TRIDENT "SUPREME"

Our premium hard rock bit with its full gauge and flat face can handle almost any formation from granite and basalt to limestone, hard sandstone, dolomite or any other formation that you may encounter. This is the most commonly used all-around bit.

Available in sizes 3-7/8" through 10"

What Bit Should You Use?

The penetration rate you now average should help determine the Trident bit you choose. Trident offers bits for soft, medium or hard formations, as well as special purpose bits. Here are some rule-of-thumb guidelines for the terms "Hard," "Medium" and 'Soft" formations for cable tool well drilling.

HARD FORMATIONS

Supreme or Drop Center
Penetration Rates Up to 3 Feet Per Hour

MEDIUM FORMATIONS

Supreme or Drop Center
Penetration Rates 3 to 5 Feet Per Hour

SOFT FORMATIONS

Drop Center or Soft Rock
 Over 5 Feet Per Hour

TRIDENT
"DROP CENTER"

For hard and unconsolidated formations, the "Drop Center" has a full gauge and a concave face. It can be used in granite, basalt, limestone, hard sandstone, dolomite, hard pan or any formation that has unconsolidated material mixed with hard rock. The concave face allows cuttings to escape faster, provides a higher 'unit load' on impact and helps keep the bit centered facilitating a straighter hole. 

TRIDENT "SR"

The "SR" is for soft rock drilling. It features a concave face and extra "chip channels" for shale, slate, clay, soft sandstone or soft to medium limestone. The extra chip channels allow larger cuttings to get past the bit faster reducing re-drilling of settled material. This bit is designed for aggressive digging action.

SPECIAL PURPOSE BITS

RECOMMENDED TOOL WEIGHT

200-250 lbs. Per Inch of Hole Diameter
(Example 6" hole - 6 x 200 = 1200 lbs, etc.)

4" = 800 - 1000 lbs
5" =1000 - 1250 lbs
6" =1200 - 1500 lbs
8" = 1600 - 2000 lbs
10" = 2000 - 2500 lbs.
12" = 2400 - 3300 lbs

TOO LIGHT MIGHT SLOW PROGRESS
TOO HEAVY MIGHT CRUSH CARBIDES

Above weights based upon 18"-24" stroke length. When in hard rock it is best to use a shorter stroke and increase the strokes per minute.

TRIDENT "Z"

Named for the backwards "Z" appearance of the face, this bit was designed for drilling in gravel, sand or rock formations mixed with these materials. The leading edge has a 'scooping' action. The reduced shoulder area allows gravel to fall easily past the bit reducing likelihood of becoming wedged between bit and casing. The carbide inserts fracture any hard rock encountered in these types of formations.

TRIDENT "ECCENTRIC"

The bit head is offset from the center line 1/2" allowing the bit to over drill approx. 1" in one full rotation. This design allows a bit made to drill an oversized hole to fit through standard sized casing. It can be effective when setting casing into rock or through boulders.