"Every stuck pipe job is a little different, and you are going to have to think “outside the box” to be successful."

Columnist John Schmitt wraps up a series on fishing tools, with detailed descriptions and use recommendations.

Explanations for lesser-used, maybe lesser-known items to have on hand for a cable-tool fishing operation.

Columnist John Schmitt walks readers through a basic cable-tool fishing operation using a combination socket.

Columnist John Schmitt walks readers through cutting a line before tool retrieval with a combination socket.

Columnist John Schmitt walks readers through his early experiences with pump hoists in water well drilling.

Columnist John Schmitt talks fishing for drill tools and the importance of getting it right the first time.

Mentors can ease the ups, downs of drill training, and help newcomers through the failures required for growth.