Keeping tip-ups from freezing

[Star1pup]

I haven't done much ice fishing, but I was told to spray my tip-ups with a water repellent to keep them from freezing.  Is this right, and what should I use?

[wijim]

what kind of tip ups you having issues with?  if its the types (like polars or beaver dams) that use springs on the flag....just keep em dry....i pile snow up along the hole along side of them to keep the wind off of them too.

if you are wondering about the hole freezing up...just get some old used carpet chunks an slit them so the rod fits in it and cover the hole so your tip up sits on top of the carpet.

i dont put extra oil or anything on my tip ups.....i worry about it going into the water and getting my line all stinky as the braid wil absorb stuff like that.

[Odinbreaker]

I cut a piece of 2 in styrofoan insulation put a slit in it for you down rod and place over hole cover edges with snow.  It also keeps fish from spooking because of light