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Xinhao Drilling Rig - Has Been Dedicated To Providing Global Solutions In Exploration And Water Well Drilling for 16 Years.

Stop DTH Drill Bit Jamming | Why Wide-Gauge Bits Last Longer in Mines

In mining blast hole drilling, down-the-hole (DTH) drill bit jamming is the number one problem leading to downtime and increased costs. Based on numerous field cases, Xinhao has found that over 60% of drill bit jamming is due to incorrect selection. This article will address this pain point directly, showing you how to significantly reduce drill bit jamming and improve durability by correctly selecting wide-pitch drill bits

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I. Three Common Selection Mistakes: The Main Causes of Drill Bit Jamming

Choosing the wrong drill bit for your DTH drilling machine will immediately cause problems.

1. Misconception: Using close-pitch drill bits in fractured formations

  • Consequence: Rock debris blockage, causing the drill bit to seize up.
  • Reason: Close-pitch drill bits have narrow chip evacuation grooves. In weathered rock and fractured formations, rock cuttings cannot be removed in time, leading to rapid jamming.
  • Fact: A Xinhao customer in a mine in Gansu experienced drill bit jamming 4 times in one hour. After switching to a wide-pitch drill bit, the problem disappeared.




2. Misconception: Using ordinary drill bits to drill through extremely hard rock formations

  • Consequence: Alloy teeth cracking, fragments jamming the drill bit.
  • Reason: Hard rocks such as granite require extremely high impact toughness from the drill teeth, which ordinary alloys cannot withstand.
  • Solution: Choose custom drill bits such as the Xinhao XH-Q300 series, which use a special tungsten carbide alloy, increasing crack resistance by 40%.


Down the hole drill bit
Down the hole drill bit


3. Misconception: Mismatch between drill bit diameter and hole depth

  • Consequence: Drill hole deviation, leading to drill bit jamming.
  • Reason: Drill bits with excessively large diameters or unreasonable designs have poor stability in deep holes and are prone to friction against the hole wall.
  • Principle: For deep holes (≥10 meters), it is recommended that the drill bit diameter be 5-10mm smaller than the outer diameter of the drill rod. A wide-pitch design helps maintain a clean and stable hole wall.


II. Why are Wide-Pitch Drill Bits the Superior Solution?

The wide-pitch design is specifically engineered to handle the complex geological formations found in mines, directly addressing the aforementioned pain points:

  • Faster Chip Removal: Wider chip evacuation grooves (≥15mm) allow for efficient removal of rock cuttings, preventing blockages from the source.
  • Increased Durability: The wider tooth spacing distributes drilling pressure, reducing wear on individual teeth. In fractured formations, the lifespan can be extended by more than 50% compared to close-pitch drill bits.
  • Wider Adaptability: A high-quality wide-pitch drill bit can handle a variety of geological formations, from hard rock to fractured rock, reducing downtime due to formation changes.


III. Key Operating Techniques: Maximizing the Performance of Wide-Pitch Drill Bits

Correct operation can further improve performance and prevent unexpected drill bit jamming:

1.Optimized Parameters:

  • Drilling Pressure: 15-20 kN
  • Rotation Speed: 80-120 r/min
  • Air Pressure: Ensure it is no less than 1.8-2.2 MPa (this is crucial for efficient chip removal).

2.Regular Inspection:

  • Lift the drill and inspect it every 5-8 meters of drilling.
  • If the alloy teeth are worn by more than 3mm, repair or replace them promptly.

3.Proactive Hole Cleaning:

  • In easily blocked fractured rock formations, proactively clean the hole with high-pressure air every 3 meters of drilling.


Conclusion: Simple and Direct Selection Rules

For mining construction, remember a core principle: "For complex and fractured formations, prioritize wide-pitch drill bits; for extremely hard rock formations, be sure to match them with high-strength alloy teeth."


As a professional dth drill rigs  manufacturer, XinHao provides XinHao DTH drill rigs and customized drill bit solutions designed to help you minimize downtime. Our wide-pitch drill bit series has been applied in hundreds of mines nationwide, helping customers reduce drill bit jamming failures by an average of 80%.

Need recommendations for the most suitable drill bit for your specific working conditions? Contact us for a customized solution.

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With 16 years of experience in hydraulic technology,  Xinhau Drilling Rig  is a global expert in exploration and water well drilling solutions.
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