When it comes to drilling water wells, two primary methods dominate the industry: rotary drilling and cable tool (percussion) drilling.
Understanding the differences helps you appreciate why Langford Drilling uses modern rotary equipment for nearly all projects in Southern Utah.
What is Cable Tool Drilling?
Cable tool drilling, also known as percussion drilling, is the original well drilling method dating back thousands of years. It works by:
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Repeatedly lifting and dropping a heavy drill bit to break up rock
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Removing pulverized material with a bailer tool
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Slowly advancing the hole a few feet at a time
While cable tool drilling is still used in some areas, it's significantly slower and often impractical for the depths required in Utah.
What is Rotary Drilling?
Rotary drilling uses a rotating drill bit powered by a surface rig. Drilling fluid (mud) circulates down through the drill pipe and back
up the borehole, carrying cuttings to the surface while stabilizing the hole walls.
Why Rotary Drilling Wins for Southern Utah
1. Speed
Rotary rigs can drill 100-300 feet per day in typical formations, compared to 25-50 feet for cable tool. This means your well is completed
faster with less disruption to your property.
2. Deeper Capabilities
Many areas of Southern Utah require wells 400-800 feet deep. Rotary drilling handles these depths efficiently, while cable tool drilling
at such depths would take weeks or months.
3. Better for Hard Rock
Utah's volcanic and metamorphic formations are no match for modern rotary bits. Cable tool drilling struggles in the hard basalt and
granite found in many areas.
4. Hole Stability
The drilling fluid used in rotary drilling stabilizes the borehole walls, preventing collapse in loose or unconsolidated formations
common in valley areas.
5. Cost Efficiency
Faster drilling means lower labor and equipment costs. Even though rotary rigs are more expensive to operate, the efficiency gains
result in better value for homeowners.
Our Equipment
Langford Drilling operates modern rotary drilling rigs capable of drilling 6-inch and 8-inch diameter wells to depths exceeding
1,000 feet. Our equipment is maintained to the highest standards and operated by experienced drillers who understand Southern Utah's
unique geological challenges.
See Our Equipment in Action
Visit our project gallery to see photos and videos of our rotary drilling rigs at work throughout Southern Utah.
View Gallery