Are Pneumatic Moles Still Used Today

[MikePhua]

Yes—pneumatic piercing tools, commonly called “moles,” remain widely used in modern underground construction, especially for short-distance trenchless boring in tight urban environments. Despite the rise of directional drilling and vacuum excavation, moles offer unmatched simplicity and cost-efficiency for specific applications.
What Is a Mole and How Does It Work
A mole is a pneumatic piercing tool that uses compressed air to drive a hardened steel head through soil, creating a bore path without disturbing the surface. These tools are typically used for stitch boring—installing small-diameter conduits like water lines, gas pipes, or fiber optics beneath sidewalks, driveways, or landscaped areas.

• Active Head Mole: Features a reciprocating head that delivers forward impact, improving penetration in compacted soils.
  
• Passive Head Mole: Relies on the body’s vibration and forward thrust, suitable for softer ground.
  
• Typical Bore Length: 15 to 70 feet
  
• Diameter Range: 2" to 4", with some models reaching 6" or more
  

Modern moles are CNC-machined from nickel-chromoly steel and equipped with serviceable seals and lubricators. Brands like Vermeer, Footage Tools, and Pow-R Mole continue to innovate in this space.
Why Moles Still Matter

• Low Cost of Entry: A basic mole setup requires only an air compressor, lubricator, and digging tools—ideal for small contractors or utility crews.
  
• Minimal Surface Disruption: Perfect for residential areas where open trenching is impractical or prohibited.
  
• Speed and Simplicity: A trained crew can complete a bore in under an hour, with minimal setup.
  
• Versatility: Used for water, gas, electrical, and telecom installations.
  

In Macon, Georgia, a utility contractor used moles to expand fiber-to-home service in older neighborhoods where directional drills couldn’t fit. The company completed over 300 bores in one season using 3" active head tools.
Limitations and Considerations

• Accuracy: Moles follow the path of least resistance, which can lead to drift in rocky or layered soils.
  
• No Steering: Unlike directional drills, moles cannot be guided mid-bore.
  
• Depth Control: Requires careful pit placement and leveling to maintain grade.
  
• Soil Sensitivity: Performance varies with moisture, compaction, and obstructions.
  

To mitigate these issues:

• Pre-soak dry soils to reduce resistance
  
• Use a launch cradle or guide rail for better alignment
  
• Install tracking rods or bore logs to monitor depth and direction
  

Modern Enhancements and Industry Trends

• Pressure-rated lubricators improve tool longevity and reduce jamming
  
• Quick-change heads allow adaptation to different soil types
  
• Integrated tracking systems are emerging for better bore monitoring
  
• Single-point couplers simplify air and lube connections
  

Footage Tools recently released the BIGSHOT 3" Active Head model after five years of R&D, offering improved durability and serviceability for high-cycle use.
Conclusion
Moles are far from obsolete. In fact, they’re experiencing a resurgence in fiber installation, utility upgrades, and residential trenchless work. Their simplicity, affordability, and minimal footprint make them indispensable for contractors working in confined or sensitive areas. While not suitable for every job, pneumatic piercing tools remain a vital part of the underground construction toolkit.