Hey there! So you just wrapped up an HDD pull, and everything seems perfect? Hold that thought — let me share a few things I’ve learned the hard way over the years.
You know that feeling when the drill bits finally surfaces and the whole crew breathes a sigh of relief? I used to think that was the real finish line. Until one time, we packed up too fast, and two days later, the customer called saying the drill string was “acting funny.” Turns out, we didn’t flush the rods properly and some mud had settled in the worst way possible. Lesson learned: the job’s not done when the drill stops.
Here’s what I now do religiously after every HDD job — not because some manual says so, but because skipping these steps has bitten me before.
Check your rods before they cool down
I mean it — once the excitement wears off, take a slow walk along the string. Look for scratches, dents, or weird wear patterns. I once found a small crack near a thread that everyone missed because we were in a hurry to load up. That crack could’ve turned into a big problem next time around. Give them a good clean while you’re at it. Mud and grit love to hide in threads — and they’re not paying rent!
Don’t just rinse — talk to your drilling fluid
Yeah, that sounds cheesy, but hear me out. What’s coming back tells a story. Too much sand? Formation might be unstable. Fluid too thick? Maybe it’s time to check your mixing process. I keep a small notebook (okay, fine, my phone notes) about what I see in the returns. It’s helped me guess right on the next site more than once.
Your tools need love too
That reamer or mud motor just worked hard. A quick tear-down inspection in the yard beats a frantic field repair later. I remember once, we reused a wear ring without measuring it — “looked fine” — and ended up with an off-grade hole on the next project. Not proud of that one.
Log it like you’ll forget it — because you will
I’m terrible at remembering details. So now, before I even take my gloves off, I jot down pull force, rotation pressure, any strange vibrations — even the weather. It’s like a diary for the drill rig. Months later, when a similar project pops up, you’ll thank your past self.
Have a chat with the ground
No, really. Walk the bore path again a day later. Look for settling, seepage, or weird puddles. One summer, after what seemed like a flawless pull, I noticed a damp line along the route. Caught a tiny grout leak early. The client thought I was a wizard — I was just being paranoid from past mess-ups.
We’re all tempted to call it a day once the machine is off. But the “after-party” is where you save headaches, money, and sometimes relationships with clients.
What about you? Ever had an “oops” moment after an HDD job that taught you something? Hit reply — I’d love to hear.
Keep boring smart
By Frank
HDD Engineering Sales
RICHDRILL EQUIPMENT CO.,LTD
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