Break In Procedures

Make Up Torque
by David F King

The recommended make up torque is typically 60% of the torque strength. Make Up Torque is the amount of torque needed so that the connections work in unison as designed.

For each thread, the make up torque depends on the OD of the box and ID of the Pin. Some rigs do not have sufficient torque to properly make up the connections - especially for larger connections.

In these cases we would recommend that the operators use a decent amount of torque at the table so as to prevent running their connections loose. Running loose connections may result in the over-tightening down hole leading to over torque - breaking pins and/or mushrooming boxes.

Connection	OD of Box	ID of Pin	Recommended Make Up Torque	Weaker Member

2 3/8 Reg	3"	1 1/8"	2200	Box
2 7/8 Reg	3 3/4"	1 1/4"	5800	Pin
3 1/2 Reg	4 1/2"	1 3/4"	8400	Pin
4 1/2 Reg	5 1/2"	2 1/4"	15,600	Box
6 5/8 Reg	7 3/4"	3 1/4"	46,900	Pin

2 3/8 IF	3 3/8"	1 3/4"	3900	Box
	3 1/2"	1 3/4"	3900	Box
2 7/8 IF	4 1/8"	2 1/8"	6400	Pin
	4 1/2"	2 1/8"	6400	Pin
3 1/2 IF	4 3/4"	2 11/16"	9700	Pin
	5"	2 11/16"	9700	Pin
4 FH	5"	2 13/16"	12400	Pin
	5 1/2"	2 13/16"	12400	Pin

This article was written by David F King and cannot be used without written consent. The ideas expressed in the above article represent the author's opinion.