02-13-2023, 01:49 PM
Another vote for a high torque drill. Smaller than a dedicated auger and with the tent stake bit, putting in those ice screws is a breeze. That alone makes drills a better choice for me. Don’t think an Ion will screw in the stakes. I don’t like 10 inch holes. Too easy for kids to put a foot through it. 10 “ probably better if going for lakers. My Milwaukee M18 is the hammer drill, has a removable side handle. I don’t use a gear reduction plate, just a StrikeMaster lite flite 8”. It has a plate so the auger can’t fall thru the hole. Only ever used one battery. Also bought a Milwaukee light that uses the same batter for nighttime fishing. With auger detached, fits in my sled better than an Ion or other dedicated auger. Plus I have a killer drill the rest of the year. I’ll bet the Ion’s tolerate moisture better than the drills. I keep my drill covered if it’s snowing.