Abstract: A torque monitoring apparatus includes a Make-Up Tong (10) and a Break-Out Tong (12). The Make-Up Tong (10) is connected to one side of a threaded connection and the Break-Out Tong (12) is connected to the other side of the connection. A chain (22) attached to a winch (24) is operable to activate the Make-Up Tong (10) to torque the connection. A snub line (28) attached to the distal end of the Break-Out Tong (12) restrains movement thereof. A load cell (30) disposed in series with the snub line (28) measures the restraining force thereof. The angular position between the snub line (28) and the Break-Out Tong (12) is maintained constant such that the moment arm utilized for a torque calculation is constant. Therefore, the linear force is directly proportional to the torque and adjustment for angular deviations is not required.