Slip Flex Handles: Little Tool, Giant Impact on Rig Safety

On the oil and gas rig, where a rig has a huge weight and a lot of stakes, sometimes even a small tool can make a massive difference. It surely is with slip flex handles: an element that might seem so simple at first, but is one of the major components in reducing risk and increasing control in drilling operations.

Some may say time stops for accidents on rig floors with tongs or slips. Sudden torque or imbalance of the footing: disgruntled workers are alongside any of the perils to deal with. Worse yet, with massive and heavy drill pipes, the slightest mishandling may mean injury or costly downtime.

That's why the application of tong safety handles became the standard practice in the industry—because safety on the rig is non-negotiable.

What Are Slip Flex Handles?

Slip flex handles are a type of specially made flexible handle that is mounted on tongs or slips. Their primary function is to ensure a secure grip and improved distance between the operator and the tool when handling pipes. The flex aspect provides some flexibility, which absorbs the shock or instant force transfer that can happen while operating heavy equipment under pressure.

These handles are usually employed during drill pipe, casing, or tubing make-up and break-out—wherever controlled force is necessary, and operator safety must be an issue.

Why Tong Safety Handles Matter

The oilfield is not the place for cutting corners where safety is concerned. Tong safety handles not only guard against workers' hands and fingers but also lower the risk of back and shoulder strain from awkward motions or surprise torque kicks.

By attaching a flexible, rugged handle to a manual slip or tong, employees are able to stand more comfortably, keep farther away, and respond sooner if there's a mishap. It's a basic tool that promotes safer behavior on the floor.

Designed for Field Conditions

At MOT, we provide slip flex handles engineered for the harsh environment of oil and gas operations. They are wear-resistant, made from heavy-duty materials, and tested to withstand actual operating conditions. Our models are compatible with a majority of tong and slip systems adopted in the industry today.

Final Thoughts

Slip flex handles and tong safety handles don't receive the limelight, but they're a vital component of contemporary rig safety. Learn more about the complete product line of safety handles at MOT and discover how this modest improvement can have a huge impact.