GEARENCH LA116HX User Manual

Petol Bull Tong

LA116HX

Operating Manual

Gearench

P.O. Box 192

4450 South Highway 6

Clifton, Texas 76634

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

© 2008 by GEARENCH. All rights reserved

Form LA116HX revision 08/01/08

Table of Contents

LA116HX Petol Bull Tong Description................................................................................. 1

Warranty ................................................................................................................................. 2

Safe Practices and Procedures ............................................................................................... 4

Responsibility ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Replacement Parts .............................................................................................................................................. 4

Safety .................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Safe Practices ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Safety Sources and Publications ......................................................................................................................... 5

Responsibility of Distributors ............................................................................................................................. 6

Overloading / Shock Loads / Side Loading ........................................................................................................ 6

Environmental Conditions .................................................................................................................................. 7

Normal Life Expectancy ..................................................................................................................................... 7

Lubrication ......................................................................................................................................................... 8

Periodic Inspection List for Petol Special Chain ................................................................................................ 8

Operation ............................................................................................................................... 11

Suspension ........................................................................................................................................................ 11

Chain Identification Guide ............................................................................................................................... 12

Dimensions ............................................................................................................................. 13

Torque and Diameter Capacity ........................................................................................... 14

Chain Selection ...................................................................................................................... 15

Torque – Handle Load Diagram ......................................................................................... 17

Parts List ................................................................................................................................ 18

Tong Assembly Parts List ................................................................................................................................ 18

Chain Assembly Parts List ............................................................................................................................... 20

ii

LA116HX Petol Bull Tong Description

The Petol Bull Tongs were designed for making up and breaking out casing, drill pipe, and
tubular products requiring substantial torque. The LA116HX will work diameters from 30­1/8 inches to 65-7/8 inches at torques up to 83,100 foot pounds.

The tong is adjusted by exchanging chain sections and chain hooks to work the various
diameters.

The Bull Tongs have the following features:

A high strength, heat treated alloy chain for rugged, dependable service.

High strength alloy steels used throughout for long life with the toughest jobs.

A hanger attached to the tong handle to suspend the tong during operation when used
on vertical pipe applications.

1

Warranty

What Is Covered

Gearench tools are expressly warranted to you, the purchaser, to be free of defects in material and
workmanship.

How Long Coverage Lasts

This express warranty lasts for the lifetime of the GEARENCH tool. Warranty coverage ends when the tool
becomes unusable for reasons other than defects in workmanship or material.

How Can You Get Warranty Service

To obtain the benefit of this warranty, contact a GEARENCH sales representative in Clifton, Texas.

GEARENCH · 4450 South Highway 6 · P.O. Box 192 · Clifton, TX 76634

What Will We Do To Correct Problems

Warranted products will be repaired or replaced, at GEARENCH’s option, and returned at no charge to you, the
original purchaser; or, if after three attempts at repair or replacement during the warranty period, the product
defect in material or workmanship persists, you can elect to receive a full refund of your original purchase price
for the product.

What Is Not Covered

Defects, failures or conditions that are due to normal wear and tear, abuse or misuse, are not covered by this
limited warranty. In addition, this limited warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, verbal
or written. To the maximum extent allowed by law GEARENCH disclaims all implied warranties, including
implied warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose. GEARENCH also specifically
denies any liability for any incidental damages and/or consequential damages, including but not limited to
property damage to property other than the product itself, loss of sales profits, down time, costs or any other
damages measurable in money, whether or not included in the foregoing enumeration.

Please be advised that some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so this limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights, and you
may also have other rights, which vary from state to state, province to province, or country to country.

Are Personal Injuries Covered

In the event you, someone working for you, or any other person sustain a personal injury as a result of using the
GEARENCH tool, GEARENCH limits its potential liability for such a claim or injury to the fullest extent
allowed by law, and disclaims and denies any liability for such personal injury.

Please be advised that some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of liability for personal injuries, so
the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you, or the individual claiming injury.

No Other Express Warranty Applies

This GEARENCH LIMITED WARRANTY is the sole and exclusive warranty, express or implied for
GEARENCH products. No employee, agent, dealer or other person is authorized to alter, modify, expand or
reduce the terms of this warranty or to make any other warranty on behalf of GEARENCH.

Law Applicable

All matters related to the sale and/or use of the GEARENCH tool that is the subject of this limited warranty,
along with the construction and enforcement of the terms of this limited warranty itself, shall be subject to the
substantive and procedural laws of the state of Texas, not the conflicts of laws provisions of Texas, but rather
the laws of Texas themselves.

2

Forum Selection Clause

Any dispute arising out of the sale and/or use of the GEARENCH tool that is the subject of this limited
warranty shall be presented in the form of a claim or lawsuit to the offices of GEARENCH in Clifton, Bosque
County, Texas. No claim or suit may be brought against GEARENCH, arising out of the sale and/or use of the
tool, or arising out of the terms of this warranty, except in such forum. Purchase and/or use of the GEARENCH
tool makes you subject to the benefits and limitations of this limited warranty. Accordingly, any writ, judgment
or other enforcement, obtained from a jurisdiction, county, parish, state or federal court or other country, other
that from the forum identified above, shall be void and unenforceable against GEARENCH.

Arbitration Clause

In the event of dispute or claim arises out of the sale and/or use of the GEARENCH tool that is the subject of
this limited warranty, or arises out of the interpretation or enforcement of the terms and conditions of this
limited warranty, such dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration pursuant to the rules of the American
Arbitration Association. If required to accomplish the purpose of this Arbitration clause, the purchaser hereby
expressly waives any right to demand trial by jury.

Complete Agreement

This express limited warranty contains the entire agreement regarding express or implied warranties related to
the GEARENCH tool that is the subject of it. No writing or language contained in the purchase order or any
other document of the purchaser, or invoice of GEARENCH or any intermediate seller, shall be construed as
modifying, in any way, the rights and liabilities contained in this limited warranty. Gearench expressly
disclaims any obligations expressed in any customer purchase order or document that are contrary to the terms
and limitations of this warranty.

Severability

If any term or limitation contained in this limited warranty is deemed unenforceable by law, then the term shall
be severed from the remaining portions of the limited warranty which shall remain enforceable.

All communications to GEARENCH regarding the use of the tool and any aspect of the sale of the tool of this
limited warranty should be addressed to GEARENCH.

GEARENCH · 4450 South Highway 6 · P.O. Box 192 · Clifton, TX 76634

3

Safe Practices and Procedures

Responsibility

"It is the responsibility of the employer to train the employee in the proper selection and
usage of tools, chains, etc., and to ensure that they are selected and used in that manner. In
many instances, injury results because it is assumed that anybody knows how to use common
hand tools. Observations and the record show that this is not the case. A part of every job
instruction program should therefore be detailed training in the proper use of hand tools (and
of all other special tools and equipment needed to accomplish the job)." - (Source: National
Safety Council)

"Employers are responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees,
including tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees." - (Source: OSHA

1910.242A)

Replacement Parts

Use only PETOL replacement parts - no other parts are of comparable strength, quality and
interchangeability.

Safety

While we pride ourselves on the quality and dependability we build into GEARENCH tools
and products, we caution users that it is only prudent to know and follow the simple rules of
safety when using our products, or anyone else's.

Always follow safe practices and procedures in accordance with the recommendations of
OSHA, The National Safety Council (NSC), The Hand Tools Institute (HTI), The National
Association of Chain Manufacturers (NACM), The International Association of Drilling
Contractors (IADC), Etc. All applicable Governmental rules, regulations or restrictions, now
in effect or which may be promulgated, take precedence over the suggestions in this
publication. The information in this publication is designed to supplement standard safe
practices and procedures, not in lieu of, or replacement thereof.

Safe Practices
(Source: The National Safety Council)

Failure to observe one or more of the following five safe practices accounts for most hand
and powered tool accidents:

1. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GOGGLES TO PROTECT EYES

2. SELECT THE RIGHT TOOL FOR THE JOB

3. KEEP TOOLS IN GOOD CONDITION

4. USE TOOLS CORRECTLY

5. KEEP TOOLS IN A SAFE PLACE

4

Safety Goggles must always be worn by persons in any area where hand and powered tools
are being used.

Never apply excess leverage to a wrench or tool by means of a "Cheater Bar". Never strike

wrenches and tools with hammers or other objects.

All tools should be kept clean, inspected on a regular basis, and replaced when they show
signs of wear.

Be especially careful not to place yourself in a position that could result in bodily injury in
the event of a failure. Brace yourself firmly and pull rather than push when wrenching. (If
necessary to push, do so with the flat of the hand rather than gripping around the wrench.)

Never stand under or near loads being hoisted off the ground.

READ SAFE PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL, CATALOG INFORMATION
AND PRODUCT LABELING PRIOR TO OPERATION.

Spinning and drill pipe chain, cathead chain, and the PETOL Connecting Link attachment are
designed for the specific purpose for which the name indicates. Chains and attachments that
are to be used for any other purpose should be selected in accordance with the
recommendations of ASTM, NACM, Rigger's Handbook, and the commercial chain
manufacturer's technical manuals.

Safety Sources and Publications

In the interest of Safety the following sources of Safety information is furnished:

The Hand Tools Institute (HTI)
25 North Broadway
Tarrytown, New York 10591
[phone]
www.hti.org

The National Safety Council (NSC)
1121 Spring Lake Drive
Itasca, Illinois 60143-3201
[phone]
www.nsc.org

International Safety Council
1121 Spring Lake Drive
Itasca, Illinois 60143-3201
[phone]

5

Responsibility of Distributors

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PURCHASERS OF GEARENCH PRODUCTS TO
CONVEY THE INFORMATION IN THIS PUBLICATION AND ANY OTHER
INFORMATION RELATING TO THE INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT, THROUGH THE
CHANNELS OF DISTRIBUTION, DOWN TO AND INCLUDING THE INDIVIDUAL
USING THE PRODUCT

NOTE:
In view of the fact that the actual use determines whether safety requirements have
been met, the ultimate responsibility to comply rests with the end user.

The service life of leaf chains can be altered by a variety of adverse operating conditions.
The following information discusses the most important of these conditions for consideration
when operating or scheduling replacement of leaf chain systems.

Overloading / Shock Loads / Side Loading

Attempting to “inch loads which are beyond the rated capacity of the tool.

Striking the tool with a hammer or other object while force is being exerted in an attempt to
loosen a “frozen” joint.

Side pull can be caused by pulling or pushing on the tong in a direction that is not along a
perpendicular plane, unleveled mounting of the tong or vise, inadequate support of the part
being broken out, and improper seating of the part being broken out in the tong or vise.
Improper seating will occur when the diameter of the part is not consistent within the width
of the tong or vise jaw.

6

Environmental Conditions

Wrench chains operate in widely varying environments, from wet outdoor conditions to
mildly or highly corrosive industrial atmospheres. They can also be exposed to abrasives
such as sand or grit.

The possible effects include:

Moisture - Corrosion and rust reduce chain strength by causing pitting and cracking.

Temperature - Very cold temperatures reduce chain strength by embrittlement.

Chemical Solutions or Vapors - Corrosive attack of the chain components’ grain structure
and/or the mechanical connections between the chain components (crevice corrosion)
may occur. Cracking often is microscopic. Propagation to complete failure can be
eventual or sudden.

Abrasives - Accelerated wearing and scoring of the articulating chain members (pins and
plates) may occur, with a corresponding reduction in chain strength. Due to
inaccessibility of the bearing surfaces (pin surfaces and plate apertures), wear and scoring
are not readily noticeable.

These conditions, when coupled with normal chain wear and inherent residual stress
(normally in the chain as constructed), can result in environmentally assisted failure. It is
impossible to predict chain life under complex conditions, as the degree of hostility and its
effects are dependent on many variables such as temperature, time of exposure, concentration
of corrosive atmosphere or medium, degree of abrasive wear, etc. Establishing the degree
and frequency of unpredictable dynamic loading is also difficult.

Normal Life Expectancy

A leaf chain’s normal life expectancy can be expressed as a maximum percent of elongation.
This is generally between 2% and 3% of pitch. As the chain flexes back and forth, the
bearing joints (pins and inside link plates) gradually wear from articulation. As with all steel
bearing surfaces, the precision hardened steel joints of leaf chain require a constant film of
oil between mating parts to prevent wear and to resist corrosion.

7

Lubrication

One of the most important but often-overlooked factors is adequate lubrication. In addition
to reducing internal friction, maintaining a film of oil on all chain surfaces will inhibit rusting
and corrosion, This is important as corrosion of highly stressed, hardened steel chain
components can cause a major reduction in the load capacity of leaf chain and result in link
plate cracking.

Protection from corrosion is important in storage as well as in service. The factory lubricant
applied to PETOL CHAIN is a “Fingerprint Neutralizing Water-Displacing Corrosion
Preventative”. This is an excellent rust and corrosion inhibitor for chains in storage. When
installing these chains new, do not attempt to steam clean or degrease this lubricant. A grade
of SAE 30 or 40 weight, non-detergent motor oil should be used as supplemental lubricant
and a film of this oil should be maintained on all surfaces and internal bearing joints. Also,
do not attempt to paint new chains. Though painting may help inhibit corrosion, it will seal
off critical clearances and restricts oil from reaching the pin surfaces where it is needed for
good joint lubrication.

When operating in dusty environments, lubricated chains will accumulate a paste-like
buildup of grime. At periodic intervals, this buildup should be removed by cleaning and the
chain should be immediately re-lubricated. Do not use caustic or acid type cleaners; use a
stiff brush and a certified safe petroleum base solvent.

Periodic Inspection List for Petol Special Chain

1

. PRIOR TO EACH USE, LEAF CHAIN AND TOOLS SHOULD BE

INSPECTED FOR SERVICEABILITY AND LUBRICATION.

2. USE ONLY PETOL AND TITAN REPLACEMENT PARTS - NO OTHER
PARTS ARE OF COMPARABLE STRENGTH, QUALITY, AND
INTERCHANGEABILITY.

8

9 10

Safety Precautions

1. Always wear safety goggles to protect eyes.

2. Select the right tool for the job.

3. Keep tools in good condition.

4. Use tools correctly.

5. Keep tools in a safe place.

6. Wear protective clothing, gloves and safety shoes as appropriate.

7. Use lengths of assembled chain. Do not build lengths from individual components.

8. Do not attempt to rework damaged chain by replacing only the components obviously
faulty. The entire chain may be compromised and should be discarded.

9. Never electroplate assembled leaf chains or components. Plating will result in failure
from hydrogen embrittlement.

10. Do not weld any chain or component. Welding spatter should never be allowed to
come into contact with chain or components.

11. Leaf chains are manufactured exclusively from heat-treated steels and therefore must
not be annealed. If heating a chain with a cutting torch is absolutely necessary for
removal, the chain should not be reused.

12. Inspect chains frequently and regularly for link plate cracking, pin turning, pin
protrusion and corrosion.

13. Use only PETOL & TITAN replacement parts to ensure proper strength.

Operation

The typical application of one Bull Tong is shown in the figure below. Normally an
additional tong is used as a backup. The backup tong is not shown for clarity. The tong will
exert torque in the direction shown. The tong will ratchet when moved in a direction
opposite to the line pull. Ratcheting is used when the tong must be pulled more than once to
completely makeup or breakout the connection.

Suspension

When working vertical pipe, the tong should be suspended by the attached hanger. Adjust
the hanger to obtain the best possible balance of the tong. Always use a suspension line of
adequate capacity to safely hold up the tong during operation.

11

Chain Identification Guide

12

Dimensions

13 14

Torque and Diameter Capacity

The following table lists the maximum working torques and the corresponding handle loads
for the diameter range of the tong.

Diameter

30-1/8 48.04 83,100 20,800

65-7/8 52.83 79,700 18,100

WARNING: Under no circumstances should the maximum working load be
exceeded. Overloading may result in injury or death. Always use a load cell or
other calibrated indicating device to monitor the line pull on the tong to avoid an
overload.

Torque

Arm

Length

(inches)

32 48.29 82,700 20,600
34 48.56 82,300 20,300
36 48.82 82,000 20,200
38 49.09 81,700 20,000
40 49.36 81,400 19,800
42 49.63 81,200 19,600
44 49.90 80,900 19,500
46 50.16 80,700 19,300
48 50.43 80,600 19,200
50 50.70 80,400 19,000
52 50.97 80,200 18,900
54 51.24 80,100 18,800
56 51.50 80,000 18,600
58 51.77 79,900 18,500
60 52.04 79,800 18,400
62 52.31 79,800 18,300
64 52.57 79,700 18,200

(foot-pounds)

Maximum

Torque

Maximum

Line Pull

(pounds)

Chain Selection

The following table lists the diameter range of all chain assemblies used with this tong.

Chain Min Dia.

(inches)
161-45-51L5375 30-1/8 30-3/8 161-45-75L5375 43 43-3/4
161-45-51L6250 30-1/8 30-5/8 161-45-75L6250 43-1/4 44-1/8
161-45-53L4500 30-1/2 31-5/8 161-45-77L4500 43-7/8 44-5/8
161-45-53L5375 30-7/8 31-7/8 161-45-77L5375 44-1/8 44-7/8
161-45-53L6250 31-1/8 32-1/8 161-45-77L6250 44-3/8 45-1/8
161-45-55L4500 31-5/8 32-5/8 161-45-79L4500 44-7/8 45-3/4
161-45-55L5375 32 33 161-45-79L5375 45-1/4 46
161-45-55L6250 32-1/4 33-1/4 161-45-79L6250 45-1/2 46-1/4
161-45-57L4500 32-3/4 33-3/4 161-45-81L4500 46 46-3/4
161-45-57L5375 33-1/8 34 161-45-81L5375 46-1/4 47
161-45-57L6250 33-3/8 34-3/8 161-45-81L6250 46-3/4 47-3/8
161-45-59L4500 33-7/8 34-7/8 161-45-83L4500 47-1/8 47-7/8
161-45-59L5375 34-1/4 35-1/8 161-45-83L5375 47-3/8 48-1/8
161-45-59L6250 34-1/2 35-3/8 161-45-83L6250 47-5/8 48-3/8
161-45-61L4500 35 36 161-45-85L4500 48-1/8 49
161-45-61L5375 35-1/4 36-1/4 161-45-85L5375 48-1/2 49-1/4
161-45-61L6250 35-5/8 36-1/2 161-45-85L6250 48-3/4 49-1/2
161-45-63L4500 36-1/8 37 161-45-87L4500 49-1/4 50
161-45-63L5375 36-3/8 37-1/4 161-45-87L5375 49-1/2 50-1/4
161-45-63L6250 36-3/4 37-5/8 161-45-87L6250 49-7/8 50-5/8
161-45-65L4500 37-1/4 38-1/8 161-45-89L4500 50-3/8 51-1/8
161-45-65L5375 37-1/2 38-3/8 161-45-89L5375 50-5/8 51-3/8
161-45-65L6250 37-3/4 38-5/8 161-45-89L6250 50-7/8 51-5/8
161-45-67L4500 38-1/4 39-1/4 161-45-91L4500 51-3/8 52-1/8
161-45-67L5375 38-5/8 39-1/2 161-45-91L5375 51-3/4 52-1/2
161-45-67L6250 38-7/8 39-3/4 161-45-91L6250 52 52-3/4
161-45-69L4500 39-3/8 40-1/4 161-45-93L4500 52-1/2 53-1/4
161-45-69L5375 39-3/4 40-5/8 161-45-93L5375 52-3/4 53-1/2
161-45-69L6250 40 40-7/8 161-45-93L6250 53-1/8 53-3/4
161-45-71L4500 40-1/2 41-3/8 161-45-95L4500 53-5/8 54-3/8
161-45-71L5375 40-7/8 41-5/8 161-45-95L5375 53-7/8 54-5/8
161-45-71L6250 41-1/8 41-7/8 161-45-95L6250 54-1/8 54-7/8
161-45-73L4500 41-5/8 42-1/2 161-45-97L4500 54-5/8 55-3/8
161-45-73L5375 41-7/8 42-3/4 161-45-97L5375 55 55-5/8
161-45-73L6250 42-1/4 43 161-45-97L6250 55-1/4 56
161-45-75L4500 42-3/4 43-1/2 161-45-99L4500 55-3/4 56-1/2

Max Dia.

(inches)

Chain Min Dia.

(inches)

Max Dia.

(inches)

15

Chain Min Dia.

(inches)

161-45-99L5375 56 56-3/4 161-45-109L4500 61-1/4 61-7/8

161-45-99L6250 56-3/8 57 161-45-109L5375 61-1/2 62-1/8
161-45-101L4500 56-7/8 57-5/8 161-45-109L6250 61-3/4 62-3/8
161-45-101L5375 57-1/8 57-7/8 161-45-111L4500 62-3/8 63
161-45-101L6250 57-3/8 58-1/8 161-45-111L5375 62-1/2 63-1/4
161-45-103L4500 58 58-5/8 161-45-111L6250 62-7/8 63-1/2
161-45-103L5375 58-1/4 58-7/8 161-45-113L4500 63-3/8 64
161-45-103L6250 58-1/2 59-1/4 161-45-113L5375 63-5/8 64-1/4
161-45-105L4500 59-1/8 59-3/4 161-45-113L6250 63-7/8 64-5/8
161-45-105L5375 59-1/4 60 161-45-115L4500 64-3/8 65-1/8
161-45-105L6250 59-3/8 60-1/4 161-45-115L5375 64-3/4 65-3/8
161-45-107L4500 60-1/8 60-3/4 161-45-115L6250 65 65-5/8
161-45-107L5375 60-3/8 61-1/8 161-45-117L4500 65-1/2 65-7/8
161-45-107L6250 60-5/8 61-3/8

Max Dia.

(inches)

Chain Min Dia.

(inches)

Max Dia.

(inches)

16

Torque – Handle Load Diagram

To use chart:
Draw a line from the diameter of the pipe through the desired torque. Read the handle load
from the right hand column.

17

Parts List

The following drawings, diagrams, and parts lists describe all parts, which may be needed as
replacement items.

All tong components are manufactured only by GEARENCH. DO NOT
ATTEMPT TO SUBSTITUTE THESE COMPONENTS. The tong will
not work properly unless these components are matched to the specific
application. Consult our factory as your requirements change. Any non­GEARENCH substitutions of these components void all warranties and
subject the user to assumption of liabilities resulting from subsequent use.

Tong Assembly Parts List

18 19

Tong Assembly Parts List

Item Qty. Part Number Description

1 1 LH116H Handle

2 1 LJ116HX Jaw

3 1 HP249 Jaw-handle pin with kliprings

4 2 HXRR150 Retaining ring only

5 1 HS18 Spring (outside)

6 1 HS09 Spring (inside)

7 1 HG09 Spring guide

8 1 HU36 Spring pin bushing

9 1 HP250 Spring pin with cotter

10 1 HXC003 Spring pin cotter only

11 2 HI06D Diamond point insert

12 2 HP904 Insert key

13 2 HS21 Insert key spring

14 1 HH16 Bar hanger

15 1 HU49 Hanger bushing

16 1 HB19 Hanger bolt with nut

17 1 HXW001 Hanger flat washer

18 1 HXW002 Hanger lock washer

19 1 HXN023 Hanger nut only

20 1 HP234 Master link – handle pin

21 1 See tables Chain assembly (not shown)

Chain Assembly Parts List

Item Part No. Description

1 161-45-02 Special chain only
1 161-45-04 Special chain only
1 161-45-05 Special chain only
1 161-45-07 Special chain only
2 HM06-45 Master link
3 HP247 Master link – chain rivet
4 161-45-02-4500 Chain hook assembly
4 161-45-02-5375 Chain hook assembly
4 161-45-02-6250 Chain hook assembly
5 HC01-45-4500 Chain hook only
5 HC01-45-5375 Chain hook only
5 HC01-45-6250 Chain hook only
6 HP247 Chain hook rivet
7 HB52 Splice bolt with nut
8 HXN016 Splice bolt nut only

20