HDD TOOLING

Pilot bit selection depends on your ground conditions. Check out our Pilot Bit Brochure for a detailed soil type chart. Here’s a quick overview:  

• Duck Bill works best for soft and sandy soils with ultimate steerability.  

• Steep Taper economical option for rocky and highly compacted soils. 

• Bulldog Taper semi aggressive taper tip good for compacted soils and soft rock.  

• Ballantine Bulldog the broad tip provides steerability, the carbide cutters provide durability in hard soil and abrasive conditions. 

• Tough Bit the bit’s design provides optimum impact resistance and steering durability in hard and rocky soil.  

• Power Tip the rounded tip with carbide buttons provides smooth steering in hard-packed soils and clay.  

• Hurricane Taper delivers improved penetration in hard and rocky ground.  
• Razorback is our most aggressive bit, featuring an extreme taper for ultimate penetration in soft rock and rocky conditions.

Pilot bit part numbers tell you everything you need: 

• Drill manufacturer and model compatibility 

• Bit thickness and hole pattern 

• Bit style (Duck Bill, Hurricane Taper, Razorback, etc.) 

• Soil condition 

• Width of cut

For example, a part number like D65DH40 specifies a Ditch Witch-compatible Duck Bill bit with specific dimensions. If you know your current bit’s part number, we can match it exactly. If not, contact us with your drill’s make and model and we’ll identify the right bit.

Unlike trencher parts that wear gradually, HDD pilot bits typically break from unseen underground obstacles rather than wear out. Replace your pilot bit when carbide cutters are damaged, broken, or missing, when the bit body shows cracks or structural damage, or when you notice reduced drilling performance or difficulty steering. Regular inspection helps you identify damage before it affects your bore path or causes downtime.

Yes. Different ground conditions require different pilot bit designs. Keep multiple bit styles on hand if you work in varied terrain. A Duck Bill for sandy soil won’t perform well in rock, and a Razorback designed for rocky ground will be overkill in soft soil. Having the right bit for your conditions improves drilling efficiency, maintains better steering control, and extends bit life. 

Yes. Your drill rod size determines compatibility for vise jaws, drive chucks, sub savers, and other drill string components. Check your equipment specifications or measure your existing drill rod diameter. It’s important to provide an accurate rod size when ordering to make sure you purchase parts that fit your drill properly. When in doubt, contact our team for help finding the right part.

Sub savers protect your drill rod threads from wear during the drilling process. They install between drill rods and extend the life of your more expensive drill string by taking the wear that would otherwise damage rod threads. Replacing an inexpensive sub saver is far more cost-effective than replacing damaged drill rods.

Replace vise jaws when you notice worn gripping surfaces, reduced holding power during drilling, or visible damage to the jaw teeth. Worn vise jaws can slip during drilling, potentially causing damage to your drill rods. Regular inspection and timely replacement prevent rod damage and maintain secure grip throughout your drilling operation.