A device used in cable tool drilling to remove drill cuttings from a well. It consists of a simple tube suspended on a cable, open at the top, with a foot-valve at the bottom. The foot-valve opens when the bailer touches the bottom of the drilled hole, permitting water with drill cuttings in suspension to enter the tube. When the bailer is raised to be emptied, the foot-valve closes instantly as it loses contact with the bottom of the hold and retains the water and drill cuttings.