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AQ BQ NQ HQ PQ Wireline Drill Rods Explained: How to Choose the Right Size

AQ, BQ, NQ, HQ, and PQ are internationally recognized wireline drilling sizes. Choosing the correct core drill rod size is essential for drilling efficiency, core recovery, and equipment compatibility.
Aug 19th,2026 43 Views

Wireline diamond drilling is widely used in mineral exploration because it provides high-quality rock cores for geological analysis. The drill rod size is one of the most important factors affecting drilling performance.

The most common wireline drill rod systems include:

  • AQ
  • BQ
  • NQ
  • HQ
  • PQ

Each size has different outside diameter, inside diameter, core diameter, drilling depth capability, and application range.


AQ Wireline Drill Rod

AQ is one of the smaller wireline sizes.

Typical applications:

  • Shallow exploration
  • Geological investigation
  • Compact drilling systems

Advantages:

  • Lightweight
  • Easy handling
  • Suitable for limited-access sites

BQ Wireline Drill Rod

BQ is commonly used for general exploration drilling.

Applications:

  • Mineral exploration
  • Engineering investigation
  • Medium-depth drilling

Advantages:

  • Balanced drilling performance
  • Good core recovery
  • Wide availability

NQ Wireline Drill Rod

NQ is one of the most widely used exploration drilling sizes worldwide.

Applications:

  • Gold exploration
  • Copper exploration
  • Lithium projects
  • Geological drilling

Advantages:

  • Good balance between core size and drilling efficiency
  • Suitable for deep exploration
  • Excellent equipment compatibility

HQ Wireline Drill Rod

HQ provides a larger core diameter and stronger drilling performance.

Applications:

  • Deep mineral exploration
  • Geotechnical investigation
  • Resource evaluation

Advantages:

  • Larger core samples
  • Better geological information
  • Higher drilling stability

PQ Wireline Drill Rod

PQ is designed for large-diameter core drilling.

Applications:

  • Deep exploration
  • Complex geological formations
  • Detailed geological studies

Advantages:

  • Large core diameter
  • Excellent sample quality
  • Suitable for demanding projects

How to Select the Right Size?

Selection depends on:

Target Depth

Deep drilling generally requires stronger drill rods with excellent fatigue resistance.

Core Sample Requirements

Larger cores provide more geological information but require more drilling power.

Rock Formation

Hard and abrasive formations require high-quality drill rods and optimized drilling parameters.

Drilling Equipment

The rod must match:

  • Core barrel
  • Drill rig
  • Diamond bit
  • Thread connection

YKDRILL Wireline Drill Rod Range

YKDRILL supplies:

  • AQ
  • BQ
  • NQ
  • HQ
  • PQ

with:

  • Precision threads
  • High-strength steel
  • Strict quality control
  • Customized production
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