IADC (International Association Of Drilling Contractors) CODES

To make it easier for drillers to describe the rock bit they want, use the IADC classification codes.The IADC bit classification is a system in which the first three digits classify the bit according to the formation it is designed to drill and the bearing/seal design used.

First Digit: 1, 2, and 3 designate STEEL TOOTH BITS with 1 for soft, 2 for medium and 3 for hard formations. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 designate TUNGSTEN CARBIDE INSERT BITS for varying formation hardness with 4 being the softest and 8 the hardest.

Second Digit: 1, 2, 3 and 4 are further breakdown of formation with 1 being the softest and 4 the hardest.

Third Digit: This digit will classify the bit according to bearing/seal type:

2 for Standard open bearing roller bit

5 for Sealed roller bearing bit

7 for Journal sealed bearing bit