As the technological leader in the design of down hole hammers & bits, we feel its important to inform drillers of the most reliable ways to conduct down hole drilling. We provide various technical resources to assist drillers with properly maintaining their hammers & bits.

• Principles of Drilling

• Technical Manual

• Troubleshooting Guide
  
  • Check this First
  • Backhead
  • Check Valve
  • Feed Tube
  • Piston
  • Case
  • Bit Retaining Rings
  • Chuck

Drilling through rock is a destructive process and from time to time drillers may encounter problems with their hammers. That is why we have formulated a "Solutions" chart for some of the more common technical support items involving down hole hammers. We are always happy to assist you with your technical questions. Please Contact Us with any questions that you may have.

If your hammer is not operating as expected, there are a few items you can easily check:

Evaluate Compressor Output Properly adjust for temperature & altitude Conduct orifice test Check intake air filters Inspect Drill String Check for leaks throughout Evaluate pressure loss in hoses Calculate Proper Weight on Bit Adjust weight on bit Evaluate type of formation Inspect Blow Tube Measure for correct diamater and height Inspect for cracks and chips Investigate Hammer Choke Be sure the choke is seated properly Evaluate for proper choke selection

HAMMER COMPONENT SOLUTIONS CHART
BACKHEAD
Problem	Cause	Solution
Thread Galling	Insufficient lubrication	Use proper amount and type of thread lubricant
Thread Breakage	Improper or damaged mating connection	Inspect mating connection with API gauges
	Corrosion	Maintain proper lubrication
	Operating with damaged threads	See operator manual for repair instructions
OD Body Wear	Abrasive formation	Increase hole cleaning
CHECK VALVE
Problem	Cause	Solution
Not Sealing	Worn or cut seal surface	Replace check valve
	Memory loss in spring/broken spring	Replace check valve spring
Melting	Excessive temperatures	Inject water when stuck in hole
		Check compressor discharge temperature
		Replace check valve
FEED TUBE
Problem	Cause	Solution
Galling on OD	Foreign material contamination	Cover drill string when making connections
		Filter injection water
		Inspect compressor air filters
		Clean drill strings
	Misalignment	Inspect feed tube seat in housing
		Inspect housing seat in case
		Inspect compression spring for misalignment or breakage
	Insufficient lubrication	Maintain proper lubrication
	Severely worn piston OD or case ID	Replace worn parts
Cracked or Broken	Heat check damage	Maintain proper lubrication
		Keep out foreign material
		Maintain proper alignment
	Corrosion	Maintain proper lubrication
PISTON
Problem	Cause	Solution
Galling on Bearing Surfaces	Foreign material contamination	Cover drill string when making connections
		Filter injection water
		Inspect compressor filters
		Clean drill string
Crack/Break on Bearing Surface	Heat check damage	Maintain proper lubrication
		Keep out foreign material
	Corrosion	Maintain proper lubrication
	Operating above recommended pressure	Change choke
CASE
Problem	Cause	Solution
Rapid Wear on OD	Bits too small	Use larger diameter bit
		Replace bits more often
	Abrasive formation	Increase hole cleaning
Cracks on Chuck End	Case worn below acceptable limit	Change bits more often
		Replace case
Cracks in Thread Area	Corrosion	Maintain proper thread lubrication
		Disassemble and clean for storage
	OD impact from blunt instrument for disassembly	Use proper breakout tools
	Heat distortion from disassembly	Use proper breakout tools
	Weld on OD	Use proper breakout tools
	Improper breakout tools	Do not use pipe wrench
ID Wear	Insufficient lubrication	Maintain proper lubrication
	Foreign material contamination	Filter injection water
		Inspect compressor filters
		Cover drill string during connections
		Clean drill string
BIT RETAINER RINGS
Problem	Cause	Solution
Broken	Chuck collar worn below acceptable lengths	Replace rings
CHUCK
Problem	Cause	Solution
Rapid Wear on OD	Bits too small	Use larger diameter bit
		Replace bits more often
Symmetrical Wear Pattern on OD	Worn exhaust grooves on bit	Replace bit
Cracked Threads	Impact from blunt instrument for disassembly	Use proper breakout tools
	Crushed case threads	Use proper breakout tools
	Corrosion	Maintain proper lubrication
Worn Drive Splines	Excessive linear bit movement	Maintain proper lubrication
ID Galling on Bottom Seal	Foreign material contamination due to insufficient weight on bit	Increase Weight on Bit
Cracked/Mushroomed Collar	Insufficient weight on bit	Increase Weight on Bit