How to Adjust Eskimo Ice Auger Blades

Eskimo ice augers bore through thick ice, creating holes for ice fishing. These gas-driven devices use a scraping and carving motion to cut the holes into the ice as a result of pressure placed from the top of the machine -- usually by the person controlling the auger. Many times, you need to adjust the blades to accommodate the type of ice being drilled. You perform this adjustment by removing one blade shaft and adding a new shaft with a different pitch angle to the blades.

• 1

  Set one pair of pliers onto the restraining nut head at the blade shaft attachment -- toward the top of the shaft where it connects into the engine. Place the other pair of pliers onto the restraining bolt head on the opposite side of the shaft.

• 2

  Hold one pair of pliers in a static position while you turn the other to loosen and remove the bolt.

• 3

  Pull out the old blade shaft from the engine attachment point.

• 4

  Insert the blade with the pitch you desire into the shaft hole. Make sure the shaft engages the ball grip lock -- much like a home hand beater or mixer found in a kitchen.

• 5

  Insert the retaining bolt through the shaft hole and hand-tighten the nut on the opposite side of the bolt head. Use the pliers to apply opposing force between the bolt head and nut to tighten the blade shaft into position.