Self-setting casing protector

A self-setting casing protector secured to a slip type casing elevator having a housing with a first segment and a second segment, the housing confirmed to operate between an open configuration and a closed configuration for grabbing a casing tubular and running the casing tubular into and out of a wellbore, the self-setting casing protector comprising:

• (i) a first C-shaped setting plate with a top side and a first taper formed on a first end with a plurality of first fastening holes formed through the first C-shaped setting plate;
• (ii) a second C-shaped setting plate with a bottom side and a second taper formed on a second end with a plurality of second fastening holes formed through the second C-shaped setting plate, the second end opposite the first end;
• (iii) a plurality of support tubes, each support tube positioned over the plurality of first fastening holes, the plurality of support tubes connecting the first C-shaped setting plate and the second C-shaped setting plate as a one piece integral unit;
• (iv) a plurality of bolts, each bolt penetrating sequentially one of the plurality of first fastening holes, one support tube of the plurality of support tubes and one fastening hole of the plurality of second fastening holes;
• wherein the second C-shaped setting plate of the self-setting casing protector simultaneously engages (i) two aligned slip setting segments, each aligned slip setting segment mounted on a segment of the slip type casing elevator and (ii) two aligned die retainers;
• and
• wherein the first C-shaped setting plate engages a nubbin in one end of a casing tubular as the slip type casing elevator grabs a casing tubular, and as the slip type casing elevator is hoisted, the casing tubular drops while attached to the first C-shaped setting plate setting the casing tubular in the slip type casing elevator and simultaneously (i) protecting from impacts each casing tubular as each casing tubular is sequentially lowered into the wellbore, (ii) protecting an upsetting box of a casing tubular with premium connections as the casing tubular is run into and out of a wellbore, and (iii) protecting from impacts each casing tubular as each casing tubular is sequentially pulled from the wellbore.