Abstract: A side opening rope swivel socket assembly for connecting various tools to a drilling cable in wells allows an operator to quickly and conveniently change from one tool to another, for example, from a swabbing tool for tubing to a swabbing tool for casing, without the necessity for cutting and resetting the sand line or cable for each such operation. To avoid interfering with fishing tool operations and to avoid damaging the locking nut of the socket assembly at these times, the locking nut is placed well below the wickers of the swivel or mandrel and is enlarged in diameter sufficiently to pass over the swivel when it is desired to use the swivel alone. A great savings of time is effected in change-over operations in comparison to the prior art.