Varco HT-Tong HT14 User manual

Revision -, October 2003
Rev A, December 2004
HT-Tong
User's Manual
HT-Tong
User's Manual
pn 50006190

© Copyright 2004 Varco LP. All rights reserved.
Varco is a registered trademark of Varco I/P reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. This publication is the property of, and
contains information proprietary to Varco International, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any
form, or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of Varco IP®.
All product, brand, or trade names used in this publication are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: General information
How to use this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Special information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Intended audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
Note: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Caution: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Warning: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Illustrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Safety Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
General System Safety Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Personnel Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Recommended Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Replacing Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Proper Use of Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Identification numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Warning plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-8
Lifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
HT-Tong restrictions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Limited warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Design standard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Chapter 2: General specifications
Specifications, requirements & sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
General description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-11
Part numbers, ratings & weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-12
Chapter 3: Lubrication and maintenance
Recommended General Purpose EP grease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Daily inspection schedule (when HT-Tong is in use) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
6 Monthly inspection schedule (when HT-Tong is in use) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13
Magnetic Particle Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Acceptance criteria for MPI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Torque test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14
Maximum allowable wear to maintain 100% torque rating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Shop repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Changing dies/inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-15
Chapter 4: Installation and commissioning
General procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-17

Table of Contents
Chapter 5: Operations
Changing size components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Changing dies/inserts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Lug jaw removal for changing sizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Applying make up torque . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-21
Direction of pulling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-22
Chapter 6: Assembly and dis-assembly
Head assembly procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Disassembly of the hanger and lever assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-23
Chapter 7: Trouble shooting
Overview possible problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-25
Chapter 8: Appendixes
Summary of risk assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-27
General conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-28
Torque values (US) for bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-29
Torque values (metric) for bolts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-30
Chapter 9: Drawings and Parts Break Down
Added parts jaw assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
HT-14 additional parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
HT-35 additional parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
HT-55 additional parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
HT-65 additional parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-32
HT-100 additional parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
HT-200 additional parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-33
Parts lists and exploded views . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Parts list HT 14 manual tong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34
Exploded view HT-14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Parts list HT 35 manual tong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Exploded view HT-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Parts list HT 55 manual tong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-38
Part list HT 65 manual tong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Exploded view HT-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-41
Parts list HT100 manual tong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-42
Exploded view HT-100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-43
Parts list HT 200 manual tong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-44
Exploded view HT-200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-45
Parts list HT 50 casing head assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-46
Casing head assemblies overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-48
Critical area drawings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-49

General information
1
HT-Tong 1-5
General information
How to use this manual
This manual is divided into 9 sections. Each page within each section is marked with a
black tab that lines up with the thumb nail index tabs for each section. You can quickly find
each section without looking through a full table of contents. Use the symbols printed at
the top corner of each page as a quick reference system. Each section uses a different
symbol.
When applicable, each section includes:
1. A table of contents, or an illustrated view index showing:
RMajor assemblies, system or operations
RPage references to descriptions in text
2. Disassembly / assembly information and tools
3. Inspection information
4. Testing / trouble shooting information
5. Repair information
6. Adjustment information
7. Torque values
Special information
Detailed descriptions of standard workshop procedures, safety principles and service
operations are not included. Please note that this manual may contain warnings about
procedures which could damage equipment, make it unsafe, or cause PERSONAL
INJURY. Please understand that these warnings cannot cover all conceivable ways in
which service (whether or not recommended by Varco) might be done, or the possible
hazardous consequences of each conceivable ways. Anyone using service procedures or
tools, whether or not recommended by Varco Systems, must be thoroughly satisfied that
neither personal safety nor equipment safety will be jeopardized.
All information contained in this manual is based upon the latest product information
available at any time of printing. We reserve the right to make changes at any time without
notice.
Intended audience
This manual is intended for use by field engineering, installation, operation, and repair
personnel. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information
contained herein. Varco®2004, Varco LP, will not be held liable for errors in this material,
or for consequences arising from misuse of this material.
Conventions
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Notes, cautions, and warnings provide readers with additional information, and to advise
the reader to take specific action to protect personnel from potential injury or lethal
conditions. They may also inform the reader of actions necessary to prevent equipment
damage. Please pay close attention to these advisories.

General Information
1
1-6 HT-Tong
Note:
Caution:
Warning:
Illustrations
Illustrations (figures) provide a graphical representation of equipment components or
screen snapshots for use in identifying parts or establishing nomenclature, and may or
may not be drawn to scale.
For component information specific to your rig configuration, see the technical drawings
included with your Varco documentation.
Safety Requirements
Varco equipment is installed and operated in a controlled drilling rig environment involving
hazardous situations. Proper maintenance is important for safe and reliable operation.
Procedures outlined in Varco manuals are the recommended methods of performing
operations and maintenance.
i
The note symbol indicates that additional information is
provided about the current topics.
!
The caution symbol indicates that potential damage to
equipment or injury to personnel exists. Follow instructions
explicitly. Extreme care should be taken when performing
operations or procedures preceded by this caution symbol.
The warning symbol indicates a definite risk of
equipment damage or danger to personnel. Failure
to observe and follow proper procedures could
result in serious or fatal injury to personnel,
significant property loss, or significant equipment
damage.
!
CAUTION: To avoid injury to personnel or equipment
damage, carefully observe requirements outlined in this
section.

General information
1
HT-Tong 1-7
General System Safety Practices
The equipment discussed in this manual may require or contain one or more utilities, such
as electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or cooling water.
RIsolate energy sources prior to beginning work.
RAvoid performing maintenance or repairs while the equipment is in operation.
RWear proper protective equipment during equipment installation, maintenance or
repair.
Personnel Training
All personnel performing installation, operations, repair, or maintenance procedures on the
equipment, or those in the vicinity of the equipment, should be trained on rig safety, tool
operation, and maintenance to ensure their safety.
Contact the Varco Drilling Equipment training department for more information about
equipment operation and maintenance training.
Recommended Tools
Service operations may require the use of tools designed specifically for the purpose
described. Varco recommends that only those tools specified be used when stated.
Ensure that personnel and equipment safety are not jeopardized when following service
procedures or using tools not specifically recommended by Varco.
Replacing Components
RVerify that all components (such as cables, hoses, etc.) are tagged and labeled
during assembly and disassembly of equipment to ensure correct installation.
RReplace failed or damaged components with Varco certified parts. Failure to do so
could result in equipment damage or injury to personnel.
!
CAUTION: Read and follow the guidelines below before
installing equipment or performing maintenance to avoid
endangering exposed persons or damaging equipment.
!
CAUTION: Personnel should wear protective gear during
installation, maintenance, and certain operations.

General Information
1
1-8 HT-Tong
Routine Maintenance
Equipment must be maintained on a routine basis. See this manual for maintenance
recommendations.
Proper Use of Equipment
Varco equipment is designed for specific functions and applications, and should be used
only for its intended purpose.
Identification numbers
You will find the serial number of the tool stamped into the lever.
Warning plates
Warning plate p/n # 52319
Warning plate p/n # 201350
!
CAUTION: Failure to conduct routine maintenance could
result in equipment damage or injury to personnel.
WARNING: Warning plates must be present on the HT-
Tong. Do not remove the labels. When a label or
warning plate has disappeared, it must be replaced.
WARNING
Dies and inserts could be hazardous if improperly handled, installed or removed.
Such misuse could cause serious injury to personnel. Wear eye protection at all
times when installing or removing. Wear gloves when handling.
CAUTION: Manual tongs are critically loaded tools when used to torque tubular goods.
Line pull on lever should be at 90 degrees (a right angle) to axis of lever. The full length of
the tong die must be engaged with tool joint when making up or breaking out connections.
Running tong dies on irregular surfaces of tool joints, such as hard banding, must be
avoided. Torque on tongs should not exceed manufacturer’s rating at any time.
WARNING: Only Varco BJ parts should be used. Manual tongs are cast alloy heat
treated steel and should not be welded in the field. Improper welding can cause cracks and
brittleness in heat affected areas which can result in drastic weakening of the part and
possible failure. Repairs involving welding and/or machining should be performed only by
an authorized Varco BJ repair facility. Using a manual tong that has been improperly welded
or repaired can cause failure which may result in serious bodily injury or property damage.

General information
1
HT-Tong 1-9
Lifting
The lifting procedures should carefully be observed and carried out according to the
manual.
HT-Tong restrictions
The HT-Tong is designed to be used as a tong for making up and breaking out tubular
connections, and must not be used for any other purpose.
Limited warranty
The warranty will be void if the HT-Tong or parts were either:
Runauthorized modified, repaired or serviced
Rreplacement parts not manufactured by Varco were utilized
Rnot properly stored or maintained
Design standard
The HT-Tong complies with API-7K and with the Directive 98/37/EC (Machinery Directive)

General Information
1
1-10 HT-Tong

2
Specifications
HT-Tong 2-11
General specifications
Specifications, requirements & sizes
General description
The HT-Tong is a tool designed for making up and breaking connections of tubular goods,
from light tubing to heavy wall pipe and drill collars. There are 7 types, varying in torque
capacity from 10,000 to 200,000 Lbs / ft (13,560 - 271,000Nm). Covered sizes from 2 3/8”
to 17 “, or 36” (HT50 with extended reach).
Interchangeable lug jaw design permits each tong to handle different sizes of pipe. By
installing hinge jaws (available for some models), bigger pipe sizes can be handled.
The tongs can be assembled for either making-up or break-out by removing the hanger
and turning the complete HT Tong over.
C
B
A
Tong
type
Size range lever Dimensions
A max A min B max B min C
inch mm type inch mm inch mm inch mm inch mm inch mm
HT14 2 3/8-7 60.3 - 177.8 Standard 27 685 24 3/4628 33 838 30 3/4181 14 355
HT35 2 3/8-103/460.3 - 273.1 Long lever 47 1/81196 4 5/81133 57 1/81450 54 5/81387 18 457
Short lever 36 3/16 919 33 11/16 885 46 11/16 1173 43 11/16 1109 18 457
HT55 3 1/2 -13 3/888.9 - 339.7 Long lever 55 3/16 1401 52 1/16 1322 66 7/16 1687 59 9/16 1512 23 1/4590
Short lever 49 3/16 1249 46 1/16 1169 60 7/16 1535 53 9/16 1360 23 1/4590
HT65 3 1/2 -17 88.9 - 431.8 Standard 59 9/16 1436 50 15/16 1293 72 9/16 1843 72 9/16 1519 35 3/4908
HT100 4-17 101.6 - 431.8 Standard 60 1524 53 7/81368 78 1981 78 1641 34 1/8866
7 1/2 -12 190.5 - 304.8 Standard 62 1/21597 60 1524 80 2032 76 3/81940 31 3/4806
HT200 8-16 203.2 - 406 Standard 62 3/81584 57 11/16 1465 78 1981 68 1727 38 965
Casing head assembly only
HT50 13 3/8 - 36 339.7 - 914.4 Lever to be used with HT55 tong and hanger

2
Specifications
2-12 HT-Tong
Part numbers, ratings & weights
* = 200507-1 is also for size range 13” - 14 ¾” with hinge jaw (pn 200505-1)
** = 200508-1 is also for size range 14 ¾” - 16” with hinge jaw (pn 200505-1)
*** = 200080-2 + 200081-2 is hinge + lug jaw assembly
Part
number
Type Lug jaw
pn#
Lug jaw
size (inch)
Rating (ft-
lbs)
Part
number
Type Lug jaw
pn#
Lug jaw
size (inch)
Rating (ft-
lbs)
200500
HT-200 200506-1 8 - 9 5/8"200,000
Casing head assemblies only
HT-50 200580-8 24 - 25½" 50,000
HT-200 200507-1* 9 - 11 1/8"175,000 HT-50 200600-1 25½ - 27" 50,000
HT-200 200508-1** 11 - 12½" 200,000 HT-50 200600-2 27 - 28½" 50,000
200071
HT-100 200663-1 4 - 8½" 100,000 HT-50 200600-3 28½ - 30" 50,000
HT-100 200664 8½ - 12" 100,000 HT-50 200600-4 30 - 31 5/8"50,000
HT-100 200665 12 - 15" 75,000 HT-50 200600-5 31½ - 33" 50,000
HT-100 200666 15 ¾” 60,000 HT-50 200600-6 33 - 34½" 50,000
HT-100 200667 16 - 17" 60,000 HT-50 200600-7 34½ - 36" 50,000
200540
HT-65 200546-1 3½ - 8¼" 65,000
200620-1 (short lever 7-5/8 x 10-3/4)
200620-2 (long lever 2-3/8 x 7)
200620-3 (short lever 2-3/8 x 7
HT-35 200076-1 2 3/8- 3.668" 15,000
HT-65 200547-1 8 - 11¼" 65,000 HT-35 200077-1 2 7/8- 4¼" 15,000
HT-65 200548-1 11¾ - 14 3/8"40,000 HT-35 200078-1 3½ - 5¼" 25,000
HT-65 200549-1 16 - 17" 40,000 HT-35 200079-1 5¼ - 7" 33,500
200560 (long lever)
200560-1 (short lever)
HT-55 200083-1 3½ - 5" 35,000 HT-35 200080-2*** 7 - 8 5/8"25,000
HT-55 200084-1 5 - 6¾" 55,000 HT-35 200081-2*** 9 5/8- 10¾" 32,000
HT-55 200085-1 6 5/8 - 9" 55,000
200640
HT-14 200645-1 2 3/8- 3½" 10,000
HT-55 200086-1 9 - 10 ¾" 40,000 HT-14 200646-1 3½ - 5" 10,000
HT-55 200087-1 11 ¾” 30,000 HT-14 200647-1 4¾ - 6¼" 14,000
HT-55 200088-1 12" 30,000 HT-14 200648-1 5¾ - 7" 12,000
HT-55 200089-1 12 ¾ - 13” 30,000
HT-55 200090-1 13 3/8"30,000
Casing head assemblies only
HT-50 200580-1 13 3/8- 14½" 50,000 Appr. Weights (1 tong ass’y only)
HT-50 200580-2 14½ - 16" 50,000 HT-14 125 to 145 lbs (57 to 66 kg)
HT-50 200580-3 16 - 17½" 50,000 HT-35 285 to 330 lbs (130 to150 kg)
HT-50 200580-4 17½ - 19" 50,000 HT-55 425 to 465 lbs (192 to 210 kg)
HT-50 200580-5 19 - 20" 50,000 HT-65 500 to 590 lbs (226 to 267 kg)
HT-50 200580-6 20 - 21½" 50,000 HT-100 665 to 760 lbs (300 to 335 kg)
HT-50 200580-7 21½ - 23" 50,000 HT-200 1140 to 1200 lbs (517 to 545 kg)

3
Maintenance
HT-Tong 3-13
Lubrication and maintenance
Recommended General Purpose EP grease
Inspection
Daily inspection schedule (when HT-Tong is in use)
6 Monthly inspection schedule (when HT-Tong is in use)
!
CAUTION: Practice safety in all performances of operation
and maintenance and use approved safety methods,
materials and tools. Keep hands away from any pinch point
or undesignated areas; use provided handles for operating
manual tongs.
Lube code description Above -20°CBelow-20°C
Castrol MP grease n/a
Chevron Avi-Motive Avi-Motive W
Exxon Lidok EP2 Lidok EP1
Gulf Gulfcrown EP2 Gulfcrown EP1
Mobil Mobilux EP2 Mobilux EP1
Shell Alvania EP2 Alvania EP1
Texaco Multifak EP2 Multifak EP1
Union Unoba EP2 Unoba EP1
Daily inspection, visual inspect and repair when needed. Carry out maintenace as
stated.
1. Check exterior for worn and damaged parts
2. Check for loose and missing parts
3. Check all pins are properly locked
4. Check for worn hinge pins and hinge pin bores by trying to vertically move jaws from
lever
5. Check for proper latch engagement on lugs of lug jaw. The latch must not contact any
part of the tong when latched and under torque except the lug on lug jaw.
6. Check that all bolts and nuts are secured by lock wire, lock tabs or cotter pins
7. Brush dies clean and check for wear.
8. Grease hinge pins through grease nipples.
Carry out Magnetic Particle Inspection.
1. Clean the surface from oil, grease, sand, paint and loose rust which may interfere with
satisfactory inspection.
2. Carry out MPI according to the continuous method.
3. Examinations must be performed with sufficient overlap to ensure 100% coverage of
the area or part under inspection.
4. Carry out MPI according to ASTM E709 and compare defects to ASTM E125 reference
photographs.

3
Maintenance
3-14 HT-Tong
Magnetic Particle Inspection
Acceptance criteria for MPI
See also the critical area drawings in chapter “Drawings”.
Tests
Torque test
The HT tongs are torque tested after manufacture or repair to 1.5 times their torque rating.
Max. Permitted degree
Type Discontinuity
descriptions
Critical areas Non critical
areas
I Hot tears, cracks None Degree 1
II Shrinkage Degree 2 Degree 2
III Inclusions Degree 2 Degree 2
IV Internal chills and
chaplets Degree 1 Degree 1
V Porosity Degree 1 Degree 2
i
NOTE: Only a Varco BJ authorized repair facility is
allowed to remanufacture HT tongs which have indications
outside the acceptance criteria.
WARNING: HT tongs which have experienced wear or
are found to have cracks must be replaced or repaired
by a Varco BJ authorized repair facility.
WARNING: Only original Varco BJ parts must be used.
Manual tongs are produced from cast alloy heat
treated steel and must not be welded in the field.
Improper welding can cause cracks and brittleness in
heat-affected areas which can result in dramatic
weakening of the part and possible failure. Repairs
involving welding and/or machining should be
performed only by an Varco BJ authorized repair
facility. Using a HT tong that has been improperly
welded or repaired is dangerous.

3
Maintenance
HT-Tong 3-15
Maximum allowable wear to maintain 100% torque rating
Shop repairs
Changing dies/inserts
Procedure
1. Remove the retaining pins by taking out the cotter pin
2. A tong die slot conditioner and die driver can be used to drive the dies out and
recondition the die slots.
3. After replacing the inserts, the retaining pins with the cotter pins shall be reinstalled.
Tong type Dimension A Dimension B
Maximum clearance
(inch)
Maximum clearance
(inch)
HT 200 0.045 0.035
HT 100 0.035 0.035
HT 65 0.035 0.035
HT 55 0.035 0.035
HT 35 0.030 0.035
HT 14 0.030 0.035
HT 50 0.025 0.035
!
CAUTION: Wear eye protection when removing or
replacing inserts to protect against chip fragments
A
A
A
A
B

3
Maintenance
3-16 HT-Tong

4
Installation and
Commissioning
HT-Tong 4-17
Installation and commissioning
General procedure
1. To install the HT Tong, the tong support line should be connected to a suspension
ring.
2. Install the right lug and/or hinge jaw, to cover the correct size range. Ensure that the
tong is capable of handling the torque required. See tables in chapter 2.
3. For easy tong operation, freely suspend tong up by the tong support line as close to
the center of the rotary table as is conveniently possible. This reduces the arc of
swing and the distance that the tong must travel to the table.
4. With jaws open and free from pipe, balance the tong. Carry this out from lever to
latch and from side to side by adjusting the hanger adjustment bolt / screw, and / or
the balancing screw. For best operation the long jaw should be about 1” lower than
the short jaw.
5. The pull line must than be connected to the end of the lever. A back up line, sized to
safely withstand the tong torque rating, should in all cases be connected to secure
safe operation.
6. A Varco BJ tong pull back can be installed which automatically re-positions the tong
for another take-up.

4
Installation and
Commissioning
4-18 HT-Tong

5
Operations
HT-Tong 5-19
Operations
Procedure
With the HT Tong positioned and balanced properly, follow the steps outlined below;
1. Grasp safety handle on lug jaw and safety handle on hanger and move the tong into
position around the pipe
2. Press the short jaw firmly around and against the pipe
3. Pushing both safety handles simultaneously, the HT Tong will latch automatically
4. Pull both safety handles to break-over the tong and grip the pipe
The HT tong can be assembled for either making-up or break-out by removing the hanger
and turning the complete HT Tong over.
WARNING: Keep hands away from any pinch point or
undesignated areas; use the handles provided for
operating the HT tongs.
WARNING: Personnel must stay out of working area of
tong
WARNING: Ensure snub-line-saver with safety line is
in place
WARNING: HT Tongs are critically loaded tools when
torquing up tubular goods. Line pull on lever should
be at 90° from axis of lever. Torque on the tong must
not exceed manuafacturers rating at any time. To avoid
injury in case the tong slips, releases or fails, rig
personnel must be out of tong’s travel area on the rig
floor.

5
Operations
5-20 HT-Tong
Changing size components
Changing dies/inserts
Procedure
1. Remove the retaining pins by taking out the cotter pin
2. A “nifty” tong die slot conditioner and die driver can be used to drive the dies out and
recondition the die slots.
3. After replacing the inserts, the retaining pins with the cotter pins shall be reinstalled.
Lug jaw removal for changing sizes
Procedure
1. Remove the hinge pin by unscrewing the hinge pin nut and unlocking pin.
2. Take out the lug jaw and replace by correct sized lug jaw needed for the job
3. Relock the pin
!
CAUTION: Wear eye protection when removing or
replacing inserts to protect against chip fragments