Hex shanked starter rods from Crowder Supply are the working steel for handheld rock drilling: a precision-machined hexagonal shank locks into the drill chuck for full torque transfer while the heat-treated body resists fatigue blow after blow. Shank sizes run 7/8 x 3-1/4 in. through 1 x 6-1/4 in. with lengths from 12 in. to 168 in., fitting sinker drills, jackleg drills, stopers and wagon drills.
Starter steel takes the collaring abuse that ruins lesser rods high-strength tool steel and heat treatment give these rods their fatigue resistance, impact strength and wear life. Threaded ends (HEDR25, R28, R32, R38, T38) accept carbide button and cross bits, while 11 and 12 taper ends run taper-socket bits common on older pneumatic rock drills. Crowder Supply stocks the full length range in the popular shank sizes.
- Shank sizes: 7/8 x 3-1/4 in., 7/8 x 4-1/4 in., 1 x 4-1/4 in. and 1 x 6-1/4 in. hex
- Lengths from 12 in. through 168 in. in 6 in. steps
- End options: HEDR25, R28, R32, R38 and T38 threads, plus 11 and 12 taper ends
- High-strength tool steel, heat treated for fatigue resistance and impact strength
- Fits sinker drills, jackleg drills, stopers and wagon drills
- Applications: rock drilling, mining, quarrying and construction
- Stocked by Crowder Supply in Denver in the popular sizes
Hex Shanked Rod FAQ
How do I know which shank size I need?
Match the rod to your drill’s chuck: 7/8 x 3-1/4 in. and 7/8 x 4-1/4 in. cover most handheld sinkers, while 1 x 4-1/4 in. and 1 x 6-1/4 in. serve the larger drills and mining work. The shank stamped on your old steel or listed on the drill’s spec plate is the size to order.
Should I choose a threaded or tapered end?
Threaded ends (HEDR25, R28, R32, R38, T38) screw straight onto matching carbide button and cross bits and are the standard for current drills. The 11 and 12 taper ends are for taper-socket bits that older pneumatic rock drills still run pick whichever your bits use.
What is the difference between a starter rod and an extension rod?
A starter rod has the hex shank that lives in the drill chuck and collars the hole; extension rods couple onto the string to carry the hole deeper once it is started.
