Large wrenches for making up or breaking out (tightening ox loosening) joints of pipe or casing. The tongs are counterbalanced because of their weight and size. Where a joint of pipe is to be tightened, the two tongs (one for applying torque, the other for backup) are swung toward the pipe by the floormen, and upon making contact with the pipe a latching device clamps the tongs onto the pipe. A chain and rope lanyard attached to the handle of the torque tongs is bulled by a friction turn or two around the cat head (operated by the driller), The backup tongs are anchored by a rope or chain secured to a substantial rig member,
