DTH hammers and bits are essential tools in modern rock drilling, widely used in mining, quarrying, water well drilling, and construction foundation work. Many users pay close attention to performance stability, service life, and the causes of unexpected failures. Issues such as air leakage, low impact power, or stuck drilling conditions often result in delays, higher operating costs, and unnecessary downtime. Similarly, the selection of reliable DTH hammer button bits plays an important role in drilling speed, hole straightness, and durability.

Through years of R&D, field feedback, and technical service experience, Kaiqiu Drilling Tools Co., Ltd. has summarized common operational challenges and practical solutions that can help users maintain better drilling performance in various geological formations.

1. Air Leakage and Low Impact Power

One of the more frequently reported issues is a noticeable drop in hammer impact force. Users may detect slow penetration, unstable hammering, or inconsistent exhaust sound.

Key causes:

Excessive wear of internal hammer parts

Worn O-rings or seals

Contaminated compressed air

Incorrect lubrication

Solutions:

Replace all O-rings regularly and check for uneven wear

Clean the air system and ensure the compressor provides clean, dry air

Avoid mixing incompatible lubricants

During maintenance, inspect the piston and cylinder for scoring or damage

2. Hammer Not Firing or Delayed Firing

Sometimes the hammer fails to start even when air supply is sufficient. This often occurs after long periods of idle storage or when drilling in wet or clay-rich formations.

Main causes:

Residual moisture causing internal parts to stick

Accumulated dust or fine particles

Damage on the check valve or top sub

Fixes:

Increase lubrication during startup

Flush the hammer with clean oil before drilling begins

Replace the check valve if sealing is compromised

Avoid storing the hammer with water inside

3. Abnormal Wear on Button Bits

Even high-quality dth hammer button bits experience wear, but abnormal early wear often indicates a mismatch or improper drilling technique.

Symptoms include:

Rapid flattening of carbide buttons

Uneven wear on gauge row

Cracked or broken carbide

Possible reasons:

Drilling in highly abrasive rock without selecting proper bit material

Excessive rotation speed

Insufficient lubrication

Misaligned drilling angle

Recommendations:

Choose bit designs suitable for the formation (spherical buttons for hard rock, ballistic for softer rock)

Maintain proper rotation speed according to hammer size

Use proper stabilizers to reduce hole deviation

Inspect bit face after every drill cycle

4. Hammer Stuck in the Borehole

Being stuck is one of the more disruptive problems. It may occur due to formation collapse, clay swelling, or excessive cuttings accumulation.

Common reasons:

Poor cuttings evacuation

Insufficient air pressure

Drilling through fractured formations

Worn bit reducing air circulation

Prevention and recovery:

Maintain adequate air pressure at all times

Pull out the drill string frequently in unstable formations

Do not forcefully rotate the hammer when stuck

Use reverse circulation or backflushing techniques

5. Slow Penetration Rate

A reduced drilling speed can have many causes unrelated to mechanical failure.

Potential causes:

Incorrect bit design for the formation

Excessive bit wear

Insufficient compressor output

Worn internal hammer parts

Over-drilling at the end of bit life

Optimization:

Monitor penetration rate every few meters

Replace bits when gauge wear reaches the limit

Keep compressor output stable

Perform periodic internal inspection

As a manufacturer integrating R&D, production, and technical service, Kaiqiu Drilling Tools Co., Ltd. continues to help global users improve reliability and reduce downtime through advanced heat treatment technology and high-quality DTH hammers and bits.