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 rounds out his pump hoist series with thoughts on pump pullers and rotating masts.

Columnist John Schmitt talks about the similarities, differences in modern pump hoists in water well drilling.

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

Columnist John Schmitt fills us in on installation, servicing work before this critical invention.

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

Columnist John Schmitt walks us through fishing tools for cable-tool drilling starting with the jar bumper.

Columnist John Schmitt builds on his cable-tool discussion. This month, he gets into using jacks and casing rings.

Columnist John Schmitt builds on his cable-tool string discussion. This month, he talks about casing spears.