Honest Reviews. Expert Advice. Better Fishing
StrikeMaster Mora Hand Ice Auger
Proven hand auger that cuts fast
- High alloy carbon steel blades cut quickly through fresh ice
- Breaks down into two pieces for easy storage and transport
- Powder-coated finish helps reduce ice buildup on the shaft
- Adjustable handle with soft grips for comfortable, ergonomic drilling
Every mobile ice angler faces the same question at the truck: how do I get through the ice without hauling a heavy power auger? For a huge number of anglers, the answer for decades has been the StrikeMaster Mora hand auger. It is light, it is simple, and when the blades are sharp it cuts fast.
The heart of the tool is a pair of high alloy carbon steel blades. Sharp, they shave through fresh ice quickly and cleanly, letting you drill a spread of holes and start jigging in minutes. This is a genuinely proven design, and it remains one of the best selling hand augers on the market for good reason.
Practicality is where it wins. The auger breaks down into two pieces for storage and transport, so it drops easily into a sled tub, a shelter, or the back of a vehicle. A powder-coated finish helps shed ice buildup, and the adjustable handle with soft grips keeps drilling comfortable across a range of angler heights.
Hole size is the decision that shapes your experience. The 6-inch cuts fastest and covers panfish and most walleye, while 7 and 8-inch options open up room for pike and lake trout at the cost of more effort per hole. Picking the smallest diameter that fits your target species saves real energy over a day.
The honest downsides are physical and maintenance-related. Hand drilling gets tiring in thick ice, particularly with the larger diameters, so this is a tool for mobile anglers rather than someone punching dozens of holes daily. And performance falls off a cliff when the blades dull, so protect the blade cover and keep the edges sharp.
Bottom line: For a mobile, minimalist angler who values light weight and simplicity, the StrikeMaster Mora is a benchmark hand auger. Match the hole size to your quarry and keep the blades sharp, and it drills fast without the weight or fuss of a power unit.
Specifications
| Blade Material | High alloy carbon steel |
| Hole Sizes | 6, 7, and 8 inch options |
| Weight | Approximately 6 to 8 lbs |
| Handle | Adjustable, roughly 48 to 57 in |
| Construction | Two-piece breakdown design |
| Included | Wing-bolt, blades, and blade cover |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which hole size should I choose: 6, 7, or 8 inch?
The 6-inch cuts fastest and works well for panfish and most walleye. Step up to 7 or 8 inches if you target larger fish like pike or lake trout, but expect more effort per hole. Smaller diameters are noticeably easier on your arms in thick ice.
How thick of ice can a hand auger handle?
A sharp Mora will cut through effectively any safe ice thickness. The real limit is your stamina, not the tool. Beyond eight to ten inches of ice, many anglers find hand drilling gets tiring, especially with larger hole sizes.
Why does my auger suddenly cut poorly?
Almost always dull or nicked blades. Hand augers cut beautifully when sharp and struggle badly when dull. Protect the blade cover during transport, keep the blades off rocks and gravel, and replace or sharpen them when cutting slows.
Is a hand auger worth it over a power auger?
For mobile, minimalist anglers drilling a moderate number of holes, absolutely. A hand auger is far lighter, has no fuel or battery, and is nearly silent. If you drill dozens of holes daily or fish very thick ice, a power auger may be worth the weight.
Does it come apart for storage?
Yes. The Mora breaks down into two pieces, which makes it easy to fit in a sled tub, a vehicle, or a shelter. A blade cover is included to protect the cutting edge in transit.