question on augers

   Nil's  master    sold @  www.fishusa.com   THE BEST   BY FAR....!!!!!!

I'm not sure where your fishing but for many years I used a 6 inch spoon auger to drill holes and I never caught a fish that wouldn't come through that size hole. The biggest fish I can remember is a 33 inch pike my buddy Blue caught. He also landed a burbot about the same size but we didn't measure it.

I wish I could hook fish that wouldn't fit but so far no luck. 
We have moved up to 7 and 8 inch sizes though the 8 inch is gas powered. There is a huge difference in the energy needed as the hole size increases. I don't remember the numbers but to the math and see how much more surface is cut as you increase the hole size. If your drilling by hand use the smallest size you can get away with.

If your only drilling a couple of holes a day it may not matter so much but if you get into ice 2 feet thick like High Point gets some years a manual auger gets to be a workout.

Sharp blades make a big difference, I'd guess the used ones you're seeing for $25 will need a new set.
I still don't like drilling manually with over a 6". Too much work when you're hole hopping looking for fish.
jmo, ymmv

ORIGINAL: nw/jigmaster

   Nil's  master    sold @  www.fishusa.com   THE BEST   BY FAR....!!!!!!

I agree 100%. I love mine too, however the OP doesn't sound like he's interested in purchasing a $500 power auger or $100 hand auger.

FOM376, Most people start out with a cheaper Mora or lazer auger and will work well especially if you're not going to pop 20-30 holes/day. If you are going with a hand auger do yourself a favor and don't buy anything over 6". I love my 8" power auger because it gives me plenty of space for my flasher transducer etc., but if I had to hand drill every hole, it certainly wouldn't be over 6".

Also keep in mind that if you buy used, there is a good chance you'll need new blades that will cost you $20-30 to replace with new blades, although there are places that do a blade swap. I'd buy new to be safe. $50 for a Mora from FishUSA.

wow lots of responses! Thanks guys, this is all very helpful. I dont ice fish much, i live in Pittsburgh, and they took away North Park for now
But i do go other places once in awhile. Hopefully gonna get to Erie over break. Sounds like a 10 inch is not a good idea. Ill go with a smaller one. Thanks again for all the advice. Merry Christmas!

A 6" hole has a circumference of 19" and 28 1/4" square inches of surface area. 12" deep = a volume of 339 cubic inches
7" hole has a circumference of 23" and 38 1/2 square inches of surface area. 12" deep = a volume of  462 cubic inches
8" hole has a circumference of 25 1/8"  and 50 1/2 square inches of surface area. 12" deep = a volume of 606 cubic inches
10" hole has a circumference of  31 1/2" and 78 1/2 square inches of surface area .  12" deep = a volume of 942 cubic inches

This shows that a 10" hole 12" deep needs almost 3 times the volume of ice removed of a 6"
Three 6" holes uses about the same energy to drill as one 10" and this does not account for the increased leverage

Yeah, what he said ^

I'm thinking school .

ORIGINAL: eyeassassin

wow that was intense lol but very good information where did you find that

ORIGINAL: eyeassassin

wow that was intense lol but very good information where did you find that

Jr high math class-I did cheat a little and used a calculator.

ahahahhaha

I bought an adapter for my cordless drill a few years back. Best $20 I've spent on any ice gear. I use a 6" Strikemaster auger and can get around 30 holes from one battery if the ice is 8" thick. I usually take 3 batteries. Alot of times guys that have never seen one will come over to try it out and ask where to get one after seeing how well it works. You do need a drill with adjustable speeds and you have to use the lowest one. The adapter I have is made locally by a guy in Harborcreek.