National Groundwater Association (NGWA) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Groundwater Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Latch Jack is characterized by its unique decoupled handle, allowing for effective retrieval of objects from deep within a well or borehole. It consists of a main body with a latching mechanism that can securely grasp various items, such as tools or debris, and the handle is designed to operate independently. This construction provides greater control over the latching operation and permits the user to manage the retrieval process with precision.

The other tools mentioned have distinct mechanisms that do not feature a decoupled handle design. The Friction Socket uses friction to grip and hold objects, which does not involve a separate operational handle. The Spear typically refers to a simple retrieval device that relies on a pointed tip to penetrate materials rather than a latching mechanism with a handle. The Junk Basket is used for collecting loose debris but does not utilize a decoupled handle system for object retrieval. Therefore, the Latch Jack stands out as the correct tool that meets the criteria described in the question.