Oil well shooting explained

Oil well shooting is a method of increasing production of an oil well by removing obstructions to drilling, straightening crooked holes, preventing water penetration, and/or increaseing the flow of oil. ^[1] Prior to 1910, a shell, made of dynamite and a sheet metal casing were lowered into a well and detonated by a blasting cap with a fuse.^[2] By 1918, the practice had evolved to use blasting gelatin, a mixture of nitroglycerin, guncotton and wood pulp.^[2]

Notable professionals

• Merle Haggard worked as an oil well shooter
• Francis "Tug" Nadeau Irving

References

• Aronowitz, Alfred G.. New Country Twang Hits Town. Life. Time, Inc.. 1968. 64. 18. 0024-3019.

Notes and References

1. Book: Oil Bulletin. 1922. 404–407.
2. Kerwin, M. J.. California Division of Oil and Gas, California Division of Mines. Summary of Operations; Annual Report of the State Oil and Gas Supervisor. Methods and Reasons for Oil Well Shooting. 1918. 82.