Slickline Wire Grab

Description

Slickline Wire Grab

Technical Description and Specifications

The Slickline Wire Grab is a specialized fishing tool deployed to mechanically engage and retrieve sections of parted, cut, or balled-up slickline or braided line from the wellbore.¹ It is the primary tool used in wireline fishing operations following the location and preparation of the wire end (often by a Wire Finder).

Key Technical Specifications and Operation

• Function: To securely snag the loose, balled, or looped end of a broken wireline section and transfer the tensile load necessary for retrieval back to the surface.

• Design: Consists of a top sub with a fishing neck, a main body, and a set of flexible, outward-flaring prongs (typically 2, 3, or 4) extending downwards. The inner surface of the prongs features sharp, pointed barbs or hooks designed to aggressively snag and prevent the loose wire from slipping.⁴

• Engagement: The prongs are often pre-bent (gauged) at the surface to fit snugly against the inner diameter (ID) of the target tubing. This sizing ensures maximum contact area, increasing the probability of snagging the wire and preventing the grab from bypassing the broken line end.

• Deployment: The Wire Grab is run on a fishing tool string, frequently using a Dummy Rope Socket and a Jar Up-to-Shear Pulling Tool to provide a controlled release point in case the retrieved wire section becomes stuck.

   

• Connection (Customizable):

  • Standard interfaces include industry-standard slickline fishing threads (e.g., 15/16″-10 UN) and proprietary connections.

  • Custom order connections are available to match non-standard threads or specific quick-connect systems (e.g., Sucker Rod, JHQ, JHP).

• Material (Customizable):

  • Standard construction uses durable alloy steel for the body and prongs.

  • Heavy Duty (HD) Grabs utilize enhanced, high-yield materials for increased snag strength and longevity. NACE MR0175 compliant versions are available for sour service applications where material integrity is critical.

• Critical Parameters (Customizable Prongs & Size):

  • Prong Count: Options include 2, 3, or 4 prongs, selected based on the wire condition and tubing ID.

     

  • OD and Gauging: The Grab OD is manufactured in standard sizes (e.g., 1.5″ to 5.5″) and must be specified to match the minimum anticipated tubing ID to ensure proper gauging and wire-snagging reliability. Clients must specify the required number of prongs and the target tubing minimum ID when placing a custom order.