Abstract: A retrieval tool to retrieve loose pipe and the like from a well. A bell-mouth centering device is sent down the hole to center the pipe, and a spear passes through the centering device into the pipe. Gripping devices carried by the spear engage the pipe so as to pull it to the surface. The gripping devices are able to cut a thread in the pipe so as to be releasable from the pipe if desired.

Abstract: A downhole retrieval tool to recover lost wire or cable from a well. The tool has an elongated body with a smooth outer wall. A notch is formed in the wall to receive a wire to be retrieved. Within the body and operable in the notch is a latch member to trap the wire, and a trip member to release the latch member for that purpose when a wire is inside the notch.

Abstract: A fishing tool to snag and to retrieve cables from wells. The tool includes an elongated body which has two ends, a substantial length, and peripheral boundary of lesser lateral dimensions than a well down which the tool is to be sent with the first of its ends pointed down. A snag member is pivotally mounted to the body so that its free end faces toward one of the ends and so that its free end is movable toward and away from the peripheral boundary. Bias means biases the shank to move the free end toward the peripheral boundary, and a detent is interposed between the snag member and the body releasably to hold the snag member with its free end away from the boundary in opposition to the bias force, where it can be released upon contact with an object. The body or the snag member is provided with a snag recess to receive part of the cable.

Abstract: A fishing tool to snag and to retrieve cables from wells. The tool includes an elongated body which has two ends, a substantial length, and peripheral boundary of lesser lateral dimensions than a well down which the tool is to be sent with the first of its ends pointed down. A snag member comprises a shank and a snag end on the shank. The shank is mounted to the body so that the snag end faces toward the second of said ends and so that the snag end is movable toward and away from the peripheral boundary. Bias means biases the shank to move the snag end toward the peripheral boundary, and a detent is interposed between the snag member and the body releasably to hold the snag member with its snag end away from the boundary in opposition to the bias force, where it can be released upon contact with an object.