For horizontal directional drilling contractors working in compact, high-traffic environments, speed and precision are more than advantages — they’re job site necessities. That’s where the Tri-Con nonthreaded drilling system steps in. Developed to meet the increasing demand for fast, efficient and durable tool changes, Tri-Con offers a cutting-edge alternative to traditional threaded transmitter housing systems, without replacing them altogether.
At the heart of the Tri-Con system is its nonthreaded coil-pin coupling featuring a patented triangular design. This design eliminates the time-consuming steps of threading and unthreading housings, which can slow progress and increase wear on components. With Tri-Con, drillers can quickly change out pilot bits, reamers or transmitter housings using only a hammer and punch tool for the coiled pins — no torque wrenches, no thread galling and no risk of cross-threading.
This system is especially valuable in urban zones, utility easements and tight access locations where time and space are in short supply. Reducing the time required for bit swaps increases crew productivity and minimizes surface disruption, helping meet growing demands for low-impact utility installation.
Durability without downtime
The magic to the design is that the system doesn’t trade speed for strength. Constructed with high-strength alloy steel and designed for optimal load distribution, the nonthreaded coupling delivers exceptional resilience under torque and thrust. Unlike threaded housings that may wear with repeated coupling and decoupling, the Tri-Con’s mechanical pins and shaped alignment ensure secure, repeatable connections every time.
It’s worth noting that threaded connections do have an important place in HDD, particularly in applications requiring high torque transfer, specialized tooling interfaces or extended runs. Tri-Con simply offers an efficient, low-maintenance alternative for contractors prioritizing speed, adaptability and minimal surface disruption when job site conditions are appropriate.
Streamlined for modular versatility
The Tri-Con nonthreaded drilling system also supports modular adaptability. Contractors can pair the housing with various bit types and transmitters, accommodating different soil conditions without overhauling the entire drill string. Whether you’re working in clay, loam or cobble, Tri-Con gives you the flexibility to adapt quickly, without compromising strength or stability.
In direct pullback scenarios, the housing can be outfitted with rear ports and cutter block attachments, seamlessly converting the pilot bore to pullback in a single configuration. That means fewer tool changes, reduced breakout time, and simplified operations for crews in the field.
Reducing risk while boosting results
Nonthreaded systems like Tri-Con are gaining popularity due to the mitigation of misthreaded connections, overtorquing or debris-contaminated threads, which can introduce costly setbacks. The Tri-Con system sidesteps these risks entirely, promoting safer, more consistent performance across a wide range of rig classes.
For contractors looking to gain a competitive edge in HDD for specific applications that are suitable — especially in fast-paced or confined projects — the Tri-Con nonthreaded drilling system can be a wise choice to simplify operations while delivering the kind of performance today’s HDD crews need to stay ahead.
Melfred Borzall has pioneered HDD tooling for nearly 80 years. It is headquartered in Santa Maria, California, and holds a legacy of innovation, a commitment to U.S.-based manufacturing and a focus on helping HDD crews work smarter and safer. Melfred Borzall continues to be a trusted partner for contractors nationwide and a founding member of the HDD industry.
800-558-7500 | sales@melfredborzall.com| melfredborzall.com
