What is hardbanding? Hardbanding is a process in which a wear-resistant alloy is applied to the tool joints of drill pipe or drill collars to prolong the life of a drill string. The most cost-effective way to protect tool joints in drilling applications is to hardband them using Duraband® NC. It protects your tool joints and your casing, and can be reapplied without removing the previous layer of hardbanding. Learn more about hardbanding.