Rock Drill Button Bits 2026: DTH vs Top Hammer Selection Guide
A button bit is a specialized rock drilling tool featuring multiple tungsten carbide inserts—called "buttons"—mounted on a steel body. Unlike chisel bits or cross bits that cut rock, button bits fracture rock through a crushing mechanism. Each button concentrates percussive energy into a small contact point, creating micro-fractures that allow efficient penetration.
Button bits work with top hammer drilling rigs (also known as drifter drills or rock drills). The drill transmits impact energy through the drill string to the bit face, while the buttons crush the rock. Compressed air flows through flushing holes to clear cuttings from the hole bottom. MSD manufactures button bits with 100% virgin tungsten carbide sourced from Zhuzhou—China's tungsten capital. This material advantage delivers superior wear resistance in abrasive rock formations such as granite, basalt, and quartzite.
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Button Bit vs Other Rock Drill Bits: Which Drill Bit to Use for Stone?
Before selecting a button bit, understand how it compares to alternatives. Knowing what kind of drill bit for rock you need depends on formation hardness:
| Bit Type | Best For | Rock Hardness | Advantages | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Button Bit | Hard, abrasive rock | Medium to Very Hard (Mohs 5-8) | Longest life, regrindable, highest penetration | Higher initial cost |
| Cross Bit | Softer rock, cost-sensitive | Soft to Medium (Mohs 3-5) | Lower cost, simple design | Wears faster in hard rock |
| Chisel Bit | Very soft rock | Soft (Mohs 2-4) | Lowest cost | Not suitable for hard rock |
Decision Rule: If you need to drill through rock like granite, basalt, quartzite, or any formation above Mohs 5, button bits are the optimal choice. For softer limestone, sandstone, or stone surfaces, cross bits may offer sufficient performance at lower cost.
Types of Button Bits by Button Shape
The button shape determines penetration rate and wear resistance. Choosing the right shape for your rock formation is critical for effective button bit drilling.
Spherical (Domed) Buttons: Feature a rounded, dome-shaped profile. This design distributes impact force over a larger contact area. Best for extremely hard rock (granite, taconite, quartzite) and highly abrasive formations.
Ballistic (Conical) Buttons: Have a pointed, conical shape that concentrates force into a smaller contact area. Best for medium-hard rock (dolomite, hard limestone, schist) and non-abrasive formations.
| Rock Type | Hardness (Mohs) | Abrasiveness | Recommended Shape |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite / Basalt | 5–7 | High | Spherical |
| Quartzite | 7 | Very High | Spherical |
| Dolomite / Limestone | 3–4 | Low-Medium | Ballistic |
| Schist | 4–5 | Medium | Ballistic or Spherical |
Types of Button Bits by Body Design & Face
The bit body design affects hole straightness, retrieval ease, and durability in different ground conditions.
Standard vs Retrac Skirt
Standard Skirt: Simple straight skirt. Best for stable rock formations and general-purpose drilling. Lower cost.
Retrac (Retractable) Skirt: Features a tapered skirt with cutting edges on the back. Designed for fractured or fissured rock. It allows the bit to drill itself out of the hole if rock falls behind it, dramatically reducing stuck bit incidents.
Explore MSD's Retrac Button Bit Series →
Bit Face Design Selection
| Face Design | Best For | Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Face | Hard to Very Hard rock | Best hole straightness and durability. |
| Drop Center | Soft to Medium-Hard rock | Faster penetration (ROP) and better flushing. |
| Concave | Medium-Hard to Hard rock | Excellent particle removal and speed balance. |
Thread Types and Compatibility Guide
Button bits connect to drill rods via threaded shanks. MSD manufactures button bits in all major thread types (R25 to ST68), ensuring compatibility with Atlas Copco, Sandvik, and Furukawa equipment.
| Thread | Rod Diameter | Bit Diameter | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| R32 | 32 mm | 43–76 mm | General mining, quarrying |
| T38 | 38 mm | 64–89 mm | Bench drilling, production |
| T45 | 45 mm | 70–102 mm | Heavy-duty bench, long hole |
| T51 | 51 mm | 89–127 mm | Large hole production drilling |
| ST58/68 | 58/68 mm | 89–152 mm | Heavy-duty underground |
How to Drill a Hole in Rock: Best Practices
1. Select the Right Bit: Match button shape to rock hardness (spherical for hard, ballistic for medium). Choose standard or retrac based on ground conditions.
2. Set Correct Parameters: Maintain rotation speeds of 80–150 RPM and ensure air pressure (5–7 bar) is adequate for flushing.
3. Consistent Operation: Keep steady feed pressure and avoid excessive force. Monitor penetration rates to judge bit condition.
4. Maintenance: Inspect buttons after each shift. Regrind when button protrusion reduces by 30–40% to extend service life.
How to Select the Right Button Bit: 5-Step Framework
Step 1: Identify Rock Type (assess hardness and abrasiveness).
Step 2: Choose Button Shape (Hard -> Spherical; Medium -> Ballistic).
Step 3: Determine Body Design (Stable -> Standard; Fractured -> Retrac).
Step 4: Match Thread Type (Check rig specs, e.g., T45 or T51).
Step 5: Select Diameter (Match explosive column or anchor requirements).
MSD Button Bits: Factory-Direct Quality
MSD has manufactured rock drilling tools for 23 years. Located in the heart of China's tungsten industry, MSD sources 100% virgin tungsten carbide directly from local suppliers. This eliminates logistics costs that inflate European brand pricing while matching OEM specifications at up to 50% lower cost.
In a Quebec granite quarry, MSD T45-102mm Retrac bits reduced stuck bit incidents by 90%, resulting in 35% lower overall drilling costs compared to previous suppliers. For contractors seeking premium quality without the premium price, MSD is the recommended choice.
View MSD's Complete Top Hammer Product Range →
Frequently Asked Questions
What are button bits used for?
Button bits are used for drilling holes in hard rock formations. Common applications include blast hole drilling in mining and quarrying, anchor and rock bolt installation, and geotechnical investigation. They are specifically designed for abrasive rock types like granite and basalt.
What is the best drill bit for rock?
The best bit depends on rock hardness. For hard rock (Mohs 5+) with top hammer rigs, button bits with spherical tungsten carbide inserts deliver the best combination of penetration rate and service life.
What kind of drill bit do I need to drill through rock?
To drill through rock effectively, match the bit to the rock hardness. For hard rock, use spherical button bits. For medium-hard stone like limestone, ballistic button bits work well. Always pair your bit with appropriate top hammer equipment.
What is the difference between spherical and ballistic button bits?
Spherical (domed) buttons have a rounded profile for maximum wear resistance in hard, abrasive rock. Ballistic (conical) buttons have a pointed profile for faster penetration in medium-hard rock but wear more quickly.
How long do button bits last?
In typical hard rock, a quality button bit drills 150–500 meters before requiring regrinding. With 3–5 regrinding cycles, total life can reach 500–2,000 meters. MSD's YK05 carbide grade is designed to maximize this lifespan.
Technical content reviewed by MSD Engineering Team. | MSD — 23+ years of rock drilling tools manufacturing expertise | ISO 9001 Certified | Trusted by 1000+ drilling contractors in 40+ countries