NGWA Cable Tool Drilling Certification
Exam (Exam A) Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. The primary advantage of cable tool drilling compared to rotary
drilling is
A. Faster penetration rates
B. Ability to drill effectively in unconsolidated formations
C. Lower labor requirements
D. Reduced need for casing
Cable tool drilling is well suited for unconsolidated formations
because it allows controlled penetration and frequent cleaning of the
borehole.
2. The main cutting action in cable tool drilling is achieved by
A. Rotation of the drill stem
, B. High-pressure fluid jets
C. Repeated vertical impact of the bit
D. Abrasive circulation
Cable tool drilling relies on the percussion action of repeatedly lifting
and dropping the bit.
3. A cable tool drilling rig primarily uses which type of power system?
A. Hydraulic motors
B. Mechanical or engine-driven systems
C. Electric downhole motors
D. Pneumatic compressors
Traditional cable tool rigs are powered by mechanical systems driven
by engines.
4. The drilling line on a cable tool rig is typically made of
A. Synthetic fiber rope
B. Steel wire rope
C. Kevlar composite
D. Nylon braided cord
Steel wire rope provides the strength and durability needed for
repeated impact loads.
,5. The tool used to remove cuttings from the borehole in cable tool
drilling is called a
A. Reamer
B. Stabilizer
C. Bailer
D. Swab
A bailer is designed to collect and remove cuttings and slurry from
the borehole.
6. The walking beam on a cable tool rig functions to
A. Rotate the drill bit
B. Convert rotary motion into vertical motion
C. Control drilling fluid flow
D. Support casing weight
The walking beam converts engine motion into the up-and-down
movement of the tools.
7. In cable tool drilling, casing is typically installed
A. Only after reaching total depth
B. Before drilling begins
C. As drilling progresses
D. Only in bedrock
Casing is advanced as drilling proceeds to prevent borehole collapse.
, 8. The chisel bit used in cable tool drilling is best suited for
A. Soft clay formations
B. Hard rock formations
C. Loose sand
D. Gravel deposits
Chisel bits are designed to fracture and chip hard rock.
9. Which tool is used to straighten and true the borehole?
A. Jar
B. Reamer
C. Bailer
D. Drive shoe
A reamer enlarges and smooths the borehole walls.
10. The jars in a cable tool string are primarily used to
A. Increase drilling speed
B. Hold cuttings
C. Deliver an upward or downward impact
D. Rotate the bit
Jars help free stuck tools by delivering sharp impacts.
Exam (Exam A) Practice Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. The primary advantage of cable tool drilling compared to rotary
drilling is
A. Faster penetration rates
B. Ability to drill effectively in unconsolidated formations
C. Lower labor requirements
D. Reduced need for casing
Cable tool drilling is well suited for unconsolidated formations
because it allows controlled penetration and frequent cleaning of the
borehole.
2. The main cutting action in cable tool drilling is achieved by
A. Rotation of the drill stem
, B. High-pressure fluid jets
C. Repeated vertical impact of the bit
D. Abrasive circulation
Cable tool drilling relies on the percussion action of repeatedly lifting
and dropping the bit.
3. A cable tool drilling rig primarily uses which type of power system?
A. Hydraulic motors
B. Mechanical or engine-driven systems
C. Electric downhole motors
D. Pneumatic compressors
Traditional cable tool rigs are powered by mechanical systems driven
by engines.
4. The drilling line on a cable tool rig is typically made of
A. Synthetic fiber rope
B. Steel wire rope
C. Kevlar composite
D. Nylon braided cord
Steel wire rope provides the strength and durability needed for
repeated impact loads.
,5. The tool used to remove cuttings from the borehole in cable tool
drilling is called a
A. Reamer
B. Stabilizer
C. Bailer
D. Swab
A bailer is designed to collect and remove cuttings and slurry from
the borehole.
6. The walking beam on a cable tool rig functions to
A. Rotate the drill bit
B. Convert rotary motion into vertical motion
C. Control drilling fluid flow
D. Support casing weight
The walking beam converts engine motion into the up-and-down
movement of the tools.
7. In cable tool drilling, casing is typically installed
A. Only after reaching total depth
B. Before drilling begins
C. As drilling progresses
D. Only in bedrock
Casing is advanced as drilling proceeds to prevent borehole collapse.
, 8. The chisel bit used in cable tool drilling is best suited for
A. Soft clay formations
B. Hard rock formations
C. Loose sand
D. Gravel deposits
Chisel bits are designed to fracture and chip hard rock.
9. Which tool is used to straighten and true the borehole?
A. Jar
B. Reamer
C. Bailer
D. Drive shoe
A reamer enlarges and smooths the borehole walls.
10. The jars in a cable tool string are primarily used to
A. Increase drilling speed
B. Hold cuttings
C. Deliver an upward or downward impact
D. Rotate the bit
Jars help free stuck tools by delivering sharp impacts.
