Beyond the Tool String: Stem Guides and Wire-Line Savers

In my last column, I finished up writing about a string of tools, walking through putting everything together tightening the joints. We assemble most of the string on the ground, and can then add the bit after raising our other parts to the vertical position.

One small but important part we need is a wire-line saver. If we pick up a string of tools with the wire line inserted into the socket, we will kink or even cut the line where it enters the socket. This can lead to very early line failure and, at the very least, bent or kinked line. I don’t have to remind readers of the dangers of a damaged drill line. To avoid this, we need a wire-line saver.