Whether you’re drilling into the earth or cutting through ice, our auger section has you covered. Explore detailed reviews and practical guides on a variety of augers to help you choose and operate these tools effectively.
Safety Precautions When Drilling Holes
Augers are excellent heavy duty tools that are used for drilling holes. They are highly efficient and reliable at what they do. But like most pieces of machinery, they need to be treated seriously, with all appropriate safety requirements adhered to.
Some of the main safety considerations you’ll need to take before operating your earth auger include:
- Wearing appropriate safety equipment. This should include things such as steel-toed boots, safety goggles, hearing protection, and a hard hat. You should not wear loose clothing.
- Checking for power and utility lines. Make sure you have a good understanding of what’s underneath the ground. The last thing you want to do is to disrupt an electrical or utility network.
- Ensuring the work area is clear. You should remove all obstacles and make sure anyone not in protective gear is away from the site.
- Inspecting the auger before use. You should make sure all components of the auger are in good condition before commencing work.
- Learning about the safety mechanisms. In case something goes wrong, you should know how to stop your auger immediately and recognise where the safety mechanisms are located.
Which is Better – Electric or Gas Augers?
Like many pieces of machinery, operators can choose from both electric and gas models. Gas is on the way out in many industries, but the use of propane has seen a resurgence in this form of power.
There are notable benefits to both. For example, electric augers are usually more powerful than propane augers. They provide clean energy with no emissions and are usually easier to move. They do cost more, and you will need to make sure they have an excellent battery life before purchasing.
Be sure to check out our in-depth electric ice auger reviews for more information.
Alternatively, propane augers are cost-efficient and much lighter than older gas models. The propane tanks will need moving about, but they’re not usually that heavy. And even with propane being a form of gas, there are no obvious fumes or excess emissions.
FAQ
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What is an ice auger used for?
As the name suggests, operators use ice augers to safely drill deep holes into thick ice. Traditionally, they were hand operated - now, it's more common to have an electrical model. These deep holes allow for ice fishing.
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Auger blades resemble large screws, and they essentially serve the same purpose. As the point enters the ice or earth, helical blades begin to drill into the earth while simultaneously removing the material that is disrupted. This process is known as flighting and is highly efficient at creating clear holes.
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How can I stay safe on the ice when using an ice auger?
You'll need to follow many of the same safety tips as you would when drilling into the earth. However, ice comes with other obvious dangers. You must test the ice before drilling - this involves looking out for any clear signs of cracking. You should drill into clear ice rather than cloudy, and make sure that you wear ice picks and have a long throw rope ready.
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Are there any specific techniques when using an auger?
As part of our general auger tips, you should take it nice and steady when using an auger, particularly when on the ice. You'll want to apply consistent downward pressure, operating with an even pace. If you try for too much too soon, you risk cracking the ice. You should also periodically lift the drill out of the ground to remove all of the excess ice, dirt, or debris.
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How do I maintain my auger?
To guarantee your auger remains in top condition, make sure to check your drill bit regularly. If there are signs of wear and tear, or the blades have become blunt, consider replacing them. Apply oil to the mechanisms to prevent rust. When storing, make sure you keep your auger in a dry environment.
