Hand auger preference

Geezle · #1 12-09-2010, 07:33 AM

So there are basically two styles of handle you can get on a hand auger. Either the one with the handle directly above the blade, so you put weight down on it with one hand, and turn it with the other, or the offset handle where you're cranking with both arms.

I've read that the offset style is more efficent, but I'm not entirely sure...I think I like the one with the handle above the blade better. One has always had a better set of blades than the other though, so I've never really compared apples to apples, so to speak. I should have my blades back from being sharpened soon though, so I'll have two good sets and I'll be able to do a side by side comparison.

So for those of you who rock the hand auger, do you have a preference for one style over the other?

Winch101 · #2 12-09-2010, 07:40 AM

I think the one where your hand is attached to the pull cord .

The offset one is better in poor ice , soft , rotten late season .

you can get more torque on it . Pushing and getting your weight behind it is easier....

My .04 cents

Sundancefisher · #3 12-09-2010, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Geezle

So there are basically two styles of handle you can get on a hand auger. Either the one with the handle directly above the blade, so you put weight down on it with one hand, and turn it with the other, or the offset handle where you're cranking with both arms.

I've read that the offset style is more efficent, but I'm not entirely sure...I think I like the one with the handle above the blade better. One has always had a better set of blades than the other though, so I've never really compared apples to apples, so to speak. I should have my blades back from being sharpened soon though, so I'll have two good sets and I'll be able to do a side by side comparison.

So for those of you who rock the hand auger, do you have a preference for one style over the other?

I have used both.

I find that your average person has difficulty with the offset. Loaning the offset handle to someone to drill holes usually ends up with bent or dull blades as they try to drill.

Straight up and down is easiest.

All in all though...sharp blades make 110% of the importance of any style you choose.

Sun

P.S. I have not seen an offset handle that is not fold down. In order to use a drill system it has to come apart.

Penner · #4 12-09-2010, 01:02 PM

I have both styles. Once you know how to use it the offset handle auger is far better, no contest. Key is in the operation. You do not need weight to be pushed down to drill with these offset hand augers and you must turn both hands equally. It's awkward at first and it takes a few holes to figure out the rhythm but she’s gravy once you figure it out.

I have an 8" with offset handles and I've augured several 3ft deep holes in a day by myself. I'm only 5'-9" and 170lbs. With 2 guys, as quick as a power auger on the first hole. Then stamina will take over and machine will always win.

Albertafisher · #5 12-09-2010, 01:58 PM

I have to say I like offset 100x better, it makes life easier because you don't need to lean on the shaft while turning.

Big Red 250 · #6 12-09-2010, 02:38 PM

Buy the cheapest one.

sharrozap · #7 12-09-2010, 03:31 PM

I have Swede Bore 6" offset, last week changed the blades after 10 winters drilling holes. I was thinking to buy power auger, but decided to stick to my hand auger. 3 feet ice I can drill in 2-3 min., good exercise when is cold and auger is very light. I tried strait one - never like it.

trainerdave · #8 12-09-2010, 05:54 PM

I have an old -like 35 year old- mora 6"auger with the non offset...good razor sharp blades with a well aligned shim system...3 feet in 1.5 minutes for the first 3 holes or so...The 8 inch hand cranker-same design as above- bought last year takes about 3 times as long...so...It becomes a workout...6" or less not worth spending the cash for a gas unit...But, if plenty of 8" or 10" holes are drilled per day, power augers are nice...8" is the largest hand crank and you may have to double them up (figure 8 style) if you are catching big slough sharks...until you hit about 30 lb pike or so-then you will likely just hyperventilate and pass out unless you find a way to keep your brain from sending you a message that this fish might like to swallow your face...no matter how big the hole is. It is very unlikely to find a pike that big..and hopefully for W.C. this winter...you never know...

However...for most of us-you could mount a big cordless drill on a 6 inch auger...Sundancefisher uses a 5" with a cordless for perch and small rainbows/etc. Clean and quiet and totally rips the ice-in a hurry-without the need for too much sweat. Like 1 minute per hole. If I could get my old auger apart (totally seized from years of cranking) I would definitely try an 18v drill mounted on the top...not sure if anyone here has tried the big drill on an 8" for longevity of batteries...one may need a few batteries for a trip with the bigger "pike sized" augers-an 8" or even double 8...unless you are fishing in front of the house or cabin a power source may be tough to find...

seahawkfisher · #9 12-09-2010, 06:08 PM

a good set of blades on my 8" swede (not off set) and i'm good to go. sure i'd like a power auger but for portability in early / late season you can't ask for more. i tell ya, when we pulled the chord right outta my buddy's strikemaster, my hand auger worked wayyyyyyyyy beter

cheers

slingshotz · #10 12-09-2010, 10:01 PM

Offset for sure. Using both arms is less tiring over the long run. If the blades are sharp you should never need to push down so in theory the non-offset ones bend the blades faster.

It does get a little used to at first but since I was never used to the non-offset ones, it didn't affect me.