performance that is sure to do anything.
Though favorite among many, this poses a major drawback for some – this is sold as a tool only. This comes without a battery and charger included. You would have to buy them separately and would add to the cost of the tool. But if you trust the Milwaukee brand and wouldn’t mind the additional charges, go on right ahead with this one.
Pros:
- Works well for ice augers
- Great battery life and power
- Advanced overload protection technology
- Keeps your tool’s temperature in check
- Lightweight and compact design is great for travel
- Reliable and powerful motor
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with battery and charger
5. Porter-Cable PCCK607LB Cordless Drill
And our last favorite cordless drill for ice auger is the Porter-Cable PCCK607LB Cordless Drill! Another brushless motor drill on our list of favorites, you can trust this to provide 50% more runtime than others in the market. This operates on 20 volts and has a speed of 1,800 RPM for any of your needs. You can trust this to work well with your ice auger in drilling on ice. With 2 batteries and charger included, you are ready to work with this one.
With a lightweight and compact design, this is very easy to use and handle all the while reducing and minimizing hand fatigue. Its powerful motor promises reliable performance even on heavy-duty application. Its 1/2″ ratcheting chuck is sure to be strong and reliable for a balanced performance. Quite a few have praised this for its excellent balance in operation. It’s lightweight but still has good power and impact protection. The compact size is also great for working in tight spaces.
This comes with both an LED battery life indicator and an LED work light for even more added convenience. Users of the brand’s previous models have also stated that the LED light is placed in a better position and improves viewing during use. This provides a comfortable grip and isn’t too big or bulky to hold. It boasts of a powerful and long battery life as well. Many have lauded this unit’s powerful and quality build, and at a cheaper price at that!
The only downside quite a few have shared in their reviews of this is that the chuck can come loose due to its at times loose grip. Other than that, this is a great budget option for anyone looking for a cordless drill.
Pros:
- 50% more runtime
- Comes with 2 batteries and a charger
- Lightweight and compact to reduce hand fatigue
- Reliable and balanced performance
- LED battery indicator and LED work light
- Comfortable and easy grip
Cons:
- Chuck can come loose
How to Use a Cordless Drill With an Ice Auger
Using a cordless drill with an ice auger is sure to do the work for you quickly and easily instead of doing it by hand.
Get an ice auger
An ice auger is essential if you engage in ice fishing for sports or as a hobby. This tool helps you dig a hold in the ice or spot you’re interested in to fish from. If you don’t already have one, check out some favorites by fellow ice fishers. Make sure that the ice auger you get your hands on is just the right size for the type of fish you’re hoping to catch.
Choose an adapter
An ice auger drill adapter will connect your auger with your cordless drill of choice. These are very easy to use and fairly straightforward. I, myself, have come across some bestselling ones ice fishing enthusiasts prefer.
Connect the drill to the auger
Now that you have the complete parts you need, it’s time to connect them. You would do this by removing your auger’s handle. This is where you will instead use the adapter of your choice. Connect the cordless drill with the auger with your adapter.
Drill away
And you’re set to go! Now that you’ve connected all parts, you can now drill a hole through the ice with your new ice auger drill and start fishing!
How to Choose the Best Cordless Drill for Ice Auger
Size and weight
With cordless drills for specific use for ice augers, you want to pay special attention to its size and weight. You would want to get something that’s compact and lightweight yet doesn’t sacrifice power and performance. This lets you get a comfortable experience out of your new cordless drill you would be bringing along to your ice fishing trips.
Portability
Because you’re looking for a cordless drill to use an an ice auger drill, you should consider the tool’s portability. You want to make sure to get something that’s easy to carry and travel with. The drill’s size and weight also plays a role here. You don’t want to get something that’s too heavy and too bulky to bring with you on your ice fishing trips as this will only make the travel harder.
Power and speed
Because the cordless drill you’re looking for will help you drill and cut through ice, make sure to check on the tool’s power and speed. Make sure to get something that has enough power and speed that it can easily cut through ice. Most cordless drills have 18 to 20 volts. Also keep an eye out for the drill’s RPM and torque level. These things will let you know of the tool’s speed and power.
Comfort
With anything you use with your hands, comfort is very important. You don’t want your new drill to cause fatigue on your hands whenever you use it, even if its purpose for you is to use it with your ice auger. Make sure you look through other people’s experiences of the drill’s comfort level.
Conclusion
Ice fishing can be a fun hobby for anyone. But a hand ice auger can be a pain, especially when it comes to cutting through thicker ice. Luckily, you can choose to add a cordless drill with it.
Our number one pick for the best cordless drill for ice auger is the Dewalt DCD791D2 Cordless Drill! The brushless motor cordless drill works well for ice augers. It’s also compact and lightweight for easy travel and sports an ergonomic grip for maximum comfort. If you like your new cordless ice auger drill to have many accessories for multipurpose use, check out the TECCPO Cordless Drill! This comes with 33 pieces of bits accessories along with a charger, batteries, and a carry bag. This is sure to serve you well not just on ice. And if a lightweight and compact cordless drill is what you would prefer to get, then the Makita XPH11RB Compact Cordless Drill might be for you! At only 2.9 lbs, this is sure to be so easy to carry with you on your ice fishing trips. And with this one, you are sure to reduce hand fatigue on operation.
And that was our list of the best cordless drills for ice augers! Happy tool shopping and happy ice fishing!
