Cable tool drilling is a traditional method of drilling water wells. Sometimes known as ‘spudders’ these rigs advance a drill hole by raising and dropping a heavy drill string.  Periodically this drill string is removed and a bailer is lowered to collect drill cuttings.

Cable tool drills can provide better samples during drilling and tend to occupy a smaller footprint compared to modern air or mud rotary equipment. They are most commonly used on higher production wells up to 36” in diameter and the re-developing of existing wells.  Cable tools are often a preferred method of developing and can optimize well yields. We operate 3 Bucyrus Erie Cable tool models:

  • 22W
  • 28L
  • 60L