There are many reasons as to why gas augers are as popular as they are. But what are the Pros of gas vs an electric auger?
Not only are they convenient, but they have plenty of pros and cons over other versions of augers, including electric.
Which is Better Gas or Electric Augers?
Let’s compare a gas vs an electric auger. Why should you choose a gas over an electric auger and vice versa? Find out below which tool would be the best for your job via our review of the pros and cons of gas auger vs electric.
What Is an Electric Ice Auger?
First, let’s discuss the concept of using an auger when ice fishing. An electric ice auger is specifically designed to give you the ability to drill multiple feet into the ice to create the perfect fishing hole. Ice augers are the best tool when you need to drill through thick ice quickly to catch and chase fish. They also make electric post hole augers, they are newer to the market.
What Is a Gas Powered Auger?
A gas auger is an extremely powerful tool which takes advantage of torque in order to dig deep into the ground. Most professional landscapers use a gas auger.
A Gas powered auger has far more power behind it than a manual one. This would be the type of auger to choose for conquering large tasks, like digging a ton of fence post holes.
Gas powered augers are also a great choice for drilling ice fishing holes so you can chase fish.
The power of the motor and the sharpness of the blades make it easy to create a hole in thick sheets of ice without compromising the integrity of the surrounding area. Within a matter of seconds, you can have a perfectly shaped hole for fishing.
When turned on, a gas powered auger will begin to turn the threaded shaft into the ground, picking up loose soil in the blades so that a hole is created.
Pros of a Gas Auger Vs Electric
There are many reasons as to why gas augers are as popular as they are. The most common type is a gas auger. Not only are they more convenient, but they have plenty of advantages over electric powered augers.
Efficient
No batteries to Charge
Long Lasting
Easier to repair
Easy Maintenance
Lightweight
Convenient
Portable
Quick to Start
Quiet
Reasons to Buy a Gas Vs an Electric Auger
Horsepower
When compared to using a manual hand auger, it’s always easier to rely on a powered auger instead. This is why many people prefer gas powered augers. This is very true when using an ice auger.
Sometimes when fishing, you have to chase fish during your trip in sheets of ice as thick as two feet. This means drilling a ton of holes in a short time. Maybe you have to drill 50 post holes. Gas augers are perfect for this.
The horsepower of a gas auger is also what makes it ideal when compared to electric models, as the gas-powered ones pack a more powerful punch.
Longevity
It’s true when they say older tools were built to last longer than newer ones. With electric augers, there are more high-tech parts (like batteries and electronic components) that are likely to need replacing over the years. If you’ve ever has electric parts go bad in a truck or car, you know they only last so long.
Gas augers, on the other hand, are simply designed, without any expensive electrical components. Most if not all the repairs that might be needed can be done by you in your shop. Electrical components? Forget about it.
Maintenance
In terms of maintenance, you don’t have to worry about exposing batteries to extreme weather conditions. You also don’t have to charge batteries to get your auger to work. If you’re not near a source of power, getting an extra can of gas is simpler than having to recharge your auger.
When using an electric ice auger, chances are you’ll have to bring an extra battery and find a way to keep it warm so it doesn’t lose its charge.
With maintenance, you’ll need to concern yourself with making sure your blades stay sharp and rust free. This may include purchasing a pair of backup blades or sharpening them with a file so that they can easily work through dirt and ice. Cleaning the carb, spark plug, and using fuel stabilizer is part of routine maintenance for a gas vs electric auger.
Efficiency
We all know that gas augers are superior in terms of power because they rely on a motor instead of a battery. This makes them more powerful and efficient when drilling post or ice holes.
Because you’ll have more torque at your disposal, making an large number of holes will take far less time with a gas auger.
However, this is also what makes gas augers more dangerous than electric or manual ones.
Cons of a Gas Ice Auger Vs Electric
Known for their power and efficiency, gas augers have mostly been referred to as the superior option. Nevertheless, there are a few cons of a gas ice auger which could put a damper on your fishing excursion.
These hassles also apply to augers used for digging post holes.
Here are the 4 Cons of a Gas vs electric auger that you should know about.
- Fuel Mixing
- Emissions
- Portability
- Lengthy Start Up
What to Consider when Choosing a Gas Vs an Electric Auger
Fuel Mixing
If you opt for a two-stroke auger, which used to be the most common, you’re going to need to know the perfect mixture of gas and oil every time you refill your tank.
This takes more effort than electric augers. Especially for beginners, you’ll need to take the time to learn the perfect fuel-to-oil ratio to operate your auger.
Using fuel requires more maintenance of your auger, especially the carbs, which can get clogged over time and need special attention.
Emissions
Some Ice fishermen use a fishing shack to shield them from the cold weather while ice fishing. When you’re working in your shack, you’re not going to want to fill the space with hazardous emissions, such as carbon monoxide.
Not only will this mean you have to air out the shack before fishing, but you could also be exposing yourself to toxic materials.
Eco-conscious fishermen may also want to consider an alternative to a gas ice auger, as you’re putting the emissions into the atmosphere as well. With manual or electric models, there are zero emissions.
Portability
There are many parts included with a gas auger including the motor and fuel tank, which add weight to your auger. It’s likely you won’t be able to drive up to your favorite fishing spot and you’re not going to want to have to hike with a large auger at your side.
They’re certainly not recommended for people who are looking for a lightweight and portable item to use.
You’ll also find that gas augers take far more energy to use, as they create a huge amount of torque that you will need to control. Having to lift the heavy tool, turn it on, dig a hole, and then place it down again, creates a lot of unnecessary strain. If it was more lightweight, it would be easier to use to your advantage.
Lengthy Startup
It’s possible that the first time you crank your auger to get it working, it won’t turn over. This is usually because it is super cold out and needs to idle and warm up before it runs properly.
This could also be because of an improper ratio of fuel to oil or it could be that it needs to be primed prior to starting it up. These are extra steps you might have to do to get your auger ready to use.
Are Electric Ice Augers Better than Gas?
One is not necessarily better than the other. Each type of auger has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. It all comes down to the Pros and Cons discussed above, your personal preference, how much money you have to spend, how much you ice fish, the conditions on the ice, etc.
Do Louder Augers Like Gas Scare Fish?
Disturbing the water surface always scares fish, especially when your in shallower waters and plunging your auger in and out of the water after drilling your hole to remove ice from the bit. Loud noises also scare fish, which means a gas auger will tend to scare fish away more so than an electric auger, especially in shallower water.
Prices of Gas Versus Electric Augers
Some electric augers are more expensive than gas augers and vice versa. It really depends on which brand you choose. Some cheaper electric augers can be around $300-400 but the top ones, like ION, can be closer to $600-700 or more, but usually include a good warranty, excellent customer service, and extra batteries.
Gas Augers also start at around $300-400 and can run you up into the $700 or more category. Again it’s all about what you need to get out of your auger and your personal preference plus budget limitations.
Gas Vs Electric Augers and Your Backup Auger
In case either your gas or electric auger malfunctions on the ice, we recommend bringing a manual auger as backup so you can keep on fishing.
Conclusion
After checking out our top pros and cons of gas vs electric augers, you can get out there and pick the best auger for your upcoming project.
- Which is Better Gas or Electric Augers?
- What Is an Electric Ice Auger?
- What Is a Gas Powered Auger?
- Pros of a Gas Auger Vs Electric
- Reasons to Buy a Gas Vs an Electric Auger
- Cons of a Gas Ice Auger Vs Electric
- What to Consider when Choosing a Gas Vs an Electric Auger
- Are Electric Ice Augers Better than Gas?
- Do Louder Augers Like Gas Scare Fish?
- Prices of Gas Versus Electric Augers
- Gas Vs Electric Augers and Your Backup Auger
- Conclusion
That all depends on your personal preference, budget, and your fishing goals this season.