Maximize the productivity of your horizontal directional drilling (HDD) rigs with our purpose-built tricone bits. From pilot hole reaming in soft, unstable soils to pushing through abrasive rock formations, our Mill Tooth and TCI bits are designed to handle the unique stresses of horizontal boreholes. Get the durability and performance you need to complete your utility, pipeline, and fiber optic installations on time and on budget.
Formation-Specific Cutting Structures: Tackle any HDD profile with confidence. Our Mill Tooth Bits are ideal for the sticky clays and soft sediments common in many HDD launches, resisting ball-up for consistent progress. Our Tungsten Carbide Insert (TCI) Bits are your go-to for hard rock crossings, featuring a robust design that delivers up to 3.5x the wear life in abrasive formations like granite and limestone.
Reliability that Reduces Risk: A failed bit in a long horizontal bore is costly. Our bits are equipped with a premium Metal Seal Bearing System that locks out drilling fluids. Engineered to resist temperatures >150°C (>302°F) and pressures >25,000 psi, this system achieves near-zero mud intrusion for complete bearing protection, drastically reducing the risk of downhole failure.
Optimized for HDD Rig Compatibility: We design our bits to perform with the drive systems you use every day, whether it's a direct rotary push or a high-torque mud motor.
Choose a MILL TOOTH Tricone Bit for:
Pilot Holes & Reaming in soft, compactable soils (clay, silt, mudstone).
Sticky Formations where self-sharpening teeth reduce the risk of bit balling.
Cost-Effective Drilling in non-abrasive conditions where high penetration rate is key.
Choose a TUNGSTEN CARBIDE INSERT (TCI) Tricone Bit for:
Hard Rock Crossings and reaming (sandstone, limestone, shale, granite).
Long-Distance Bores where maximizing bit life saves multiple trip times.
Abrasive Formations that would quickly wear down a mill tooth bit.

Direct Rotary (From the Rig): Provides high thrust and stability, excellent for shorter bores and less complex soil profiles. Offers good control with lower fluid flow requirements.
Mud Motor (Positive Displacement Motor): The essential tool for steering and long rock crossings. This assembly provides high RPM directly to the bit for efficient rock destruction, independent of the drill pipe's rotation. It is the primary choice for challenging, directional rock bores but requires careful management of drilling parameters and fluid cleanliness to protect the motor and bit.
| Model | IADC | Drill Pressure (kN/mm) | Drill Speed (r/min) | Connection Type | HDD Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IADC115/15 1/2" | 115 | 0.3-0.75 | 75/80-60 | 1 5/8" API REG | Pilot drilling in very soft soils: clay, mudstone. |
| IADC217/8 1/2" | 217 | 0.4-1.0 | 100/120-60 | 4 1/2" API REG | Soft to medium soil reaming: limestone, mudstone, sandstone layers. |
| IADC127/9 1/2" | 127 | 0.35-0.9 | 65/80-70 | 6 5/8" API REG | Stable soils with low compressive strength. |
| IADC117/8 3/4" | 117 | 0.35-0.9 | 150-70 | 6 5/8" API REG | Efficient drilling in very soft, unstable clays and chalk. |
| Model | IADC | Drill Pressure (kN/mm) | Drill Speed (r/min) | Connection Type | HDD Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IADC 437/12 1/4" | 437 | 0.35-0.9 | 240-70 | 6 5/8" API REG | Pilot hole in soft to medium formations. |
| IADC 517/8 1/2" | 517 | 0.35-1.0 | 220-60 | 6 5/8" API REG | Reaming in soft rock and stable soils. |
| IADC 537/12 1/4" | 537 | 0.45-1.0 | 220-50 | 6 5/8" API REG | Medium-hard rock crossings for utilities. |
| IADC 617/8 3/4" | 617 | 0.5-1.1 | 180-40 | 4 1/2" API REG | Primary choice for hard rock HDD bores. |
| IADC 637/8 3/4" | 637 | 0.5-1.1 | 180-40 | 4 1/2" API REG | Abrasive rock & long-distance crossings. |
Every HDD project is unique. Our Tricone Drill Bits provide the reliability, efficiency, and customizability you need to get the job done faster and more cost-effectively.
Contact us for expert HDD bit selection support, competitive pricing, and technical datasheets.