Winkie Drill™

Since 2000, Minex has been the manufacturer of the Winkie Drill, the small, man-portable diamond drill which has been the core drill of choice in all remote locations of the world.

Formerly made by JKS Boyles, the Winkie Drill has been sold for over 40 years, and it is now being manufactured in Minnesota.

Lightweight and compact, the Winkie Drill is particularly suited to drilling in the most remote locations: high mountains, deserts, arctic tundra, and dense jungles.

The Winkie Drill is a gas powered drill which can be carried by pickup truck, mule back, helicopter or two men into the most difficult terrain.

With lightweight drill rods, it has the capacity to drill 475 feet using E size tools. Total weight of the drill and Unipress frame is 185 pounds (84.1 kg.) This time-proven design makes minimal environmental impact. It will operate from sea-level to high altitudes.

Variable drilling speeds, using a two-speed transmission, allow the Winkie Drill to operate efficiently. This is the lightest gear-shift diamond drill in operation today.

The Winkie tripod with its winch helps to increase the production rate and results in lowered fatigue for the drill crew.