Cut Micro-Fine Milling Drum Bit Replacement Time by 60%— From 3-4 Hours to Just 1.5 with Two Workers

Struggling with time-consuming bit changes on your 6x2mm micro fine milling drum? See how Everpads’ TH18 Quick-Change Micro-Fine Milling Drum cuts that process in half—down to just 1.5 hours flat!

This blog is designed to provide contractors, equipment managers, and milling professionals with in-depth insight into the challenges of micro-fine milling — and how Everpads' patented TH18 drum delivers a practical, engineered solution. Whether you're battling time-consuming bit changes or looking to extend drum service life, this guide offers real-world solutions backed by field-tested results.

Table of Contents:
1. What Is Micro-Fine Milling Drum—and Why Is It Such a Headache?
2. Why Is Bit Replacement So Time-Consuming?
3. How Much Do Bit Replacement Delays and Jammed Bits Really Cost Your Business?
4. What Causes These Inefficiencies?
5. How Does the TH18 Drum Fix the Problem?
6. Want to Boost Site Productivity? Let’s Talk

I. What Is Micro-Fine Milling Drum—and Why Is It Such a Headache?

The micro fine drum is one of the most commonly used configuration for high-density milling applications. With 672 bits per drum and tightly spaced rows, it produces a smoother surface and finer texture—ideal for premium-grade milling.

But after interviewing over 100 contractors, one pain point stood out above all:
Bit removal is painfully slow and difficult.
That’s why Everpads developed the TH18 Quick-Change Fine Drum, featuring a patented redesign of bit holder angles and operating space. This design successfully reduces bit change time by over 60%.

II. Why Is Bit Replacement So Time-Consuming?

The main challenge lies in the tight spacing and bit holder angles of the standard configuration:

• Inability to properly use pneumatic pullers; even with modified pullers, time is wasted on alignment and insertion angle.
• When bits get stuck, air tools fail and operators are forced to manually hammer them out, but the spacing prevents proper striking angles.
• The drum house is narrow and hot, forcing workers into squatting positions for long periods that take a physical toll.
• While worker hammering, it often failed due to the improper angle. In this case, the bit must be destructively removed, which risks damaging the holder and increasing future repair costs.

Even under ideal conditions, with two operators working tog ether, each bit takes 10–15 seconds to replace. A full drum can take at least 2–3 hours. If bits are stuck or require destructive removal, total time rises to 4–5 hours.
Supplement: If bits are not removed on the same day as milling, they may contract upon cooling, making removal even harder. In such cases, replacement time typically extends to 4–5 hours.

III. How Much Do Bit Replacement Delays and Jammed Bits Really Cost Your Business?

• Average bit replacement frequency: 2–3 times per month
• Manpower per replacement: 2–3 workers × 5 hours

• 10–15 machine hours and 30–45 labor hours wasted every month on non-productive bit replacement tasks
• Project delays, making it difficult to meet tight construction schedules
• Operator fatigue and low morale caused by prolonged high-intensity physical labor
• Increased material and repair costs due to destructive bit removal damaging the tool holders
• Reduced milling quality, as damaged tool holders often cannot be restored to the correct angle after repairs
  

IV. What Causes These Inefficiencies?

• Bit spacing is too dense to allow room for standard tools.
• Bit holder angles make it difficult to apply force from behind or strike properly
• Workers are forced to operate in extremely narrow gaps, which easily leads to failure or tool damage (e.g., deformed or broken chisels)

V. How Does the TH18 Drum Fix the Problem?

• The pneumatic bit puller can easily align and reach the bit, significantly improving removal success rates.
• Even if the pneumatic tool fails, manual hammering can be performed from the correct angle, minimizing the need for destructive removal.

• Bit replacement time per tooth reduced from 10–15 seconds to just 4–6 seconds
• In cooled conditions, hammering success rate increased, with destructive removals reduced by 80–90%
• Full drum of 672 bits can be replaced by two workers in only 1–1.5 hours
• Even after the machine cools down and bits tighten, it still only takes 2–2.5 hours for two workers
• At least 2 full workdays saved per month, equivalent to one extra day of usable machine time
• Reduced worker fatigue and error rates, significantly improving on-site execution quality and team morale

VI. Want to Boost Site Productivity? Let’s Talk.

The TH18 Quick-Change Fine Milling Drum is designed not just to cut more efficient—but to help your entire project run smoother.

📞 Contact Everpads for full product details and a technical consultation:
Official Website | Line | Email | Or simply leave us a message here
Stop wasting time and manpower on outdated bit changes.
Make TH18 your team’s productivity breakthrough—starting today.