Abstract: A power tong apparatus for rotating a pipe comprises a tong housing and a ring gear, rotatably mounted in the tong housing. A top cage plate is positioned above an inner portion of the ring gear and a corresponding bottom cage plate is positioned below the inner portion of the ring gear. The cage plates form a cage rotatable with respect to the tong housing and the ring gear. A jaw is pivotally attached to the cage and grips the pipe when the ring gear is rotated with respect to the cage. The cage plates are fastened together by a fastener extending through a slot in the ring gear located between the inner and outer peripheries of the ring gear, such that the cage plates can rotate with respect to the ring gear through a limited arc.

Abstract: A power tong apparatus for rotating a pipe comprises a tong housing and a ring gear, rotatably mounted in the tong housing. A top cage plate is positioned above an inner portion of the ring gear and a corresponding bottom cage plate is positioned below the inner portion of the ring gear. The cage plates form a cage rotatable with respect to the tong housing and the ring gear. A jaw is pivotally attached to the cage and grips the pipe when the ring gear is rotated with respect to the cage. The cage plates are fastened together by a fastener extending through a slot in the ring gear located between the inner and outer peripheries of the ring gear, such that the cage plates can rotate with respect to the ring gear through a limited arc.