The present disclosure relates to roller cone drill bit journals with asymmetric ball races and extended friction races. The disclosure also relates to methods of forming such journals, and methods of finishing these journals to produce finished journals with symmetric ball races.

The present disclosure relates to roller cone drill bit journals with asymmetric ball races and extended friction races. The disclosure also relates to methods of forming such journals, and methods of finishing these journals to produce finished journals with symmetric ball races.

A method of manufacturing a drill comprises providing an elongate element defining a longitudinal direction and having, in the longitudinal direction, a front end, an intermediate section, and a rear end opposite to the front end; forming by cold forming only, at the front end, a drill tip having a cutting edge; and, forming by cold forming only, on the intermediate section, a channel extending along the longitudinal direction.

A method of manufacturing a drill comprises providing an elongate element defining a longitudinal direction and having, in the longitudinal direction, a front end, an intermediate section, and a rear end opposite to the front end; forming by cold forming only, at the front end, a drill tip having a cutting edge; and, forming by cold forming only, on the intermediate section, a channel extending along the longitudinal direction.

Methods for forming fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bits include retrieving a forged steel drill bit body from an inventory of substantially identical forged steel drill bit bodies including fixed blades and junk slots between the fixed blades. Cutter pockets are formed in the blades. Nozzle holes are formed in the drill bit body to provide fluid communication from an interior of the forged steel drill bit body to the junk slots. Additional methods include forging first and second steel drill bit bodies substantially identical in shape and configuration, forming first cutter pockets in the first steel drill bit body in a first configuration, and forming second cutter pockets in the second steel drill bit body in a second, different configuration.

Methods for forming fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bits include retrieving a forged steel drill bit body from an inventory of substantially identical forged steel drill bit bodies including fixed blades and junk slots between the fixed blades. Cutter pockets are formed in the blades. Nozzle holes are formed in the drill bit body to provide fluid communication from an interior of the forged steel drill bit body to the junk slots. Additional methods include forging first and second steel drill bit bodies substantially identical in shape and configuration, forming first cutter pockets in the first steel drill bit body in a first configuration, and forming second cutter pockets in the second steel drill bit body in a second, different configuration.

A drill steel includes a metal rod with an end to fit within a chuck of a drilling machine, and an integrally formed collar provided along the length of the metal rod. A ferrule is fastened on the metal rod adjacent the integrally formed collar on the side of the end of the metal rod. The ferrule forms a stop that prevents the drill steel from moving too far into the chuck.

A drill steel includes a metal rod with an end to fit within a chuck of a drilling machine, and an integrally formed collar provided along the length of the metal rod. A ferrule is fastened on the metal rod adjacent the integrally formed collar on the side of the end of the metal rod. The ferrule forms a stop that prevents the drill steel from moving too far into the chuck.

A drill steel includes a metal rod with an end to fit within a chuck of a drilling machine, and an integrally formed collar provided along the length of the metal rod. A ferrule is fastened on the metal rod adjacent the integrally formed collar on the side of the end of the metal rod. The ferrule forms a stop that prevents the drill steel from moving too far into the chuck.

A drill steel includes a metal rod with an end to fit within a chuck of a drilling machine, and an integrally formed collar provided along the length of the metal rod. A ferrule is fastened on the metal rod adjacent the integrally formed collar on the side of the end of the metal rod. The ferrule forms a stop that prevents the drill steel from moving too far into the chuck.