Which Screwdriver To Choose For An Ice Screw

Requirements for the parameters of the screwdriver

The choice of a screwdriver for an ice screw is based on the tasks facing him, namely, to work well and for a long time:

• First of all, when choosing a screwdriver, you need to pay attention to its power. It should be at least 18 V. If finances allow, it is better to opt for models with a voltage of 36 V, since the more powerful the instrument, the easier it will be able to cope with thick ice.
• The second important indicator is torque. The principle “the more the better” also works here. The minimum indicators for the right choice are 50-70 Nm, but if there is an opportunity to acquire a more advanced model (80-90 Nm), you should not deny yourself this pleasure. After all, the higher the torque, the easier the drilling process itself will be. Such an ice screw can handle even the driest and thickest ice.
• One of the main requirements for a screwdriver is reliability and durability. As a result, it is better to give preference to proven brands of domestic and foreign manufacturers, which have already managed to prove themselves from the best side.
• In order to avoid wringing of the brushes, an additional handle should be located on the screwdriver, thanks to which the ice screw can be held with both hands. This will protect your limbs from unnecessary injuries that can ruin the fishing experience.

Next, you have to decide what kind of battery you need so that after a few minutes your Screwdriver does NOT turn into an Unnecessary unit, uselessly dragged around the reservoir. Basically, anglers choose three types of batteries:

• Li-Ion batteries. They charge quickly, are lightweight, but do not tolerate severe frosts. However, the latest models of lithium-ion batteries are designed for use at low temperatures, but they still have to be removed and periodically hidden in the bosom;
• Nickel cadmium batteries. They are highly frost-resistant, but make the ice screw heavier;
• Nickel metal hydride battery. The most optimal battery for a screwdriver, representing something in between the above batteries.

As practice has shown, most often anglers prefer nickel-cadmium batteries. Despite their weight, they cope with the main duty of a good ice screw. to break through any ice, and not paying attention to severe frosts. And this, you see, is an important factor in winter fishing.

Battery capacity is not in the last place when choosing a Screwdriver. It should not be less than 2.5-3 Ah, in order to have time to drill several dozen holes before the battery is completely discharged.

Adapter for ice screw for screwdriver

An adapter is a must for any ice screw. He will play the role of a connecting element between the Screwdriver and the working drill directly. Using an adapter, you can convert a conventional manual ice drill into an electric one, correctly calculating the dimensions and diameter of all components.

An adapter for an ice screwdriver consists of two halves:

• Hexagonal or four-sided screwdriver side (about 2.6 cm);
• A round shaft for b (about 6.8 cm), in which a hole is drilled for the mounting bolt. Standard fit diameters. 18 mm or 22 mm.

If desired, each angler can make an adapter himself, picking up a steel bar of a suitable diameter for it and asking the milling machine to grind one edge into a shank for attaching to the Screwdriver. All that remains is to drill a hole to fix the adapter with the ice screw tube.

Metabo BS 18 LTX Impuls

Quite tolerable model with a number of advantages: removable battery 4-5.2 Ah with a voltage of 18 V, light weight. 2 kg, torque. 110 Nm; additional handle. Average. The only drawback is an impact screwdriver, which often causes some inconvenience when drilling ice.

Makita 6337 DWDE

The best combination of price and quality. Nickel-metal hydride battery with a voltage of 14.4 V. Capacity. 2.5 Ah. The torque is 65 Nm. Cordless screwdriver. Charging time is 1 hour. Weight. 2.1 kg. Has auto-reverse. Average. There is also a drawback. the lack of an additional handle. Not fatal, but still unpleasant.

Makita DDF441RFE

It has a powerful motor, fast chuck and reverse function. Equipped with a 3 Ah lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 14.4 V. Its torque is 70 Nm. Has an additional handle. Manufacturer’s warranty. 1 year.

Bosch GSR 18 VE-EC 0 L-BOXX

The very name of the Bosch company that manufactures this Screwdriver speaks of its quality. Unstressed. The torque is 75 Nm. Reverse. Adjustable speed. Lithium-ion battery with 18 volt voltage. Equipped with an additional handle. Average.

How to choose a screwdriver for an ice screw

If on the first ice, when its thickness has not yet become too critical, it is also possible to do with an ice drill, then when the thickness of the ice shell increases, the angler will NOT be able to do without the help of an ice screw.

And its best Alternative for people who do not particularly like to carry bulky and heavy hand or motorized drills, will be an ordinary Screwdriver. But the first question that a fisherman faces is which screwdriver to choose for an ice screw?

Rating of the five best screwdrivers for an ice screw

ZUBR DAI-18-2-Li KNM4

An excellent domestic screwdriver that can compete with eminent foreign brands. The torque is 60 Nm. The battery is a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.5 Ah and a voltage of 18 V. An additional handle is not provided. Charging time. 1 hour. Quite acceptable model, average.

Bosch GSR 18

This model has a slightly more powerful engine. 63 Nm, but the weight of the device is noticeably higher. The set also includes 2 18 V batteries with a capacity of 2 Ah. Of the minuses, users note the tendency of the chuck to self-unscrew.

Makita DHP458RFE

This model differs from the 481RTE version in its ability to hammer very quickly, which will be very useful for home repairs, but not for fishing. Despite the similar price to it. about 20,000 rubles, this screwdriver has a significantly lower torque value. 91 Nm, and the battery capacity is only 3 Ah.

Which adapter for the screwdriver is better to take

Oddly enough, but for your ice auger you will need a special adapter, which would allow you to connect the brown and the drive shaft of the screwdriver itself. over, this adapter must have a special handle for which you will hold on with your left hand, and the handle of the screwdriver itself will be in your other hand. It is worth taking care of insurance. a special limiter, which will NOT allow the ice screw to fall into the hole if it jumps out of the cartridge. NOT every adapter will fit your drill. It is better to find out this point in advance in the description of the device.

ZUBR DAI-18-2-Li KNM4

This screwdriver attracts, first of all, by its low price. less than 9,000 rubles and a fairly high power. the torque in it is 60 Nm. This should be enough for drilling with a drill with a screw 100-110 mm in diameter. The set includes two Li-Ion batteries 18 V and a capacity of 1.5 Ah. They should be enough for 15-20 holes. The small case with the charger is convenient to use, and if desired, it can be protected by thermal insulation. The machine is compact and lightweight. only 1.7 kg. What is very important. the battery packs are flat here and it is very convenient to hide them under a jacket while fishing.

Dewalt DCD791P2

The power of this screwdriver reaches 70 Nm, which can be called optimal for use with an ice screw. But the price here is also significantly higher in comparison with weaker counterparts. The set also includes 2 batteries each for 5 Ah with a voltage of 18 V. With such a capacity, one set will be enough for you for a one-day fishing.

Makita DDF481RTE

This screwdriver is focused on professional use, which is why it is so high. The power of 115 Nm gives reason to hope that it will be enough for many many deep holes. Protect the main hand from dislocation when biting brown in ice. The set includes 2 batteries, each with a capacity of 5 Ah and a voltage of 18 V.

Which screwdriver is best for an ice screw 6 reliable models

Winter ice fishing is both active outdoor recreation and a serious hobby that requires skills and good equipment. Along with fishing rods and a tackle box, an ice drill is needed. A screwdriver will make it easier to drill holes.

Many winter fishing enthusiasts pay attention to more advanced anglers who use unusual devices for drilling holes, which allow using a screwdriver to significantly speed up the ice drilling process. Thus, two tasks are solved at once: facilitating the very laborious process of drilling and increasing productivity in this matter. But which screwdriver to choose for drilling ice?

Seasoned fishermen often treat such innovations with fair criticism, because K. Real winter fishing is a kind of sport for men of all ages. Try it, walk 1-2 km in full ammunition along a frozen reservoir or river to a suitable fishing point, and then work your hands and body decently, manually storm 5-10 holes. This is a really decent load for the body.

But sometimes it is drilling that becomes too burdensome, especially for the elderly, when fishing has to do more than 10 holes to find fish. And if the ice rises over 600 mm or has water layers, then the task becomes difficult even for very high quality brown ice. The question arises, which screwdriver to choose for an ice screw?

That is why (and of course, for those who do not really want to sweat in the icy wind), many users began to use automation with the introduction of a screwdriver. But not everything is as easy with this electric autonomous assistants as it seems. Here are just some of the features that light drilling enthusiasts have to face.

Which storm is suitable for working with a screwdriver

Experienced users say it is unambiguous. with the right rotation. This is due to the fact that all screwdrivers are designed specifically for standard drilling and screwing the screws to the right. Yes, they also have a reverse mode, but the chuck and the inner sleeve are NOT designed for heavy loads in left-hand rotation.

This means that your storms should also be right-handed, while some domestic brands are designed for counter-clockwise drilling. If you have just such a storm, then for a screwdriver you will either need to change it, or overload expensive electric tools with a reverse motion. Below we will tell you which screwdriver is better to choose for an ice screw.

What power should be a screwdriver

Experts have found out by practical tests that the minimum power of a screwdriver for use with an ice screw should be more than 60 Nm. T.K. Most of these tools for typical use and with an acceptable price of 2,000-5,000 rubles have a torque of about 15-45 Nm, it becomes clear that this pleasure will NOT be cheap. According to preliminary estimates, screwdrivers with a torque of 60-110 Nm cost from 8,000 to 35,000 rubles. In addition, such a powerful device will weigh a lot. 2-3 kg, including the battery. This allows you to understand which screwdriver is best suited for an ice screw.

But for inexpensive screwdrivers, manufacturers have made a kind of solution. an adapter with a built-in gear reducer, which lowers the output speed, thereby reducing the load on one screwdriver. This way you can save on the purchase of an expensive power tool if you already have a less powerful model. But the adapter itself with a built-in gearbox costs about 5,000 rubles.

Types of batteries for a screwdriver

The choice of a feeding element deserves special attention, since the duration of the autonomous operation of the instrument and its benefits from being in the things of a fisherman depend on it. An incorrectly selected battery will NOT allow you to use the screwdriver as long as necessary, which will turn it into an unnecessary accessory.

The following types of batteries are currently used in the power tool:

• Lithium-ion. They are characterized by increased charging speed, low weight, large volume. The disadvantages include the loss of part of the charge at sub-zero ambient temperatures. Despite recent improvements, such a battery will still have to be hidden in the inner of the jacket during breaks between drilling holes.
• Nickel-cadmium. Easily tolerate negative air temperatures, but have a high mass.
• Nickel metal hydride. They are the best choice for a screwdriver, as they represent the golden mean between the above two types of batteries.

Makita 6337DWD

A less expensive model from this manufacturer, which is only slightly inferior in performance. Can be used if the angler does NOT need to drill too many holes.

Tool connection adapter

Having decided to automate the process of drilling holes, you need to take care not only in buying a screwdriver, but also in a special adapter, which will allow you to connect two tools into a single whole. The adapter will allow you to convert a standard manual ice drill into a mechanized one. It is a fairly simple design, consisting of the following parts:

• Hex or square end for a secure fit in the screwdriver.
• The hollow tube at the second end, which is worn over the base, is brown. Several holes were drilled in it to fix the connection with bolts. Standard diameter is 18mm or 22mm.

Many craftsmen make the adapter on their own, while re-equipping the standard model of the ice screw. This requires:

• Cut the handle in two.
• Fasten the pin inside the base of the ice screw with two bolts.
• Process the second end of the pin with an angle grinder, shaped with squares.
• Drill two holes in the handle for attaching to the ice screw if manual drilling is required.
• The drilling handle is made of polypropylene pipe, fixed with a washer and a bolt. It is necessary for convenience, and also will not allow the ice screw to fall into the hole if the pin falls out of the screwdriver.

Bosch GSR 18 VE-EC 0 L-BOXX

This ice screwdriver has a torque of 75 Nm. The maximum number of revolutions is 2100 The lithium-ion battery has an increased energy density, which is achieved with this manufacturing technology. Its capacity is 4 Ah, power is 18V.

AEG BSB18CBL

The screwdriver is equipped with two 5 Ah lithium-ion batteries, which is a record among the models presented. Battery power. 18V. Maximum speed 2100 Torque. 75 Nm.

Metabo BS 18 LTX Impuls

The impact driver has a torque of up to 110 Nm. The chuck is quick-release, which will allow you to forget about using a special key, which is easy to lose on the way. Power is 18V, removable battery capacity is 4 Ah.

The rotation speed is regulated by two parameters:

• At the first, it is 500 rpm;
• On the second 1700 rpm. maximum.

Rating of the best screwdrivers for an ice ax

Winter fishing automatically implies the use of an ice screw, because in other ways it will NOT work to get to the water column. This tool is powered by hand or motor. However, motorized options are used for drilling holes with a diameter of more than 200 mm, while the most demanded range is 120-150 mm. Therefore, many fishermen began to use screwdrivers as a rotating element. They are more compact, lighter and less expensive.

In the current material, we will figure out which screwdriver to choose for an ice screw, taking into account various aspects of the technical characteristics of the tool.

Review of the best models of screwdrivers

We present to your attention a selection of the most suitable screwdriver models in terms of parameters. They are made by renowned manufacturers, this technique has been on the market for a long time and has good quality.

Makita DDF441RFE

The screwdriver is equipped with a 3 Ah lithium-ion battery. The voltage power is 14.4V. The set includes a second battery of the same capacity. Full charge time is 1 hour. The torque in this model is 70 Nm. The maximum number of revolutions is 1.7 thousand. The high-speed mode is selected from three switch positions. Weight. 2.3 kg.

If the question arises, which wrench to choose for an ice screw, then you can focus on the same parameters and manufacturers.

Dewalt DCD791D2 70 Nm

Cordless drill / driver on the Li-lon DeWALT 20V MAX cordless platform. The choice of professionals. There is a great combination of lightness and Amazing power.

Thanks to the brushless motor, stable operation of the tool is achieved at any time of the year.

The model has a built-in LED light bulb with three backlight modes.

Trouble-free reversing ensures that fasteners and drills are neatly removed from the base if they get stuck. The manufacturer offers a complete package with the possibility of expansion.

Characteristics:

• Keyless chuck diameter. 1.5-13 mm;
• Speed ​​at max. Speeds. 2000 per minute;
• Full torque. 70 Nm;
• Battery capacity. 2 Ah;
• Voltage. 18 V;
• Charging time. 1 hour;
• Dimensions. 17.5×20.3 cm;
• Weight. 1.5 kg.

Advantages:

• Lightness and compactness, but with sufficient weight;
• Fits well in the hand;
• High moment;
• Metal chuck with convenient tool change;
• Strong brushless motor;
• Effective protection against dust and moisture.

Disadvantages:

Dewalt DCD796P2 460 W 70 Nm

Powerful and professional screwdriver with built-in impact drill. An easy-to-use, mobile tool.

It combines good technical characteristics and an impeccable result of the tasks performed.

Powered by Li-lon DeWALT 20V MAX battery platform and brushless motor.

Therefore, high drilling results are achieved on all substrates. The model has important options such as reverse, hammer drilling, speed controller, built-in light.

Characteristics:

• Keyless chuck diameter. 1.5-13 mm;
• The number of strokes per min. Speeds. 34000 rpm, revolutions. 2000;
• Torque. 7 Nm;
• Power. 4.6 kW;
• Battery capacity. 5 Ah;
• Voltage. 18 V;
• Includes case, charger, two batteries;
• Dimensions. 20.2×21.8×8 cm;
• Weight. 1.6 kg.

Advantages:

• For work in dark places;
• Resistant to low temperatures;
• Reliable battery system;
• Two speeds;
• Impact mechanism;
• Comfortable handle;
• Compactness and lightness.

Disadvantages:

TOP-10 best models rating

In this rating, we have collected for you the best models in terms of price, quality and reliability.

BOSCH GSR 18V-60 C

The hammerless drill / driver is designed according to the proprietary Bosch FlexiClick system. the most flexible and compact in its class. Attachments can be fixed in 16 positions at 360 degrees.

In the presence of a perforating tool, a 3-in-1 design is obtained. The model operates on a Li-lon BOSCH PRO-MIX 18 V battery system.

This allows you to work with the tool “wherever and whenever it is convenient.” Of the key functions, it is worth noting the automatic shutdown of the device in case of overheating, accidental blocking. Brushless motor features durability, endurance.

Characteristics:

• Keyless chuck diameter. 1.5-13 mm;
• Speed ​​at max. Speeds. 1900 per minute;
• Full torque. 60 Nm;
• Battery capacity. 5 Ah;
• Voltage. 18 V;
• Includes charger, 2 batteries, branded case L-Boxx;
• Dimensions. 17.3×24.8 cm;
• Weight. 1.74 kg.

Advantages:

• Lack of tool jerks;
• Charge level indicators;
• Optimized torque;
• Reverse function;
• Handle with Soft Grip;
• Light;
• Ratchet mechanism;
• Unique Bosch FlexiClick System for 5-in-1 Construction.

Disadvantages:

How to choose and what to look for?

• Pay attention to power. Depends on battery voltage. The higher the indicator, the easier the screwdriver copes with ice and various obstacles. The optimal value is from 18 V. If finances allow, then the best option is 36 V.
• For torque. The normal parameter is 50-70 Nm, the best is 80-90 Nm. This makes it easier to drill the hole.
• Decide on the type of battery. Lithium-ion batteries are popular. They are durable, hardy, have a longer battery life.
• With options. The second handle will NOT be superfluous for a more comfortable grip, an adapter for fixing the screwdriver to the ice ax.

Metabo BS 18 L BL

Powerful screwdriver with built-in hammer drill. Despite its small size, it belongs to the category of professional tools.

The design includes a brushless motor, two-speed gearbox. The work takes place on the platform LI-lon Metabo 18 V. This guarantees the flawless performance of the assigned tasks.

The model is created using Ultra-M technology, which means a combination of high maximum speed and gentle charging. Users note a competent arrangement of control buttons, a comfortable grip, lightweight design.

Characteristics:

• Keyless chuck diameter. 1.5-13 mm;
• Speed ​​at max. Speeds. 1850 rpm;
• Torque at full power. 60 Nm;
• Battery capacity. 2 Ah;
• Voltage. 18 V;
• Includes charging station, two batteries, storage box;
• Dimensions. 16.1×23.1×8.3 cm;
• Weight. 1.2 kg.

Advantages:

• Quality construction;
• Reverse mode;
• Excellent power;
• Long-life batteries;
• Long battery life;
• Convenient tool change.

Disadvantages:

• Poor quality plastic.

Dewalt DCD791P2 70 Nm

Cordless drill / screwdriver. The next generation model in the professional cordless tool range.

Has a high power output of 4.6 kW, an impeccable torque of 70 Nm.

The manufacturer equipped the device with a brushless motor, which is paired with a proprietary Li-lon DeWALT 20V MAX battery platform guarantees high performance with minimal battery consumption (about 30%).

With such indicators, the screwdriver has a compact size and low weight. It fits well in the hand, provides a secure grip due to the rubberized handle.

Characteristics:

• Keyless chuck diameter. 1.5-13 mm;
• Speed ​​at max. Speeds. 2000 rpm;
• Battery capacity. 5 Ah;
• Battery voltage. 18 V;
• Duration of system recharging. 1 hour;
• Includes branded storage box, charger, two batteries;
• Dimensions. 17.5×20.3 cm;
• Weight. 1.7 kg.

Advantages:

• Neon lights;
• Reverse;
• Overload and overheating protection system;
• Reliable and practical battery platform;
• Metal cam chuck;
• Silent operation of a two-speed gearbox;
• Second generation brushless motor.

Disadvantages:

• There is a slight backlash in the battery.

BOSCH GSR 18-2-LI Plus

Professional screwdriver with hammerless drill function. Has the best price / performance ratio among its brethren.

Designed with Bosch Heavy Duty technology to achieve new standards of power, reliability, durability.

The model is powered by Li-lon BOSCH PRO-MIX 18 V batteries with increased density.

The batteries are protected against overheating, overloading and deep discharge. Therefore, the user receives a high-tech device with a basic set of functions.

Characteristics:

• Keyless chuck diameter. 1.5-13 mm;
• Speed ​​at max. Speeds. 1900 per minute;
• Full torque. 63 Nm;
• Battery capacity. 2 Ah;
• Voltage. 18 V;
• Dimensions. 19.1×23 cm;
• Weight. 2 kg.

Advantages:

• Charge indicator;
• Reverse mode;
• Soft grip;
• Built-in LED lamp;
• Metal processing capability;
• Suitable for all types of construction work;
• Optimized torque;
• Dynamic brake function.

Disadvantages:

• Poor chuck fixation.

Advantages and disadvantages of ice axes equipped with a screwdriver

Compared to manual models, automated ice axes have a number of advantages. First of all, these are:

• Saving time. When the fish is passive, sometimes you have to look for it for a long time, making many holes. With a hand drill, you can spend hours searching, and the winter day is already short.
• Saving energy. No physical overstrain, just a little effort to hold the tool upright.
• Great opportunities. The redesigned ice ax is capable of handling any ice, even the driest and tightest.
• Silence. When the ice cover is clear, without snow, there is a loud echo from the blows of an ice pick on the reservoir. After that, the fish will NOT fit the hole for a long time. Another thing is an automated ice ax. It works Not only fast, but also quiet.
• Multifunctionality. It is not necessary to store the fixture fully assembled. The screwdriver can be removed and used in everyday life for its intended purpose.
• Self-esteem. Not every ice fishing enthusiast has such a device. Competitors who continue to hammer with an ice pick in the old fashioned way will glance from the side at the work of the wonder ice ax with undisguised envy.

Unfortunately, fishing shows some of the weaknesses of the power tool.

• Ice fishing takes place at low temperatures, which is a major problem. If at 10 ° C the device still somehow copes with its function, then in a more severe frost, you have to take out the battery and keep it in your bosom.
• Unstable work of devices with an ice ax, in which the auger rotates counterclockwise. After a certain number of revolutions, the adapter loosens and begins to slip in the chuck.

As you can see, this tool has much more advantages than disadvantages. They made him popular.

Which to choose?

Every angler, tired of working with his hands and making a choice in favor of improvement, is faced with the question of choosing a screwdriver. A number of requirements are put forward to this mechanism. What parameters you need Pay attention to when buying a screwdriver for an ice screw and which one to choose:

• Suitable for extreme conditions. In our case, these are low temperatures. Not every screwdriver is capable of working in frost, therefore, you should look in the device’s passport for information about at what temperature minimum it can be operated.
• Voltage. This parameter determines the performance of the screwdriver, that is, its power. There is one rule here: the higher the value, the more powerful the tool. An 18-volt device is suitable for fishing, but it is better to stop at its professional “relatives”, operating from 36 volts. He will surely cope with heavy loads.
• Rotational moment. This physical quantity, which determines the force of rotation of the working element, depends on how easy the drilling process will be. Here, too, you need to follow the principle: more is better. If there is no extra money, then you can limit yourself to a device operating in the range of 40-70 Nm (newton / meter), but if finances allow, it is worth buying a more advanced model. 80-90 Nm.
• Battery capacity. The larger it is, the longer the device can work without recharging. Typically, this parameter ranges from 1.5 to 4 Ah (ampere-hour). It is clear that with a 4 Ah battery on one charge it will be possible to drill more holes.
• Hull strength. In difficult winter fishing conditions, anything can happen. For example, during assembly, the screwdriver will accidentally slip out of your hands and hit hard ice. In order not to be disappointed in an automated ice ax on the very first day, you need to choose for it a high-quality screwdriver that is resistant to impacts and other mechanical influences.
• Lever. It is very convenient to use the device with a side handle. Thanks to this additional element, it can be reliably held with both hands and are not afraid to injure the hand.

Screwdriver for an ice screw. an overview of the best models

Not a single self-respecting winter fisherman does NOT appear on a frozen pond without an ice ax. This is as much a must-have element of ice fishing as a fishing rod or a box. Of course, you can go without it, count on the holes left by your colleagues, but even after a slight snowfall, finding them will be very problematic. Walking is also NOT the best option. With an ice thickness of more than 20 cm, you will have to work until you sweat, after which fishing becomes not a joy. With an ice pick, everything is easier, especially if its knives are well and correctly sharpened. It only takes a few minutes to drill, and the rest of the time you can enjoy your favorite activity.

In recent years, an improved tool has become very popular, which is a symbiosis of an ice ax and a construction screwdriver. The connection of a screw with a screwdriver is an unusual solution that allows you to get an excellent automated device for drilling ice of any thickness and structure without any effort. Today the fishing market offers drills that are already adapted for a screwdriver. The famous Swedish company Mora can boast of such products, but not every fisherman can afford this rather expensive tool.

But there were craftsmen who learned how to make automated ice axes from domestic products. This job requires certain skills and knowledge. It is not enough just to cut off the handle of the angle grinder, you need to know how to connect the auger to the power tool, and most importantly, choose the right one, because a low-power model will not cope with the task at hand. So, which screwdriver is the best for your ice ax? Let’s try to figure it out, but first we finally make sure that this really needs to be done.

Ice screw adapter. Batteries

So that the screwdriver for the ice screw does NOT turn into unnecessary ballast on the pond, it is important to choose the right battery for it. Today, tools of this type are most often equipped with two types of batteries: lithium-ion and nickel-cadmium. Nickel-metal hydride are less common. They all have both positive and negative sides. Below is a table that will help winter anglers make the right choice.

Battery type Pros Cons

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)	Easy to maintain, high energy consumption, low self-discharge, light weight, fast charging	Poor resistance to low temperatures, rapid wear, high cost
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd)	Works at extremely low temperatures (up to 50˚С), can be stored in a discharged state	Memory effect, rapid loss of energy consumption (10% per year), high weight, noticeably weighting the instrument
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-Mh)	Increased energy intensity, resistance to cold, low weight	Limited capacity, memory effect, high self-discharge, short shelf life in a discharged state (up to 3 years)

Which screwdriver is better

Before Zaostrov focuses on specific models, it is worth mentioning the attempts of some fishermen to equip the ice ax with other devices, electrical and not only. Wrenches, drills and even chainsaws are used. In technical terms, this is possible, but extremely difficult. This is especially true for the saw. Therefore, it is better to stop all the same with a screwdriver.

So, an ice ax screwdriver, which one to choose? Fishermen have tried many options, but not all of them have passed this test with dignity. In practice, only some models have shown themselves well. Let’s list them and give them a brief description:

• Hitachi DS18DSFL is a perfectly balanced tool with a comfortable rubberized handle. Voltage. 18 V. Powered by a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 1.5 A / h (there are two in the set). Weighs only 1.7 kg, so even with prolonged use, the hand does not get tired. A case is provided for transportation. The power is a little lacking, 41 Nm is not enough for drilling holes. Fishermen, who drill holes in the dark, note that the backlight would not hurt this screwdrivers.
• Makita 8434DWFE is a compact, fairly lightweight screwdriver weighing 2.5 kg. Powered by NiMH batteries with a capacity of 3 A / h. At a voltage of 14.4 V, it has a maximum torque of 70 Nm. The pluses also include the High strength of the body, keyless chuck and the presence of a side handle.
• Bosch GSR18-2-LI Plus is a professional tool with the best performance / price ratio. It has an overload protection system for the electric motor, which ensures the durability of the device. Weight. 1.1 kg, battery type. Li-Ion, capacity. 2.0 A / h, voltage. 18 V, maximum torque. 63 Nm. Equipped with a flashlight to illuminate the working area.

These models are not very expensive and NOT the most powerful, but they do an excellent job of drilling several dozen holes. With proper operation and proper care, they will last more than one season.