If you’re thinking about starting an HDD project, and now you’re stuck at the step we all face at some point: how do I pick the right drilling crew?

I’ve been in this industry for a while, selling drill rods and tools, and hanging around job sites more than I probably should. Let me tell you—it’s not just about who’s got the biggest rig or the lowest bid.

I remember this one time, a contractor kept complaining about how our rods were “too stiff” for his job. Turns out, he was using the same type of rod for rocky soil and soft clay. Spoiler: they’re not the same. That was my little “aha” moment—it’s not just about the equipment, it’s about the people who know how to match it to the ground under your feet.

Here’s what I’ve learned from watching the good, the bad, and the muddy:

Ask them about their “oops” moments.

Seriously. Everyone loves to talk about their successes, but the ones who openly tell you what went wrong on past projects? Those are the real pros. It means they’ve learned something, and they’re honest. I once had a contractor tell me about a time he misread the soil report and brought the wrong reamer. He lost half a day fixing it. Now he triple-checks everything. That’s the guy I’d trust.

Peek at their tools (and their maintenance habit).

I’m not just saying this because I sell drill rods—but have a casual look at their equipment. Are the rods stored clean and straight, or tossed in a muddy pile? A clean, organized site often means they care about details. And if you see a well-maintained rig, it’s like seeing someone with a tidy car engine. It just tells you they respect their work.

Don’t skip the “coffee chat” with past clients.

References aren’t just a formality. Call them. Ask things like, “Did they keep you in the loop when things changed?” or “How did they handle surprises?” One of my favorite contractors sends daily text updates with photos. It’s low effort, but it makes clients feel totally at ease.

Geology isn’t boring—it’s everything.

If your contractor doesn’t ask you detailed questions about what’s underground before giving you a quote, be careful. Soil conditions change everything: the type of drill head, the fluid mix, even the speed of drilling. I’ve seen projects go smooth like butter in clay, and turn into a wrestling match in cobble. The right contractor will want to know what they’re up against.

Bigger isn’t always better.

Sometimes the smaller, local crew with two rigs will give your project more attention than the big company running ten jobs at once. I’ve watched small teams pull off crazy-accurate drills because the boss was on-site all day, tweaking things on the fly.

Price: if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

We’ve all been tempted by the low number. But in HDD, surprises underground are the norm. A super low bid might mean they’re cutting corners on rods, fluid, or even safety. A fair price includes room for the “what-ifs.” Ask: “What’s included in this estimate, and what would be extra?”

At the end of the day, choosing a contractor is a bit like choosing a road trip buddy. You want someone experienced, prepared, calm under pressure, and easy to talk to when things get messy.

What about you? Ever had a great—or wild—experience with a drilling crew? Hit reply and tell me your story. I love swapping job-site tales over a virtual coffee.