Rotary (Drill Pipe) Slips are among the most important pieces of tubular handling equipment on any drilling rig. Their job is simple but critical—they safely suspend the weight of the drill string in the rotary table during drilling, tripping, making connections and bottom hole assembly (BHA) operations. Without properly selected and maintained slips, pipe handling becomes significantly less safe and increases the risk of equipment damage, dropped strings and costly downtime.

Manufactured to API 7K standards, Rotary Slips are engineered from high-strength heat-treated alloy steel to withstand the extreme loads encountered during oil & gas, geothermal, mining and water well drilling operations. By combining precision-machined tapered bodies with replaceable hardened slip inserts, Rotary Slips provide secure gripping performance while helping minimise damage to drill pipe.

At Safety Shark, we supply a comprehensive range of Rotary (Drill Pipe) Slips, replacement slip inserts and spare parts to keep your drilling operation running safely and efficiently.

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What Are Rotary (Drill Pipe) Slips?

Rotary Slips are wedge-shaped gripping tools that sit inside the rotary table. Their tapered body matches the bowl of the rotary table, allowing the slips to convert the weight of the drill string into radial gripping force around the pipe.

When the slips are lowered into the rotary table, the weight of the drill string forces them downward into the tapered bowl. This action tightens the replaceable inserts against the pipe, creating a secure grip capable of supporting thousands of kilograms.

Rotary Slips are used during:

• Making and breaking drill pipe connections
• Tripping pipe in and out of the hole
• Running bottom hole assemblies
• Changing drilling tools
• Suspending the drill string during maintenance
• General rig floor pipe handling operations

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Why Quality Rotary Slips Matter

Using high-quality Rotary Slips improves both safety and operational efficiency.

Benefits include:

• Secure support of the drill string
• Reduced risk of dropped pipe
• Even load distribution around the pipe
• Reduced marking and damage to drill pipe
• Long service life
• Replaceable wear components
• Lower maintenance costs
• Improved rig floor safety

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Rotary Slip Configurations

Different drilling applications require different gripping lengths and load capacities. Rotary Slips are generally available in three configurations.

RSST – Short Rotary Slips

Short Rotary Slips are designed for lighter drilling applications and provide excellent handling characteristics. Their compact design makes them easy to install and remove while still delivering dependable gripping performance.

Typical applications include:

• Water well drilling
• Geotechnical drilling
• Smaller geothermal rigs
• Light oilfield drilling

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RSMD – Medium Rotary Slips

Medium Rotary Slips are the most commonly used configuration throughout the drilling industry.

They offer increased gripping surface area and higher load capacity while remaining easy to handle.

Ideal for:

• General oil & gas drilling
• Geothermal drilling
• Mining exploration
• Workover operations

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RSLG – Extra Long Rotary Slips

Extra Long Rotary Slips provide maximum gripping area and are designed for heavy-duty drilling operations where higher hook loads and larger drill strings are encountered.

Advantages include:

• Maximum gripping surface
• Increased load capacity
• Improved load distribution
• Reduced insert wear
• Ideal for deep drilling applications

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Complete Rotary Slip Size Chart

Grip Length	Slip Body Size	API Pipe OD	Complete Assembly Part No.	Weight (kg)	Insert Part No.
Short	3 1/2"	2 3/8"	20101	61	20160-24
Short	3 1/2"	2 7/8"	20102	59	20161-24
Short	3 1/2"	3 1/2"	20103	56	20162-24
Short	4 1/2"	3 1/2"	20104	73	20163-36
Short	4 1/2"	4"	20105	70	20164-36
Short	4 1/2"	4 1/2"	20106	66	20165-36
Medium	3 1/2"	2 3/8"	20121	88	20160-30
Medium	3 1/2"	2 7/8"	20122	85	20161-30
Medium	3 1/2"	3 1/2"	20123	82	20162-30
Medium	4 1/2"	3 1/2"	20124	94	20163-45
Medium	4 1/2"	4"	20125	91	20164-45
Medium	4 1/2"	4 1/2"	20126	86	20165-45
Medium	5"	4"	20127	92.5	20168-45
Medium	5"	4 1/2"	20128	89	20166-45
Medium	5"	5"	20129	84	20167-45
Medium	5 1/2"	4 1/2"	20130	91	20168-45
Medium	5 1/2"	5"	20131	84	20169-45
Medium	5 1/2"	5 1/2"	20132	82.5	20170-45
Extra Long	4 1/2"	3 1/2"	20152	104	20163-54
Extra Long	4 1/2"	4"	20153	99	20164-54
Extra Long	4 1/2"	4 1/2"	20154	93	20165-54
Extra Long	5"	4"	20155	108	20168-54
Extra Long	5"	4 1/2"	20156	103	20166-54
Extra Long	5"	5"	20157	97	20167-54
Extra Long	5 1/2"	4 1/2"	20158	106	20168-54
Extra Long	5 1/2"	5"	20159	102	20169-54
Extra Long	5 1/2"	5 1/2"	20180	95	20170-54
Extra Long	7"	5 7/8"	20198	119	20171-72
Extra Long	7"	6 5/8"	20199	109	20172-72
Extra Long	7"	7"	20200	106	20173-72

This table combines the manufacturer's individual tables into one easy-to-read reference, allowing users to quickly identify the correct Rotary Slip model based on drill pipe size, slip body size, weight and replacement insert part number.

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Choosing the Correct Rotary Slip

Selecting the correct Rotary Slip depends on several factors, including:

• Drill pipe outside diameter
• Required load capacity
• Rotary table size
• Drilling application
• Rig specifications
• Operating environment

Using the correct slip size helps maximise gripping performance while reducing unnecessary wear on both the slip inserts and the drill pipe.

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Slip Inserts

Slip inserts are the replaceable gripping elements fitted to the slip segments. Manufactured from hardened alloy steel, they provide the direct contact with the drill pipe.

Because inserts experience the greatest wear during normal operation, they are designed to be replaced without replacing the entire slip body.

Benefits of replaceable inserts include:

• Lower maintenance costs
• Extended slip service life
• Consistent gripping performance
• Reduced pipe damage
• Faster maintenance

Safety Shark stocks replacement Rotary Slip Inserts for a wide range of Rotary Slips.

➡ Shop Rotary Slip Inserts

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Rotary Slip Spare Parts

Routine maintenance helps maximise the service life of Rotary Slips and minimise costly downtime.

Most wear components can be replaced individually without replacing the complete slip assembly.

Available spare parts include:

• Slip Segments
• Handles
• Handle Pins
• Hinge Pins
• Retaining Rings
• Insert Retaining Screws
• Complete Hardware Kits

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Complete Spare Parts Reference

RSST Short Slips - Parts List	Qty	3 1/2"	4 1/2"
Slip Segment – Right	1	20107	20118
Slip Segment – Centre	1	20108	20119
Slip Segment – Left	1	20109	20120
Handle Pin with Washer & Cotter Pin	3	20113
Hinge Pin with Cotter Pin	2	20114
Retaining Ring	3	20115
Handle – Right	1	20110
Handle – Centre	1	20111
Handle – Left	1	20112
Insert Retaining Screw with Washer	9	20116
Kit – Hex Nuts, Bolts & Wrench	1	20117

RSMD Medium - Parts List	Qty	3 1/2"	4 1/2"	5"	5 1/2"
Slip Segment – Right	1	20133	20137	20141	20145
Slip Segment – Centre	1	20134	20138	20142	20146
Slip Segment – Left	1	20135	20139	20143	20147
Retaining Ring	3		20140	20144	20148
Handle Pin with Washer & Cotter Pin	3			20113
Hinge Pin with Cotter Pin	2			20136
Handle – Right	1			20110
Handle – Centre	1			20111
Handle – Left	1			20112
Insert Retaining Screw with Washer	9			20116
Kit – Hex Nuts, Bolts & Wrench	1			20117

This reference table allows operators to quickly identify the correct replacement parts based on Rotary Slip model and slip body size.

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Inspection & Maintenance

Regular inspection is essential to maintain safe operation and maximise service life.

Inspect Rotary Slips before use for:

• Excessive insert wear
• Damaged or broken inserts
• Cracked slip bodies
• Worn hinge pins
• Loose handles
• Missing retaining hardware
• Excessive corrosion
• Distorted slip segments

Replace worn components immediately using genuine replacement parts to maintain safe operation.

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Industries Served

Rotary Slips are widely used throughout:

• Oil & Gas Drilling
• Geothermal Drilling
• Mining Exploration
• Water Well Drilling
• Directional Drilling
• Workover & Well Servicing
• Foundation Drilling

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Rotary Slips used for?

Rotary Slips suspend the drill string inside the rotary table during drilling, tripping and pipe handling operations.

What is the difference between Short, Medium and Extra Long Rotary Slips?

The primary difference is the gripping length and load capacity. Extra Long slips provide a larger gripping surface for heavier drilling applications, while Short slips are better suited to lighter-duty operations.

Can slip inserts be replaced?

Yes. Rotary Slip inserts are designed as replaceable wear components, allowing the slip body to remain in service while maintaining optimum gripping performance.

How often should slip inserts be replaced?

Inspection should be carried out regularly. Inserts should be replaced whenever excessive wear, chipping or damage is observed.

Are spare parts available separately?

Yes. Safety Shark supplies a comprehensive range of spare parts, including slip segments, handles, pins, retaining rings, insert retaining screws and hardware kits.

Are these Rotary Slips manufactured to API standards?

Yes. Our Rotary (Drill Pipe) Slips are manufactured to API 7K design standards for dependable performance in demanding drilling environments.

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Why Choose Safety Shark?

At Safety Shark, we understand the demands of drilling operations. Our range of API 7K tubular handling equipment is selected to deliver reliable performance, long service life and improved rig floor safety. Whether you need complete Rotary Slips, replacement inserts or spare parts, our team can help you source the right equipment for your application.

If you're unsure which Rotary Slip best suits your drilling programme, contact our team for expert advice or request a quotation.