Hole Opener

A hole opener is a device used to enlarge the borehole during a well drilling operation. It can be positioned either above the drill bit or above a pilot run inside the existing borehole. Numerous designs exist, in sizes varying from a couple of inches to above 50". Usages range from hydrocarbon drilling operations to water drilling or horizontal drilling.

Hole opener arms have to sustain heavy loads during operations and are generally made of high-grade alloy steel, welded onto a solid alloy steel body. Some designs feature replaceable arms, allowing for size changes but decreasing overall robustness.
Some of them are designed for the enlargement of pilot holes and large hole applications. They are also used for road and river crossing applications.

Integral Body For soft, medium or hard formations. One piece body. Two, three or four cutters.
Collector Box Style For soft, medium or hard formations. Collector box provides even fluid flow directly onto cutters, improving cleaning. Three or four sealed (or non-sealed) cutters. Size: 20"-60" (or custom-designed).
DrillRite Excellent for soft and hard formations used to wipe the hole clean and ensure that casing can be installed to bottom. Tool of choice after horizontal mud motor runs. No moving parts. Blade edges dressed with tungsten carbide chips.
Drag Bits For spudding holes or making wiper runs. Collector box provides even fluid flow to the blade's cutting edge. Self-stabilizing. Can be run with a rock bit in the box end or with a pilot guide.
IB PDC Devil-Drill Enables the operator to use a rotating steerable directional system while simultaneously opening the hole.