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19 Fun Facts About WORD Rock Drills for Our 19th Birthday!

Posted on by msockwell

We’re celebrating 19 years of innovation, growth, and drilling excellence at WORD Rock Drills! What started in a garage back in 2006 has transformed into a thriving, women-owned rock drill manufacturing company with a dedicated team, an exciting future, and a whole lot of personality. To mark this milestone, here are 19 fun and interesting facts about WORD Rock Drills that showcase who we are, what we do, and where we’re headed!

1. Humble Beginnings with Big Dreams

Just like Apple and Microsoft, WORD Rock Drills started in a garage. From those early days, we built our first hydraulic drill attachment in 2009 for a fencer in Texas—and we haven’t stopped innovating since!

2. Women-Owned and Growing Strong

We are a proud women-owned rock drill manufacturer, and our team has grown to 23 rockstar members who keep our drilling attachments moving and customers satisfied.

3. Assembled in America, Built for the World

All of our hydraulic drilling attachments are assembled in the USA, using high-quality parts sourced from around the world to ensure top performance and durability.

4. Customization is Key

With over 40 different configurations available, our rock drills are designed to meet a variety of customer needs. Plus, additional accessories allow for even more customization!

5. From North Carolina to Japan

Our drills are making an impact worldwide! Our farthest drill traveled all the way to Japan to serve within the solar industry.

6. A Facility That’s Growing With Us

Currently, we build our drills in a 6,000 sq. ft. facility, BUT by the end of 2025, we’ll be moving into our new 10,000 sq. ft. space!

7. Smarter Storage for Faster Service

80% of our parts inventory is housed in a European-inspired vertical storage unit, allowing us to efficiently store and retrieve components for building drills or fulfilling orders.

8. Fast Shipping, Every Time

We guarantee that all in-stock parts ship within 24 hours of being ordered, ensuring our customers experience minimal downtime.

9. Trade Show Shenanigans

Did you know that we once brought a mechanical bull to a trade show and handed out custom western belt buckles to everyone who dared to ride. Because why not?

10. The Ultimate Trade Show Display

We custom-built a 20’ shipping container to use as a trade show display, complete with a bar and a second-story observation deck. We like to keep things exciting!

11. Our Production Team is Unstoppable

In 2024, our seven-person operations team built an impressive 164 rock drills—talk about efficiency and dedication!

12. Making a Difference in Disaster Relief

WORD currently has NINE drilling attachments being used by various companies to assist with Hurricane Helen relief efforts in Asheville, NC.

13. Durability That Stands the Test of Time

The very first WORD drilling attachment, built in 2009, is still going strong, drilling holes across Texas after 15 years of hard work!

14. Giving Back Globally

In 2024, we sponsored the distribution of Bibles through missions and ministries, reaching over nine countries and making an impact worldwide.

15. Operation Christmas Child Mission

Each year, our team packs 250 shoeboxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Mission. Then, in December, we take a day to travel to Charlotte and volunteer at the shoebox distribution center.

16. A Work Schedule That Works for Life

We believe in work-life balance, which is why we operate on a four-day workweek! But don’t worry—our on-call team is available on Fridays for any urgent needs.

17. Innovation and Adaptability

Our hydraulic rock drills have been used in diverse industries, from retaining walls below sea level to slope stabilization at the top of mountains, WORD is always adapting to meet our customers’ unique needs.

18. Built for Tough Conditions

WORD Rock Drills are engineered to withstand the harshest job sites, from rocky terrains to extreme weather conditions, even drilling within the Arctic Circle.

19. Looking Ahead to the Future

With a new facility on the horizon, a dedicated team, and continuous innovation, the future of WORD Rock Drills looks brighter than ever!

Why Choose WORD Rock Drills?

When it comes to reliable, high-performance hydraulic rock drills, WORD Rock Drills is a trusted name in the industry. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service ensures that our drilling attachments provide long-lasting performance in even the toughest conditions.

We’re so grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey—our customers, our team, and our supporters. Here’s to many more years of drilling, growing, and making an impact. Happy 19th birthday to us!

Stay Connected

Want to learn more about our rock drilling solutions? Contact us today or follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest from WORD Rock Drills!

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    Essential Maintenance for Your Rock Drill Shock Sub

    Posted on by msockwell

    If you’re using a rock drill with a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer, you know that the shock sub is a crucial component in your drilling setup. This small but mighty piece of equipment minimizes backforce while drilling, ensuring that your drill head operates efficiently and stays in good condition. However, like all equipment, shock subs require regular maintenance to continue performing at their best. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your shock sub to maximize its effectiveness and lifespan.

    When to Schedule Maintenance

    The manufacturer’s recommendation encourages performing maintenance on your shock sub every 6 months or after 500 hours of use, whichever comes first. Due to the nature and function of the shock sub, there are no outward signs when the internal seals begin to wear out, however, sticking to this schedule ensures that your shock sub stays in top shape, effectively minimizing the shock and vibration transmitted to the drill head and other components during drilling operations.

    Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial

    Although there may be no outward signs indicating that maintenance is needed, the internal components of your shock sub, particularly the seals, are subject to wear and tear over time. As these seals wear down, the shock sub becomes less effective at absorbing vibrations and minimizing backforce. This can lead to:

    • Reduced Performance: A shock sub that isn’t functioning optimally can cause increased vibration and impact on the drill head, reducing drilling efficiency.
    • Potential Damage: Operating when your shock sub is not at peak performance increases wear on your drill head and other components, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

    What Happens During Maintenance?

    During the recommended maintenance, the focus is primarily on replacing the seals within the shock sub. These seals are critical in ensuring that the shock sub can perform its function of absorbing force during drilling. The maintenance process typically involves:

    1. Disassembling the Shock Sub: This allows for a thorough inspection of all components, ensuring there is no hidden damage or wear.
    2. Inspecting Seals and Components: The seals are checked for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. If necessary, they are replaced to restore the shock sub’s ability to minimize vibrations.
    3. Reassembling and Testing: After the seals are replaced, the shock sub is reassembled and tested to ensure it functions correctly.

    Benefits of Regular Maintenance

    1. Extended Equipment Life: By regularly maintaining your shock sub, you ensure that your drill head and other components are protected from unnecessary wear and damage.
    2. Reduced Downtime and Costs: Like an oil change in your car, preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, helping you avoid more costly repairs and downtime.
    3. Optimal Drilling Performance: A well-maintained shock sub ensures smooth and efficient drilling, improving productivity and reducing operator fatigue.

    Conclusion

    Maintaining your rock drill shock sub every 6 months or 500 hours is a small investment of time and resources that pay off in the long run. Not only does it help keep your drilling equipment in optimal condition, but it also protects your investment by preventing costly repairs and downtime. If it’s been a while since your last shock sub maintenance, now is the time to schedule it. Preserve the health of your shock sub and keep your drilling operations running smoothly!

    For more information or to place an order for your sock sub maintenance kit, contact our sales team today! Your equipment deserves the best care—let us help you keep it in top shape.

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    Our Move to a 4-Day Workweek

    Posted on by msockwell

    Enhancing Work-Life Balance for Our Team

    Dear Valued Customers,

    We are excited to announce that WORD Rock Drills is transitioning to a 4-day work week starting in June! This decision reflects our commitment to promoting work-life balance for our team while ensuring continued excellence in serving you, our cherished customers.

    What’s NOT Changing?

    Our Commitment to Helping You Make A Way
    Rest assured, our commitment to serving you remains unchanged. We are confident that this transition will have a positive impact on both our team’s well-being and our ability to provide exceptional service to you, our valued customers. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we embark on this exciting journey together.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I still place regular parts orders on Friday?
    YES, you can still place regular parts orders on Fridays. Although our Sales Team will not be in the office, they will be monitoring their phones and emails to ensure that our customers are taken care of. Leave a detailed message and they will follow up to assist as needed. Regular parts orders will be processed the following Monday. If you have an urgent order, they will coordinate with the Expedite Team to begin same-day processing.
    How do I get help if my drill is down?
    Call Our Home Office – 336-584-6700 – OR Email Sales@wordrockdrills.com and leave a detailed message with contact information. Our team will be monitoring these channels and will reach out quickly to assist.

    What’s Changing?

    New Operating Hours: 7am – 5pm Monday to Thursday
    Work-life balance is a crucial aspect of employee well-being and productivity. Studies consistently show that reduced work hours can lead to increased productivity,  job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and improved overall health. By adopting a 4-day work week, we aim to enhance the quality of life for our team members, which in turn positively impacts the service we provide to you.
    Friday Ordering Procedures
    We understand that urgent matters arise, and we have established robust expedite procedures to ensure that customer needs are met promptly. Contact our team directly at 336-584-6700 or call your sales rep to place an order. We will have a dedicated Expedite Team on Fridays to assist in any urgent needs. To best help us prioritize and process these orders efficiently, we will not be able to guarantee shipment on orders placed after 2pm on Fridays. Orders requiring freight coordination are subject to additional circumstances and my not apply to overnight or “next day” shipping. The WORD Team is dedicated to presenting our customers with the best solution and will work to maintain our high level of customer service in conjunction with our new schedule changes. WORD is here to Make A Way!

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      Get the Reach You Need

      Posted on by msockwell

      Increase the Versatility of your Jobsite with a Drilling Attachment

      When it comes to drilling in hard-to-reach places, the conversation typically turns to limited access in terms of compact spaces that limit your equipment options. However, creative thinking isn’t just reserved for your limited access sites. Almost every job site requires some degree of problem-solving and equipment knowledge to find the best solution to get the job done. This is where having versatile equipment in your fleet gives you the upper hand.

      Getting to the High Ground

      Getting the right equipment, to the right location, to get the job done is what it’s all about. When it comes to extended reach capabilities, standard all-in-one drilling units won’t be able to give you the mobility you need. Whether you’re reaching high onto the side of a mountain or down over the edge of a roadway, the equipment you choose plays a big role in the success of your project. Many of our customers choose an excavator attachment when faced with this type of project. Why? Versatility!

      Why Choose a WORD Machine?

      Choosing a WORD Excavator attachment as an alternative to an all-in-one drilling machine gives you options not only for your current project but also for future project capabilities. WORD excavator attachments can be adapted to excavators of all shapes and sizes. As long as weight capacity and hydraulic flows are met, you can choose the best excavator to fit your current project without restricting capabilities on future projects. These attachments also provide additional flexibility for the use of your excavator throughout a project. As an attachment, the drill can easily be disconnected and stored after it completes its phase of the project. This allows the chosen excavator to be utilized in other ways on the site or returned ahead of schedule if it’s a rental.

      Whatever project or site you are working on, having versatile equipment will help you save both time and money. This versatility also increased the type and variety of jobs that you are able to complete without additional unnecessary equipment purchases. Ask your WORD Sales Rep how you can get set up with a versatile attachment unit for your next project!

      Contact Us Today!

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      Drilling Do’s and Don’ts

      Posted on by msockwell

      Drilling Do’s and Don’ts for Team Safety and Drill Efficiency

      Do’s

      DOHave properly installed whip checks on both ends of your airlineHaving properly installed whip checks is important for the safety of both the drill operator and anyone else around the machine during operation. Whip checks are an additional piece added around the connection between the machine and the airline. These safety features prevent the air hose from lashing out, should it disconnect during use.
      DOClean off your quick connects before attachingYour drill will rarely stay clean on a job site. It’s just as unlikely that it will stay clean between jobs simply due to the elements that it may be exposed to while in storage. Under both circumstances, it is important to wipe off your quick connects before attaching them to your excavator or skid steer to prevent debris from entering your hydraulic lines. Watch a Video on Keeping Your Drill Hoses Clean
      DOUse the pressure wash feature of your mist pump to clean your machine at the end of each dayDid you know that if your drill has a mist pump system it can double as a pressure washer? That right! Your drill is equipped with a selector valve at the top right of the control panel that allows you to connect a quick coupler plug to a pressure washer wand. This setup makes it easy to wash down your machine at the end of each day so you can start fresh on your next shift.
      DOUse the feed extend feature when positioning your drill stingerUsing the feed extend allows for precise placement of the stinger on the ground to begin your hole. Using the stick and boom or skid steer arm to place the stinger can damage important parts of your machine and negatively impact its ability to drill.
      DOCheck your line oiler regularly and refill with rock drill oil when neededRock drill oil is what makes the world go round … well at least in the drilling world it does! Keep a regular check on your rock drill oil levels throughout the workday and refill when needed to keep everything running smoothly. Watch our Line Oiler Video
      DOMake sure you have a secure hold on the machine before moving with a forkliftPicking up a drill with a forklift is a little bit more precarious than picking up your average pallet. Always make sure your forks are locked, have a spotter, and make sure you don’t have any hoses pinched before lifting the machine off!
      DOGrease your machine frequentlyGrease, makes the world go round …. Well, maybe not, but it is the key to a happy rock drilling unit. A general rule of thumb for drilling is to grease your machine at the beginning of each day and repeat for every 4 hours of use from that point.
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        Don’ts

        DON’TUse the wrong size airlineUsing the wrong airline for your drilling unit can make a big difference in drill efficiency. Additionally, having too much or too little airflow to your machine can cause unnecessary strain on the unit.
        DON’TPut dirty water through your water lineRunning clean water through your mist pump system will help prevent unnecessary strain on the water pump. In addition, it will minimize the amount of debris within the system that could cause buildup.
        DON’TTrack over long distances or rough terrain with your skid steer attachment in the vertical positionTransporting your skid steer attachment in the vertical position creates a top-heavy machine. This can cause your skid steer to become unbalanced creating safety hazards for your team.
        DON’TJam your excavator attachment into the ground and use it to lift the tracks of your excavatorDo we reeeaalllyy need to go over why this is a bad idea? Long story short, drills weren’t built for that level of strain, and using the drill in that way can cause major damage to the unit that could result in a huge safety hazard. Drills are meant for drilling only!
        DON’TSet your radio control on the tracks of your machineWe know that accidents happen, but there is no worse sound than the crunch of a radio control and the resulting horror when you remember where you last saw the remote. Keeping your remote away from the tracks and off the ground is the best way to make sure this doesn’t happen to you.
        DON’TDisconnect your machine on an unlevel surfaceA majority of the weight in your drilling unit is in the feed and motor setup. Therefore, they tend to be top-heavy in the horizontal position. Disconnecting your unit on a level surface will not only minimize its potential to roll but also make it easier to reconnect when you are ready to use it next.

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        Oh, the Places You Can Go!

        Posted on by msockwell

        From Mountains to Caverns and Even the Arctic Circle

        Enter the World Of Rock Drilling with WORD

        It’s always an interesting conversation among our team when a customer comes to us with a project that is a little out of the ordinary. These are our sales teams’ favorite calls to get because it gives them the opportunity to dig into their rock drilling knowledge to help the customer develop a solution. Forcing us to think outside of the box in some of these situations, these are the calls that keep us on our toes. A lot of the time, that is why the customer came to us in the first place, for a new perspective with a little bit more know-how in drilling than what they might have themselves. They know what needs to happen, they know the end result, but they don’t know how to drill their way to that goal.

        For one customer, earlier in the history of WORD, they knew exactly where they wanted to go … about a hundred feet underground to a newly discovered cavern system. But how to get there was a different story. A popular cavern tours destination, this customer had decided to expand their business and break through to a new cavern system on their property. As a small business, they weighed their options between contracting out the tunnel work that would need to be done from the surface down to this new space or, bringing the operation in-house. During the research phase of this decision, they came across WORD and the solution they were looking for. An excavator attachment later, they were drilling and blasting their way through the first layer of earth.

        Another interesting project that our team has come into contact with in the world of rock drilling, took place in the Arctic Circle. In this challenging environment, equipment weight was a huge obstacle for this customer. Due to the fragile permafrost that makes up the topsoil level in this region, heavy drilling equipment would bog down into this layer and easily become stuck. Due to the versatility of our WORD Skid Steer attachment, and weight compared to other drilling equipment, this attachment was a great solution for this customer.

        This last job was a roller coaster, literally. Due to a combination of elements, this customer had a subsurface water problem that was slowly but surely sliding his mountain roller coaster down the mountain face it sat on. Having hired contractors who failed to sufficiently stabilize the mountain, they reached out to WORD for a drill that could help them do the project themselves. With the purchase of an EX125 unit, that’s just what they got. Checkout the video below to see this unit in action!

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        Choosing the Best Accessories for Your Rock Drill Attachment

        Posted on by msockwell

        Top 10 Rock Drill Attachment Accessory Options at WORD Rock Drills

        10. Energy Chain

        The longer your feed rail, the more important the addition of the energy chain becomes to the overall effectiveness of your machine. We offer a range of feed rail options from 6′ to 24′ for our Skid Steer and Excavator attachments depending on your specific project requirements. The addition of an energy chain is often recommended for any feed rail exceeding 12′.

        9. Nitrogen Charge Kit

        A common addition whenever a unit is equipped with a Doofor drilling motor, hydraulic clamp, or hydraulic breaker; this accessory comes in handy for routine maintenance of any unit with these features. These kits are available in three options that allow you to stock up on additional pieces that you might need in the field whenever accumulator maintenance is required. View Accumulator Charge Kits Here

        8. Hydraulic Clamp

        Making this accessory addition to your excavator or skid steer drilling attachment can really boost efficiency on the job site when dealing with hollow bar. This accessory is the ideal companion to your machine, assisting your team by quickly grabbing the coupling for quick unthreading.

        7. Hydraulic Clamp and Breaker

        A very helpful accessory whenever you are operating with casing, the addition of a hydraulic clamp and clamp breaker to your machine saves your guys in the field from the grueling work of wrestling with large pipe wrenches all day. The hydraulic clamp and clamp breaker accessory can easily unthread drill pipe/casing up to 8″.

        6. Remote Angle Indication

        An easy add-on to any excavator attachment purchase, the addition of angle indication to your remote will provide you with a digital readout of your drill positioning. This feature is particularly beneficial when you are on a job that requires specific angle positioning such as roof bolting, dewatering, and hollow bar installation.

        5. Line Oiler

        Available in two sizes, a line oiler is a much-needed accessory whenever you are drilling with a down-the-hole hammer. The line oiler allows for a regulated flow of rock drill oil to lubricate the airline while drilling and keep everything running smoothly. Learn More Here

        4. Dust Collector System

        One of the newer options available for WORD EX series attachments, this dust collector system is one step up from our very popular mist pump dust suppression system. Where our mist pump system uses water to dampen the amount of dust generated while drilling, this newer system collects the dust and pulls it away from the hole entirely. This option may be more favorable for your project if strict dust regulations are involved or in cold temperatures where water is likely to freeze.

        3. Excavator Shipping Platform

        Making the investment in an excavator shipping platform for a new or existing unit has many benefits. Equipped with a dedicated job box and forklift designations, this platform makes it easy to move your rock drill unit from one job to the next with everything that you need. Store spare parts, dedicated tools, remote control components, rock drill oil, and more in the job box to keep these essential items easily accessible throughout the project. In addition, this platform is ideal for storage between jobs to keep your unit off the ground.

        2. Stabilizing Kickstands

        Equip your crew with additional drilling stability with our SS Series kickstand. Most commonly used when drilling larger holes, these kickstands make drill operation easier by limiting the range of movement if the skid steer begins to bleed down during drilling.

        1. Mist Pump Dust Suppression Kit

        One of our most requested accessory options, our water mist dust suppression system applies water while drilling to dampen down dust. Whether or not dust suppression is required on your job site, limiting dust can tremendously help your crew. In addition, the kit comes with a water tank and pressure washer wand, making it easy to clean your drill at the end of each day.

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        Christmas in July: Rock Drilling Edition

        Posted on by msockwell

        A typical day at the WORD office in May brought a not-so-typical customer to the sales team for a rock drilling solution. This customer, the owner of a Christmas tree farm, had found himself in a rocky situation while preparing for the upcoming tree harvesting season. While in the process of constructing housing for his seasonal workers, progress was halted due to a large rock slab at the foundation site.

        A North Carolina local, the customer turned to google in his search for someone who could help. Through the magic of Google and a little marketing, he arrived at the WORD Rock Drills website and gave us a call to see if we had the solution.

        A Christmas (in July) Miracle!

        Understanding the customer’s urgency in this situation, we wanted to be able to assist this with a machine that was readily available to work. For this customer, the solution came in the form of a recently returned rental unit. This rental, an EX530 Attachment, was part of our lightweight aluminum feed series for excavators and had just returned from rental with a navy contacting group.

        Not being the typical contractor and having an urgent need to start working, we took on the spirit of Christmas and made arrangements to rent the customer not only the drilling unit but also our on-site mini-excavator. With the quick turnaround of this machine and the responsiveness of our team, this customer was able to rent both the drill and excavator directly from WORD to have a quick solution for his job.

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        3 Big Reasons to Work with a Certified WOSB

        Posted on by msockwell

        Did you know WORD Rock Drill is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB)? Yes! We officially became a certified WOSB in early 2021 after seeing the value this certification could bring to our customers. Here are just a few of the ways your company can benefit from working with a Women Owned Small Business in the construction industry.

        Here’s how you can benefit by purchasing from a Women Owned Small Business for your next construction project:

        1) Promote Diversity in your Project

        The call for diversity has exploded throughout recent years and it’s not just a fad. Many companies have devoted significant time and resources into establishing diversity among their internal workforce and within the companies they choose to partner with. Although its easy to think of diversity as a primarily internal issue, it can also play a major role in the interaction between companies within an industry. The case is no different within the construction industry! Working with a WOSB for your next construction project, whether its through contracting, sourcing, or manufacturing, increased the diversity of that project and your company.

        2) Meet your Government Sponsored Incentives

        At both the state and national level, the government plays a big role in the construction industry. Many construction contracts are government related through infrastructure, utility, or military scale projects. In these circumstances, the federal government often offers tax incentives to companies who choose to work with minorities and women-owned businesses. There can also be opportunities at the state level for tax incentives when working with a Certified Women Owned Small Business on your next project. Take a look at the offerings on your next government contract bid and see what opportunities are available to you simply by choosing to work with a WOSB!

        3) The Certification makes it Official

        What does it mean to work with a *Certified* Women Owned Small Business? That certification mean that over 51% of the company is owned by a women. It also means that the company went through all the processes and paperwork to be officially recognized and listed as a WOSB. This official recognition gives you the confidence and assurance that the company you are working with is legitimate.

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