Type C Manual Tong for Drill Pipe, Tubing and Casing Connections

Description

Goldenman API 7K Type C Manual Tong is a manually operated rig-floor torque tool used to make up and break out threaded connections on drill pipe, tubing, casing and compatible drilling tools.

The Q60-273/48 configuration covers tubular outside diameters from 60 to 273 mm, equivalent to approximately 2-3/8 to 10-3/4 inches. Its handling range is adjusted by changing the latch lug jaw, hinge jaw and applicable latching position.

The tong has a rated torque of 48 kN·m and is supplied with project-specific jaw sets, gripping dies, operating handles and replacement parts.

Goldenman manufactures the Type C Manual Tong according to the applicable API Spec 7K Manual Tongs product scope, subject to the company’s actual API licence and approved product configuration.

Product Short Description

The Goldenman Q60-273/48 Type C Manual Tong provides manual makeup and breakout torque for tubular connections on drilling rigs, workover rigs and well-service units.

Six jaw ranges cover pipe outside diameters from 2-3/8 to 10-3/4 inches. Interchangeable jaw assemblies allow one tong body to handle several drill pipe, tubing, coupling and casing dimensions.

The tong is a torque tool. It must not be used as a tubular elevator, lifting clamp or independent hoisting device.

Product Highlights

• Manufactured to applicable API Spec 7K requirements
• API 7K Manual Tongs product classification
• Model Q60-273/48
• Handling range from 2-3/8 to 10-3/4 in
• Metric gripping range from 60 to 273 mm
• Rated torque of 48 kN·m
• Six interchangeable jaw ranges
• Replaceable latch lug jaws and hinge jaws
• Adjustable latching positions for different tubular ODs
• Suitable for drill pipe, tubing and selected casing connections
• Manual makeup and breakout operation
• Forged or cast alloy-steel load-carrying components
• Replaceable gripping dies and jaw parts
• Compatible snub-line connection arrangement
• Dimensional, material and functional inspection
• Replacement jaws, pins, dies and repair parts available

What Is a Type C Manual Tong?

A Type C Manual Tong is a lever-operated tool that grips a tubular and applies rotational torque to its threaded connection.

The tong body is positioned around the tubular, and the selected jaw assembly is latched in the correct operating position.

When pulling force is applied through the tong line, the tong arm produces torque around the tubular centerline.

The tong is normally used with:

• A second manual tong acting as a backup
• A tong line or approved pulling system
• A correctly installed snub line
• An appropriate rig-floor suspension arrangement
• Tubular-specific jaw and die components

One tong rotates the connection while the backup tong holds the opposite side and absorbs reaction torque.

The actual connection torque depends on the applied line pull, effective tong-arm length, line direction, friction and tool condition.

Main Applications

Goldenman Type C Manual Tongs can be used for:

• Drill pipe connection makeup
• Drill pipe connection breakout
• Tubing connection makeup and breakout
• Casing joint or coupling work within the approved size range
• Drill collar connection work when the gripping geometry is suitable
• Drill stem sub connections
• Bottom-hole assembly connections
• Workover operations
• Well-servicing operations
• Land drilling rigs
• Offshore drilling rigs
• Backup-tong applications
• Replacement of existing Q60-273/48 manual tongs

The exact jaw and die configuration must be matched to the tubular OD and gripping surface.

General Technical Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Product name	Type C Manual Tong
Model	Q60-273/48
Applicable standard	API Spec 7K, applicable current edition
API product category	Manual Tongs
Minimum handling OD	60 mm / approximately 2-3/8 in
Maximum handling OD	273 mm / approximately 10-3/4 in
Rated torque	48 kN·m
Number of jaw ranges	Six
Adjustment method	Interchangeable jaw assemblies and latching positions
Main operation	Manual makeup and breakout
Suitable tubulars	Drill pipe, tubing, casing and compatible drilling tools
Main material	High-strength alloy steel according to approved design
Gripping parts	Replaceable jaws and dies
Reaction restraint	Approved snub-line arrangement
Surface protection	Industrial coating or project-specific finish
Certification	According to Goldenman’s applicable API licence scope
Inspection	API and purchase-order requirements

Final tong-arm dimensions, weight, jaw assembly numbers, die specifications and snub-line interface must be confirmed through the current product drawing.

Jaw Size and Handling Range

Jaw Set	Handling OD, Metric	Handling OD, Imperial	Rated Torque
No. 1	60–93 mm	2-3/8–approximately 3.668 in	48 kN·m
No. 2	73–108 mm	2-7/8–4-1/4 in	48 kN·m
No. 3	89–133 mm	3-1/2–5-1/4 in	48 kN·m
No. 4	133–178 mm	5-1/4–7 in	48 kN·m
No. 5	178–219 mm	7–8-5/8 in	48 kN·m
No. 6	244–273 mm	9-5/8–10-3/4 in	48 kN·m

The ranges overlap in several areas. Final jaw selection must consider the actual tubular OD, coupling OD, latch position and required die contact.

The exact latch lug jaw, short jaw and hinge jaw assembly numbers should be shown in the Goldenman spare-parts drawing rather than inferred only from the nominal size range.

Why the Page Must Not Describe It as a Lifting Tool

A Type C Manual Tong is designed to grip a tubular and apply rotational torque.

It is not designed to:

• Suspend a drill pipe string
• Lift drill collars
• Hoist casing
• Replace a pipe elevator
• Replace an approved lifting clamp
• Carry a suspended tubular from a crane
• Arrest a falling drillstring

Using the tong as a lifting device can apply loads to the jaws, latch, hinge and tong body that are different from the loads considered in the torque-tool design.

Tubular lifting must be performed using appropriately rated elevators, lifting subs, clamps or other approved hoisting equipment.

API 7K Product Positioning

API Spec 7K covers drilling and well-servicing equipment, including Manual Tongs.

The correct page positioning is:

API 7K Type C Manual Tong

The page should not classify this product as:

• API 7-1 drilling tool
• C-clamp
• Pipe lifting clamp
• Elevator
• Power Tong
• Spinning Wrench

A Power Tong uses hydraulic, pneumatic or electric power to rotate the connection. A Type C Manual Tong applies torque through a tong line and lever arm.

Type C Manual Tong vs Hydraulic Power Tong

Comparison	Type C Manual Tong	Hydraulic Power Tong
Drive method	Manual lever and tong-line force	Hydraulic or powered motor
Torque application	Through tong arm and line pull	Through hydraulic motor and gearbox
Speed	Relatively slow	Higher makeup and breakout speed
Torque indication	Calculated or measured from line pull	Hydraulic or electronic torque system
Backup requirement	Separate backup tong normally required	Often supplied with hydraulic backup tong
Tubular range	Changed through jaw assemblies	Changed through jaw and die sets
Main advantage	Simple, robust and independent of hydraulic power	Faster operation and improved torque control
Main limitation	Greater manual handling and lower productivity	Requires hydraulic power and more maintenance

Manual and powered tongs should not be treated as interchangeable solely because their pipe ranges overlap.

Selecting the Correct Jaw Set

Confirm the Actual Gripping Diameter

Measure the tubular where the tong will grip.

Do not select the jaw only from the nominal pipe size because the actual gripping diameter may be affected by:

• Couplings
• External upsets
• Tool joints
• Hardbanding
• Wear
• Corrosion
• Coating
• Repaired surfaces
• Non-standard accessories

Check the Coupling and Tool Joint OD

A 2-7/8 in tubing body may have a substantially larger coupling OD.

The tong gripping range must match the component being gripped, not only the nominal pipe body.

Confirm the Jaw Closing Position

The tong should latch securely without:

• Reaching the end of its adjustment
• Excessive jaw opening
• Insufficient die contact
• Uneven jaw engagement
• Contact on an upset transition
• Contact across a damaged surface

Where two jaw ranges overlap, select the configuration that provides the approved closing geometry and full die contact.

Gripping Dies and Tubular Protection

The gripping dies transfer force from the jaws to the tubular surface.

Die selection depends on:

• Tubular OD
• Tubular material
• Surface hardness
• Coating
• Corrosion-resistant alloy
• Permitted marking depth
• Required torque
• Surface contamination

Aggressive dies may damage:

• Thin-wall tubing
• High-strength tubulars
• Chrome-plated surfaces
• Corrosion-resistant alloys
• Internally or externally coated pipe
• Worn tubular bodies

Reduced-marking or project-specific dies may be required for sensitive tubulars, but their gripping capacity must still be sufficient for the required torque.

Rated Torque and Connection Torque

The tong’s 48 kN·m rating is the maximum approved torque capacity of the specified tong configuration.

It does not mean that every connection should be made up to 48 kN·m.

The required connection torque must come from:

• Tubular manufacturer
• Connection manufacturer
• Premium-connection procedure
• Drill pipe torque specification
• Casing or tubing running program
• Approved rig operating procedure

Applying the tong’s full rated capacity to a lower-rated connection can damage:

• Threads
• Seal shoulders
• Couplings
• Tool joints
• Tubular bodies
• Connection coatings

Torque Verification

For critical connections, torque should be verified using a calibrated measurement system.

Possible methods include:

• Calibrated tong-line load cell
• Tension indicator
• Torque gauge
• Electronic line-pull monitoring
• Torque recorder
• Torque-turn system where required

Torque calculation must account for:

• Effective tong-arm length
• Actual line pull
• Pulling-line angle
• Snub-line geometry
• Mechanical friction
• Calibration accuracy

A visual estimate of line tension is not an acceptable method for critical connection control.

Snub Line and Reaction Control

The snub line restrains the tong and controls its reaction during torque application.

The snub-line arrangement must be:

• Correctly rated
• Attached to an approved tong point
• Anchored to a suitable rig structure
• Positioned according to the operating procedure
• Protected from sharp edges
• Inspected before use
• Clear of personnel and equipment

Do not attach the snub line to:

• Handrails
• Unverified deck fittings
• Temporary structures
• Damaged anchor points
• Pipework
• Electrical conduit

The tong line, snub line and attachment points must all be suitable for the maximum intended load.

Basic Operating Sequence

Before operation:

1. Confirm the tubular OD and connection type.
2. Select the correct jaw and die set.
3. Inspect the tong body, latch, hinge and handles.
4. Inspect the tong line and snub line.
5. Confirm the connection torque requirement.
6. Position the master and backup tongs correctly.
7. Keep personnel clear of the tong swing area.

During operation:

1. Latch the tong fully around the correct gripping surface.
2. Confirm complete and even die contact.
3. Apply load gradually.
4. Monitor line pull or torque.
5. Stop at the approved connection torque.
6. Avoid shock loading.
7. Do not exceed the rated tong capacity.

After operation:

1. Release line load completely.
2. Confirm the tong is unloaded.
3. Open the latch and remove the tong.
4. Inspect the jaws and dies for damage or slippage.
5. Record any abnormal operation.

The detailed Goldenman operating manual and rig procedure take precedence over this general sequence.

Preventing Tubular Crushing and Surface Damage

Tubular deformation can occur if gripping force is concentrated over a small area.

Risk increases when:

• The wrong jaw size is installed
• Dies do not match the pipe curvature
• Only part of the die surface contacts the tubular
• One jaw is more worn than the others
• Excessive torque is applied
• The tong grips a thin-wall tubular
• The tubular already has wall loss
• The gripping surface is near an upset transition
• Aggressive inserts are used on a sensitive material

To reduce risk:

• Match the jaw curvature to the actual OD
• Use a complete matched die set
• Keep the gripping surface clean
• Apply torque gradually
• Inspect tubular wall condition
• Follow the specified gripping location
• Use reduced-marking dies where technically approved

Common Causes of Tong Slippage

Tong slippage may be caused by:

• Incorrect jaw set
• Worn die teeth
• Mixed die types
• Mud, oil or grease on the tubular
• Damaged latch components
• Uneven jaw engagement
• Incorrect gripping diameter
• Excessive connection resistance
• Worn jaw pockets
• Damaged or polished tubular surface

Increasing line pull without correcting the cause can damage both the tong and tubular.

Inspection Before Each Use

Inspect:

• Tong body
• Tong arm
• Latch lug
• Latch pin
• Hinge pin
• Hinge jaw
• Short jaw where fitted
• Gripping dies
• Die-retaining parts
• Handles
• Suspension point
• Tong-line attachment
• Snub-line attachment
• Fasteners
• Product markings

Remove the tong from service if there is evidence of:

• Cracking
• Permanent deformation
• Excessive wear
• Missing parts
• Damaged latch engagement
• Loose dies
• Elongated pin holes
• Unverified welding repairs
• Severe corrosion
• Illegible identification

Maintenance and Storage

After use:

• Remove mud, scale and thread compound
• Clean the jaw and die pockets
• Inspect gripping teeth
• Lubricate pins and moving joints as specified
• Check latch movement
• Apply corrosion protection
• Store the matched jaw assemblies together
• Protect the tong from impact
• Keep identification markings visible
• Record inspection and repair history

Load-carrying repairs should follow an approved repair procedure and be inspected before the tong returns to service.

Replacement Parts

Available replacement components can include:

• Latch lug jaw assemblies
• Hinge jaw assemblies
• Short jaws
• Gripping dies
• Latch pins
• Hinge pins
• Jaw pins
• Springs
• Handles
• Fasteners
• Suspension components
• Tong-line attachment components
• Snub-line attachment components

Replacement parts should be matched by model, jaw number, part number and current assembly drawing.

Manufacturing and Quality Control

Goldenman manufacturing and inspection procedures can include:

• Raw-material certificate verification
• Heat-number traceability
• Chemical and mechanical property review
• Heat-treatment record verification
• Tong-body dimensional inspection
• Tong-arm inspection
• Latch and hinge dimensional inspection
• Jaw-pocket inspection
• Pin and hole inspection
• Gripping-die material verification
• Hardness testing
• Magnetic-particle examination of critical parts
• Assembly inspection
• Jaw-range verification
• Latching function test
• Torque or proof-load testing according to the approved procedure
• Product marking inspection
• Coating inspection
• Final documentation review

The final inspection scope should correspond to the applicable API 7K requirements and purchase specification.

Available Documentation

The documentation package can include:

• API certificate according to the actual Goldenman licence scope
• Certificate of Conformity
• Approved product datasheet
• General assembly drawing
• Jaw-range chart
• Spare-parts drawing
• Material certificates
• Heat-treatment records
• Hardness report
• NDE report
• Dimensional inspection report
• Functional inspection record
• Torque or proof-test report where applicable
• Product traceability list
• Operation and maintenance manual
• Recommended spare-parts list
• Packing list
• Third-party inspection report

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Type C Manual Tong be used as a lifting clamp?

No.

It is a torque tool for making up and breaking out tubular connections. It must not be used to lift, suspend or transport drill pipe, drill collars, tubing or casing.

Approved elevators or lifting equipment must be used for hoisting.

Is this tong suitable for both drill pipe and casing?

It can be used on compatible drill pipe, tubing, casing joints and couplings within its approved gripping range.

The jaw set, die profile, tubular OD and required connection torque must all be verified.

Does one jaw set cover the full 2-3/8–10-3/4 in range?

No.

The complete range is achieved through six different jaw configurations and latching positions.

The required jaw set must be selected for the actual gripping diameter.

Why do several jaw ranges overlap?

Overlapping ranges provide configuration flexibility, but two nominally compatible jaws may not produce the same closing position or contact pattern.

The preferred jaw should provide full die contact and correct latch engagement without reaching the adjustment limit.

Can the tong apply 48 kN·m to every tubular connection?

No.

The 48 kN·m value is the tong’s rated torque capacity. The allowable connection torque may be much lower.

Always follow the connection manufacturer’s torque specification.

Can hydraulic line pressure be used to determine torque?

This is a manual tong and normally does not use hydraulic pressure to generate rotation.

Torque should be calculated or measured from tong-line pull and the effective tong-arm geometry, preferably using a calibrated load-measurement system.

What causes a Type C Manual Tong to slip?

Common causes include incorrect jaw selection, worn dies, contaminated tubular surfaces, incomplete latch engagement, uneven die contact and excessive connection resistance.

The cause should be corrected before applying additional line pull.

Can the same dies be used on standard steel and CRA tubing?

Not automatically.

Corrosion-resistant alloys, chrome surfaces and coated tubing may require reduced-marking or project-specific dies. The die must still provide sufficient grip without causing unacceptable surface damage.

What information is required for replacement jaws?

Provide the tong model, jaw number, handling OD, latch lug jaw number, hinge jaw number, existing part number and clear photographs.

An assembly or spare-parts drawing provides the most reliable identification.

What should be verified when replacing another manufacturer’s Type C Tong?

Confirm:

• Handling range
• Rated torque
• Tong-arm geometry
• Jaw assembly dimensions
• Die specifications
• Latch and hinge arrangement
• Suspension point
• Tong-line attachment
• Snub-line attachment
• Overall dimensions

A similar product name does not guarantee complete component interchangeability.

What spare parts should be ordered with the tong?

A practical package normally includes the required jaw sets, gripping dies, latch pins, hinge pins, retaining components and inspection-critical fasteners.

The quantity should reflect the tubular program and availability of replacement parts at the rig site.

Information Required for Quotation

Please provide:

• Required quantity
• Tubular type
• Minimum tubular OD
• Maximum tubular OD
• Drill pipe tool joint OD
• Tubing coupling OD
• Casing coupling OD
• Required connection torque
• Expected breakout torque
• Required jaw sets
• Required die type
• Reduced-marking die requirement
• Existing tong model
• Existing jaw part numbers
• Snub-line requirement
• Tong-line attachment requirement
• API certificate requirement
• Inspection and test requirements
• Third-party inspection requirement
• Required spare-parts package
• Destination country
• Required delivery schedule

For replacement parts, also provide the existing product markings, drawings and clear photographs.

Request a Technical Quotation

Goldenman supplies API 7K Type C Manual Tongs for drilling, workover and well-servicing tubular connection operations.

The Q60-273/48 configuration covers gripping diameters from 2-3/8 to 10-3/4 inches with six interchangeable jaw ranges and a rated torque of 48 kN·m.

Send your tubular sizes, coupling or tool-joint diameters, required torque and jaw requirements to:

Email: info@goldenman.com

Goldenman will review the tubular program and prepare the recommended jaw configuration, technical datasheet, spare-parts list and commercial quotation.