Tips to help keep your hammers in top condition.



The good folks at Numa Hammers, the Thompson, Conn.-based designer and manufacturer of down-hole hammers and bits, offers these salient tips that will help keep your hammers in tiptop condition:

When storing a down-hole hammer, it is important to take the necessary steps in order to ensure a smooth operation after restarting. When the hole is completed and the hammer is to be inactive for several weeks or longer, the following steps should be followed:

1. Each drill rod should be blown clear of all water. During this process, turn on the in-line lubricator, and blow until the rock drill oil can be seen from the bottom end of each drill rod.

2. Each rod (pin and box end) should be wiped clean and capped to prevent foreign contaminants from sticking to the connector ends.

Short-term Storage

When a down-hole hammer will be stored for only a short period of time the following steps should be taken:

1. Blow the hammer clear of all water.
2. Pour one quart of rock drill oil into the backhead.
3. Turn on the air and cycle for 10 seconds. This will lubricate the internal parts.
4. Cap the backhead and chuck end.
5. Store the hammer horizontally in a dry environment.

Long-term Storage

When a down-hole hammer will be stored for a long period of time, the following steps should be taken:

1. Blow the hammer clear of all water.
2. If at all possible, the backhead and chuck should be broken loose on the drill rig – this is much easier than trying to do so in the shop.
3. Disassemble the hammer.
4. Inspect and wipe all the parts clean.
5. Lubricate all the internal parts with a suitable rock drill oil.
6. Cap the backhead and chuck ends.
7. Store the hammer horizontally in a dry environment.

Restarting

Before restarting the hammer after prolonged periods of inactivity, disassemble and inspect all internal hammer parts. Failure to check internal parts before restarting the hammer may cause serious damage to the hammer.

If any internal hammer parts have oxidized, use an emery cloth to polish each part. Wash each hammer part, wipe dry, relubricate with rock drill oil and reassemble the hammer.
ND