Abstract: A shock absorbing tool is provided for connection to a drill column. The drill column includes a drill bit and is positioned in a bore formed in the earth. The shock absorbing tool is an integral, resilient cylindrical member having a number of open sections formed in the cylindrical member. Pairs of open sections are interconnected by slots. Pairs of open sections are longitudinally spaced along the periphery of the cylindrical member. The longitudinal distance between pairs of open sections and the circumferential distance between open sections of each pair of open sections vary. Upon application of dynamic axial and torsional loads to the drill column, the shock absorbing tool absorbs these loads through deflection of the resilient tool such that the slots close and the stress produced by the dynamic loading is carried about the periphery of the open sections.