What are Rig Tongs Used For?
Rig tongs are large self-locking wrenches that are used to spin pipe and in some cases apply the final makeup torque. There are a variety of rig tongs available dependent on what application they’ll be used for. Some examples are: chisel tongs, casing tongs, power tongs, rotary tongs and manual tongs.
Below we will dive into everything rig tongs – how they’re used, how they can benefit your drill site and why they’re essential to any drilling operation.
What are Rig Tongs?
Rig tongs are used for one of two things; to either breakout or makeup casing, tubing or drill pipers. Rig tongs are further classified based on their function. Tongs that are used during loosening operations are called breakout tongs, while those used in tightening operations are called makeup tongs.
One thing to note is that rig tongs are always used in pairs. The first set of tongs is tied to the derrick with a cable or chain, while the second set is pulled with mechanical catheads. When strategizing how to properly make this connection with the rig tongs, you need to take into account the necessary torque. To precisely determine what torque is needed, you multiply force and the length of the tong.
What are the Different Types of Rig Tong Drivers?
There are three main types of rig tong drivers:
Straight Tong Die Driver
The straight tong die driver is the simplest type of rig tong and is used for die slot redressing. It’s important to note that although this is the simplest rig tong to use, it’s also the most dangerous because its handle and handguard protect hammer blows from falling into the grip.
Angled Tong Die Driver
Unlike the straight tong die driver, the angled rig tong has a grip that’s angled away for the perpendicular tong. The angled tong die driver also boast brass guards for the tong tip and handle which makes this rig tong safer than it’s straight tong counterpart. However, with this tong, it’s much more difficult to keep the angle tong die driver in its proper place.
Hammerless Tong Die Driver
Like the same suggests, this tong die driver is composed of a hand pipe that can be used to apply pressure without using a hammer. The hammerless tong die driver is the safest of the three driver types because there is no hammer involved, but it’s also the slowest driver for the same reason.
Now that you understand more about rig tongs, do you need them for your drilling site? TIOT has all of your drilling tool needs covered. Give us a call today!