What's inside
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The Clam Drill Auger Conversion Kit is a worthwhile add-on if you already cut ice with a cordless drill and an auger bit: it adds a second handle and a torque-resisting bracket, which makes the setup much more controllable and reduces wrist strain when the auger binds. It does not add power, though, so its value depends on pairing it with a high-torque 1/2-inch drill and a properly sized battery.
This review explains what the kit does, which drills and batteries make the system work, how many holes to expect per charge, and the safety habits that matter on the ice.
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What we cover
What a drill auger conversion kit actually does
Drill-powered ice augers have become popular because a lightweight auger bit plus a cordless drill is far lighter and quieter than a gas auger. The weak point is control. When a blade catches on slush or the bottom edge of the ice, the auger stops and the drill tries to spin the user instead. A single side handle is often not enough leverage.
Clam’s conversion kit addresses this by attaching to the auger and the drill to create a two-handed frame, with the drill body braced so the reaction torque goes into the frame rather than into your wrist. The result is a setup that behaves more like a dedicated power auger.
Kit vs no kit
| Factor | Drill plus auger alone | Drill plus auger with conversion kit |
|---|---|---|
| Hand positions | Drill grip plus side handle | Two wide handles on a frame |
| Kickback control | Depends on side handle and grip strength | Reaction torque transferred to the frame |
| Added weight | None | Roughly 2 to 5 lb |
| Setup time | Fastest | A few minutes to mount and align |
| Best for | Occasional holes in thin ice | Frequent hole hopping, thicker ice, larger diameters |
Drill requirements: torque, chuck and gearing
The conversion kit cannot make a weak drill suitable for ice. A drill auger in 8-inch diameter puts a heavy, sustained load on the motor. These are the minimums most experienced anglers use.
| Requirement | Minimum | Better | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chuck size | 1/2 in | 1/2 in metal ratcheting chuck | Holds the auger shaft without slipping |
| Motor | Brushless | Brushless, full-size | Handles sustained load without overheating |
| Torque | About 700 in-lbs | 1,000 to 1,400 in-lbs | Prevents stalling on bind-ups |
| Voltage class | 18V/20V max | 18V/20V max high-output or higher | Keeps speed up in thick ice |
| Clutch | Drill mode setting | Drill mode setting | Clutch slipping wastes power and wears the drill |
Full-size brushless hammer drills from the major cordless platforms, such as Milwaukee M18 Fuel, DeWalt 20V Max XR, Makita 18V LXT and Ryobi ONE+ HP, are the common choices. Turn the hammer function off; hammer action adds vibration without helping cut ice and can stress the auger coupling.
Low gear or high gear?
High gear cuts faster but produces more reaction torque if the auger catches, and it drains the battery harder in thick ice. Low gear gives more control and is the safer starting point, especially in ice over 18 inches or with an 8-inch auger. Many anglers use high gear on thinner early-season ice with a sharp blade and switch to low gear as ice thickens. Follow the auger manufacturer’s recommendation for your diameter.
Battery sizing: how many holes per charge?
Hole count depends on ice thickness, auger diameter, blade sharpness and temperature. Cold reduces lithium-ion output, so expect fewer holes on very cold days. The ranges below assume a sharp 8-inch auger and a brushless drill.
| Battery | 12 in ice | 24 in ice | 36 in ice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4Ah to 5Ah | Roughly 25 to 50 holes | Roughly 12 to 25 holes | Roughly 6 to 12 holes |
| 6Ah | Roughly 35 to 65 holes | Roughly 16 to 32 holes | Roughly 8 to 16 holes |
| 8Ah or larger high-output pack | Roughly 45 to 80 holes | Roughly 22 to 40 holes | Roughly 11 to 20 holes |
A 6-inch auger removes a little over half the ice volume of an 8-inch auger, so it typically cuts noticeably more holes per charge. If you fish deep winter ice or move a lot, carry two batteries and keep the spare in an inside pocket.
Setup steps for the conversion kit
- Remove the battery from the drill before mounting anything.
- Attach the kit to the auger following the kit instructions, keeping fasteners snug but not crushing any plastic parts.
- Insert the auger shaft or adapter fully into the drill chuck and tighten it firmly by hand; ratcheting chucks should click tight.
- Position the drill so its body sits against the kit’s torque brace and secure any straps or clamps provided.
- Set the clutch to drill mode, turn hammer mode off, and choose your gear.
- Reinstall the battery and test-spin the auger above the ice to confirm nothing wobbles or rubs.
Safety on the ice
- Confirm ice thickness first. Common guidance treats about 4 inches of clear, solid ice as the minimum for walking, with more needed for vehicles. Snow-covered, white or slushy ice is weaker.
- Keep the blade guard on whenever the auger is not in the hole. Ice auger blades are extremely sharp.
- Stand with a wide stance and keep both hands on the handles until the auger stops completely.
- Lift and clear chips by raising the auger a few inches partway through thick ice; packed shavings cause binding.
- Ease off as you break through. The auger can lurch down when the cut finishes; slow the trigger near the bottom.
- Remove the battery when changing blades or clearing a jam.
Durability and maintenance
- Blades: The most common performance problem is a dull or chipped blade. Never let the blade touch the ground, rocks or sand. Replace or professionally sharpen blades when cutting slows noticeably.
- Drill: Dry the drill after each trip and let it warm up gradually before charging. Avoid charging lithium-ion packs below freezing.
- Kit hardware: Check bolts and clamps at the start of each season; vibration loosens fasteners.
- Auger flighting: Rinse and dry to prevent rust on steel parts before storage.
Costs at a glance
| Component | Typical price range |
|---|---|
| Conversion kit | $70 to $150 |
| Drill-specific ice auger, 6 to 8 in | $100 to $250 |
| Brushless 1/2 in drill, bare tool | $130 to $250 |
| Spare 5Ah to 8Ah battery | $100 to $250 |
Even with a new drill and battery, the total often lands below a premium dedicated battery auger, and the drill stays useful in the shop for the rest of the year.
Verdict
The Clam drill auger conversion kit is a smart upgrade for anglers who cut more than a handful of holes per trip or regularly face thick ice. It turns a drill-and-bit setup into a stable two-handed tool and cuts down on the wrenching kickback that makes drill augers tiring. Pair it with a brushless, high-torque 1/2-inch drill and at least a 5Ah battery, keep the blade sharp, and it becomes a practical alternative to a dedicated power auger.