Don’t Blow the First Impression: The Starter Rod’s Big Job

Hey there,

when you’re picking out gear for a job, the starter rod isn’t exactly the star of the show. I used to think the same way. My attention was always grabbed by the advanced locators or the cool new bits. The starter rod? It just seemed like… the plain piece you attach first. How important could it be?

Then came that one site visit a few years back. A seasoned crew was prepping for a bore, but right from the first push, something was off. The rig was straining, the alignment was fighting them – you know that sinking feeling when the job is already arguing with you before it even really starts?

After some head-scratching and backtracking, the culprit was found: a slightly worn, slightly bent starter rod. It wasn’t broken. It was just… tired. And that tiny bit of wear at the very beginning was throwing off the entire string down the line.

That was my “aha!” moment. That first rod isn’t just a connector; it’s the foundation. It’s responsible for:

• Transferring all the power and thrust from your rig directly into the ground.
• Setting the precise alignment for every single rod that follows it.

If your starter rod isn’t straight or its threads aren’t perfect, every subsequent rod inherits that problem. It’s like trying to build a straight wall on a crooked foundation. A small issue at the start can magnify into a massive headache – and cost – yards later.

Ever since that day, I’ve become a bit of a starter rod evangelist. I now always give them a quick once-over when I’m with customers. A quick check for straightness, a look at the threads, making sure it’s the right match for the rig… it takes two minutes but can save you from a world of trouble.

It’s not about buying the most expensive one; it’s about giving that first, crucial piece the respect it deserves.

We’ve all learned lessons the hard way out there. Maybe yours involves a starter rod, or maybe it was something else entirely. Share your story with me – let’s learn from each other.

Keep drilling smart,

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