rope drilling (ropdril"ing)

A method of drilling or boring holes, in which a rope or cable is used, for any purpose connected with prospecting or mining, or more especially for obtaining petroleum. The rope forms the connection between the drilling-tools proper (see cable - tools ) and the walking-beam, which, driven by a steam-engine, gives the reciprocating motions to the drilling-tools. These are lowered as the hole deepens by letting out the so-called "temper-screw," and they are rotated constantly by the driller by means of a short lever. The jars, by means of the vibrations communicated through the rope, show the driller how the tools are working. Also called cable-drilling. rope-end (rop'end), v. t. Same as rope's - end. The roof all frayed with cobwebs, and the corners such as, in the navy, we should have been rope - ended for. R. D. Black more, Maid of Sker, vi. See Restio . to wind a rope.