Choosing the right auger comes down to how often you ice fish, how many holes you drill, how remote your spot is, and how much weight you want to carry. Below we break down the most common auger types, their strengths, and when each makes sense.

Hand Augers

Hand augers are the simplest — a cutting bit mounted on a shaft with a hand crank or T-handle. They require no fuel or batteries and are light and compact.

Best for: Occasional anglers, short sessions, or when you want the lightest kit for long walks on the ice.

Our pick: THUNDERBAY Hand Ice Fishing Auger with Dual Curved Blades, 4-8 Inch

Gas-Powered Augers

Gas augers are the workhorses for anglers who need speed and power. They use 2-stroke (or sometimes 4-stroke) engines to spin larger diameter bits through thick ice quickly.

Best for: Guides, anglers drilling many holes, or those fishing thick, heavy ice where speed and torque matter most.

Our pick: Eskimo Quantum Ice Auger

Cordless (Battery) Electric Augers

Cordless/ battery-powered augers have become very popular because they offer a balance of portability and power without the noise and fumes of gas engines.

Best for: Day-trippers and anglers who prioritize quiet performance and portability but still want powered drilling.

Our pick: ION Electric Ice Auger Series

Corded Electric Augers

Corded electric augers plug into a nearby power source and are usually used where a generator or shore power is available (e.g., on a permanent ice shack or when using a portable generator).

Best for: Ice houses, docks, or setups where power is reliably available and you want uninterrupted drilling.

Ice Chippers, Spud Bars & Specialty Tools

While not an auger, spud bars and ice chippers are essential manual tools for clearing slush, widening holes, or finishing when an auger struggles. Some anglers also choose specialty bits (two-blade vs. three-blade, serrated edges, etc.) to match their conditions.

Best for: Every angler’s kit as a backup and for fine-tuning drilled holes.

Our pick: Eskimo CH7 52.5-inch Single-Action Head Design Ice Chisel

How to Choose the Right Auger for You

Consider these key factors when selecting an auger:

Frequency & volume: If you’ll drill a lot of holes every trip, powered options pay off. For occasional use, a hand auger or a cordless with a spare battery may be ideal.

Ice thickness: Heavier ice favors gas augers or high-torque cordless models.

Portability: If you hike far from shore, lightweight hand or battery augers win.

Noise & environment: If quiet is important (early mornings, remote lakes), battery models are much quieter than gas.

Budget & maintenance: Hand augers and corded electrics are simpler and cheaper to maintain than gas engines.

Maintenance & Safety Tips

• Keep blades sharp — sharp cutters make faster, cleaner holes and reduce strain on the motor or your arms.
• Follow manufacturer maintenance for engines and batteries — fuel mix, spark plugs, battery care, and storage matter.
• Always use protective gloves when handling auger bits and a sheath when storing.
• When using gas augers, allow cool-down time, and transport fuel safely in approved containers.
• Drill test holes and check ice thickness before venturing far; never assume consistent ice cover.