Learn about Tricone Bits, material specs, IADC codes and parameters. Our popular 3 inch (76 mm) tricone bit is widely used for water well, mining and exploration drilling in Latin America.
Tricone bits are proven, reliable rotary drilling tools. They are widely used in Venezuela and across Latin America for water well drilling, mining blast holes, rock anchoring and exploration drilling.
The working principle: three rolling cones rotate while the drill string turns. The cones crush rock by compression and scraping. Drilling fluid or compressed air flushes rock cuttings out from the bottom of the hole.
Material Introduction
- Bit body & cones: High-strength forged alloy steel, heat-treated for heavy impact resistance
- Cutting inserts (TCI type): Tungsten carbide, high hardness and strong wear resistance
- Seal options: Rubber seal (cost-effective for general use) / Metal seal (for deep wells and highly abrasive formations)
Key Advantages
✅ Wide formation adaptability: suitable for soft, medium, hard rock and interbedded layers ✅ Works for both water drilling and air drilling ✅ Compatible with NQ, HQ drill rods and rotary drill rigs ✅ Compact 3″ size is in high demand for geological exploration and small water well projects
Specification Table
The 3″ (76 mm) tricone bit with BW thread, TCI insert and IADC 537G is frequently requested by our Venezuela client.
| Diameter |
IADC Code |
Insert Type |
Seal Type |
Thread |
Approx. Net Weight |
Recommended Formation |
| 3″ (76 mm) |
517 |
TCI |
Rubber |
BW |
1.8–2.2 kg |
Soft rock: shale, soft sandstone, soft limestone |
| 3″ (76 mm) |
537G |
TCI |
Rubber |
BW |
2.0–2.4 kg |
Medium rock: limestone, sandstone, interbedded layers ✅ Recommended |
| 3″ (76 mm) |
617 |
TCI |
Rubber / Metal |
BW |
2.3–2.6 kg |
Medium-hard rock: compact limestone, quartzite |
| 3″ (76 mm) |
537G |
TCI |
Metal |
BW |
2.4–2.6 kg |
Abrasive formations, deep drilling |
IADC General Selection Reference Table
| IADC Code |
Insert Type |
Recommended WOB (kN/mm) |
Recommended RPM |
Application |
| 437 |
TCI |
0.35–0.90 |
70–150 |
Clay, gypsum, soft limestone |
| 517 |
TCI |
0.35–1.00 |
60–140 |
Shale, soft sandstone, limestone |
| 537 |
TCI |
0.45–1.05 |
40–100 |
Limestone, medium sandstone (Best Seller) |
| 617 |
TCI |
0.50–1.10 |
40–90 |
Dense limestone, medium-hard rock |
| 737 |
TCI |
0.60–1.30 |
20–60 |
Granite, quartzite, very hard rock |
What Information Do We Need for Quotation?
When sending an inquiry, please provide the details below:
- Required bit diameter (inches or mm)
- Rock type / ground formation
- Seal type: rubber seal or metal seal
- Thread type (BW / API REG)
- Maximum drilling depth
- Water drilling or air drilling
Contact Us
We keep stock and support fast production for tricone bits, including the popular 3″ (76 mm) model. Send your inquiry to get FOB price, technical sheet and lead time.
