Equipment·
Choosing a drill rig: top-hammer or down-the-hole
How rock, depth and diameter drive the choice of rig.
There is no one-size-fits-all rig — the choice depends on conditions.
Top-hammer
- Faster on benches at shorter depths
- Smaller diameter
Down-the-hole (DTH)
- Straight, deep holes
- Better in hard rock and at larger diameter
Often both types are used on one site for different tasks.
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