Shoddy Hardware (Was: Re: WW fixtures (was Re: "New" PDP-8))

From: Doc Shipley <doc_at_mdrconsult.com>
Date: Mon Apr 8 00:40:52 2002

On Sun, 7 Apr 2002, Lawrence Walker wrote:

> The trick is when you learn to use it one-handedly. Also the drill-pipe slips.
> The difference between a real roughneck and an oil-rig worker.

  You mean slips got more than one handle? :)
  That is true fact, though. And the difference between a real
roughneck and a "hand" is when you've done it one-handedbecause the
other is in a sling....
  Slips, BTW, for the more sane list-members, are linked wedges that
anchor the top of the drill-string in the drill-floor rotary table,
keeping it from falling through. Typically weighing about 175-225lb,
you never drop them into place, you throw them. You don't pull them
loose when the string is coming up, you jerk them. Mostly two men
together, but often by yourself.

  It was a very _manly_ occupation. The epitome of peer-pressurized
behavior.

        Doc
Received on Mon Apr 08 2002 - 00:40:52 BST