Rope Spear The Crossover rope spear is one of the most reliable and efficient tools of its type. The smallest tools, used for retrieving wireline, are of solid construction. The larger tools, for retrieving control line and rubber control line protectors, have a through bore for circulation purposes. These tools are utilized in offshore completion workover operations. The tools feature a simple design with barbs welded onto the shank. The rope spear can be ordered either straight or crankshaft type (as pictured).