Drilling stabilizer

A drilling stabilizer is a piece of downhole equipment used in the bottom hole assembly (BHA) of a drill string.

It mechanically stabilizes the BHA in the borehole in order to avoid unintentional sidetracking, vibrations, and ensure the quality of the hole being drilled.

It is composed of a hollow cylindrical body and stabilizing blades, both made of high-strength steel.

The blades can be either straight or spiralled, and are hardfaced for wear resistance.

Several types of drilling stabilizers are used in the oilfield today.