Abstract: The invention provides a flexible guide tube with prongs or other work-engaging means at one end. These prongs may be stabbed into an obstruction in a hollow wall to set the position of a throughhole and to hold the tubular guide in a fixed position against the torsional, or other, forces of a drill or other cutting tool used to cut the hole. The drill may be rotated by means of a flexible shaft running within the guide tube. After a throughhole is cut in the obstruction, a line-fishing member may be inserted through the guide tube and the obstruction and into a space on the distal side of the obstruction. The line-fishing apparatus may comprise an end portion having a collapsed state in which it can pass through the guide tube and an expanded state in which it provides a visible target that can be readily engaged by tools operated by a worker on the distal side of the obstruction who is prohibited from getting any closer than a few yards from the target.