Abstract: A drill pipe casing protector has an inner hub member releasably secured to the exterior of a drill pipe to rotate therewith and an outer buffer ring rotatably mounted on the inner hub to allow relative rotation between the drill pipe and the outer buffer ring when the outer buffer ring engages the interior of the casing in which the drill pipe is rotating to prevent abrasive wear between the drill string and the interior of the casing. The inner hub is formed of semi-cylindrical elastomer segments which are clamped around the drill pipe, each having a metallic semi-cylindrical cage element embedded therein and a semi-cylindrical low friction bearing surface on the exterior thereof. A tapered wedge pin draws the elastomer segments radially inward to firmly grip the drill pipe and secure the inner hub member thereto.