Drills are a vital part of Hammerting, allowing for efficient extraction of ores and gems from underground veins. With the newest patch introducing large veins of ores and gems, understanding how to use and optimize drills can significantly improve resource management. This guide will break down how to place, refuel, and manage drills to maximize efficiency.

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Understanding Drill Types

In Hammerting, there are two primary drills available in the tech tree:

1. Cog Drill – Requires unlocking Cogborn Transmission.
2. Crusher Drill – Requires unlocking Mechanized Excavation.

Each drill has specific requirements for materials and placement, which we will cover in-depth.

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How to Place and Build Drills

To use drills effectively, you must place them directly on top of an ore deposit. Drills extract resources more efficiently than manual mining but at a slower rate. However, the sheer quantity of extracted materials makes them highly valuable.

Building Requirements:

• Cog Drill: Requires 4 metal sheets and 2 machine parts.
• Crusher Drill: Requires 6 metal sheets and 3 machine parts.

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Refueling Drills: The Key to Continuous Mining

Drills do not work indefinitely—they require fuel. Refueling is where many players struggle, as positioning the refueling spot incorrectly can lead to inefficiency. Here’s what you need to know:

Refueling the Cog Drill

• The best placement for refueling is one block to the right and slightly below the drill.
• If placed too far off-center, dwarves will not properly refuel it.
• Scaffolding can work, but it must be directly centered beneath the drill.
• Refueling from above is not possible.

Refueling the Crusher Drill

• Refueling must happen exactly at the eighth block from the right or ninth block from the left.
• The fuel source must be directly touching the drill.
• Gaps between the fuel source and the drill will cause it to stop functioning.
• Scaffolding can be used, but must be flush with the bottom of the drill.

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How to Empty Drills

Drills will stop extracting once their storage is full, requiring you to remove resources manually or through automation.

Two Ways to Empty Drills:

1. Drop the items manually – Dwarves will eventually pick them up.
2. Set up a dedicated storage chest – Assign specific ores (iron, sapphire, ruby, etc.) to storage chests, and dwarves will automatically transfer them.

Without proper emptying, drills will stop working, significantly reducing efficiency.

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Common Issues and Fixes

Drill Won’t Refuel:

• Ensure refueling blocks are placed at the correct spots.
• Scaffolding must be precisely positioned—misalignment can prevent refueling.
• Check if a fuel source is available.

Drill Stops Extracting Ore:

• Check if the drill is full and needs to be emptied.
• Assign dedicated storage areas for extracted materials.
• Make sure dwarves have path access to the drill.

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Conclusion

Mastering drills in Hammerting can significantly increase your colony’s efficiency by automating ore and gem extraction. By properly placing, refueling, and managing drill storage, you ensure a continuous supply of valuable resources. Understanding the exact refueling spots and how to empty drills efficiently will eliminate common frustrations players face.

With this guide, you’ll be able to fully optimize your mining operations and keep your dwarven colony thriving!