Description
Drill Pipe Manual Tong for Drill Pipe Makeup & Breakout on Drilling and Workover Rigs
SGPE Drill Pipe Manual Tong is a mechanical rig floor tong for making up and breaking out drill pipe tool joints during drilling, tripping, workover and well servicing operations.
Also known as a manual drill pipe tong, drill pipe hand tong, manual rig tong, oilfield manual tong or mechanical rig tong, it grips the approved tool joint area and transfers torque through a controlled mechanical pulling system.
SGPE supplies Type B, Type SB, Type AAX, Type DB, Type H and Type SDD Manual Tongs for different tool joint diameters and torque requirements. Depending on the model, interchangeable jaws, adjustable latch or hinge positions and replaceable tong dies allow one tong body to cover several approved gripping sizes.
Heavy-duty configurations can also handle selected heavyweight drill pipe (HWDP), drill collars, crossover subs and BHA components when the actual gripping OD and required torque remain within the rated configuration.
For accurate selection and quotation, send:
Drill pipe size + tool joint OD + connection + makeup torque + expected breakout torque + quantity.
SGPE can then match the correct tong model, jaw configuration, rated torque and spare parts package to your drilling rig requirements.
Email: info@sgpe.com
Tel / WhatsApp: +86 186-1599-5239
Drill Pipe Manual Tong Technical Specifications
| Specification | Typical SGPE Supply |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Drill Pipe Manual Tong |
| Related Names | Manual Drill Pipe Tong, Drill Pipe Hand Tong, Manual Rig Tong |
| Product Type | Mechanical oilfield rig floor tong |
| Main Function | Drill pipe makeup and breakout |
| Primary Gripping Area | Drill pipe tool joint or approved component OD |
| Main Applications | Drilling, tripping, stand building, workover and BHA assembly |
| Applicable Components | Drill pipe, HWDP, drill collars, subs and selected BHA tools |
| Main Models | Type B, SB, AAX, DB, H and SDD |
| Overall Size Coverage | Approx. 2-7/8–17 in across applicable configurations |
| Maximum Available Rated Torque | Up to 135 kN·m |
| Drive Method | Mechanical pulling system |
| Hydraulic Motor | Not required |
| Hydraulic Power Unit | Not required for tong drive |
| Gripping System | Interchangeable jaw system |
| Gripping Elements | Replaceable tong dies / inserts |
| Size Adjustment | Jaw, latch step, hinge position or tong head depending on model |
| Working Arrangement | Working tong, backup tong or paired set |
| Suspension | Rig-specific tong hanger or suspension arrangement |
| Pulling System | Tong line, pull line or other approved mechanical arrangement |
| Inspection | Visual, dimensional, assembly and functional inspection |
| Optional NDT | MPI where specified |
| Standard | API Spec 7K requirements as applicable |
| Spare Parts | Jaws, dies, pins, springs, latch parts and hardware |
| Packing | Export plywood case or seaworthy wooden case |
| Main Selection Basis | Tool joint OD + connection + torque + rig arrangement |
Final specifications depend on the selected tong model, installed jaw and actual gripping diameter.
What Is a Drill Pipe Manual Tong?
A Drill Pipe Manual Tong is a mechanical rig floor tool used to grip a drill pipe tool joint and apply torque to a threaded rotary shoulder connection.
It may also be described as a drill pipe tool joint tong or API 7K rig tong in drilling equipment specifications.
During makeup, the tong converts pulling force into rotational torque to tighten the connection. During breakout, the force works in the opposite direction to loosen it.
Unlike a Drill Pipe Power Tong, a manual tong does not use a hydraulic motor to rotate the drill string. Instead, it works with a tong line, pull line or another approved mechanical pulling arrangement on the rig floor.
Many drilling rigs use one manual tong as the working tong and another as the backup tong. Other rigs combine a manual tong with a spinning wrench or keep one available as backup for a hydraulic power tong or iron roughneck.
Because the design is mainly mechanical, crews can inspect the jaws, latch, pins, tong dies, lever and suspension points directly at the wellsite.
Drill Pipe Makeup and Breakout
The primary job of a drill pipe makeup and breakout tong is to grip the tool joint while the crew tightens or loosens the threaded connection.
During makeup, crews use the tong for drill string assembly, stand building, running drill pipe and making connections while drilling.
During breakout, it supports pulling out of hole, breaking stands, BHA changes, drill pipe inspection and rig maintenance.
Breakout torque can be higher than the recommended makeup torque after a connection has been in service. For this reason, both values should be included in the RFQ whenever possible.
Tripping and Stand Building
Manual rig tongs support both running-in-hole and pulling-out-of-hole operations.
During stand building, crews connect drill pipe singles into doubles or triples. During tripping, tool joint connections are repeatedly made or broken as the drill string moves through the rig floor.
For high-frequency drilling programs, operating frequency also affects spare parts planning. Additional tong dies, jaw sets, pins and common wear parts may be useful for continuous service.
Manual Tong for Common Drill Pipe Sizes
Buyers often search for a manual tong by nominal drill pipe size. However, the pipe body OD does not directly determine the correct tong gripping diameter.
| Nominal Drill Pipe Size | Common Search | Data Still Required |
|---|---|---|
| 2-7/8 in | Manual tong for 2-7/8 drill pipe | Tool joint OD + torque |
| 3-1/2 in | Manual tong for 3-1/2 drill pipe | Tool joint OD + torque |
| 4 in | Manual tong for 4 inch drill pipe | Tool joint OD + torque |
| 4-1/2 in | Manual tong for 4-1/2 drill pipe | Tool joint OD + connection + torque |
| 5 in | Manual tong for 5 inch drill pipe | Tool joint OD + connection + torque |
| 5-1/2 in | Manual tong for 5-1/2 drill pipe | Tool joint OD + torque |
| 6-5/8 in | Manual tong for 6-5/8 drill pipe | Actual gripping OD + torque |
For example, a customer looking for a 5 inch Drill Pipe Manual Tong should also provide the actual tool joint OD and connection because different 5 in drill pipe designs can use different tool joint dimensions.
The same applies to a manual tong for 4-1/2 inch drill pipe. Type B, SB, AAX or another configuration may suit the job, but final selection must follow the actual gripping diameter and required torque.
HWDP Manual Tong
Selected heavy-duty manual tongs can handle heavyweight drill pipe (HWDP).
HWDP may use larger tool joints and higher makeup or breakout torque than standard drill pipe. As a result, the job may require a stronger jaw arrangement and higher tong capacity.
For an HWDP Manual Tong inquiry, provide the HWDP size, tool joint OD, connection type, makeup torque and expected breakout torque.
Type DB, H and SDD configurations can suit selected HWDP applications when the dimensions and torque fall within their approved ranges.
Drill Collar Manual Tong
Drill collars normally require larger gripping diameters and higher connection torque than conventional drill pipe.
A Drill Collar Manual Tong therefore often uses a Type DB, Type H or Type SDD configuration.
Before ordering, provide the drill collar OD, approved gripping area, connection type, makeup torque and expected breakout torque.
Always confirm the applicable jaw-and-torque rating because the maximum family torque does not apply to every gripping diameter.
Manual Tong for BHA and Drilling Tools
Heavy-duty manual tongs can also support selected bottom hole assembly connection work.
Typical components include HWDP, drill collars, crossover subs, drilling subs, stabilizers, reamers and drilling jars.
Some BHA tools have blades, shoulders or non-standard outer profiles. In these cases, provide a drawing or clear dimensions of the gripping area so SGPE can check jaw engagement, available gripping length and torque requirements before quotation.
Workover, Land and Offshore Rig Applications
A manual tong for workover rigs can support drill pipe, work strings, drill collars, fishing strings and selected BHA components.
On land drilling rigs, common applications include rotary drilling, drill pipe makeup and breakout, tripping and stand building.
For offshore platforms, jack-up rigs and offshore workover units, buyers should also consider rig floor clearance, suspension points, pulling direction, existing tong-line arrangements and project-specific surface protection requirements.
An offshore manual tong must still match the actual gripping OD, torque requirement and rig arrangement.
Because a manual tong does not require a hydraulic motor for rotation, it can also provide practical backup capability on remote drilling projects.
Emergency Backup Manual Tong
Many drilling contractors keep a manual rig tong available as backup for a drill pipe power tong, hydraulic rig tong, spinning wrench or iron roughneck.
However, a backup tong still needs the correct gripping range and breakout capacity. It should match the actual drill string program rather than serve as a generic emergency tool.
Drill Pipe Manual Tong Application Guide
| Application | Common Tong Options | Main Selection Data |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Drill Pipe | B / SB / AAX | Tool joint OD + torque |
| Multiple Drill Pipe Sizes | AAX / B / DB | Complete gripping OD list |
| Heavy Drill Pipe | DB / H / SDD | OD + breakout torque |
| HWDP | DB / H / SDD | Tool joint OD + torque |
| Drill Collar | DB / H / SDD | Drill collar OD + torque |
| BHA Components | DB / H / SDD | Gripping OD + drawing |
| Workover Rig | B / AAX / DB | OD + floor clearance |
| Emergency Backup | Match tubular program | Size + breakout torque |
| Offshore Rig | Based on tubular program | OD + torque + suspension |
Interchangeable Manual Tong Jaws
The available gripping range depends on the installed jaw configuration.
Depending on the tong type, the equipment may use latch lug jaws, latch jaws, hinge jaws, long jaws or short jaws. Operators may also change the latch step or hinge position to match another approved gripping diameter.
This allows one tong body to cover several tubular sizes where the model permits.
One jaw, however, does not cover the complete tong range.
Replaceable Manual Tong Dies
Manual tong dies provide direct gripping contact between the jaw and the drill pipe tool joint.
Crews can replace worn dies without replacing the complete tong. SGPE can supply replacement tong dies, inserts, jaw sets and jaw pins for new equipment packages or existing rig inventory.
Correct die selection matters because worn or incorrect dies can reduce contact and increase the risk of slipping during makeup or breakout.
Working and Backup Manual Tong Sets
SGPE can supply one working tong, one backup tong or a complete working and backup manual tong set.
Projects that use several tubular sizes can also include additional jaw sets, replacement tong dies and recommended maintenance spares.
The working tong applies the primary rotational force, while the backup tong holds the opposite side of the connection and prevents it from rotating.
Drill Pipe Manual Tong Models
| Tong Type / Model | Size Range | Maximum Rated Torque | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type B Q3-3/8–12-3/4-75 | 3-3/8–12-3/4 in | Up to 75 kN·m | General drill pipe and rig floor work |
| Type SB Q3-1/2–13-3/8-75 | 3-1/2–13-3/8 in | Up to 75 kN·m | Drill pipe and selected drill collars |
| Type AAX Q2-7/8–13-3/8-75 | 2-7/8–13-3/8 in | Up to 75 kN·m | Mixed drill pipe programs |
| Type DB Q3-1/2–17-90 | 3-1/2–17 in | Up to 90 kN·m | Heavy drill pipe, HWDP and drill collars |
| Type H Manual Tong | Approx. 3-1/2–13-3/8 in | Up to approx. 108.5 kN·m | Higher-torque drill string work |
| Type SDD Q4–17-135 | 4–17 in | Up to 135 kN·m | Heavy-duty drill pipe, drill collars and BHA |
Important: Maximum family torque does not apply to every gripping diameter. Allowable torque changes with the installed jaw and gripping range.
For complete dimensions and jaw charts, use the dedicated Type B Manual Tong, SB Manual Tong, AAX Manual Tong, DB Manual Tong, Type H Manual Tong and SDD Manual Tong product pages.
Rated Torque by Gripping Range
A larger gripping diameter does not always retain the maximum torque rating of the tong family.
| Tong Family | Selected Smaller / Medium Ranges | Selected Larger Ranges |
|---|---|---|
| Type SB | Up to 75 kN·m | 55 or 40 kN·m |
| Type AAX | Up to 75 kN·m | Lower rating depending on configuration |
| Type DB | Up to 90 kN·m through selected 11-1/4 in configurations | 55 kN·m on selected larger ranges |
| Type H | Up to approx. 108.5 kN·m | Depends on gripping configuration |
| Type SDD | Up to 135 kN·m on selected ranges | 100 or 80 kN·m on selected larger ranges |
For final approval, always confirm:
Gripping OD + jaw configuration + rated torque.
Do not select a manual tong from maximum family torque alone.
Why Tool Joint OD Matters
One of the most common manual tong selection mistakes is using only nominal drill pipe size.
A manual tong normally grips the tool joint, and two drill pipes with the same body OD can use different tool joint diameters, connections and torque values.
Tool joint length, rotary shoulder geometry and the approved gripping area can also affect jaw selection.
For accurate sizing, provide:
Nominal drill pipe size + actual tool joint OD + connection + makeup torque + expected breakout torque.
This gives a more reliable basis for selecting the tong and jaw than nominal pipe size alone.
Drill Pipe Connection Types
Drill Pipe Manual Tongs can work with drill pipe using NC, IF, FH, API rotary shoulder and premium rotary shoulder connections when the gripping diameter and required torque fall within the approved range.
However, the connection designation alone does not determine the correct jaw.
For example, an inquiry for an NC50 Drill Pipe Manual Tong should still include the actual tool joint OD and required torque.
Manual Tong Jaw Selection
| Selection Data | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Drill Pipe Size | Identifies the tubular family |
| Tool Joint OD | Determines the required gripping range |
| Approved Gripping Area | Defines where the jaw contacts the tool joint |
| Connection Type | Helps define connection requirements |
| Makeup Torque | Confirms required tong capacity |
| Breakout Torque | Defines the highest expected operating load |
| Tong Model | Determines compatible jaw geometry |
| Jaw Number | Identifies the required jaw configuration |
| Tong Die Type | Affects gripping and maintenance |
| Lever Arrangement | Affects pulling force and floor clearance |
| Suspension | Affects positioning and balance |
| Rig Floor Space | Affects practical installation |
A correct jaw provides stable contact and allows the tong to transfer torque properly.
An incorrect jaw can cause poor engagement, slipping, uneven loading, excessive die wear, latch problems or damage to the tool joint surface.
For manual tong jaw replacement, send the tong model, jaw number, actual gripping OD, critical dimensions and clear photographs.
Manual Tong Jaw Sets and Replacement Tong Dies
A complete manual tong jaw set may include latch lug jaws, latch jaws, hinge jaws, long jaws or short jaws depending on the model.
Changing the gripping diameter may also require a different latch step, hinge position or pin arrangement. Changing only the tong dies does not necessarily change the complete operating range.
Tong dies provide the direct gripping surface. Worn or damaged dies can reduce grip and increase the risk of slipping.
SGPE can supply complete jaw sets, individual jaws, replacement tong dies, inserts, pins and other manual tong replacement parts.
How Does a Drill Pipe Manual Tong Work?
Before operation, the crew selects the correct tong and jaw according to the tool joint OD.
The operator positions the tong around the approved gripping area and closes the jaw and latch system. The rig pulling system then applies controlled force to the lever.
The lever converts this force into torque at the threaded connection. During makeup, the torque tightens the connection. During breakout, it works in the opposite direction.
When two manual tongs work together, the working tong applies the main rotational force while the backup tong holds the opposite side and resists rotation.
For basic mechanical understanding:
Torque ≈ Line Pull × Effective Lever Arm
Actual torque also depends on pulling angle and system geometry.
This relationship does not increase the rated equipment capacity. The complete system must remain within the ratings of the tong body, installed jaw, lever, pins, hanger, suspension, pull line, snub line and load-measuring equipment.
The lowest-rated component determines the allowable operating load.
Drill Pipe Manual Tong vs Drill Pipe Power Tong
| Feature | Drill Pipe Manual Tong | Drill Pipe Power Tong |
|---|---|---|
| Drive Method | Mechanical pulling system | Hydraulic motor |
| Hydraulic Power Unit | Not required for tong drive | Normally required |
| Operating Speed | Lower | Higher |
| System Complexity | Lower | Higher |
| Hydraulic Maintenance | No tong-drive hydraulics | Required |
| Repetitive Connection Work | Suitable depending on operation | Better suited |
| Torque Monitoring | Depends on rig arrangement | Can integrate monitoring |
| Emergency Backup | Very suitable | Depends on hydraulic availability |
| Typical Use | Conventional drilling and backup | Repetitive drill pipe handling |
A power tong normally improves operating speed during repetitive connection work, while a manual tong offers simpler maintenance and dependable backup capability.
Many drilling contractors therefore keep both systems available.
Drill Pipe Manual Tong Spare Parts
SGPE can supply replacement parts and maintenance packages for new or existing manual tong systems.
Common Drill Pipe Manual Tong spare parts include latch lug jaws, latch jaws, hinge jaws, long and short jaws, tong dies, inserts, hinge pins, latch pins, jaw pins, springs, plungers, latch components, retaining hardware and hanger parts.
For replacement orders, provide the existing manufacturer, tong model, part number, jaw number, critical dimensions, clear photographs and required quantity.
Different manufacturers may use different jaw geometry and pin locations, so a model name alone may not confirm interchangeability.
Inspection, Quality Control and Documentation
| Inspection / Document | Typical Availability |
|---|---|
| Visual Inspection | Standard |
| Dimensional Inspection | Standard / as agreed |
| Assembly Inspection | Standard |
| Functional Check | Standard |
| Jaw and Latch Fit Check | Standard |
| Tong Die Inspection | Standard |
| Surface Inspection | Standard |
| Material Documentation | As agreed |
| Hardness Report | When specified |
| MPI | For agreed applicable parts |
| Certificate of Conformity / COC | As agreed |
| Material Test Certificate / MTC | As agreed |
| Dimensional Report | Available |
| Jaw and Torque Chart | Available for selected configuration |
| O&M Manual | Available |
| Spare Parts List | Available |
| Third-Party Inspection | When specified |
The final inspection and documentation package follows the confirmed purchase order, project specification and end-user requirements.
API 7K Drill Pipe Manual Tong
API Spec 7K covers drilling and well servicing equipment, including manual tongs.
SGPE can supply API 7K Manual Tong configurations according to applicable API Spec 7K requirements and the confirmed project specification.
For drilling contractor tenders and project orders, buyers should state any requirements for API-related conformity documentation, product marking, COC, MTC, MPI, third-party inspection, jaw-and-torque charts or O&M documentation before quotation.
API Monogram marking and manufacturer licensing must match the actual manufacturing source and applicable licensed scope.
Drill Pipe Manual Tong Supplier, Price and Quotation
Buyers comparing Drill Pipe Manual Tong suppliers usually look beyond the overall size range.
Important purchasing factors include gripping range, rated torque, available jaw sets, spare parts support, inspection scope and project documentation.
The Drill Pipe Manual Tong price depends on the selected configuration. Two projects using the same nominal drill pipe size can require different quotations because the actual tool joint OD, torque requirement, jaw package and working-and-backup arrangement may differ.
| Pricing Factor | Typical Effect on Quotation |
|---|---|
| Tong Model | Defines the basic configuration |
| Gripping Range | Determines jaw quantity and setup |
| Torque Requirement | Influences model and jaw selection |
| Working / Backup Set | Changes equipment quantity |
| Additional Jaw Sets | Adds size coverage |
| Spare Tong Dies | Adds maintenance inventory |
| Spare Parts Package | Adds wear and replacement parts |
| Inspection / TPI | Adds project inspection requirements |
| Documentation | May add MTC, MPI or special reports |
| Packing | Depends on order size and project |
| Destination | Affects freight quotation |
SGPE supports drilling contractors, oilfield service companies, equipment distributors and rig package suppliers with manual tong selection, jaw matching, replacement parts, inspection documentation and export packing.
For an accurate Drill Pipe Manual Tong quotation, provide the actual tool joint OD and required torque instead of requesting price from nominal drill pipe size alone.
How to Select the Correct Drill Pipe Manual Tong
Start with the nominal drill pipe size, but use the actual tool joint OD as the primary gripping dimension.
Next, confirm the connection type, recommended makeup torque and expected breakout torque.
If one tong must handle several drill pipe, HWDP or drill collar sizes, provide the complete gripping OD list so SGPE can prepare the correct jaw package.
Also state whether you need a working tong, backup tong or complete paired set.
For offshore units, workover rigs or rigs with limited floor space, include information about suspension, pulling direction and available floor clearance.
Finally, identify any required COC, MTC, MPI, TPI, inspection reports or tender documentation before quotation.
Drill Pipe Manual Tong RFQ Checklist
| Required Information | Example / Guidance |
|---|---|
| Product | Drill Pipe Manual Tong |
| Drill Pipe Size | 5 in |
| Tool Joint OD | 6-5/8 in |
| Connection | NC50 |
| Makeup Torque | Please specify |
| Expected Breakout Torque | Please specify |
| Other Gripping ODs | List all required sizes |
| Preferred Tong Type | B / SB / AAX / DB / H / SDD / Not sure |
| Working Tong | Yes / No |
| Backup Tong | Yes / No |
| Quantity | Please specify |
| Additional Jaw Sets | Yes / No |
| Spare Tong Dies | Yes / No |
| Spare Parts Package | Yes / No |
| Inspection | Standard / TPI / Project-specific |
| Documentation | COC / MTC / MPI / Others |
| Destination | Country / Port |
| Delivery Requirement | Please specify |
If you do not know the tong model, start with:
Tool joint OD + connection + makeup torque + breakout torque.
SGPE can then narrow down the appropriate tong body and jaw configuration.
Why Choose SGPE for Drill Pipe Manual Tong Supply?
SGPE supports oilfield drilling, tubular handling, workover and well control projects.
Our manual tong supply scope includes Type B, SB, AAX, DB, H and SDD configurations, together with working tongs, backup tongs, jaw sets, tong dies and maintenance spare parts.
SGPE can also support projects with technical datasheets, jaw-and-torque charts, inspection documentation, tender documents and export packing according to the confirmed supply scope.
Most importantly, equipment selection follows the actual tool joint OD, connection and required torque rather than relying only on nominal drill pipe size. This gives drilling contractors and project buyers a clearer technical basis for approval and purchasing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drill Pipe Manual Tongs
1. What is a Drill Pipe Manual Tong?
A Drill Pipe Manual Tong is a mechanical rig floor tool used to make up and break out drill pipe connections during oil and gas drilling, tripping, stand building, workover and well servicing operations. It grips the approved drill pipe tool joint area and transfers pulling force into rotational torque at the threaded connection.
The product may also be called a manual drill pipe tong, drill pipe hand tong, manual rig tong, mechanical rig tong or drill pipe tool joint tong. Unlike a hydraulic power tong, it does not use a hydraulic motor for tong rotation, which makes it suitable for conventional rig floor operations as well as backup service on land and offshore drilling rigs.
2. Which Manual Tong types are suitable for drill pipe?
Common Drill Pipe Manual Tong options include Type B, Type SB, Type AAX, Type DB, Type H and Type SDD. The correct model depends mainly on the actual tool joint OD, required makeup torque, expected breakout torque and the range of tubular sizes used on the rig.
Type B, SB and AAX models suit many conventional drill pipe applications, while Type DB, H and SDD provide larger gripping ranges or higher torque for heavy drill pipe, HWDP, drill collars and selected BHA components. If one rig handles several drill pipe sizes, SGPE can also help match the tong body with the required jaw sets and tong dies.
3. How do I select a Manual Tong for 5 inch drill pipe?
A Manual Tong for 5 inch drill pipe should not be selected from the 5 in pipe body OD alone. The tong normally grips the tool joint, and different 5 in drill pipe designs can use different tool joint outside diameters, rotary shoulder connections and torque requirements.
For accurate selection, provide the 5 in drill pipe size, actual tool joint OD, connection type, recommended makeup torque and expected breakout torque. This information allows SGPE to determine the suitable manual rig tong, jaw configuration and rated torque. If the same tong must also handle HWDP or other drill pipe sizes, include the complete gripping OD range in the inquiry.
4. How do I select a Manual Tong for 4-1/2 inch drill pipe?
When selecting a Manual Tong for 4-1/2 inch drill pipe, start with the nominal pipe size but use the actual tool joint OD as the main gripping dimension. Connection type and torque requirement should also be confirmed before choosing the tong model or jaw.
Depending on the actual tool joint dimensions and operating torque, Type B, SB, AAX or another suitable configuration may be considered. For drilling, tripping and workover applications, SGPE recommends providing the tool joint OD, connection, makeup torque, breakout torque and required quantity rather than selecting the tong from nominal drill pipe size alone.
5. What torque can a Drill Pipe Manual Tong handle?
The torque capacity of a Drill Pipe Manual Tong depends on the tong family, installed jaw and actual gripping diameter. Selected SB and AAX configurations provide up to approximately 75 kN·m, while DB configurations reach up to 90 kN·m. Type H configurations can reach approximately 108.5 kN·m, and selected heavy-duty SDD configurations provide up to 135 kN·m.
However, the maximum family rating does not apply to every gripping size. Larger gripping ranges may use lower allowable torque. For drill pipe makeup, breakout, HWDP or drill collar work, always confirm the applicable jaw-and-torque rating before final equipment selection.
6. Can one Manual Tong handle several drill pipe sizes?
Yes. Many manual rig tongs can handle several approved drill pipe tool joint diameters by using interchangeable jaw sets, different latch positions or different hinge positions. This makes one tong body suitable for mixed drill pipe programs on drilling and workover rigs.
However, one jaw does not cover the complete tong range, and changing only the tong dies does not always change the operating size. If you need one Drill Pipe Manual Tong for several tubular sizes, send SGPE the complete list of tool joint ODs together with the required torque for each size. SGPE can then recommend the appropriate jaw package, replacement tong dies and spare parts.
7. What is the difference between Type B and Type DB Manual Tongs?
Type B and Type DB are both mechanical manual tong configurations, but they serve different gripping and torque requirements. A Type B Manual Tong suits many conventional drill pipe tool joints and general rig floor makeup and breakout operations.
A Type DB Manual Tong provides a broader gripping range and higher torque in selected configurations, making it more suitable for heavy drill pipe, HWDP, drill collars and larger drilling tools. DB configurations cover up to approximately 17 in and can provide up to 90 kN·m on selected gripping ranges. Final selection should still follow the actual gripping OD, jaw configuration and required breakout torque.
8. Can a Drill Pipe Manual Tong handle HWDP and drill collars?
Yes. Selected heavy-duty Drill Pipe Manual Tong configurations can handle heavyweight drill pipe and drill collars when the actual gripping diameter and torque requirement fall within the approved range.
Type DB, Type H and Type SDD are commonly considered for HWDP Manual Tong and Drill Collar Manual Tong applications because they provide larger gripping ranges or higher torque capacity than many standard drill pipe configurations.
For accurate selection, provide the HWDP or drill collar OD, approved gripping area, connection type, makeup torque and expected breakout torque. For non-standard BHA components, a drawing or clear gripping-area dimensions can also help confirm jaw engagement.
9. What is the difference between a working tong and a backup tong?
A working tong applies the primary rotational force during drill pipe makeup or breakout, while the backup tong holds the opposite side of the connection and prevents it from rotating. Many conventional drilling rigs use these two manual tongs together as a working-and-backup tong set.
This arrangement is commonly used during drilling, tripping, stand building and workover operations. When ordering a complete working and backup manual tong set, buyers should provide the tool joint OD, connection and torque requirements for both sides of the connection. SGPE can also supply additional jaw sets, tong dies and maintenance spare parts for the selected configuration.
10. What is the difference between a Drill Pipe Manual Tong and a Drill Pipe Power Tong?
A Drill Pipe Manual Tong uses a mechanical pulling system to apply torque, while a Drill Pipe Power Tong uses a hydraulic motor and hydraulic power system. Power tongs generally provide faster operation and are better suited to repetitive drill pipe connection work where higher operating speed is important.
Manual tongs have a simpler mechanical design and do not require a hydraulic motor for tong rotation. They remain widely used for conventional rig floor makeup and breakout, tripping, workover and emergency backup. Many drilling contractors therefore use powered equipment for routine operations while keeping manual rig tongs available as backup.
11. Does API Spec 7K cover Manual Tongs?
Yes. API Spec 7K covers drilling and well servicing equipment, including manual tongs. An API 7K Manual Tong project may therefore include requirements related to product conformity, inspection, documentation and applicable manufacturer licensing.
Depending on the purchase order or tender specification, buyers may request a Certificate of Conformity, Material Test Certificate, dimensional inspection report, hardness report, MPI records, jaw-and-torque chart, technical datasheet, O&M manual or third-party inspection. API Monogram marking should only be specified when it matches the actual manufacturing source and applicable licensed scope.
12. What information should I send for a Drill Pipe Manual Tong quotation?
For an accurate Drill Pipe Manual Tong quotation, provide the nominal drill pipe size, actual tool joint OD, connection type, recommended makeup torque, expected breakout torque and required quantity. If one tong needs to cover several drill pipe, HWDP or drill collar sizes, include the complete gripping OD range.
You should also state whether the project requires a working tong, backup tong, complete working-and-backup set, additional jaw sets, replacement tong dies, spare parts, COC, MTC, MPI or third-party inspection. For offshore or workover applications, information about rig floor clearance and suspension arrangements can also be useful. Based on these requirements, SGPE can recommend the suitable tong configuration and prepare the corresponding quotation.
Request a Quote for Drill Pipe Manual Tong
Looking for a Drill Pipe Manual Tong, API 7K Manual Tong, Manual Rig Tong, HWDP Manual Tong, Drill Collar Manual Tong, working and backup tong set, jaw set, tong dies or spare parts?
To help us select the correct configuration, please send:
Drill pipe size + tool joint OD + connection type + makeup torque + expected breakout torque + quantity.
If one tong needs to cover several drill pipe, HWDP or drill collar sizes, please include the complete gripping OD range. You may also specify any requirements for working or backup tongs, additional jaw sets, replacement tong dies, spare parts, COC, MTC, MPI or third-party inspection.
SGPE supports manual tong requirements for land drilling rigs, offshore rigs, workover rigs and well servicing operations.
Email: info@sgpe.com
Tel / WhatsApp: +86 186-1599-5239
