RC5000 RC Air Hammer

Clean samples, faster, from deeper holes

The need for clean, uncontaminated samples led to the development of reverse circulation hammers, and the technology has kept improving to meet the demand for deeper holes in more difficult ground. The Drill King RC5000 performs in line with the best RC hammers on the market, producing accurate samples faster from deeper holes across a wide range of drilling conditions.

Superior Penetration Rate

Engineered for fast drilling, so you collect more samples per shift and reach target depth sooner.

Simple Design

Fewer internal parts than comparable RC hammers, making the RC5000 easier to maintain and keep in the field.

Accurate Samples

Produces accurate samples faster from deeper holes, even in difficult drilling conditions.

Custom Bit Diameters

Standard 5⅜"–5¾" (136–146 mm) bits, with custom diameters such as 5"–5¼" (127–133 mm) available on request.

In conventional DTH drilling, cuttings are blown up the outside of the drill string, where they mix with material from the hole wall. An RC hammer reverses that path, so every sample comes from the depth you’re drilling.

01 Air travels down the annulus

Compressed air flows down between the inner and outer tubes of dual-wall drill pipe to power the hammer.

02 Cuttings are captured at the bit face

Air exhausts across the face of the bit, pushing cuttings into the recovery holes as soon as they're formed.

03 Samples return through the centre

Cuttings travel up the inner tube to the surface for collection, without contact with the hole wall.

Mineral Exploration

Clean, uncontaminated samples from depth give geologists reliable data on ore grade and formation, so every hole counts.

Mining

Accurate sampling for resource definition and grade control helps operations plan extraction with confidence.

Geotechnical Drilling

Reliable subsurface samples for site investigation where accurate ground data is essential.

What is an RC air hammer?

A reverse circulation (RC) air hammer is a DTH hammer with an inner tube running through its centre. Air flows down the outside of that tube, and cuttings return up through it to the surface, so samples arrive uncontaminated by material from the hole wall.

How is RC drilling different from conventional DTH drilling?

In conventional DTH drilling, air flows down the centre of the drill string and cuttings travel up the outside of the hammer and rods. RC drilling reverses that path. Cuttings are collected at the bit face and carried up inside dual-wall pipe, which keeps samples clean and makes RC the preferred method when sample quality matters.

What bit sizes does the RC5000 run?

Standard bit diameters are 5⅜” to 5¾” (136–146 mm). Custom diameters, such as 5″ to 5¼” (127–133 mm), are available on request.

What applications is the RC5000 used for?

The RC5000 is built for drilling where sample quality is paramount, including mineral exploration, mining grade control and geotechnical investigation.

Where can I get full technical specifications?

Contact our team for the RC5000 specification sheet, or request a quote and we’ll match the hammer and bit to your rig and formation.

Tell us your target depth, ground conditions and rig, and we’ll configure the RC5000 and bits for your job.