14 NOVEMBER 2025 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Understanding DTH Hammers and Taking Care of them Adapted from Information by Drill King International Down-the-hole (DTH) hammers and drill bits are essential for foundation construction, water well, as well as gas and oil drilling. Taking care of your DTH hammer includes daily cleaning, regular maintenance, and proper storage. Let’s start with the basics. What is a DTH hammer? It is a pneumatic rotary-driven drilling tool that works by sending a piston-driven impact force directly onto the carbide face drill bit operated with compressed air, making it ideal for drilling in all rock formations, especially harder type ground conditions. DTH drill bits are located at the very front of the drill string and take the brunt and force of drilling operations. Attached to the DTH hammer, the drill bit comes in various face designs, including concave, convex, and flat-face configurations. The bits pound and fracture rock efficiently, sending stone chippings back up through the drilled hole. This method ensures fast penetration rates and minimal energy loss. To prevent performance issues, it is crucial to keep DTH hammers clean at all times. Start by removing dust and rock particles after each drilling session. Use compressed air to blow trapped debris out of the hammer and reoil the hammer internally immediately after cleaning. For deep cleaning, you can use a mild detergent solution. It is equally important to avoid prolonged water exposure to prevent internal rusting. It is also important to remember DTH hammers require a continuous flow of rock drill oil, especially during operational use. Correct lubrication reduces friction and wear, enhancing the hammer’s lifespan. Here are some lubrication tips: • Use a high-quality DTH rock drill oil to ensure smooth piston movement. • Ambient drill site temperature should be considered to ensure correct oil specification and viscosity. • Lubricate the hammer before and after each use by pouring in oil through the backhead threaded end. • Avoid overlubrication, as excessive oil can attract dirt and cause clogging. • When storing the DTH hammer after cleaning and sufficiently oiled, ensure both ends of the hammer are capped and layed in the horizontal position. Over time, drill bits can suffer from steel body erosion, cracks, and flat or part worn carbide inserts. Be sure to inspect them regularly to avoid poor drilling efficiency. Check for uneven wear patterns and replace or refurbish bits with excessive steel or carbide wear. Make sure foot valves or blow tubes are not chipped, cracked, or loose, and keep a log of drilling hours to track tool lifespan. Storage conditions have a direct impact on how long a drill bit will last, so make sure you store bits in a dry, cool environment. Consider using anticorrosion coatings for bits going in long-term storage. When storing bits, avoid stacking them face-to-face as the carbide inserts can break or chip, which will make them unusable. Routine inspections will help you detect issues before they become major problems. Inspect the outer case or wear sleeve for cracks or heavy wear which could impact performance. Make sure the piston is able to move freely and all rubber or plastic seals are intact. Regular inspections, following cleaning and servicing routines, as well as consistent operational oil lubrication will allow your DTH hammers and bits to provide peak performance in your drilling operations. G&O Irrigation by: Rain Bird Academy Training December 1-5 ~ Fremont, CA December 1-5 ~ Denver, CO December 1-5 ~ Kansas City, KS Education Connection phone: 800-498-1942 E-mail: training@rainbird.com Pipe by: McElroy University Rolling & Tracked Vehicle Repair Workshop & Assessment December 2-5 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Saddle Fusion Operator Qualification December 9 ~ Broken Arrow, OK Socket Fusion Operator Qualification December 9 ~ Broken Arrow, OK phone: 918-836-8611 www.mcelroy.com/en/university/full schedule.htm More education opportunities during events can be found by clicking here online at: worldwidedrillingresource.com
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