02-13-2023, 02:03 AM
(This post was last modified: 02-16-2023, 06:29 PM by FishfulThinkin.)
I went electric quite a few years ago and opted for the clam drill plate with a cordless drill. The older version Clam required removal of the drill chuck and mounting the drill to the plate which is not convenient when you need to use the drill. Solution: I bought a bare tool on new ebay for $40. Yes, the bare tool cost me less than a new battery. Anyway, I have never removed that drill from the clam and I can use the same batteries for all my cordless tools. I know getting into drill brands becomes a Ford-Chevy argument but I researched quite a bit and ended up with a high torque Ridgid 1/2" hammer drill from Home depot. It came in a set with an impact and 2 big batteries. The deciding factor? Lifetime guarantee on tool and batteries. I expected the drill would need to be replaced due to the high torque punishment of drilling 6" and 8" holes in the ice but after thousands of holes drilled the last 10 years the drill is still good as new. However one of the batteries went bad and was easily replaced under the lifetime warranty. My whole setup including a new 6" auger cost me less than $200 and is still working as good as when new.