SWIVEL

049 100 34 SWIVEL is the heart of getting your flushing medium, usually water or air, down the drill string while the top drive or rotation unit is spinning away. Think of it as that critical rotating joint that lets you maintain a steady flow to the bit without twisting up your supply lines. Without it, you wouldn't be able to flush cuttings out of the hole while drilling, plain and simple. It's gotta handle the rotation and the pressure, keeping everything sealed up tight.

When this SWIVEL starts giving up the ghost, you’ll usually notice it pretty quick. The most common sign is a leak, either water or air, weeping or spraying out around the rotating section. You might see a noticeable drop in flushing pressure at the bit, which means your cuttings aren't clearing as well, and you're just wasting energy. Sometimes, if it’s really bad, you’ll even hear a grinding noise, or feel excessive heat coming off the unit, indicating the bearings or seals are completely shot.

Replacing a SWIVEL isn't rocket science, but you definitely want to do it right. Always check the mating surfaces on both sides for any scoring or damage before you put the new one in; sometimes the old SWIVEL wears grooves into the housing or shaft. And don't forget to properly lubricate any O-rings or seals with the correct grease before assembly. A lot of guys just slap it in dry, and that's a quick way to shorten the life of your new part.