This document provides instructions for properly using chain-tongs, which are tools used to make up and break out tubulars. It describes chain-tongs have three main components: a chain, nut and bolt, and jaws. It outlines proper usage such as not applying side loads, not using as a lever, and not modifying the chain-tongs. It emphasizes the importance of inspecting chain-tongs for damage and wearing parts. Specific instructions are provided for making up and breaking out tubulars using chain-tongs as well as locking the chain, removing chain-tongs, and maintaining control of the chain. Hazards of improper use are highlighted.

1. HOW TO PROPERLY USE
CHAIN-TONGS

2. CHAIN-TONGS ARE AN EXTREMELY USEFUL
TOOL. THEY ARE USED TO ASSIST IN THE
MAKE UP AND BREAK OUT OF TUBULARS.
THEY CAN ALSO BE VERY DANGEROUS.
Designed and sized to
provide extra leverage
for the toughest jobs.

3. CHAIN-TONGS ARE MADE UP OF THREE MAINCHAIN-TONGS ARE MADE UP OF THREE MAIN
COMPONENTSCOMPONENTS
CHAIN
NUT & BOLT
JAWS

4. Do not apply a side load to the handle – Putting a strain on the tong that it was not designed for
can result in a broken jaw or twisted handle.
Do not use as a lever, lifting device or to bend tubing – Tong is designed to turn pipe. Improper
use may result in damage to the handle.
Do not use in conjunction with a power drive, threading machine or any mechanical/hydraulic
device to make or break – Use of a power drive, threading machine/hydraulic devices to apply
force to the handle can result in wrench failure and/or serious personal injury.
Do not modify or alter a Chain-tong – Modifying may result in tong failure and serious
injury.
Do not use a tong that is not properly maintained. Inspect your wrench frequently
for damaged or worn parts.
Clean teeth with a wire brush. Dirt in jaw may result in the wrench slipping.
Replace jaws with worn teeth or any other damage. This may result in the wrench slipping or possible
failure of the jaw.
Inspect chain for separation of the links or any other damage. This indicates the chain has been overstressed
and should be replaced.
To prevent rusting, keep chain and jaw well lubricated with oil and store in a dry place.
Do not use a tong with a bent or twisted handle – A bent handle indicates the tong has been
overloaded and could be damaged. A bent handle should never be straightened. A tong with a bent or
twisted handle should be taken out of service.
Do not use cheaters – A “cheater” is usually a piece of pipe slipped over the handle of a tong to
increase the amount of leverage. This may result in the bending and/or breaking of the tong
handle. A “Cheater” can also slip off the handle during use, causing injury. If greater leverage is needed
use a larger set of chain-tongs.
THINGS TO KNOW

5. NOW… LET’S TALK

6. • WHEN USING TONGS TO MAKE-UP, HOLD TONGS
IN RIGHT HAND.
• WHEN USING TO BREAK-OUT, HOLD TONGS IN
LEFT HAND.
• NOTE: THIS ONLY VARIES WHEN A
TUBULAR/THREADS ARE UPSIDE DOWN - A GOOD
RULE OF THUMB TO REMEMBER IS THAT
USUALLY YOU ARE PULLING TONG TAIL
TOWARDS YOURSELF WITH RIGHT HAND WHEN
MAKING UP. WHEN THREADS ARE UPSIDE DOWN
YOU ARE PUSHING TAIL AWAY FROM YOU WITH
LEFT HAND.
• REMEMBER CHAIN ALWAYS GOES AROUND THE
BACK SIDE OF TUBULAR.
• ALWAYS BE IN CONTROL OF THE CHAIN
USING CHAIN-TONGS
PROPERLY

7. BRING THE CHAIN AROUND, AND TO JAWS.
NOTICE
HOW
THE
JAWS
ARE
SET

8. LOCKING THE CHAIN
THE CHAIN
LINKS
CONTAIN
PINS THAT
LOCK
SECURELY
INTO THE
JAWS

9. CAN YOU FIND THE HAZARD?
CAN YOU FIND
THE GOOD
PRACTICE
BEING USED?

10. IT IS A GOOD
PRACTICE TO
HAVE YOUR
HAND ON THE
BACKSIDE OF
THE CHAIN TO
KEEP IT FROM
SLIPPING
SEE THE HAZARD YET?

11. NOTICE
THE TOP
PIN IS
NOT
LOCKED
IN PLACE.

12. ALWAYS CHECK CHAIN PRIOR TO USE
LOOK FOR THESE THINGS!

13. REMOVING CHAIN-TONGS
• SLIGHTLY PULL
TAIL TOWARDS
YOURSELF
• REMOVE PINS
FROM JAW
• KEEP CHAIN IN
HAND

14. WHILE KEEPING
CHAIN IN HAND,
PULL CHAIN FROM
BACKSIDE OF
TUBULAR

16. REMEMBER –
ALWAYS BE IN
CONTROL OF
CHAIN

17. GOOD INFORMATION

18. RECAP –
PROPER USE

19. LOCKED

20. ANTI - SLIP

21. CONTROL
OF CHAIN

22. Any Questions?