FAQ |
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Where can I buy? Can I buy direct?
Radius products can be purchased through our rapidly growing network of dealers. If your current dealer does not offer Radius tools call us at (800) 892-9114. As part of our total commitment to customer support, contractors can purchase parts directly from us if needed. The odds are very good that your local Radius dealer will have the parts you need in stock, however, we understand the name of the game is keeping your crews up running!
Can Radius Tools be hard surfaced?
Yes. Stick, granular or flux core hardfacing can be applied to any Radius tool. It can be applied at the factory or in the field. The material is a 4140 heat treated alloy. Use caution not to overheat areas around carbide buttons. Overheating can loosen silver solder and result in button loss. Use caution to not overheat the bit or housing, let it cool before continuing if need be. (NOTE: Some OEM’s press fit their carbides into the bit. Never heat a pressed-in carbide. Extreme pressure can be created under the carbide button causing it to explode out of the tool.)
Should a compound be used on the thread of a Radius bit?
We recommend using the same copper based lubrication used on pipe joints. As long as proper drilling, etching and steering processes are used there is no more chance of the bit loosening than the rest of the drill string, in fact, a threaded connection test stronger in rotational torque and pullback than other keyway, bolt-on or splined connections.
What type of cutting teeth is best?
Every experienced driller has their opinion as to which type of teeth work best. The designers of construction and mining carbide tools explain that there are two primary cutting processes in tough rock.
A pointed carbide tooth is designed to fracture and cut a rock face. The sharp point is used to penetrate into the rock and create a crack or fissure. Cutting & rotational force will cause a break around the crack and a piece of the rock is removed, ground in to smaller pieces and floated out of the bore hole.
A tooth with a rounded or domed tip is designed to grind the rock face. Using the extreme hardness of the carbide material, cutting pressure and the rotation of the tool, the face of the rock is ground until it wears down the rock or until it finds or creates a weakness, fault or fissure in the cutting path.
It is not a case of one process being better than the other as much as simply two separate approaches to drilling in tough conditions. If one isn’t working—try the other.
How long will my tool last?
Obviously conditions and use will determine the life of your tool, but there are a few steps you can take that will maximize your tool’s performance.
- Clean and inspect the tool after each use. Flush mud, cuttings and debris out of the fluid ports.
- WATCH THE WEAR! Replace lost carbides or begin a hardfacing regimen. The most common form of tool loss is wear. Without carbide or hardfacing protection the base metal does not stand a chance!
- Keep the threads greased. In use or in storage keeping the treads greased prevents rust. Use thread protectors when not in use.
Where can I get parts?
A good stock of replacement parts can save $1000’s of dollars of down time. However, Radius bits and housings were designed with field use in mind. Every connection was designed to be as standard as possible so bolts and hardware can be found in a pinch. Don’t wait until you need ‘em though, order a Radius spare parts kit today for your tooling. Call us (800) 892-9114 for more information.
Why is the Vermeer Firestick II connection so much more expensive than other subs?
We must purchase this connection from Vermeer. We actually sell this sub at a loss in an attempt to lessen the burden. If anyone has a good explanation why this sub cost twice as much as any other sub we would love to hear it.
Will the Radius Housing accept all major brands of locating electronics?
Yes. Our innovative and patent pending housing not only offers unequaled strength in a side load housing but also is designed to fit popular transmitters from Subsite, RadioDetection, McLaughlin and Digital Control. This includes the new 19" deep sonde, wireline sondes up to 1.5" in diameter and for the latest geo-navigation systems, all size bits, housings and subs are available in a non-magnetic form.
Can the Radius sonde housing be used with a mud motor?
Yes. The 3.5" and 4.5" sonde housings are available in standard and high-flow versions. The Radius Maximus line of big rig housings are all designed as high flow systems. Finally, the ease of access and the security of an endload design come together with the Radius sonde housing!