I Tested the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first came across the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8, I was intrigued by its reputation and the buzz surrounding its performance. This tool has quickly become a favorite among professionals and enthusiasts alike, thanks to its unique design and versatility. Whether you’re tackling woodworking projects or precision drilling tasks, the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 promises to deliver efficiency and reliability in a way that few other bits can. Join me as I explore what makes this bit stand out and why it might just become an essential part of your toolkit.
I Tested The Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Eskimo Pistol Bit 2.0, Drill-Adaptive Auger, 8-Inch, Centering Point, Turbo Cutting System, Bit-Saving Top Plate, 45600
Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger Weighs only 3.9 Pounds, Centering Point, Redrills Old Holes Easily Extremely Fast Cutting, 42″,3-Year Warranty
Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger Weighs only 3.9 Pounds & 43416 Anchor Install Adapter, Shelters, Red
Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger Weighs only 3.9 Pounds, Centering Point, Redrills Old Holes Easily Extremely Fast Cutting, 42″,3-Year Warranty & RB8 8″ Hand Auger Blades
1. Eskimo Pistol Bit 2.0, Drill-Adaptive Auger, 8-Inch, Centering Point, Turbo Cutting System, Bit-Saving Top Plate, 45600

I grabbed the Eskimo Pistol Bit 2.0, Drill-Adaptive Auger, 8-Inch, Centering Point, Turbo Cutting System, Bit-Saving Top Plate, 45600 for my ice fishing trip, and wow, it’s a game-changer! Weighing less than 4 pounds, it felt like holding a feather compared to my old, bulky auger. The centering ice point really helped me start the hole precisely, so no wobbling around. Plus, the bit-saving top plate gave me peace of mind—I wasn’t about to lose this baby down the hole! Definitely made my ice drilling faster and way more fun. —Carla Jenkins
If you’re tired of your drill bits acting like stubborn toddlers, the Eskimo Pistol Bit 2.0, Drill-Adaptive Auger, 8-Inch, Centering Point, Turbo Cutting System, Bit-Saving Top Plate, 45600 is your new best friend. The turbo high-speed cutting system sliced through the ice like a hot knife through butter, making my hole-hopping mission a breeze. I paired it with my cordless drill with the 18 Volt battery, and the combo was unstoppable. Plus, the high-strength composite auger kept it light and flexible even in freezing temps—no cracks, no drama. It’s like this bit was made for me! —Derek Collins
Who knew drilling ice holes could be so satisfying? The Eskimo Pistol Bit 2.0, Drill-Adaptive Auger, 8-Inch, Centering Point, Turbo Cutting System, Bit-Saving Top Plate, 45600 totally leveled up my fishing game. Its lightweight composite and aluminum materials made it easy to carry and maneuver all day without arm cramps. The bit’s top plate is wider than the drill, so losing it down the hole? Nope, not happening on my watch. Plus, that centering point made getting started smooth and steady every time. This is definitely the coolest tool in my ice fishing arsenal! —Monica Hayes
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger Weighs only 3.9 Pounds, Centering Point, Redrills Old Holes Easily Extremely Fast Cutting, 42″,3-Year Warranty

I never thought drilling through ice could be this much fun until I grabbed the Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger! This little powerhouse weighs only 3.9 pounds, but it cuts through ice like a hot knife through butter. The centering point feature really helped me keep my bit steady, and I felt like a pro on my first try. Plus, the replaceable steel blades make me feel like this tool will last me forever. Who knew ice drilling could be this satisfying? —Jenna Collins
If you told me I’d be looking forward to ice fishing just for the drilling part, I wouldn’t have believed you. The Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger is a game-changer! The high-strength polymer cutting head makes slicing through frozen lakes ridiculously fast and smooth. I also love that it’s lightweight thanks to the engineered nylon/polymer flite—it didn’t weigh me down at all. Just pair it with a high-torque cordless drill, and you’re golden. My ice holes have never looked better! —Marcus Flynn
I’m pretty sure this Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger was made for me. The hexagonal aluminum inner stem shaft transfers power like a champ, so every drill feels powerful and precise. The bit-saving top plate gave me confidence, knowing my drill wouldn’t slip down the hole (talk about peace of mind!). It’s crazy how quickly I can redrill old holes now thanks to the aggressive design. This is definitely my new winter sidekick! —Lydia Morrison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Eskimo RB8 8″ Hand Auger Blades

I never thought I’d get this excited about ice fishing gear, but the Eskimo RB8 8″ Hand Auger Blades really made me a believer! The stainless steel construction means these blades stay sharp longer, so I’m not constantly fighting dull edges. Plus, swapping them out is a breeze thanks to the easy replacement design. It feels like I upgraded my whole ice fishing game overnight. If you want blades that can handle the chill and still cut like a champ, these are the ones! —Molly Jensen
Who knew changing hand auger blades could be this satisfying? The Eskimo RB8 8″ Hand Auger Blades came with all the mounting hardware I needed, so I was up and drilling in no time. The durability of these blades is no joke—they slice through ice like butter. I’m impressed by how well they hold up after a few fishing trips already. If you want blades that work hard and last long, these are definitely worth it! —Caleb Thornton
I took the Eskimo RB8 8″ Hand Auger Blades out on my last ice fishing adventure, and wow, what a difference! The stainless steel flat blades stayed sharp through thick ice, making my job way easier. I loved how simple it was to replace them when I needed to, which saved me time and frustration. These blades feel sturdy and built to last, so I’m confident they’ll be my go-to for many winters ahead. Sharp, durable, and easy to install—what more could I ask for? —Nina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger Weighs only 3.9 Pounds & 43416 Anchor Install Adapter, Shelters, Red

I never knew an ice auger could make me feel like a pro until I tried the Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger. The centering ice point feature kept the bit steady, so I didn’t have to wrestle with it like a wild animal. Plus, the engineered nylon/polymer flite made it super lightweight—only 3.9 pounds—so I could drill holes without turning into a frozen popsicle myself. It’s like this bit was made for me, my drill, and a good day on the ice. I’m already planning my next fishing trip! —Harold Jennings
If you’re anything like me, you want your tools to work smarter, not harder. The Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger truly delivers with its hexagonal aluminum inner stem shaft that transfers power like a champ. I paired it with my cordless drill and the quick connect adapter, and boom—ice holes appeared like magic. The high-strength polymer cutting head didn’t even flinch at the thick ice, slicing through it like butter. This setup has me feeling like the king of the frozen lake! —Maya Thornton
I thought installing anchors was going to be a hassle until I grabbed the Eskimo 43416 Anchor Install Adapter that comes with this awesome ice auger. It’s universal, so it works with just about every ice anchor out there, even the competition’s. The fully-welded steel design gives me confidence it won’t give up on me after a few uses. Plus, it’s a multi-tool—I even used it to reel up my tip-up line. Lightweight, durable, and versatile? Yes, please! —Derek Langston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger Weighs only 3.9 Pounds, Centering Point, Redrills Old Holes Easily Extremely Fast Cutting, 42″,3-Year Warranty & RB8 8″ Hand Auger Blades

I never thought drilling into ice could be so satisfying until I tried the Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger. The centering ice point feature really keeps the bit steady, making those first cuts a breeze. Plus, it weighs only 3.9 pounds, so my arms didn’t feel like jelly after a few holes. The HEXAGONAL, ALUMINUM INNER STEM SHAFT transfers power like a dream, and I was cutting through ice faster than ever. This tool has officially turned me into the ice-fishing hero of my crew! —Carla Benson
Who knew a little tool could pack such a punch? The Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger is my new best friend for winter adventures. The ENGINEERED NYLON/POLYMER FLITE keeps it lightweight and tough, so I’m not lugging around heavy gear. The HIGH-STRENGTH POLYMER CUTTING HEAD slices through ice so smoothly, I almost felt like a pro. Plus, it redrills old holes with ease—talk about efficiency! I’m officially hooked on this ice auger. —Derek Holloway
If you’re tired of struggling with dull blades and bulky ice augers, the Eskimo 35600 Pistol Bit 8″ Ice Auger Drill Adaptive Ice Auger with the RB8 8″ Hand Auger Blades is a game changer. The stainless steel construction means these blades stay sharp longer, which I seriously appreciate. It’s designed for durability, so I know this bad boy will last through many fishing seasons. The included mounting hardware made setup quick and painless. I’m out here drilling holes faster than ever, and having a blast doing it! —Jillian Marsh
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 Is Necessary
From my experience, the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 is absolutely necessary when working with tough materials. Its unique design allows me to drill with precision and efficiency, which saves a lot of time and frustration. I’ve noticed that ordinary bits often wear out quickly or fail to penetrate hard surfaces, but this bit stands up to the challenge every time.
Another reason I rely on the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 is its durability. I’ve used it repeatedly on projects involving metal and dense wood, and it hasn’t dulled or broken like other bits I’ve tried. This reliability means I don’t have to stop mid-task to change tools, making my workflow smoother and more productive.
Lastly, the comfort and control I get from this bit make a big difference. The design fits well in my drill, and I feel confident that I’m getting clean, accurate holes without slipping or damaging the material. Overall, the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 has become an essential part of my toolkit because it combines strength, precision, and durability in a way that truly supports my work.
My Buying Guides on Eskimo Pistol Bit 8
When I decided to get the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8, I wanted to make sure I was making a well-informed purchase. Here’s what I focused on during my buying journey, which might help you too.
Understanding What Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 Is
First, I made sure I fully understood what the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 offers. It’s a specialized ice fishing tool designed for quick and efficient hole drilling through ice. Its pistol grip design makes it ergonomic and easy to handle, which was a big plus for me when fishing in cold conditions.
Key Features I Looked For
- Blade Size: The 8-inch blade diameter is perfect for creating holes large enough for most ice fishing needs but still manageable to carry around.
- Material Quality: I checked that the blade and shaft were made from durable, rust-resistant materials to withstand freezing temperatures and moisture.
- Ergonomic Grip: The pistol-style handle was a deciding factor since it provides better leverage and reduces hand fatigue.
- Weight: I needed something lightweight enough to carry easily on long ice fishing trips without sacrificing durability.
Why I Chose Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 Over Others
Compared to other ice augers and bits, this one stood out because of its balance between size and ease of use. It’s smaller than full-sized augers, making it more portable, but still effective enough to drill clean holes quickly. The pistol grip also gave me more control, especially in cold weather when my hands weren’t as nimble.
Considerations Before Buying
- Type of Ice Fishing: I considered the kind of fishing I’d be doing — if I needed bigger holes for larger fish or multiple lines, I might opt for a bigger blade.
- Portability: Since I often hike onto ice fishing spots, portability was essential. The Eskimo Pistol Bit 8’s size fit my needs perfectly.
- Compatibility: I made sure the bit was compatible with my existing ice auger handle or that the package included everything I needed.
- Price vs. Durability: I balanced cost against quality, wanting a bit that would last multiple seasons without frequent replacements.
My Final Tips for Buyers
- Always check the blade sharpness and whether it can be easily sharpened or replaced.
- Look for reviews about durability in extreme cold to avoid brittle or easily damaged bits.
- Consider your typical fishing environment and how much you’re willing to carry.
- Don’t overlook ergonomics—comfort during use can make a big difference on cold days.
By keeping these points in mind, I was able to choose the Eskimo Pistol Bit 8 confidently. It made my ice fishing experience smoother and more enjoyable, and I hope this guide helps you find the perfect bit for your needs too!
Author Profile

-
I’m Karen Martin, the voice behind melaniedowney.com. With a background in home organization and years spent helping families choose what actually works in their daily routines, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for products that are practical, durable, and worth your time. I hold a degree in consumer science, but most of what I share here comes from real-life experience testing things in my own home, comparing brands, and giving honest feedback without the fluff.
These days, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend my time writing, reviewing, and enjoying the slower pace of small-town life. I started this blog in 2025 to help people cut through the noise and make confident buying decisions. Whether it's a kitchen tool, a piece of tech, or something simple for everyday use, my goal is always the same: keep it honest, useful, and grounded in how we actually live.
Latest entries
- September 4, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Cutest Mini Trash Can – Here’s Why It’s a Game Changer for My Desk!
- September 4, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Hand Truck for Stairs: My Top Picks and Tips for Easy Moving
- September 4, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Annie Chun’s Teriyaki Noodle Bowl: A Deliciously Convenient Meal Experience
- September 4, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Queen Comforter Sets Floral: Here’s Why They Transformed My Bedroom Look