Definition
Junk Basket — A junk basket is a fishing tool that catches and retains junk and debris from the wellbore, using a barrel and catcher fingers or reverse-circulation flow to trap fragments that cannot be recovered with a magnet or catching tool.
Also known as: junk basket, junk sub, boot basket
What a junk basket does
A junk basket collects loose debris — both ferrous and non-magnetic — that is left on the hole bottom or generated by a milling run. A core-type or poor-boy basket surrounds junk with a barrel and lets spring-loaded catcher fingers close beneath it so the debris is held as the tool is pulled. A reverse-circulation junk basket uses fluid diverted up through the tool to lift cuttings and small pieces into a catcher barrel where they settle and are retained.
How it is used
Junk baskets are run on the fishing or drilling string, frequently in tandem with a junk mill to capture mill cuttings, or with a fishing magnet to gather both magnetic and non-magnetic fragments. A boot basket placed above the bit or mill catches debris carried up by circulation. Good hole cleaning and the right circulation rate are essential for the basket to fill effectively.
Why it matters for rentals
Baskets are sized to the hole and used only during cleanup or milling, so they are well suited to per-job rental.
Our fishing tools include junk baskets, mills, and magnets for rental — contact us to plan a debris-recovery run for your well.