Hardened couplings, which resist capture by ordinary wickered
slips, can be successfully retrieved with O’Bannon Overshot
Sockets. These employ a lower slip unit, which opens as it passes
over the coupling, then closes below the coupling to hold the
rod string in a firm mechanical grip. A conventional set of slips
in the upper portion of the socket body catches rod body breaks
in the normal manner.
Oversize sockets are available in the three
larger sizes. It should be noted that oversize units were designed
specifically for the purpose of fishing couplings too large for
the appropriately sized regular socket. Many operators are now
using them as a general-purpose fishing tool. This practice creates
a greater risk of socket failure or damage and as a consequence,
the operator must assume responsibility for failure.
