Events

2025: A Milestone Year of Expansion at WORD Rock Drills

Posted on by Jennifer King

2025 marked one of the most significant steps in WORD’s history. After years of operating across two separate locations, the company officially commissioned the build of a new 20,000 square-foot facility in late 2024 and made the final move towards bringing the entire team under one roof for the first time in the final weeks of 2025. This move not only supports WORD’s rapid growth but also strengthens the company’s ability to serve customers with greater speed, consistency, and capacity.

From humble beginnings, WORD was founded in 2006 by John and Lisa Patterson, and has been no stranger to growth, change, and adaptability from the start. Originally formed as a small parts company with a simple mission to source and provide reliable drilling components for customers with machines no longer serviced by the original manufacturer, they soon transitioned into their first major area of growth. Recognizing the need for versatile attachment drilling options across various industries, the Pattersons’ drive to innovate quickly propelled the company beyond parts distribution and into manufacturing. Through listening to the needs of contractors, small and large, they expanded into designing and manufacturing drilling attachments for skid steers and excavators. In making this shift, WORD has continued to develop and serve a wide range of customers throughout the small-hole drilling market worldwide.

A Multi-Generational Legacy with a Woman at the Helm

WORD entered into its era of Woman-Owned leadership in 2019 when the company ownership transitioned to the founders’ daughter, Paige Patterson Chrisco, and became a multi-generational enterprise. Committed to operational excellence, product innovation, and team development, Paige continuously drives the company to new heights. Under her leadership, WORD has experienced transformative growth, doubling the size of its team and more than tripling annual drill production. With this momentum, WORD has achieved formal recognition as a Women-Owned Small Business through the National Association of Women in Construction, a milestone that further supports the company’s growing presence within the equipment manufacturing industry.

In building their next home, WORD has optimized their space to increase drill production and efficiency across departments. Through key features that are now integrated into their daily workspace, the WORD team will be able to better execute the company’s core value to “Row Together”, further solidifying the partnership that their customers value when purchasing a WORD machine.

Inside the New Facility: Built for Efficiency, Innovation, and Growth

15,000 Sq. Ft. of Dedicated Shop Space

Sitting at about twice the size of their previous shop space, the expansion provides room to support increased production volume and streamline build processes.

Two Automated Inventory Storage and Retrieval Systems

Investing in technology, WORD is utilizing two vertical lift storage units by Modula. These units operate as highly sophisticated vending machines capable of storing over 10,000 drill parts and components while increasing accuracy, inventory control, and fulfillment speed. These systems will enable WORD to maintain a robust inventory for on-demand customer orders.

Integrated Overhead Crane System

Designing their processes around efficiency, the addition of an overhead crane system will streamline processes and enhance safety when moving heavy parts and assemblies during the build process.

Expanded Yard Space

Recognizing the importance of availability for drilling contractors, an expanded yard space will allow for storing a higher volume of new stock drills and rental units, supporting faster delivery and more flexible rental options.

Designated Rental Repair and Rebuild Bay

This dedicated zone will allow technicians to turn around rental equipment quickly and offer complete in-house rebuild services for customers wanting to extend the life of their WORD Drills.

Collaborative Workspaces

Finally bringing all of their processes under one roof, this space will provide the administrative, engineering, and customer support teams with improved communication flow and the ability to manage projects more cohesively.

A Strong Future for Women in Construction Manufacturing

As a women-owned company in a traditionally male-dominated industry, WORD’s momentum reflects a broader shift across construction as more women are leading, building, and transforming the landscape of equipment manufacturing. Paige Chrisco’s leadership continues to push the organization toward greater innovation, higher manufacturing capacity, and stronger customer relationships. From a small parts supplier to an industry-recognized manufacturer of high-quality drilling attachments, WORD Rock Drills has built its reputation on adaptability, customer-focused solutions, and the belief that strong companies grow stronger across generations. With its new facility and expanding team, WORD is poised for the next decade of advancement, driven by women, powered by innovation, and committed to serving drilling contractors across the country and beyond.

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Upgrade Your Fleet. Lower Your Taxes. Win with Section 179

Posted on by msockwell

Maximize Your 2025 Tax Savings with Section 179 — Invest in Your Drilling Fleet Before Year-End

As the year comes to a close, many businesses are looking for smart ways to reduce their taxable income while setting themselves up for success in the new year. One of the best ways to accomplish both is by taking advantage of Section 179 of the U.S. tax code.

This powerful tax incentive allows businesses to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment, like a new WORD Rock Drills attachment, from their taxable income for the year the equipment is placed into service. That means you can upgrade your equipment fleet now and reap the tax benefits this year.

What is Section 179?

Section 179 was designed to encourage businesses to invest in themselves by purchasing the equipment and technology they need to grow. Instead of depreciating the cost of equipment over several years, Section 179 lets you deduct the full cost in the year of purchase, up to the annual limit set by the IRS.

For 2025, the Section 179 deduction limit is $1,220,000, with a spending cap of $3,050,000. This makes it a valuable tool for contractors, utility companies, and drilling professionals looking to invest in productivity-boosting equipment before the end of the tax year.

Calculate Your Potential Tax Deduction HERE

Why Invest in a WORD Rock Drills Attachment Now?

Purchasing a WORD Rock Drills skid steer or excavator drilling attachment before December 31 means you can:

✅ Lower your 2025 tax burden by deducting the full cost of your purchase.
🚜 Upgrade your fleet with versatile, reliable drilling solutions designed for small-hole applications (1″–13″).
⏱ Boost jobsite productivity with attachments built for fast setup, efficient drilling, and compatibility with the equipment you already own.
💰 Preserve your capital—thanks to the tax savings, the effective cost of your new equipment can be significantly reduced.

Whether you’re expanding your business or replacing aging equipment, investing now means you’re not just buying a tool; you’re making a strategic business move that can deliver both immediate financial benefits and long-term operational gains.

Don’t Miss the Year-End Deadline

To take advantage of Section 179 for the 2025 tax year, your equipment must be purchased and put into service by December 31, 2025. That means now is the time to finalize your purchase and ensure your drilling attachment is ready to work before year-end.

Our team is ready to help you choose the right Hybrid, Skid Steer, or Excavator Series drilling attachment for your fleet and get it delivered in time to qualify for the deduction.

Let’s Make Your Investment Count

👉 Contact us today to get a quote and make sure your new drill qualifies for this year’s tax deduction

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered tax or legal advice. Please consult your tax professional to determine how Section 179 applies to your business.

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Why “Bigger” Isn’t Always Better: Rethinking Drill Rigs for Infrastructure Projects

Posted on by msockwell

In the world of infrastructure construction, there’s a common belief that bigger equipment means better performance. Large, all-in-one drill rigs have long been the standard on job sites — a symbol of strength and capacity. But in today’s fast-paced market, where adaptability and efficiency often trump brute force, that old assumption deserves a closer look.

At WORD Rock Drills, we’re seeing a quiet revolution: contractors are discovering that attachments for skid steers and excavators can outperform traditional rigs in ways that directly impact their bottom line — and help them win more bids.

The Heavyweight Dilemma

Owning and operating a large drill rig comes with a hefty price tag. Beyond the initial investment (which can easily exceed six figures), there are transport permits, specialized operators, and maintenance costs that pile up quickly.

These rigs often require significant mobilization time, limiting your ability to respond quickly to changing site conditions. In today’s market — where contractors are expected to be on-site yesterday — those delays can mean lost revenue and missed opportunities.

Attachments: Small But Mighty

Skid steer and excavator drilling attachments flip this equation on its head. Instead of a dedicated rig, you’re using machines you likely already own and operate every day. Equipment that is already on-site and ready to mobilize, just waiting for you to hook up the attachment.

Here’s what that means in practice:

Reduced capital expenditure: You can upgrade your drilling capabilities without tying up massive capital in a single-purpose machine.
Faster mobilization: No need for special transport or permits. Move from job to job with the equipment already on your trailer.
Increased versatility: Switch between tasks seamlessly — drilling, digging, lifting — using the same carrier machine.

Real-World ROI

Let’s consider a mid-sized contractor working on a utility infrastructure upgrade. Traditionally, they might have relied on a dedicated drill rig, requiring two operators, a transport crew, and a multi-day mobilization process.

By transitioning to an excavator drilling attachment, they reduced crew size, eliminated rig mobilization delays, and began drilling within hours of arriving on-site. The result? They completed more jobs in less time — and freed up capital to invest elsewhere in their business.

Winning More Bids with Agility

Project owners and general contractors are increasingly looking for partners who can adapt to changing scopes and timelines. By using attachments, you become that partner.

Need to install guardrails one week and foundation piers the next? With attachments, you’re not stuck waiting for specialized equipment. You can pivot quickly, respond to unexpected site conditions, and keep projects on schedule — giving you a major competitive edge.

When Bigger Does Make Sense

Of course, there will always be scenarios where a dedicated large rig is the right tool for the job — such as extreme depths, oversized diameters, or highly specialized geological conditions. But for a vast range of small-to-mid-diameter holes, especially in infrastructure work, attachments are not only sufficient — they’re often the smarter business choice.

Rethink What’s Possible

At WORD Rock Drills, we believe contractors shouldn’t have to choose between capability and flexibility. Our attachments are engineered to deliver both.

If you’re still assuming “bigger is better,” it might be time to take a closer look at how an attachment could transform your fleet — and your profitability.

📣 Ready to see if an attachment is the right fit for your operation?

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19 Fun Facts About WORD Rock Drills for Our 19th Birthday!

Posted on by msockwell

We’re celebrating 19 years of innovation, growth, and drilling excellence at WORD Rock Drills! What started in a garage back in 2006 has transformed into a thriving, women-owned rock drill manufacturing company with a dedicated team, an exciting future, and a whole lot of personality. To mark this milestone, here are 19 fun and interesting facts about WORD Rock Drills that showcase who we are, what we do, and where we’re headed!

1. Humble Beginnings with Big Dreams

Just like Apple and Microsoft, WORD Rock Drills started in a garage. From those early days, we built our first hydraulic drill attachment in 2009 for a fencer in Texas—and we haven’t stopped innovating since!

2. Women-Owned and Growing Strong

We are a proud women-owned rock drill manufacturer, and our team has grown to 23 rockstar members who keep our drilling attachments moving and customers satisfied.

3. Assembled in America, Built for the World

All of our hydraulic drilling attachments are assembled in the USA, using high-quality parts sourced from around the world to ensure top performance and durability.

4. Customization is Key

With over 40 different configurations available, our rock drills are designed to meet a variety of customer needs. Plus, additional accessories allow for even more customization!

5. From North Carolina to Japan

Our drills are making an impact worldwide! Our farthest drill traveled all the way to Japan to serve within the solar industry.

6. A Facility That’s Growing With Us

Currently, we build our drills in a 6,000 sq. ft. facility, BUT by the end of 2025, we’ll be moving into our new 10,000 sq. ft. space!

7. Smarter Storage for Faster Service

80% of our parts inventory is housed in a European-inspired vertical storage unit, allowing us to efficiently store and retrieve components for building drills or fulfilling orders.

8. Fast Shipping, Every Time

We guarantee that all in-stock parts ship within 24 hours of being ordered, ensuring our customers experience minimal downtime.

9. Trade Show Shenanigans

Did you know that we once brought a mechanical bull to a trade show and handed out custom western belt buckles to everyone who dared to ride. Because why not?

10. The Ultimate Trade Show Display

We custom-built a 20’ shipping container to use as a trade show display, complete with a bar and a second-story observation deck. We like to keep things exciting!

11. Our Production Team is Unstoppable

In 2024, our seven-person operations team built an impressive 164 rock drills—talk about efficiency and dedication!

12. Making a Difference in Disaster Relief

WORD currently has NINE drilling attachments being used by various companies to assist with Hurricane Helen relief efforts in Asheville, NC.

13. Durability That Stands the Test of Time

The very first WORD drilling attachment, built in 2009, is still going strong, drilling holes across Texas after 15 years of hard work!

14. Giving Back Globally

In 2024, we sponsored the distribution of Bibles through missions and ministries, reaching over nine countries and making an impact worldwide.

15. Operation Christmas Child Mission

Each year, our team packs 250 shoeboxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Mission. Then, in December, we take a day to travel to Charlotte and volunteer at the shoebox distribution center.

16. A Work Schedule That Works for Life

We believe in work-life balance, which is why we operate on a four-day workweek! But don’t worry—our on-call team is available on Fridays for any urgent needs.

17. Innovation and Adaptability

Our hydraulic rock drills have been used in diverse industries, from retaining walls below sea level to slope stabilization at the top of mountains, WORD is always adapting to meet our customers’ unique needs.

18. Built for Tough Conditions

WORD Rock Drills are engineered to withstand the harshest job sites, from rocky terrains to extreme weather conditions, even drilling within the Arctic Circle.

19. Looking Ahead to the Future

With a new facility on the horizon, a dedicated team, and continuous innovation, the future of WORD Rock Drills looks brighter than ever!

Why Choose WORD Rock Drills?

When it comes to reliable, high-performance hydraulic rock drills, WORD Rock Drills is a trusted name in the industry. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service ensures that our drilling attachments provide long-lasting performance in even the toughest conditions.

We’re so grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey—our customers, our team, and our supporters. Here’s to many more years of drilling, growing, and making an impact. Happy 19th birthday to us!

Stay Connected

Want to learn more about our rock drilling solutions? Contact us today or follow us on social media to stay up to date with the latest from WORD Rock Drills!

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Essential Maintenance for Your Rock Drill Shock Sub

Posted on by msockwell

If you’re using a rock drill with a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer, you know that the shock sub is a crucial component in your drilling setup. This small but mighty piece of equipment minimizes backforce while drilling, ensuring that your drill head operates efficiently and stays in good condition. However, like all equipment, shock subs require regular maintenance to continue performing at their best. Here’s what you need to know about maintaining your shock sub to maximize its effectiveness and lifespan.

When to Schedule Maintenance

The manufacturer’s recommendation encourages performing maintenance on your shock sub every 6 months or after 500 hours of use, whichever comes first. Due to the nature and function of the shock sub, there are no outward signs when the internal seals begin to wear out, however, sticking to this schedule ensures that your shock sub stays in top shape, effectively minimizing the shock and vibration transmitted to the drill head and other components during drilling operations.

Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial

Although there may be no outward signs indicating that maintenance is needed, the internal components of your shock sub, particularly the seals, are subject to wear and tear over time. As these seals wear down, the shock sub becomes less effective at absorbing vibrations and minimizing backforce. This can lead to:

Reduced Performance: A shock sub that isn’t functioning optimally can cause increased vibration and impact on the drill head, reducing drilling efficiency.
Potential Damage: Operating when your shock sub is not at peak performance increases wear on your drill head and other components, leading to costly repairs and downtime.

What Happens During Maintenance?

During the recommended maintenance, the focus is primarily on replacing the seals within the shock sub. These seals are critical in ensuring that the shock sub can perform its function of absorbing force during drilling. The maintenance process typically involves:

Disassembling the Shock Sub: This allows for a thorough inspection of all components, ensuring there is no hidden damage or wear.
Inspecting Seals and Components: The seals are checked for signs of wear, cracks, or damage. If necessary, they are replaced to restore the shock sub’s ability to minimize vibrations.
Reassembling and Testing: After the seals are replaced, the shock sub is reassembled and tested to ensure it functions correctly.

Benefits of Regular Maintenance

Extended Equipment Life: By regularly maintaining your shock sub, you ensure that your drill head and other components are protected from unnecessary wear and damage.
Reduced Downtime and Costs: Like an oil change in your car, preventive maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns, helping you avoid more costly repairs and downtime.
Optimal Drilling Performance: A well-maintained shock sub ensures smooth and efficient drilling, improving productivity and reducing operator fatigue.

Conclusion

Maintaining your rock drill shock sub every 6 months or 500 hours is a small investment of time and resources that pay off in the long run. Not only does it help keep your drilling equipment in optimal condition, but it also protects your investment by preventing costly repairs and downtime. If it’s been a while since your last shock sub maintenance, now is the time to schedule it. Preserve the health of your shock sub and keep your drilling operations running smoothly!

For more information or to place an order for your sock sub maintenance kit, contact our sales team today! Your equipment deserves the best care—let us help you keep it in top shape.

Events

Free Rock Drill Coloring Pages to Pass the Time

Posted on by msockwell

Grab your free coloring page below and GET CREATIVE! We will have new coloring pages throughout the year so be sure to check back in to make sure you don’t miss anything!

Tag us on social media with your coloring page! We’d love to see it!

Rockin’ Summer Bucket List

Summer-Time-Bucketlist-01-1 Download and Print June Coloring Page Here!

Happy Birthday to WORD!

WORD2024-April Download and Print April 2024 Coloring Page Here!

Rockin’ Women in Construction

WORD2024-FebMarch Download and Print March 2024 Coloring Page Here!

Texas Ranch Rock Drills

World-Rock-Drills-2-01-1 Download and Print January 2024 Coloring Page Here!

Pumpkin Patch Picking

Coloring-pumpkin-patch Download and Print October 2023 Coloring Page Here!

Rolling Into Fall with WORD

September-Coloring Download and Print September 2023 Coloring Page Here!

Paper Windmill Drilling

July-Coloring Download and Print July 2023 Coloring Page Here!

Springtime Solar Screw Piles

April-coloring Download and Print April 2023 Coloring Page Here!

Let it SNOW!

Let-It-Snow Download and Print January 2023 Coloring Page Here!

Rockin’ Sleigh Ride with Santa

Coloring-Sleigh Download and Print December 2022 Coloring Page Here!

Monster Mash Maze

Maze-coloring Download and Print October 2022 Coloring Page Here!

Back to (Drilling) School

Drilling20school_v1 Download and Print August 2022 Coloring Page Here!

Happy 4th of July!

Coloring-July-1 Download and Print July 2022 Coloring Page Here!

Hot Solar Summer

Beach-coloring-01-1-1 Download and Print May 2022 Coloring Page Here!

April Flowers

Flowers-coloring-01-1 Download and Print April 2022 Coloring Page Here!

Micropile Mountian

mountains-coloring-1 Download and Print January 2022 Coloring Page Here!

Gingerbread Fencing

gingerbread-house-coloring-01-1 Download and Print December 2021 Coloring Page Here!

Operation Christma Child Packing

shoebox-packing-party-coloring_1 Download and Print October 2021 Coloring Page Here!

Tunnel Support

In-a-tunnel-coloring-01-1 Download and Print August 2021 Coloring Page Here!

Trade Show Rodeo

IFCEE-coloring Download and Print June 2021 Coloring Page Here!

Farm Fencing

farm-coloring Download and Print April 2021 Coloring Page Here!

Women in Construction

March2021_WomenInConstruction Download and Print March 2021 Coloring Page Here!

Love Drilling

Valentines-day Download and Print February 2021 Coloring Page Here!

WORD Turns 15

coloring-new-year Download and Print January 2021 Coloring Page Here!

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

coloring-christmas Download and Print December Coloring Page 2020 Here!

Haloween Drill Dress-UP

Download and Print October Coloring Page 2020 Here!

Back to Trade School

Download and Print August Coloring Page 2020 Here!

Drilling in the Sun

Download and Print July Coloring Page 2020 Here!

Drill at Work

Download and Print June Coloring Page 2020 Here!

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Introducing the Game-Changing WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit: Revolutionizing Rock Drilling for Fence Installers

Posted on by msockwell

For years, WORD Rock Drills has been at the forefront of providing high-quality rock drilling attachments to the fencing community. With a range of skid steer drilling options catering to various needs, WORD has been a trusted partner for fence installers nationwide. Recognizing a gap in the market and the evolving needs of our customers, we are thrilled to unveil our latest innovation: the WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit.

Revolutionizing Rock Drilling for Fence Installers

Designed to address the specific challenges faced by fence installers dealing with tough soil conditions, the DTH Auger Drive Kit is a game-changer in the industry. This new kit allows for shallow hole drilling of up to 6 feet deep and 6 inches wide, empowering installers to take on more challenging projects with confidence.

Key Features and Benefits of the WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit

What sets the WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit apart is its user-friendly design and efficiency. Installers can now convert their existing Auger Drive Head into a powerful rock drill. This kit eliminates the need for subcontracting drilling services or costly excavation processes. This not only saves valuable time but also significantly reduces project costs, making it a cost-effective solution for businesses of all sizes.

WORD Salesman, Reid Sockwell, has worked closely with fencing customers for many years and has seen several thrive with this new product line. “I had many customers who were unsure about investing in our standard skid steer attachment but needed a drilling solution. Traditional methods were costing them time and money, but they weren’t ready to make the leap to one of our larger attachments. The DTH Auger Drive Kit met them halfway, helping them win contracts and complete work quickly.” – Reid Sockwell

Versatility and Integration

One of the key advantages of this kit is its versatility. By incorporating a tool familiar to many fencing installers—the Auger Drive Head—WORD has created a solution that seamlessly integrates into existing workflows. Whether you’re working on residential fencing projects or commercial installations, this kit is engineered to meet your drilling needs efficiently and effectively. Adaptable to a range of auger drive heads from Digga, Pro-Dig, Eskridge, Eterra, Pengo, and more, the WORD Auger Drive Kit is a flexible solution to help fencing installers meet their goals.

Compact and Portable

The compact nature of the DTH Auger Drive Kit means it can be easily transported and maneuvered on-site. Unlike the WORD SS Series Drill Attachment used for larger commercial-scale fencing installations, the smaller footprint of the DTH Auger Drive Kit enhances maneuverability and overall productivity for smaller sites. With this tool in your fleet, you can take on challenging terrains and expand into new markets with confidence.

Commitment to Innovation and Customer Satisfaction

At WORD, we believe in not just meeting but exceeding our customers’ expectations. The development of the DTH Auger Drive Kit is a testament to our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. We invite fence installers everywhere to experience the difference firsthand and revolutionize their rock drilling capabilities.

The WORD DTH Auger Drive Kit is not just a product; it’s a solution that empowers fence installers to overcome obstacles, save costs, and achieve greater efficiency in their operations. Discover the future of rock drilling with WORD Rock Drills today!

Learn More at https://www.wordrockdrills.com/product/dth-auger-drive-kit/

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Our Move to a 4-Day Workweek

Posted on by msockwell

Enhancing Work-Life Balance for Our Team

Dear Valued Customers,

We are excited to announce that WORD Rock Drills is transitioning to a 4-day work week starting in June! This decision reflects our commitment to promoting work-life balance for our team while ensuring continued excellence in serving you, our cherished customers.

What’s NOT Changing?

Our Commitment to Helping You Make A Way

Rest assured, our commitment to serving you remains unchanged. We are confident that this transition will have a positive impact on both our team’s well-being and our ability to provide exceptional service to you, our valued customers. Thank you for your understanding and continued support as we embark on this exciting journey together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still place regular parts orders on Friday?

YES, you can still place regular parts orders on Fridays. Although our Sales Team will not be in the office, they will be monitoring their phones and emails to ensure that our customers are taken care of. Leave a detailed message and they will follow up to assist as needed. Regular parts orders will be processed the following Monday. If you have an urgent order, they will coordinate with the Expedite Team to begin same-day processing.

How do I get help if my drill is down?

Call Our Home Office – 336-584-6700 – OR Email Sales@wordrockdrills.com and leave a detailed message with contact information. Our team will be monitoring these channels and will reach out quickly to assist.

What’s Changing?

New Operating Hours: 7am – 5pm Monday to Thursday

Work-life balance is a crucial aspect of employee well-being and productivity. Studies consistently show that reduced work hours can lead to increased productivity, job satisfaction, lower stress levels, and improved overall health. By adopting a 4-day work week, we aim to enhance the quality of life for our team members, which in turn positively impacts the service we provide to you.

Friday Ordering Procedures

We understand that urgent matters arise, and we have established robust expedite procedures to ensure that customer needs are met promptly. Contact our team directly at 336-584-6700 or call your sales rep to place an order. We will have a dedicated Expedite Team on Fridays to assist in any urgent needs. To best help us prioritize and process these orders efficiently, we will not be able to guarantee shipment on orders placed after 2pm on Fridays. Orders requiring freight coordination are subject to additional circumstances and my not apply to overnight or “next day” shipping. The WORD Team is dedicated to presenting our customers with the best solution and will work to maintain our high level of customer service in conjunction with our new schedule changes. WORD is here to Make A Way!

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5 Creative Solutions to Random Things you Run Into While Drilling

Posted on by msockwell

1) Sub Zero Temperatures? You Won’t Be the Only One Who Needs to Bundle Up!

When the temperature begins to creep below freezing, there are a few things that you need to do to keep your drill running smoothly. If you need to use the water mist dust suppression system while working, insulate your water lines to prevent them from freezing in severe temperatures. If it’s really cold, you can bundle up your mist pump in a heated blanket to take the chill off! One thing to remember if temperatures are low, make sure to drain ALL of the water out of your mist pump at the end of the day so that it doesn’t freeze up while not in use.

2) Not Drilling as Quickly As You Used To? Your Bit Could Have Something to Do With It

Have you noticed that you aren’t drilling as quickly as you were at the start of your project? There are many factors that could be at play in this situation but one common culprit is your bit. As to be expected, your bit sees a lot of friction during the drilling process that can wear it down. If you’ve noticed this slowdown, and you know that the soil conditions have not changed, check the bottom of your bit between holes. If the rounded tungsten carbide teeth have flattened out, it’s time to give us a call and we can get a new one on its way to you!

3) It Might be a Good Idea to Keep Sawdust or Bentonite on Hand, Here’s Why

When it comes to drilling, it’s always a good idea to expect the unexpected … especially when it comes to soil conditions. Even with advanced technology and geotechnical site mapping you can still come across unexpected surprises. One such surprise that can make drilling difficult is the presence of cracks or fissures in the rock. These cracks can decrease the air pressure down the hole and increase the likelihood of your bit getting stuck. Putting sawdust or bentonite down the hole while you’re drilling will help fill these cracks and help maintain the needed air pressure while drilling.

4) Blowing Out the Top Of Your Big Holes? Try Some DIY Temporary Casing to Prevent Cave-In

Particularly when drilling holes in the 10″ – 14″ range in soft soils the air pressure moving through the bit to clear the hole can cause the top of your hole to blow out. This blowout creates excess material in the hole that can cause your bit to get stuck. To help prevent this from happening, you can use Tube Form from the local hardware store to create a temporary casing that can be removed once the drilling is done.

5) Working Near a Radio or Cell Phone Tower? You Might Have to Tether Your Radio Remote

If your Excavator or Skid Steer Attachment operates with a radio remote control, nearby radio or cell phone towers may be interfering with your remote functions. If you have tried changing frequencies on your radio with no success or are looking for a quicker solution to get back up and running, luckily, tethering your remote is quick and easy. Pop the identical round black caps on the side of both your receiver and your remote and screw in the end of the 20M cable provided with your machine. If you are experiencing radio interference and would like to try out different frequencies before tethering, give us a call and our service team will walk you through the process!

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Get the Reach You Need

Posted on by msockwell

Increase the Versatility of your Jobsite with a Drilling Attachment

When it comes to drilling in hard-to-reach places, the conversation typically turns to limited access in terms of compact spaces that limit your equipment options. However, creative thinking isn’t just reserved for your limited access sites. Almost every job site requires some degree of problem-solving and equipment knowledge to find the best solution to get the job done. This is where having versatile equipment in your fleet gives you the upper hand.

Getting to the High Ground

Getting the right equipment, to the right location, to get the job done is what it’s all about. When it comes to extended reach capabilities, standard all-in-one drilling units won’t be able to give you the mobility you need. Whether you’re reaching high onto the side of a mountain or down over the edge of a roadway, the equipment you choose plays a big role in the success of your project. Many of our customers choose an excavator attachment when faced with this type of project. Why? Versatility!

Why Choose a WORD Machine?

Choosing a WORD Excavator attachment as an alternative to an all-in-one drilling machine gives you options not only for your current project but also for future project capabilities. WORD excavator attachments can be adapted to excavators of all shapes and sizes. As long as weight capacity and hydraulic flows are met, you can choose the best excavator to fit your current project without restricting capabilities on future projects. These attachments also provide additional flexibility for the use of your excavator throughout a project. As an attachment, the drill can easily be disconnected and stored after it completes its phase of the project. This allows the chosen excavator to be utilized in other ways on the site or returned ahead of schedule if it’s a rental.

Whatever project or site you are working on, having versatile equipment will help you save both time and money. This versatility also increased the type and variety of jobs that you are able to complete without additional unnecessary equipment purchases. Ask your WORD Sales Rep how you can get set up with a versatile attachment unit for your next project!