So, you are an ice angler. Cool, but we know it’s not easy to get through the ice and get to your catch. No need to worry, because you can get yourself one of the best cordless drills for ice auger to help you penetrate hard ice.
That said, picking the perfect tool is not a walk in the park. In this review, we will cover everything you need to know about acquiring a cordless drill for your ice fishing.
Read on to find out more!
Our Top Picks
 | Editor’s Top Choice: | Dewalt DCD996BR Cordless Drill |
| | Runner Up: | Makita XPH11RB Cordless Drill Kit |
| | Highest Drilling Rate: | DEWALT DCD950KX Drill Kit |
| | Best Rated: | Milwaukee 2704-22 M18 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit |
| | Budget Friendly: | Craftsman CMCD710C2 Drill/Driver Kit |
Comparison of Top Performance Cordless Drill for Ice Augers
Before we delve deeper into the details, here’s a comparison list for you. The list is meant to provide a rough idea of what each one of our top picks provides.
Buying Guide – Choosing Top Quality
As you begin the search for the perfect cordless drill to help with your angling, you want to consider several crucial factors. These will help you narrow down your choices as well as make an informed purchase. Some of these factors are:
Motor Power
This one of the most important factors to consider. The motor of the drill will determine the tool’s level of power.
Nowadays, the most popular motors for cordless drills are the brushless ones as they deliver durability, power, and speed.
Voltage Range
Perhaps you are aware of this but, if not, a higher voltage translates to a more powerful drill.
Most of the cordless drills on the market have a voltage ranging from 12V to 20V, which is acceptable.
Torque Power
This is another factor that gauges the power of drills. You want to be assured that your drill’s motor will hold up until you finish drilling into thick ice layers.
As such, you want to go for a minimum torque of 750 pounds. You can find this information in the product description, but if it is not available, you should always inquire before purchasing so you do not end up with a useless tool.
Battery Life
As you will soon discover, most cordless drills operate on lithium-ion batteries; these guarantee long hours of run time without the need to recharge.
To that effect, you want to ensure that the drill you pick includes a battery with 18V or more. Alternatively, you can have extra batteries for interchanging when one dies.
You’ll also need to find the balance between the battery’s durability and its weight so that you do not have a heavy tool in your hands that is likely to die in the middle of a drilling session.
Product Warranty
This is a word of caution: Never settle for a drill that does not include a reasonable warranty. There is no telling if your tool will malfunction, and we can bet you do not want to pay for a replacement or repair.
In that regard, you want to pick a drill with a five-year warranty as standard procedure. However, if a drill comes with a lesser warranty period, ensure that you check its ratings to gauge its durability.
As we mentioned before, choosing a quality battery-powered drill for ice auger is not an easy task. That is why we have compiled the following list of some of the top-rated ones.
Review of the 9 Best Ice Auger Cordless Drills on the Market
1. DeWalt DCD996BR Cordless Hammer Drill
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Maximum Power: 820 watts
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Battery Capacity: 5 Ah
- Maximum Speed: 2,000 RPM
- Chuck Size: 1/16″ to 1/2″
- Item Weight: 4.4 pounds
The DEWALT DCD996BR opens up our list, and rightfully so because this tool is quite powerful with its 20V battery, two of which you’ll receive when you purchase it.
It also features three speed variants to guarantee that you drill into stubborn ice with accuracy.
What We Liked
Moreover, since it comes with two batteries, you never have to worry about running out of power because you can easily swap them.
What we like most about this drill is that it is fitted with an LED light to illuminate any dark areas as you drill.
What Could Have Been Better
This product comes with a 110V charger, which is a bit slow if you do not have the time to wait until the battery is fully recharged.
We feel that the manufacturer should have considered including a fast charger for better efficiency and time savings.
Customer Review Section
- Three-mode speed
- Comes with two batteries
- Built-in LED light
- Slow charger
2. Makita XPH11RB Cordless Hammer Driver-Drill Kit – Runner Up
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Maximum Power: 350 watts
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Battery Capacity: 2.0Ah
- Speed: 1700 RPM
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13mm
- Item Weight: 1.99 pounds
With just 2.9 pounds of weight, you will not feel like you have a drill in your hands when using this product.
Additionally, the Makita XPH11RB can go up to 25,500 BPM per second.
What We Liked
It comes with waterproof seals, which make it durable. This means that even after using this drill for years, it will still deliver the same performance it did when it was new.
What Could Have Been Better
The product description of this drill states that it comes with a hard plastic case. However, users have reported that what they got after buying was a soft tool bag.
We think that the manufacturer should have given a correct product description to avoid mistrust with customers and potential buyers.
Customer Review Section
- 700 RPM for precision drilling
- Compact
- LED lights
- Misleading product description
3. DEWALT DCD950KX Hammer Drill Kit – Highest Drilling Rate
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Maximum Power: 300 watts
- Battery Type: NiCAD
- Speed: 2,000 RPM
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13mm
- Item Weight: 4.5 pounds
When we talk about the DEWALT DCD950KX, we are talking about a tool that can not only drill through ice but concrete, wood, and steel as well. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
With a high-efficiency motor, this tool makes drilling through ice easy and fast.
What We Liked
The DCD950KX features a comfortable grip and a sturdy body. This works to guarantee accurate drilling. We love that it also comes with a side handle that rotates 360 degrees, giving you better and unlimited control.
What Could Have Been Better
Although the product description states that this is a quality tool, there have been reports of it falling apart after light use.
The manufacturer should have put more into the durability of this drill.
Customer Review Section
- Comfortable grip
- LED light
- Decent battery life
- Not as durable
4. Milwaukee 2704-22 M18 Hammer Drill/Driver Kit
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Maximum Power: 800 watts
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Torque: 1,200 in-lbs
- Maximum Speed: 2,000 RPM
- Maximum Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Item Weight: 3.5 pounds
This drill comes with a decent amount of torque and this makes it one of the most convenient drills to use on this list.
The exterior of this tool has been refurbished from earlier models to be more durable, and it comes with extra batteries to keep your drill running for as long as you need.
What We Liked
It boasts 1,200 torque pounds and an RPM of 2,000. With this tool, you will not have difficulty drilling through ice, no matter how stubborn it is.
What Could Have Been Better
The dovetail of this drill appears to be weak according to reviews by users, and this compromises its quality and performance.
We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on that during the production process and rectified before releasing the product to the market.
Customer Review Section
- Powerful motor
- Easy to use
- Includes accessories such as a bit holder and case
- Prone to overheating
5. Craftsman CMCD710C2 Cordless Drill/Driver Kit – Budget Friendly
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Maximum Power: 350 watts
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Maximum Speed: 1,900 RPM
- Maximum Chuck Size: 3/8″
- Item Weight: 6.3 pounds
Remember what we said about brushless motors earlier in this article? Well, this CRAFTSMAN cordless drill has such a motor, so you can imagine how powerful it is.
Additionally, its chuck can accommodate different bits for a variety of applications; drilling through ice should be the least of your worries.
What We Liked
What we loved most about the tool is that it is easy to operate, hence making it ideal for beginners.
What Could Have Been Better
As powerful as this drill is, it does not come with extra bits. This is quite unfortunate as it limits drilling.
The manufacturer should have included bits to allow for different drilling depths and diameters.
Customer Review Section
- Sturdy
- Great battery life
- Lightweight
- Loud
6. Ryobi P1813 Cordless Hammer Drill
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Speed: 1,800 RPM
- Torque: 750 inch pounds
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13 mm
- Item Weight: 7.7 pounds
The last thing you want while you are ice fishing is to find yourself with a dead drill. Fortunately, you are unlikely to go through that with the Ryobi P1813.
This product has a four hour amp battery, which is one of the longest-lasting batteries of all Ryobi drills.
What We Liked
With its powerful battery, RPM, and torque, you will find it is hard to come across another drill with those specs for the same price.
We love that it comes with a carry bag as well.
What Could Have Been Better
It seems that the charger that comes with this drill is prone to malfunctioning. We feel that there was an issue during production, and the manufacturer should have confirmed that everything was in top condition before introducing the product to the market.
Customer Review Section
- Long-lasting battery
- Three modes
- Includes magnetic bit holder
- Loose drill chuck
7. Porter-Cable PCCK607LB Cordless Drill / Driver Kit
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Maximum Speed: 1,800 RPM
- Maximum Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Item Weight: 5 pounds
The PORTER-CABLE PCCK607LB Cordless Drill Driver comes with a brushless motor to give you 50% more runtime. We are sure you will love that if you have lots of drilling to do.
Additionally, this tool is lightweight at only 5 lbs.
What We Liked
However, what we found most appealing about this tool is that it is lightweight and compact, hence ideal for carrying around.
What Could Have Been Better
According to user reviews, the chuck of this drill slips and does not hold on to drill bits, which is quite frustrating.
We feel that the manufacturer should have reinforced the chuck to ensure it performs its job properly.
Customer Review Section
- Lightweight
- Great battery life
- Comfortable grip
- Not durable
8. Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 Hammer Drill
- Voltage: 18 volts
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Maximum Speed: 2,000 RPM
- Torque: 1, 200 in-lbs
- Maximum Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Item Weight: 3.2 pounds (tool only)
From the reputable brand, Milwaukee, comes this M18 hammer drill. It features a brushless motor that will supply you with all the power you need to drill through layers of ice.
Additionally, this drill comes with Redlink intelligence to safeguard the battery from damage and overload.
What We Liked
The brushless motor of this tool equips it with great power. However, what we loved most about this drill is that it comes with a feature to safeguard against damage to the battery.
Another thing is that this tool's battery has remarkable holding power, so you never have to worry about your drill dying while in use.
What Could Have Been Better
As much as this tool is powerful, some users have reported that it fell apart after a few days of light use. Knowing how much power it has, the manufacturer should have ensured that this drill was durable enough to handle it.
Customer Review Section
- Powerful motor
- Battery protection
- Great battery life
- Not durable
9. Skil DL527502 20V Cordless Drill
- Voltage: 20 volts
- Battery Type: Lithium-ion
- Maximum Speed: 1,450 RPM
- Torque: 350 in-lbs
- Maximum Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Item Weight: 2.11 pounds
This is the drill for you if you are looking for something with a prolonged battery life that charges quickly.
The battery can charge up to 25% within 5 minutes and gives you longer runtime since each cell is covered with temperature control material.
What We Liked
We also love that this product comes as a set comprising everything you may need to drill.
Customer Review Section
- Ergonomic handle
- User friendly
- Fast charging
- Lacks expected power output
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have tackled some commonly asked questions that may be of help.
Do I need a hammer drill for ice auger?
No, you don't, but you can always have one to use on the ice. That said, you should never use the hammer mode directly on ice.
Do drill ice augers work?
Yes, they do, but only on new ice that is no more than 10 inches thick. If the ice is thicker, you will find it difficult to use them.
Our Top Pick
We have assessed all nine cordless drills for ice auger on this list, and our top pick is the DEWALT DCD996BR.
Not only is this drill powerful, but it also comes with three speed options to help you drill through ice with precision.
With its 20V battery, you can drill away without worrying about the drill going off.
Final Opinion
To drill through ice, you need a cordless drill—one that is lightweight and powerful, as well. As you have seen, there are various products to pick from, so the process may not be easy.
Nevertheless, we have taken the hard work out of it, so you can now make an easy and informed choice.