ROPE SOCKET

ROPE SOCKET

Posted by Koekoey

There are many types of rope socket in most common use: Knot type, teardrop type and braided type. The rope socket is required to make connection between wireline and toolstring. The basic toolstring components are rope socket, knuckle joint, stem, mechanical jars, etc.
The teardrop rope socket (also called a ‘no-knot’ or ‘wedge’ type) is designed for 0.092”, 0.105”, 0.108”, 0.125” and is designed O.D for 1-1/4”, 1-1/2”, 1-7/8”, 2-1/8”, 2-1/2”.
The standard body of teardrop rope socket has an internal taper to accept the thimble. However a thimble eye is availaible to convert the older style of rope socket.

The end of the wire is bent to fit the curve at the bottom of the teardrop, with the short side slightly shorter than the side of the thimble.
The groove in the thimble of this socket is not deep enough to accommodate the total thickness of the wireline. As the security of the wirelne depends upon its being pinched between the thimble and it body. Care must be taken to ensure the correct size of socket is selected for the wireline in use.
As the internal components of the teardrop rope socket do not permit the wire to rotate, it is essential to include a swivel immediately below the rope socket.
Do not subtitute a knukle joint in place of a swivel. A swivel has 11/2° to 5° of lateral movement, where a knuckle joint is not designed to rotate under load and has 15° of lateral movement. In the event of it being necessary to fish the rope socket, a knuckle joint will allow it to lay over against the side of the tubing wall at an angle which may make latching difficult / impossible.