Stratex drilling method is used with air rotary drilling rigs and most manufacturers' downhole hammers.

The drill rod is connected to the rig top drive using a changeover sub or swivel sub. The drill rod is then connected to the down-hole hammer by the same method. The chuck nut and split rings are removed to insert the guide device shank and secured by replacing the split rings and chuck nut.

The reamer bit, in the closed position, is now inserted into the casing shoe.

Since the percussion hammer is at the bottom of the hole, work­ing directly above the drill bit, the force to pull down the casing tube is transferred by way of the casing shoe. The exhaust air from the drill redirects the loose cuttings up through the grooves on the guide device, forcing them up between the drill rod and the casing wall out through the discharge head, which is attached to the casing tube.

By using a discharge head, drilling is not only safer, but also environmentally cleaner. Stratex can be used with foam or water injection to aid in cutting removal.