Mueller Drilling & Tapping Machines
Rugged Design. Proven Dependability.
Mueller Drilling & Tapping Machines: The Industry Standard for Performance
Mueller offers a comprehensive selection of drilling and tapping machines, suitable for both small and large applications. These machines are designed for installing water services and extending mains on virtually every type and size of pipe. Their rugged design, accuracy, and proven dependability deliver superior overall performance on both dry and pressurized lines.
The general process involves attaching a service clamp and corporation valve to the main. The drilling machine, equipped with a shell cutter and pilot drill, is then mounted. With the tapping valve open, the boring bar advances the cutter to create a hole. The tool is retracted, and the corporation valve is closed to control water pressure. The machine is removed, the service line is connected, and the corporation valve is reopened to activate the water service.
Key Machine Models
B-101™ Drilling and Tapping Machine
Designed for hand or power operation, the B-101 machine drills and taps mains under pressure or dry. It can insert or extract corporation valves up to 1" and pipe plugs up to 2-1/2". It is compatible with all pipe types from 2" through 48", including plain and cement-lined cast iron, ductile iron, PVC, asbestos-cement, and steel.
Key features include a special mechanism to lock the boring bar to the feed yoke, preventing drill spiraling and tool breakage. This is particularly useful for low-pressure mains.
Maximum working pressure: 90 psig (250 psig with optional Power Clevis).
B-101 Machine Components:
- 1. ANTI-FRICTION THRUST COLLAR: Fluorocarbon impregnated steel bearing, sealed for no lubrication and resistance to galling.
- 2. FEED NUT AND YOKE: Spring detents secure the feed yoke; square shank fits power operators for automatic feed.
- 3. LOCKING MECHANISM: Secures the boring bar to the feed yoke to prevent drill spiraling and tool breakage.
- 4. CHIP FLUSHING VALVE: Continuously flushes chips, with a threaded outlet for attaching a hose to direct water out of the ditch.
- 5. TOOL HOLDING METHOD: Transmits force via drive pins for smooth operation; retaining screw ensures precise alignment; knock-out pin allows easy tool removal.
- 6. RATCHET HANDLE: Fully enclosed, permanently lubricated, with a quick-reverse button.
- 7. FEED SLEEVE AND CAP: Acme threads for fast disassembly; long bearing surfaces provide rigidity; positive metal-to-metal contact maintains alignment; features O-ring seals.
- 8. BORING BAR: Chrome plated for corrosion resistance and long life of O-ring seals.
- 9. RELIEF/BYPASS VALVE: O-rings ensure a positive seal for smooth operation.
- 10. OFFSET BODY: Reduces chip collection around the flop valve in horizontal/inclined positions; increased diameter accommodates a greater variety of 1" valves.
- 11. FLOP VALVE: Pressure-seating, self-aligning with a molded neoprene washer; lever handle has positive lock-open/closed indicator; O-ring on stem provides a reliable seal.
A-3™ Drilling and Tapping Machine
Similar to the B-101, the A-3 machine is designed to tap water mains and insert or extract larger corporation valves (1" to 2") and pipe plugs (1" to 2-1/2"). It is compatible with pipe sizes 6" through 48" and can also use "B" Machine tools.
Maximum working pressure: 90 psig (250 psig with optional Power Clevis).
D-5™ Drilling Machine
This hand or power operated machine drills holes from 5/8" to 2" under pressure in almost any type of main. It is used to drill through the pipe to activate the service when using a service clamp and corporation valve.
Features include a 14" travel, a combined feed nut and yoke for positive feed, and a mechanism to lock the boring bar to prevent premature spiraling. The long feed tube helps protect acme threads and cleans them during rotation.
Maximum working pressure: 500 psig at 100°F or 250 psig at 375°F.
E-5™ Drilling Machine
Similar in design and operation to the D-5 Machine, this model bores holes from 7/16" to 1" in most pipe types. It features a 12-1/8" boring bar travel.
Maximum working pressure: 500 psig at 100°F or 250 psig at 375°F.
EZ-TAP™ Drilling Machine
A lightweight and compact machine designed for water taps, offering ergonomics and aesthetics. It simplifies performing service connections on mains, with or without pressure. With 9-1/2" travel and 300 psi working pressure, it can perform taps through any service saddle with a corporation stop up to 2".
Available kits: Machine Kit (for 3/4" and 1" corporation stops) and Large Diameter Kit (for 1-1/4", 1-1/2", and 2" corporation stops).
TRU-CUT™ Drilling Machine
Smaller and lighter than the Mega-Cut Machine, the Tru-Cut is designed specifically for drilling 11/16" and 7/8" holes in PVC pipe. Its drive nut accepts a 3/8" drive ratchet and a 3/4" socket/box wrench. It uses the same cutters and adapters as the PL-2 Machine.
Boring bar travel: 7". Maximum working pressure: 200 psig at 100°F.
PL-2™ Drilling Machine
Used for drilling 11/16" or 7/8" holes in PE or PVC plastic pipe under pressure. It features 7" travel and a special mechanism allowing the boring bar to be easily disengaged from the feed mechanism. Operated with a standard 3/8" drive ratchet and 7/16" socket.
Maximum working pressure: 200 psig at 100°F.
Mega-Lite® Drilling Machine
Weighing 65 pounds, the Mega-Lite is optimized for quick main drilling and is light enough for one-person handling. It is built for years of dependable field service and can be operated by air or hydraulic power. Its boring bar is always controlled and can be advanced or retracted by hand for speed. The Mega-Lite Machine can cut through valves from 4" to 12" and is suitable for plain or cement-lined ductile or cast iron, A/C, steel, PVC, or HDPE pipe.
Maximum working pressure: 250 psig at 125°F.
CL-12™ Drilling Machine
The CL-12 Machine cuts holes from 2" to 12" under pressure for lateral connections in all pipe types. While manual operation is possible, power operation is preferred for speed and ease. An automatic tool position indicator shows the pilot drill and shell cutter's position. Automatic feed control can be set for any 12" of the total 25" boring bar travel, with an indicator showing remaining travel. Feed disengages automatically when the preset amount is reached or at the maximum 25" travel to prevent damage.
Maximum working pressure: 250 psi at 100°F or 150 psi at 500°F.
C1-36-99002™ Drilling Machine
For cutting holes up to 18-1/2", this machine shares many features with the CL-12. It has 36" boring bar travel and makes cuts through tapping valves from 2" to 24" in all pipe types.
Maximum working pressure: 500 psi at 100°F or 250 psi at 500°F.
Tools and Accessories
Power operators (air, electric, hydraulic) enhance machine operation and performance, extending tool life and reducing repair needs. Mueller cutting grease is essential for all drilling, tapping, and cutting operations on metallic and PVC pipe materials to ensure tool longevity.
Key Tools and Accessories:
- 2-tooth shell cutter: Designed for plastic pipe, offering smoother cutting and preventing pipe splitting.
- Electric power operator: Provides automated power for machine operation.
- Adapter nipple (inside thread): Connects machines to corporation valves.
- Drill bit: For creating pilot holes.
- Machine saddle: Secures the machine to the pipe for stability.
- Shell cutter: For cutting the main pipe.
- Hydraulic power adapter: Provides hydraulic power for operation.
- H604 air power operator: An air-powered option for machine operation.
Accessory Categories:
- For Drilling and Tapping Machines: Combined shell cutters and taps (reduce torque, allow coupon recovery), combined drills and taps, tools for inserting/extracting corporation valves, saddles for various pipe sizes/materials, and special equipment like ratchet handle extensions and power clevises.
- For Small Drilling Machines: Drills for all pipe types, shell cutters for plastic pipe, and nipples to adapt machines to corporation valves.
- For Large Drilling Machines: Drills for small holes, shell cutters, pilot drills, center hubs for larger holes, and adapters for various end connections.
Specific Tapping Tools:
- Mechanical joint adaptor: For connecting components.
- Shell cutter: For cutting holes in pipes.
- Cutter hub: Holds the cutter.
- Power clevis: Used with power operators.
- Combined drill and tap: Drills and taps in one operation.
- Combined shell cutter and tap for PVC: Specialized for PVC pipe.
- Combined shell cutter and tap: For general use.
- Drill bit: For initial hole creation.
Mueller Tapping Tools & Repair Service
Mueller tapping tools are engineered to cut threads with a special profile that complements Mueller corporation valves, ensuring a tight metal-to-metal seal that prevents leakage. Using these tools is key to a secure installation.
Mueller offers a complete repair service for its machines and tools, restoring them to like-new condition with a full warranty. This includes resharpening tools to precise specifications, ensuring optimal performance and extending the life of both tools and machines.
About Mueller
Mueller has built its reputation on producing high-quality, innovative water distribution products used throughout the water system worldwide. The company is committed to research and development to meet the evolving needs of the water infrastructure industry and is the largest full-line supplier of potable water distribution products in North America.
Mueller's strength lies in its ability to deliver a wide array of products and support them with excellent service. The company emphasizes long-term relationships with employees, customers, and suppliers, striving for a "better way" in all its operations since 1857.
For more information about Mueller or its full line of water products, visit www.muellercompany.com or call customer service at 1.800.423.1323.