Hand tong having tactile torque indication

A method for manually applying a preset torque to a threaded tubular member when coupling one said member to another comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a pipe tong head assembly having a plurality of interlocking pivotal gripping jaws for engaging the periphery of one of the coupling's threaded tubular members said tong head assembly adapted to a torque handle assembly by which an actuating force is applied to said jaws to effect the making up of a tubular pipe joint, the torque handle defining a torque transfer axis and having a shank portion of said tong head assembly located generally coaxially within and pivotally connected to a tubular handle, and coupling means releasably interconnecting said shank portion and handle so as to effect pivotal movement of the handle and thereby create a tactile and audible indication to an operator when a predetermined but selectively variable torque is applied at said torque transfer axis in either rotational direction;
• and
• b) securing said tong head assembly circumferentially to one of said tubular members and applying sufficient torque to said handle to insure a locking grip on said tubular member;
• c) adjusting said torque handle assembly to a specific torque setting;
• and
• d) applying a manual force to handle portion of said torque handle assembly rotationally about said transfer axis until a tactile or audible indication of the preset torque level is perceived as result of movement of internal components located within said handle.