Verification: 8ee41661d9dac33d
  • Phone
  • Whatsapp
  • Message
× Send
Icon-facebook Icon-youtube-v Linkedin
Menu
Get A Quote
  • Phone
  • Whastsapp
  • Message
× Send
Menu
Get Started

Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque Selection by Connection, Grade and Tool Joint Size

Table of Contents

Drill Pipe Connection Torque Reference

There is no single universal make-up torque for NC26, NC31, NC38, NC40, NC46 or NC50 drill pipe. Correct MUT depends on pipe size, nominal weight, grade, upset, tool joint OD/ID and the current tool joint condition.

This guide organizes selected API RP 7G Table 10 reference values around Goldenman’s common API 5DP drill pipe configurations so drilling engineers, rig contractors and procurement teams can compare connection torque before selecting a drill pipe power tong or preparing an RFQ.

Main search rangeNC26 → NC50
Torque unitsft-lb + kN·m
Selection basisSize + Grade + Tool Joint
Field-use rule: The values below are API RP 7G reference values for specific listed tool-joint geometries. They are not a universal torque setting for every connection carrying the same NC name. Final field make-up shall follow the applicable connection manufacturer’s current data, approved drilling procedure, actual tool-joint dimensions and thread-compound friction factor.

Goldenman Drill Pipe Connection Map

Goldenman’s current drill pipe range covers nominal sizes from 2-3/8 to 6-5/8 inches. The NC26–NC50 portion most relevant to this torque guide is summarized below. For pipe-body ID, wall thickness, capacity and displacement, use the Drill Pipe Size, Weight, Capacity & Connection Chart.

Nominal SizeNominal WeightGoldenman Connection OptionsGradesMain Torque Query
2-3/8 in6.65 lb/ftNC26E75, X95, G105NC26 makeup torque
2-7/8 in10.4 lb/ftNC31E75, X95, G105, S135NC31 makeup torque
3-1/2 in13.3 / 15.5 lb/ftNC38 / NC40 by configurationE75, X95, G105, S135NC38 / NC40 torque
4 in14.0 lb/ftNC40 / NC46 by configurationE75, X95, G105, S135NC40 / NC46 torque
4-1/2 in16.6 / 20.0 lb/ftNC46 / NC50 by upset configurationE75, X95, G105, S135NC46 / NC50 torque
5 in19.5 / 25.6 lb/ftNC50 / 5-1/2 FHE75, X95, G105; S135 by configurationNC50 makeup torque
NC26 NC31 NC38 NC40 NC46 NC50
Quick answer: Connection name alone is not enough. For example, the API reference table lists multiple NC50 make-up torque values because 4-1/2-inch and 5-inch drill pipe use different nominal weights, grades and tool-joint bores even when the connection family is still NC50.

NC26 Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

Goldenman’s 2-3/8-inch × 6.65 lb/ft drill pipe is offered with NC26. The API reference rows below show why grade and worn tool-joint condition still matter even when the new NC26 geometry appears similar.

Pipe SizeWeightUpsetGradeNew TJ ODNew TJ IDNew MUT, ft-lbNew MUT, kN·mLimit*
2-3/8 in6.65 lb/ftEUE753-3/8 in1-3/4 in4,1255.59B
2-3/8 in6.65 lb/ftEUX953-3/8 in1-3/4 in4,1255.59B
2-3/8 in6.65 lb/ftEUG1053-3/8 in1-3/4 in4,1255.59B

NC31 Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

NC31 is a common connection for 2-7/8-inch drill pipe. As grade increases, the reference tool-joint geometry may change, so a single NC31 number should not be copied across E75, X95, G105 and S135 configurations.

Pipe SizeWeightUpsetGradeNew TJ ODNew TJ IDNew MUT, ft-lbNew MUT, kN·mLimit*
2-7/8 in10.40 lb/ftEUE754-1/8 in2-1/8 in7,0749.59P
2-7/8 in10.40 lb/ftEUX954-1/8 in2 in7,89510.70P
2-7/8 in10.40 lb/ftEUG1054-1/8 in2 in7,89510.70P
2-7/8 in10.40 lb/ftEUS1354-3/8 in1-5/8 in10,08613.67P

NC38 Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

NC38 is widely used on 3-1/2-inch drill pipe. The 13.30 and 15.50 lb/ft configurations illustrate why search results that return only one “NC38 torque” can be misleading: pipe weight, grade and tool-joint bore all change the valid reference row.

Pipe SizeWeightUpsetGradeNew TJ ODNew TJ IDNew MUT, ft-lbNew MUT, kN·mLimit*
3-1/2 in13.30 lb/ftEUE754-3/4 in2-11/16 in10,84314.70P
3-1/2 in13.30 lb/ftEUX955 in2-9/16 in12,05716.35P
3-1/2 in13.30 lb/ftEUG1055 in2-7/16 in13,22117.93P
3-1/2 in13.30 lb/ftEUS1355 in2-1/8 in15,90221.56P
3-1/2 in15.50 lb/ftEUE755 in2-9/16 in12,05716.35P
3-1/2 in15.50 lb/ftEUX955 in2-7/16 in13,22117.93P
3-1/2 in15.50 lb/ftEUG1055 in2-1/8 in15,90221.56P

NC40 Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

Goldenman’s 3-1/2-inch × 15.5 lb/ft and selected 4-inch configurations can use NC40. The correct torque row must match the actual upset, grade and tool-joint geometry rather than nominal pipe OD alone.

Pipe SizeWeightUpsetGradeNew TJ ODNew TJ IDNew MUT, ft-lbNew MUT, kN·mLimit*
3-1/2 in15.50 lb/ftEUG1055-1/4 in2-9/16 in16,61622.53P
3-1/2 in15.50 lb/ftEUS1355-1/2 in2-1/4 in19,61626.60P
4 in14.00 lb/ftIUE755-1/4 in2-13/16 in13,96818.94P
4 in14.00 lb/ftIUX955-1/4 in2-11/16 in15,31920.77P
4 in14.00 lb/ftIUG1055-1/2 in2-7/16 in17,85824.21P

NC46 Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

NC46 appears across selected 4-inch and 4-1/2-inch configurations. The table shows reference values for new weld-on tool joints that match common E75 through S135 combinations found in the API data.

Pipe SizeWeightUpsetGradeNew TJ ODNew TJ IDNew MUT, ft-lbNew MUT, kN·mLimit*
4 in14.00 lb/ftEUE756 in3-1/4 in19,93727.03P
4 in14.00 lb/ftEUX956 in3-1/4 in19,93727.03P
4 in14.00 lb/ftEUG1056 in3-1/4 in19,93727.03P
4 in14.00 lb/ftEUS1356 in3 in23,39931.72P
4-1/2 in16.60 lb/ftIEUE756-1/4 in3-1/4 in19,93727.03P
4-1/2 in16.60 lb/ftIEUX956-1/4 in3 in19,93727.03P
4-1/2 in16.60 lb/ftIEUG1056-1/4 in3 in23,39931.72P
4-1/2 in16.60 lb/ftIEUS1356-1/4 in2-3/4 in26,61536.09P
4-1/2 in20.00 lb/ftIEUE756-1/4 in3 in23,39931.72P
4-1/2 in20.00 lb/ftIEUX956-1/4 in2-3/4 in26,61536.09P
4-1/2 in20.00 lb/ftIEUG1056-1/4 in2-1/2 in29,57840.10P

NC50 Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque

NC50 is used on multiple 4-1/2-inch and 5-inch Goldenman drill pipe configurations. It therefore has one of the widest torque spreads on this page. A buyer should never order or set a tong using the description “NC50” alone.

Pipe SizeWeightUpsetGradeNew TJ ODNew TJ IDNew MUT, ft-lbNew MUT, kN·mLimit*
4-1/2 in16.60 lb/ftEUE756-5/8 in3-3/4 in22,36130.32P
4-1/2 in16.60 lb/ftEUX956-5/8 in3-3/4 in22,36130.32P
4-1/2 in16.60 lb/ftEUG1056-5/8 in3-3/4 in22,36130.32P
4-1/2 in16.60 lb/ftEUS1356-5/8 in3-1/2 in26,67436.17P
4-1/2 in20.00 lb/ftEUE756-5/8 in3-5/8 in24,54933.28P
4-1/2 in20.00 lb/ftEUX956-5/8 in3-1/2 in26,67436.17P
4-1/2 in20.00 lb/ftEUG1056-5/8 in3-1/2 in26,67436.17P
4-1/2 in20.00 lb/ftEUS1356-5/8 in3 in34,52046.80P
5 in19.50 lb/ftIEUE756-5/8 in3-3/4 in22,36130.32P
5 in19.50 lb/ftIEUX956-5/8 in3-1/2 in26,67436.17P
5 in19.50 lb/ftIEUG1056-5/8 in3-1/4 in30,73041.66P
5 in19.50 lb/ftIEUS1356-5/8 in2-3/4 in38,03651.57P
5 in25.60 lb/ftIEUE756-5/8 in3-1/2 in26,67436.17P
5 in25.60 lb/ftIEUX956-5/8 in3 in34,52046.80P
5 in25.60 lb/ftIEUG1056-5/8 in2-3/4 in38,03651.57P

*API Table 10 footnote: P = pin limit; B = box limit. kN·m values are mathematical conversions of the ft-lb reference values using 1 ft-lb = 1.355817948 N·m.

5 in × 25.6 lb/ft S135: Goldenman’s current product matrix treats the final S135 tool-joint configuration as order-specific. The API reference rows shown here therefore stop at G105 for the 5-inch × 25.6 lb/ft NC50 combination rather than inventing an S135 NC50 value.

New Tool Joint vs Premium Class vs Class 2 Make-Up Torque

API RP 7G Table 10 does not stop at new-tool-joint data. It also lists minimum OD and corresponding make-up torque for Premium Class and Class 2 conditions. The examples below show how the recommended reference torque can decrease as allowable tool-joint OD decreases.

ConnectionReference ConfigurationNew Tool JointPremium Class ReferenceClass 2 Reference
NC262-3/8 × 6.65 EU E753-3/8 in
4,125 ft-lb		3-3/16 in
2,467 ft-lb		3-5/32 in
2,204 ft-lb
NC312-7/8 × 10.40 EU E754-1/8 in
7,074 ft-lb		3-13/16 in
4,597 ft-lb		3-3/4 in
3,867 ft-lb
NC383-1/2 × 13.30 EU E754-3/4 in
10,843 ft-lb		4-1/2 in
7,274 ft-lb		4-7/16 in
6,268 ft-lb
NC404 × 14.00 IU E755-1/4 in
13,968 ft-lb		4-13/16 in
9,017 ft-lb		4-3/4 in
7,877 ft-lb
NC464-1/2 × 16.60 IEU G1056-1/4 in
23,399 ft-lb		5-19/32 in
16,546 ft-lb		5-1/2 in
14,288 ft-lb
NC505 × 19.50 IEU S1356-5/8 in
38,036 ft-lb		6-5/16 in
28,381 ft-lb		6-3/16 in
24,645 ft-lb
Used-pipe classification: API later moved identification, inspection and classification of used drill-stem components from RP 7G into API RP 7G-2 / ISO 10407-2. Used drill pipe should therefore be classified from the applicable inspection standard and actual measured dimensions before torque limits are selected.

Why Does the Same NC Connection Have Different Torque Values?

Tool Joint Geometry

OD and ID Change Torsional Capacity

A larger OD or smaller ID changes the metal cross-section of the tool joint. The NC designation identifies the connection family, not the complete tool-joint strength.

Drill Pipe Grade

Pipe Strength Changes the Limiting Component

The recommended tool-joint dimensions are selected in relation to the attached drill pipe. Higher-grade pipe can require a different tool-joint geometry and therefore a different reference MUT.

Wear Class

Worn OD Reduces the Reference Limit

As tool-joint OD wears down, the box cross-section and torsional relationship change. New-tool-joint torque should not automatically be applied to worn joints.

Does Thread Compound Change Drill Pipe Make-Up Torque?

Yes. API’s connection break-in guidance instructs users to identify the thread compound friction factor and any adjustment required to applied make-up torque. The same nominal connection can therefore require a different applied tong setting when the approved compound system changes.

FactorWhy It MattersField Control
Thread compound friction factorChanges the relationship between applied torque and connection preloadUse the approved compound data and connection procedure
Dirty or damaged threadsCreates abnormal friction and increases galling riskClean and inspect pin and box before make-up
Damaged shouldersTorque no longer represents a healthy sealing shoulder conditionRemove damaged connection from normal service until dispositioned
Incorrect compound quantityCan alter friction behavior and contaminate the shoulderApply the specified coating method and amount
Unverified “correction factor”Can over- or under-torque the connectionUse only manufacturer-supported adjustment data

Make-Up Torque vs Drilling Torque vs Breakout Torque

These terms are related but they are not interchangeable.

TermMeaningWhy It Matters
Make-Up Torque (MUT)Torque intentionally applied while assembling the connection at surfaceCreates the designed shoulder preload
Drilling / Operating TorqueTorque transmitted downhole during drillingMust be evaluated with tension, pressure, bending and dynamic loads
Breakout TorqueTorque required to separate the made-up connectionDetermines whether the tong has sufficient reverse-torque capacity
Torsional YieldStructural torsional limit of the pipe or tool jointIt is not the normal target makeup torque
Combined Tension + TorqueSimultaneous loading of the drillstringAvailable tensile or torsional capacity is reduced when loads interact

API RP 7G distinguishes normal operations where applied torque remains at or below the tool-joint make-up torque from special operations such as fishing and back-reaming where downhole torque may exceed MUT. In special operations, combined-load evaluation becomes critical.

API example: The RP 7G addendum includes an extended-reach example using 5-inch, 19.50 lb/ft, Grade S drill pipe with NC50 Premium Class tool joints. The example uses a 28,381 ft-lb make-up torque and separately evaluates a 25,000 ft-lb anticipated drilling torque, illustrating that MUT and operating torque are different design quantities.

Can Your Drill Pipe Power Tong Apply the Required Torque?

Once the correct connection MUT is identified, compare it with the power tong’s low-speed torque capacity and the actual tool-joint gripping range. Use Goldenman’s Torque Conversion Chart when the connection procedure is in ft-lb but the tong datasheet is in kN·m.

Drill Pipe Configuration → Approved MUT → Convert Units → Check Low-Gear Tong Torque → Check Tool Joint OD → Match Jaws & Dies → Verify HPU → Make Up and Record
Power Tong

Low-Speed Torque Capacity

Final make-up and breakout are high-torque operations. Compare the required torque with the tong’s low-speed rating, not only its high-speed spinning torque.

Drill Pipe Power Tong Selection Guide

Gripping

Tool Joint OD and Die Contact

The tong must grip the actual tool-joint OD without slippage, deep marking or crushing. Jaw radius and die pattern should match the gripping surface.

Power Tong Jaws and Dies

Hydraulics

Pressure and Flow Are Model-Specific

Hydraulic pressure cannot be converted to tong torque with one universal formula. Use the exact tong model’s pressure-to-torque relationship and approved calibration.

Goldenman Hydraulic Power Tongs

What Information Should Be Checked Before Setting Drill Pipe Torque?

Rig-floor torque verification checklist:
  • Nominal drill pipe size
  • Nominal weight
  • Pipe grade
  • Upset type
  • Connection designation
  • Actual tool joint OD
  • Actual tool joint ID
  • Inspection / wear class
  • Approved make-up torque
  • Thread compound and friction factor
  • Power tong model
  • Low-speed torque capacity
  • Pressure-to-torque calibration
  • Jaw and die gripping range
  • Backup tong arrangement
  • Torque gauge or torque-turn system
  • Expected breakout torque
  • Maximum planned drilling torque

Technical Basis of This Reference Page

The connection-torque rows are selected from API Recommended Practice 7G, 16th Edition, Addendum 1, Table 10, which presents recommended minimum tool-joint OD and make-up torque based on torsional strength of the box and attached drill pipe. Goldenman product-size and connection associations are aligned with the current API 5DP Drill Pipe Specifications page.

This page is an engineering reference and purchasing aid. It does not replace an order-specific drill pipe datasheet, connection manufacturer’s operating procedure, rig contractor torque program or current applicable API document.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the make-up torque for NC38 drill pipe?

NC38 does not have one universal torque. API reference values vary with 3-1/2-inch pipe weight, grade and tool-joint OD/ID. For example, the 3-1/2 × 13.30 lb/ft NC38 rows on this page range from 10,843 ft-lb for E75 to 15,902 ft-lb for S135 in the listed new-tool-joint configurations.

What is the make-up torque for NC50 drill pipe?

NC50 torque depends on the complete drill pipe configuration. The selected API rows on this page show different values for 4-1/2-inch and 5-inch drill pipe and for E75 through S135 grades.

Is NC50 the same as 4-1/2 IF?

NC50 is historically associated with the 4-1/2 IF connection family, but field compatibility and make-up torque should be established from current connection dimensions, tool-joint OD/ID, gauges and the approved connection procedure rather than the legacy name alone.

Does S135 always require higher make-up torque than G105?

No universal rule should be applied from grade alone. Grade influences the strength relationship, but the valid torque row also depends on nominal weight, upset, connection, tool-joint OD and tool-joint ID.

Can I use new-tool-joint torque on Premium Class drill pipe?

Not automatically. API Table 10 provides separate minimum OD and make-up torque references for new, Premium Class and Class 2 tool joints. Actual used-pipe classification and dimensions must be established before selecting the torque limit.

Does thread compound affect drill pipe make-up torque?

Yes. API connection break-in guidance requires attention to the thread compound friction factor and any supported adjustment to the applied torque.

What is the difference between make-up torque and breakout torque?

Make-up torque is intentionally applied during assembly. Breakout torque is the reverse torque required to separate the connection after service. They should not be assumed to be numerically identical.

Can hydraulic pressure be converted directly into drill pipe torque?

Only with the calibrated pressure-to-torque relationship for the exact power tong model and gear. There is no universal MPa-to-kN·m or psi-to-ft-lb conversion for power tongs.

Why is tool joint OD important when selecting torque?

Tool-joint OD affects the available cross-section of the box and therefore the torsional relationship between the tool joint and attached drill pipe. Wear can reduce the applicable reference torque.

What happens if a drill pipe connection is under-torqued?

Insufficient make-up can reduce shoulder preload and increase the risk of connection movement, leakage, fretting or additional downhole make-up under operating torque.

What happens if a drill pipe connection is over-torqued?

Excessive torque can overstress the pin, box or shoulder and can contribute to permanent deformation, galling or reduced connection life.

What should I send Goldenman for a drill pipe and power tong quotation?

Send pipe size, weight, grade, connection, tool-joint OD/ID, target make-up and breakout torque, inspection class, thread compound, power tong requirement, jaw and die requirement, hydraulic pressure/flow, quantity and delivery destination.

Match Drill Pipe, Tool Joint Torque and Power Tong Capacity

Goldenman supplies API 5DP drill pipe, hydraulic drill pipe power tongs, jaws, dies and related rig-floor equipment. Send the drill pipe size, weight, grade, connection, tool-joint OD/ID, approved MUT and expected breakout torque for an order-specific technical quotation.

Email: info@goldenman.com

Contact Us for a Quote View API 5DP Drill Pipe Select a Drill Pipe Power Tong Torque Conversion Chart
icon
Goldenman
Petroleum Equipment Supplier for more than twenty years.
Share this article

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get A Quote

Contact Goldenman to get a fast quote for petroleum equipment.

+86 546 8058589
Contact Us

Get A Quote

we'd love to have your feedback on your experience so far.

PetroleunTools

Ready to Boost Your Petroleum Operations?

Unlock the Ultimate Guide to Petroleum Tools Operations! Download our comprehensive operating manual and get insider knowledge to maximize efficiency and safety in every project.