Drill rods are heavy and handled repeatedly throughout an HDD project. Moving them between the rod rack and drilling rig therefore deserves some attention. A good setup reduces manual handling and keeps rods under control.

Reduce manual handling

Where possible, drill rods should be moved mechanically instead of carried, rolled or positioned by hand. A hydraulic rod grapple such as our RodGrip Pro can pick up, move and position rods while keeping people away from the load and the common pinch points.

Don’t forget the threads

Rod handling is also about protecting the connections. Keep threads clean, apply the appropriate thread compound and check the threads and shoulders regularly for wear or damage.

Obviously, it’s also important to avoid dropping rods or allowing threaded ends to hit the ground. Damaged connections should be taken out of service and inspected before being used again.

A better setup starts before drilling

Rod handling should be considered when setting up the HDD site. The aim is simple: reduce unnecessary manual movements, keep the rod under control and create a clear handling process between storage and the drilling rig. With the right setup and suitable equipment, rod handling becomes a more controlled part of the HDD operation rather than a repetitive manual task.