When Do You Replace or Rotate Your Drill Rods?

Drill rods are the backbone of every drilling equipment, be it vertical, mining, or HDD (Horizontal Directional Drilling). Keeping them in perfect condition is vital for efficient and cost-effective operations. The older the machine gets, the more important it is to check the wear and tear and replace the parts, most importantly the drill rods.

While it is tempting to push your drill rods to their limits, doing so can lead to premature damage, equipment damage and unplanned downtime. Hence, it is crucial to recognise the early signs of wear and practice proper maintenance. Not only can it save time but also ensure that your operation goes smoothly without a hitch.

The Problem

Imagine halfway through your drilling project, your worn-out drill rods fail. Your drilling operation comes to a halt with your downtime piling up, not to mention the repair costs. This situation would have been avoided if the wear signs had been spotted earlier.

Drill rods endure immense stress and are subject to wear and tear over time. It requires regular inspection, and rotation, on a regular basis to help extend their life. Neglecting this upkeep can result in the entire drilling process being compromised. This is true of all your HDD Tooling and parts, and can be applied to a range of HDD accessories.

Solution

By implementing regular maintenance practices and keeping an eye out for signs of wear, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your HDD drill rods. Here are four key steps to ensure best performance:

1.     Rotate Every Week

Rotating your drill rods is a simple yet effective way to extend their lifespan.

• Remove the leading rod (the first rod behind the starter bar or drill head) and place it at the back of the rack.
• Replace it with a fresh rod and continue cycling rods through the lead position.

This habit spreads wear evenly across all rods, preventing excessive strain on specific rods and ensuring your entire drill string wears uniformly. Over time, this practice can significantly extend the life of your drill string and avoid overuse.

2.     Regular Inspections of Rod Connections Regularly

Regular inspections can help identify early signs of wear and prevent costly failures. Pay close attention to these areas:

• Pin End Threads: Check that threads are clean and undamaged. Dirt and damage can weaken connections.
• Mushrooming: This indicates under-torqued threads. Address the issue promptly to avoid further damage.
• Box End Flaring: A clear indicator that the rod is nearing the end of its life.
• Fluid Leaks: Damaged shoulders can cause improper torque and wear.

3.     Maintain Proper Machine Alignment

Misaligned components can cause excessive wear on rods, pins, box ends, and threads. To avoid this:

• Regularly check the alignment of rods with the sub-saver, drive chuck, and drill head.
• Address any misalignment issues immediately to reduce unnecessary stress on your equipment.

4.     Monitor Sub Savers and Vice Jaws

Sub savers and vice jaws play a crucial role in protecting your drill rods. Here are a few things to watch out for.

• Replace sub-savers when the thread wear becomes visible.
• Clean vice jaws weekly to remove dirt and grease buildup, extending the life of your pipe and dies.

Bonus Tips for Drill Rod Maintenance

• Replace Bent Rods Immediately: Bent rods can cause misalignment and damage other components.
• Inspect Dual Rod Systems: Pay extra attention to inner rods and collars in dual rod setups, as they are often overlooked.
• Use Gauges: Measure upsets and sub-savers to ensure they remain within safe tolerances.

Why Does it Matter?

Well-maintained drill rods reduce costly interruptions, extending the lifespan of your HDD Machine. They also help improve the overall job site efficiency and lower operational costs. While regular checks and rotations may seem small, they ensure that your equipment stays reliable and ready for the challenge ahead.

Is Your Drill Rod Up to The Task?

Want to ensure your drill rods are up to the task? Contact us today to discuss your drilling needs or explore our range of HDD solutions.

At JB Trenchless, we provide high-quality drill rods and accessories designed to keep your operations running smoothly.

Visit JB Trenchless or check out our HDD Drill Rods for more information.