The Ultimate Maintenance Guide for Your Kelly Bar

2025-12-09

The Ultimate Maintenance Guide for Your Kelly Bar

Vigorlink suggested you need to make the following as below

Kelly Bar Maintenance Checklist at a Glance

Frequency

Key Actions

Tool/Method Needed

Daily

Visual inspection for major damage; Clean & lubricate threads

Wire brush, anti-seize compound

Weekly

Check straightness & flutes; Detailed thread audit; Grease fittings

Caliper, straight edge, grease gun

Monthly/Pre-Project

Measure wall thickness (UT); Check for micro-cracks (MPI); Verify torques

Ultrasonic thickness gauge, NDT kits, torque wrench

As-Needed

Repair damaged threads; Reface worn driving flats; Replace sections

Machining workshop, OEM spare parts


Common Problems & Corrective Actions

· Thread Galling/Seizing: Almost always caused by improper cleaning or lubrication. If seized, do not force it. Use penetrating oil and specialized thread repair tools. Prevention is key.

· Excessive Wear on One Side: This usually indicates a bent bar or misalignment with the drill drive. Check straightness and equipment alignment.

· Cracks: Immediately stop using the bar. Cracks propagate and can lead to sudden, dangerous failure. Professional welding repair by a certified technician is required, following OEM guidelines.