Abstract: In one embodiment, a gripping system for a tong for making up and breaking out tubulars is provided. The gripping system is coupled to the rotary of the tong. The gripping system includes an active jaw and two passive jaws disposed interior to the rotary. Preferably, the two passive jaws are separately by less than 120 degrees from each other and are pivotally connected to rotary. The gripping system is adapted and arranged to allow each passive jaw to react the same amount of force as the gripping force applied by the active jaw. In another embodiment, a rotary locking apparatus is provided to lock or unlock the rotary of the tong.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus for handling tubulars. In one aspect, the present invention provides a wrenching head for supplying torque over a large step less clamping range for connecting tubulars. In one embodiment, the wrenching head includes hydraulic clamping cylinders guided by pendulum bolts. The pendulum bolts prevent the piston from twisting or bending under a high clamping force. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a wrenching head having adjustable jaw units. The jaw units comprise a shaft threadedly connected to a jaw body. The jaw body includes a gear profile formed on an outer surface. A turn ring having a gear profile for mating with the gear profiles of the jaw body may be rotated to cause all of the jaw units to adjust simultaneously. In another aspect, the present invention provides a suspension unit to couple a spinner to the wrenching unit.