Tag: rock drill

Events

5 Creative Solutions to Random Things you Run Into While Drilling

Posted on by msockwell

1) Sub Zero Temperatures? You Won’t Be the Only One Who Needs to Bundle Up!

When the temperature begins to creep below freezing, there are a few things that you need to do to keep your drill running smoothly. If you need to use the water mist dust suppression system while working, insulate your water lines to prevent them from freezing in severe temperatures. If it’s really cold, you can bundle up your mist pump in a heated blanket to take the chill off! One thing to remember if temperatures are low, make sure to drain ALL of the water out of your mist pump at the end of the day so that it doesn’t freeze up while not in use.

2) Not Drilling as Quickly As You Used To? Your Bit Could Have Something to do With It

Have you noticed that you aren’t drilling as quickly as you were at the start of your project? There are many factors that could be at play in this situation but one common culprit is your bit. As to be expected, your bit sees a lot of friction during the drilling process that can wear it down. If you’ve noticed this slowdown and you know that the soil conditions have not changed, check the bottom of your bit between holes. If the rounded tungsten carbide teeth have flattened out, it’s time to give us a call and we can get a new one on its way to you!

3) It Might be a Good Idea to Keep Sawdust or Bentonite on Hand, Here’s Why

When it comes to drilling, it’s always a good idea to expect the unexpected … especially when it comes to soil conditions. Even with advanced technology and geotechnical site mapping you can still come across unexpected surprises. One such surprise that can make drilling difficult is the presence of cracks or fissures in the rock. These cracks can decrease the air pressure down the hole and increase the likelihood of your bit getting stuck. Putting sawdust or bentonite down the hole while you’re drilling will help fill these cracks and help maintain the needed air pressure while drilling.

4) Blowing Out the Top Of Your Big Holes? Try Some DIY Temporary Casing to Prevent Cave-In

Particularly when drilling holes in the 10″ – 14″ range in soft soils the air pressure moving through the bit to clear the hole can cause the top of your hole to blow out. This blowout creates excess material in the hole that can cause your bit to get stuck. To help prevent this from happening, you can use Tube Form from the local hardware store to create a temporary casing that can be removed once the drilling is done.

5) Working Near a Radio or Cell Phone Tower? You Might Have to Teather Your Radio Remote

If your Excavator or Skid Steer Attachment operates with a radio remote control, nearby radio or cell phone towers may be interfering with your remote functions. If you have tried changing frequencies on your radio with no success or are looking for a quicker solution to get back up and running. Luckily, tethering your remote is quick and easy. Pop the identical round black caps on the side of both your receiver and your remote and screw in the end of the 20M cable provided with your machine. If you are experiencing radio interference and would like to try out different frequencies before tethering, give us a call and our service team will walk you through the process!

Events

WORD 2021 Top 10

Posted on by msockwell

1) Celebrated our 15 Year Anniversary

March 2021 marked a celebratory 15 years for WORD Rock Drills! To mark the occasion we held an office quinceanera and shared our favorite stories from over the years. One fun fact you might not have known about WORD, we built our first drill in a garage. We have since expanded to a larger shop facility down the road but that detached garage is currently where our office staff report for work each day.

2) Remodeled our Offices

The office team at WORD powered through during months of remodeling construction to expand our existing office space to better accommodate our growing team. Featuring a new open concept working area, designated break room, conference space, and shipping/receiving area, the updated space has brought a new level of efficiency to our office team!

3) Became a WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business)

Did you know that WORD Rock Drills is a Women-Owned Small Business? That’s rights, in 2021 WORD made it official! With our new status as WOSB we are hopeful to connect with customers in new areas of the construction industry. In addition, we are excited to engage in this new platform and spread awareness not only for WOSB organizations but also for the Women in Construction movement.

4) IFCEE 2021: Our Biggest Trade Show YET!

2021 was an exciting year for trade shows after many events took a hiatus for 2020 but IFCEE took the cake! Our biggest trade show yet, we displayed a variety of equipment and even had a mechanical bull in our booth space to bring a little Texas spirit. Connecting a wide range of drilling industry professionals, IFCEE was a great show to start up conversations with both current and new customers.

5) Hosted our First Hollow Bar School

In partnership with our friends at Intech Anchoring Systems, we took on the challenge of hosting our very own Hollow Bar school. Featuring an educational presentation on Intech hollow bar systems, Chemgrout mixers, and WORD drilling units in addition to outdoor training, this school was a big success. If you and your team would like updates on our 2022 school, be sure to register for our WORD Wednesday Newsletter for updates!

6) Grew Our Team

Our team grew tremendously during 2021 and we couldn’t be happier! From 15 in 2020 to now 19 at the end of 2021 we have added 4 new team members to our growing organization!

7) Increased Our Ministry Focus

We were blessed with many opportunities in 2021 to serve various ministries as a team. One of the most popular service projects was a day spent in Charlotte, NC volunteering at the Operation Christmas Child packing facility. Not only were we able to donate 200 shoeboxes as a team, but we were also able to help move those boxes towards their final destination by sorting and packing the larger shipments directly!

8) Improved Team Health

The WORD Rock Drills team kicked off 2021 with a new healthy lifestyle initiative that has made a huge impact throughout the company. Knowing that a healthy lifestyle can look different for each individual, WORD made a push to provide a variety of tools to our team to help them achieve the healthy lifestyle they desire. These tools included a new on-site gym, more robust healthcare coverage, a company weight loss program, and new standing desks for our offices. With the help of these tools and the support throughout our team, we have seen tremendous success in improving team health, collectively losing 270lbs between all participating members. It has been amazing to see our team bond through routine visits to the gym, challenging one another to stand at their new desks and drink 100oz of water daily, and motivating each other to think differently about food.

9) Celebrated our Team with WORD Weekend 2021

As 2021 came to a close, we took a long weekend trip to Tennessee as a team to celebrate a great year! Our team and their families joined in for a fun day at Dollywood along with a couple of site visits to locations in the area where our customers had worked. We are so grateful to our team and glad that we were able to provide this fun opportunity after a year of hard work!

10) Shipped a Record-Breaking Number of Drills

Totalling 73 units by the end of the year, our team of 19 shipped a record-breaking number of drills in 2021. To celebrate, we sent out our 3rd annual “Rock Tour” end-of-year t-shirt boxes to each of our drill customers. These annual boxes feature a different rock band-themed t-shirt each year with a rock drilling twist.

Events

Frequently Asked Questions

Posted on by msockwell

FAQ’s about WORD Rock Drills

Will a WORD Rock Drill work on my project?

With over 30 years of combined experience in the rock drill industry, our sales team works diligently with each customer to ensure that the needs of their project are met. Each WORD customer receives an individualized consultation to make sure that the details of the project are accounted for. Centered on customer satisfaction, we will help find the best equipment for your job. If that equipment is not a WORD machine we are not too proud to admit it.

Will I need to hire an experienced driller to operate my WORD Rock Drill?

WORD Rock Drills are designed for drillers at all levels of experience. Additionally, installation and training is included with each WORD Drill purchase. This training ensures that your crew understands how to operate and maintain your new machine.  

Can WORD Drills attach to any Excavator or Skid Steer?

WORD Drilling attachments can be used with any excavator or skid steer. However, certain hydraulic flow requirements must me met for the attachment to run efficiently. As you discuss your job site needs with our sales team, they will talk you through the requirements of the machine. Talking through these things will help clarify what equipment you will need to support your drill. Want more information on WORD Drilling Attachments? Click HERE.  

What size hole can a WORD Drill accommodate?

WORD Drills can accommodate a range of hole sizes from 1” to 12” in diameter. These options are available through a variety of drilling heads that can be mounted to your attachment. During the consultation period with your WORD salesman, your salesman may ask not only about your current project but also about other types of drilling work you may encounter. Many of the drilling heads we offer can accommodate a range of hole sizes. Asking these questions will help your salesman determine which drilling head will best fit your current and future projects.  

If I need to drill a smaller/larger hole for another project will I have to purchase a completely new machine?

WORD Drills are designed to switch drilling heads between jobs so the customer can complete multiple types of work with one machine. Your WORD salesman will be able to help you figure out what options are available with you current machine. Check out all of the drilling head options WORD offers HERE.

How are WORD Drilling Attachments priced?

When you purchase your WORD Drilling machine the price is determined by three primary elements. This includes the type of attachment (Excavator or skid steer), the drilling head, and the accessories needed for the job. Each of these elements are determined primarily by the job site requirements such as hole size, hole depth, number of holes, feed rail length, and environmental concerns. You can use the “Price Your Drill Today” feature on our website to get an estimated cost based on your needs.    

Events

Making a Way for Easier Limited Access Drilling

Posted on by msockwell
Man Portable Drill , Measurements in Millimeters

You’ve got to get the job done! You’ve beaten the competition and the contract is yours but now its time for logistics. Limited access drilling it tricky. Are you trying to get a drill rig through a doorway? Down some stairs? Helicoptered onto a remote location? Struggling with accessibility in basements or parking garages?? Is your team overwhelmed trying to make this all happen??

We’ve got great news! WORD Rock Drills’ new Man Portable drill rig could be your solution.

1. Made to Be Moved

The Man Portable Drill was made to be moved easily and is exactly what you need for limited access drilling! Standing at 108 inches tall and 36.5 inches wide this drill rig is skinny enough to fit through a standard doorway, light enough to be maneuvered down stairways, and just the right height to fit in a standard basement or parking garage. Additionally, the light weight aluminum feed rail and wheels on the Man Portable allow it to be pushed by a single man or lifted by 2 men.

2. It Fits AND It Ships

Not every job site is conveniently located. Beyond having the capabilities to be easily moved while on the job site, the Man Portable Drill is also easy to transport! With a drill like this, you don’t need roads. This drill can even be delivered via helicopter if needed … AND it’s been done!

3. High Torque, Small Package

Manufactured with over 1,300 ft/lb of torques, you won’t lose any power with this rock drill! In addition, this drill has offers 3,000 lbs of pullback, a 60 weight chain, and the ability to add 1″-6″ clamp.

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