Drills

About Drills

Drills are indispensable tools found on construction sites around the world, essential for various applications from laying underground utility lines to drilling for water, oil, and natural gas. Horizontal directional drills (HDD) are commonly used to install pipelines, utility conduits, and fiber-optic lines below the ground without disturbing the surface. They are also crucial in drilling blasting holes for tunnel construction and tapping into remote oil and gas reserves. Traditional vertical drill rigs, on the other hand, drill downward to create wells for water, oil, and gas or to explore subsurface soil and rock layers. They are also used in quarry operations to drill blasting holes for extracting large sheets of rock.

Current Inventory

Drill Features

As drills bore deeper into the ground, the operator or an automatic system adds additional lengths of threaded drill pipe, known as a drill string, between the bit and the motor to extend the reach. Drills may utilize either a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer, located just behind the drill bit, or a top hammer, located at the top of the drill itself, to enhance drilling effectiveness. These hammers tap the rotating drill bit into rock or compacted soil with great force and speed, significantly increasing efficiency.

To clear debris from the drilled hole, compressed air or drilling fluid (mud or water) is pushed down through the drill string and out through the bit, carrying dislodged rock and soil back to the surface. Drills are marketed based on several key specifications:

• Hole Range/Diameter Class: This refers to the range of hole sizes a drill can produce, with different drills suited for various applications based on the hole size required.
• Horsepower & Thrust: A drill’s horsepower is essential for determining its thrust (ability to push the drill forward) and pullback force (ability to retrieve the drill string along with any reamer, pipe, or utility conduit).
• Flow Rate: The rate at which a drill can flow air or drilling fluid to remove debris is another critical factor. This ensures efficient removal of cuttings and soil as the bit advances deeper.

When purchasing a used drill, it’s important to consider its engine hours, drifter hours (rotation head hours), and percussion hours (for drills with a hammer mechanism). These factors will give you a clearer picture of the machine’s overall condition and remaining lifespan.

Find the Right Drill

At BestUsedEquipment.com, you can explore a wide selection of new and used drills, including horizontal directional drills and vertical drill rigs. Our inventory features equipment from top manufacturers like Atlas Copco, Ditch Witch, Ingersoll-Rand, Sandvik, Tamrock, and Vermeer. Whether you need a drill for utility installation, well drilling, or blasting operations, you’ll find the perfect machine for your project.

Popular Manufacturers

BestUsedEquipment.com offers a broad range of drills from renowned manufacturers such as Atlas Copco, Ditch Witch, Ingersoll-Rand, Sandvik, Tamrock, and Vermeer. Browse our listings to find the right drill to match your operational needs and budget.