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Homemade Ice Chisel – Inexpensive, Easy, Effective
If you ice fish, you need something to cut a hole in the ice. I have reviewed ice augers in the past. The quickest to use is the gas powered auger. A hand auger is less expensive and easier to carry, but difficult to use. When I hiked into a lake, I did not want to carry a power auger. I found the best alternative for me was an ice chisel. I decided to make a homemade ice chisel.
Ice Chisels
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Homemade Ice Chisel
A good ice chisel cuts fast but the hole will not be completely round. There is a tendency to make the hole wider at the top than at the bottom with an ice chisel. This isn’t bad as long as the bottom is the size you want. You will need a good ice scoop if you use a chisel. It’s easy to make an ice chisel.
Materials:
two 24″ x 3/4″ pieces of galvanized pipe with both ends threaded
galvanized cap
galvanized coupling.
3/4″ steel chisel
Quick set cement (optional)
Tools:
Hammer
Block of Wood
Assembly:
Stand one section of pipe on end. Place the handle of the steel chisel into the pipe. Place the block of wood on the chisel blade and tap the chisel into the pipe with the hammer. The fit will be very tight, but the pipe is soft so the chisel handle should go in up to the blade.
Screw the coupling onto one piece of pipe and screw the other piece into it. Place the cap on the open end of the pipe. Tie something around the pipe to act as a wristband. I have lost more than one hand chisel with that last chop that breaks right through the ice unexpectedly.
For added weight, pour some very loose quickset cement into the section of pipe with the chisel. Connect the pieces after the cement dries.
You will have a nicely weighted, very sturdy, two piece ice chisel.
Enjoy Your Homemade Ice Chisel
I love to ice fish, but I don’t like carrying a power auger. They are too noisy and too frustrating when they won’t start. Hand augers are cumbersome. I also find them difficult to use. I like my homemade ice chisel. It packs easily and gets the job done quietly. What’s your preference?
