Drill cable wearing

Problem

One of the problems we’re having is that our drilling cable on the drilling winch wears out quite frequently. The wires in the cable are broken up at about 30 feet from the bottom of the drum.

We’re wondering if any else has this problem, or a solution.

Solution

• 6/28/99: I’m interested in hearing how other Cokers are replacing cables used to raise and lower the drill stem. We are evaluating our process of welding the two ends of the cable together. This allows us to “thread” the new cable through the sheaves, but it may not be the safest method for replacing cables. Are there engineered devices that can connect two cables such that the joint can pass through the sheave system?
• 6/28/99: We use a Collins Crib to pull the cable through the sheaves.