Roustabout how-to

How to Make Up a Threaded Pipe Joint

Good joints prevent leaks.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Good joints prevent leaks. In short: clean; inspect; apply, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Clean the threads.

  2. Inspect for damage.

  3. Apply thread compound.

  4. Start by hand to avoid cross-threading.

  5. Tighten with pipe wrenches.

  6. Check for leaks after pressure-up.

Safety reminders for roustabouts

  • Wear H2S monitors and know escape routes
  • Use stop work authority when unsafe
  • Follow lifting and rigging rules
  • Wear PPE including hard hat, FR clothing and steel toes

Lease · Tank battery · Flowline · Pumpjack · Wellhead · SafeLand: see the full roustabout glossary.

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