Best Drill Bit For Different Rock

Best Drill Bit For Different Rock

Selecting the right Rock Drilling Bit for a specific rock type before you begin drilling can save you from wasted time and broken drilling equipment, so choose wisely. 

There's usually a trade off in terms of performance vs. expense, so you'll need to consider what is best for your project now, as well as what you might get the most use out of in the future. You should also step back to consider overall rock drilling cost and whether it's a viable venture for you. No matter what you decide, when it comes to drilling through rock, don't compromise on quality. Investing in quality Rock Drilling Tools will always pay off.

Here's everything you need to know about what kind of drill bit for rock will be best for your drilling job.

STANDARD SHALE: ALL ABOUT FRACTURING

Though shale is a sedimentary rock, it can get pretty hard. However, when it comes to drilling, that layered composition is actually an asset. The best bits for shale will shatter and crumble the layers, leaving behind pieces that can be easily floated out of the hole. Because of shale's tendency to fracture into flakes along its internal fault lines, you can usually get away with using less expensive rock drilling bits, such as drag bits, milled teeth tricone bits...

SANDSTONE/LIMESTONE: PDC

If you need production and you're into the hard stuff often, then you should consider a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit. Often used for oil drilling, PDC rock drilling bits feature carbide cutters coated with diamond dust. These workhorse bits can tear through challenging conditions fast, and they last longer and hold up better over time than tricone bits when used in the appropriate conditions. Their price obviously reflects their construction and capabilities, but if you find yourself drilling in challenging ground conditions often, it's worth it to invest in a PDC bit.

HARD ROCK: TRICONE

If you know that you'll be drilling through rock like shale, hard limestone or granite for a serious distance, a tricone bit (roller-cone bit) 

should be your go-to. Tricone bits feature three small hemispheres that are held into the body of the bit, each covered with carbide buttons. When the bit is working, these balls rotate independently of one another to deliver unparalleled fracturing and grinding action. The design of the bit forces the rock chips between the cutters, grinding them up even smaller. A tricone bit will chew through shale of all densities quickly, so it's a great multi-purpose rock bit.

Have questions about your rock drilling project? Let's talk! DrillMore sales team can help!