Rat Hole Pipe

Rat hole pipe is used for drill site preparation.  The pipe is used to create a hole in the rig floor that is typically used for storage of different drill tools for the upcoming job site.  The rat hole is typically 20-35 ft deep, and it is lined with this rat hole pipe that sticks out of the ground.  

Rathole:

1. A slanting hole about 25 feet deep into which the grief stem is lowered to lubricate or adjust the swivel or to add a joint of drill pipe to the drilling string.

2. A borehole reduced in size by coring. Synonym = Kelly hole. 

3. To prepare for rotary drilling by drilling with a small bit and leaving a seat for the casing.

4. To reduce the size of the borehole and feel ahead.

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