Abstract: A tool joint assist system includes one or more iron roughnecks for making up or breaking out tubular joints; a programmable logic controller for each of the one or more iron roughnecks; at least one camera associated with each of the one or more iron roughnecks; a computer that calculates a stick-up height; and one or more user-input devices. Each programmable logic controller controls only one iron roughneck. The computer includes a processor, memory, and one or more monitors displaying an image from the at least one camera. The programmable logic controllers, the cameras, the monitors, the user-input devices, and the computer are connected by a network.