Abstract: The present invention is directed to a segmented bottom guide for directing the top of a tubular member into and through a bore in the bottom of a tapered bowl so that the tubular member can be engaged by pipe slips. One embodiment of the segmented bottom guide of the present invention comprises a bottom guide retainer having a plurality of chambers for being disposed intermediate the top of a bell guide and the bottom of the tapered bowl. The bottom guide segments are radially received into, and securable in, the retainer to therein and together form a generally conical frustum generally aligned with and intermediate the top of the bell guide and the opening of the tapered bowl.

Abstract: One example of an apparatus for gripping and rotating a tubular includes a mandrel having a longitudinal axis; a first slip disposed on the mandrel; and a second slip disposed on the mandrel axially spaced apart from the first slip, the first slip and second slip operationally connected to move in unison axially; wherein when the first slip and the second slip are moved axially from a first point toward a second point the first and second slips extend radially into gripping contact with the tubular and wherein rotation of the mandrel further urges the second slip radially away from the mandrel.