Piercing tools are ideal for installing utilities under existing landscapes and/or structures. These pneumatic-powered tools create a compact hole that allows contractors to install underground gas, water, cable, irrigation, fiber or electrical lines under yards, buildings or streets with minimal disruption.
HammerHead piercing tools are some of the most reliable in the industry today. With more than 24 models ranging from 2” to 8” (50 to 200 mm), HammerHead has a piercing tool to meet any needs and any ground condition.
HammerHead piercing tools’ body housing design provides better durability and tool life than competitive models. The HammerHead Mole also has fewer working parts than competitive tools, resulting in fewer failure points. In addition, the rebuild costs on HammerHead piercing tools are up to 80 percent less than competitive models. In fact, the rear anvil design provides for fast and easy field service capable of being performed on the tailgate of a truck.
HammerHead piercing tools run at 110 psi (7.6 bar), the highest in the industry, resulting in more production. Another major benefit of HammerHead piercing tools is their ease of use. While some methods of trenchless boring require a large amount of training and skill, the HammerHead piercing tool can be used by an operator that has minimal expertise.
How to Maintain Your HammerHead® Mole® Piercing Tools
When a contractor works his piercing tool hard day after day, it is important to remember maintenance and cleaning of the tool, as well as the downtime that may be necessary to do both, if he wants to maximize his return on investment.
All HammerHead Moles can be serviced on the back of a truck at the job site. In a matter of minutes, the tool can be disassembled, serviced, reassembled, and put right back to work earning money for its owner. But a proper maintenance routine can extend the time between such major service events.
The first step is to avoid undue wear and damage by cleaning the piercing tool after each use. Often, service techs report that the tool’s oiler is not adjusted correctly for the piercing tool size and sometimes they find that the oiler is completely empty. In many cases, while storing or transporting their piercing tool, contractors or their employees may store the tool dry or leave it open to the elements in the back of a truck. In other words, the tool cannot be ignored in between uses.
HammerHead Trenchless recommends that Mole owners clean their piercing tool with the tool lying on the ground, then turn the air on to allow the striker to move in both direction for a few seconds. This allows dirt and debris to exit out the rear of the piercing tool. Additionally, during operation the piercing tool should exhaust a light mist of oil which coats the whip hose. If the oiler isn’t adjusted correctly, or the oiler is out of oil, the whip hose will either be dripping with oil—wasting lubricant—or dry, jeopardizing performance and the mechanical integrity of the tool. And when stored in between uses, the Mole should be oiled by pouring a few ounces down the whip hose and tipping the tool from side to side, allowing the striker to move the oil throughout the body’s interior. It is also a good idea to place a gel cap over the end of the hose to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the tool during storage.
There are a couple of other steps owners can take to monitor wear and tear on their HammerHead Moles. All hoses should be regularly inspected to be sure that the rubber coating is not missing, exposing the metal bradding. The head should also be visually inspected regularly to determine if it is time to replace it to assure continued high performance.
Finally, when the user notices an actual decrease in the Mole’s performance, this is a sign that it is time for a quick service inspection that usually involves a quick replacement of the wear rings on the striker and valve. Of course, all service parts and HammerHead accessories can be purchased through your local dealer.
