Patent Publication Number: US-11391101-B2

Title: Bit breaker technology

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/198,374, filed Nov. 21, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/607,545, filed Dec. 19, 2017, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a bit breaker. More specifically, the present invention provides a bit breaker having a plate that bounds a pipe slot. In addition, the invention provides an assembly that further includes a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint received in the pipe slot of the bit breaker. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various styles of bit breakers are known. Bit breakers are commonly used in the oil and gas industries for connecting and disconnecting the joints between adjacent lengths of pipe and/or a drill bit or other tool. In many cases, each joint is defined by an upper component (e.g., an upper length of pipe) connected removably to a lower component (e.g., a lower length of pipe) by threading. Typically, the upper component is rotated in a clockwise direction to connect it to the lower component (and thereby make the joint) and in a counterclockwise direction to break (or loosen) the joint. 
     With certain conventional bit breakers, one or more working surfaces are particularly vulnerable to being deformed after repeated use. For example, when a pipe is rotated such that surfaces and/or edges of the flat-bottom grooves in the pipe apply force to the pipe slot working surfaces of a conventional bit breaker, the metal adjacent those working surfaces becomes deformed (e.g., gets compressed and/or swells). The resulting deformation is sometimes referred to as a “mushroom effect.” This type of deformation can eventually render a bit breaker useless. As a result of these and other design limitations, some conventional bit breakers have longevity problems, reliability problems, or both. 
     It would be desirable to provide a bit breaker that overcomes these disadvantages and/or other limitation of conventional bit breakers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In some embodiments, the invention provides a bit breaker comprising a generally flat plate that bounds a generally rectangular pipe slot. The bit breaker further comprises an adjustable arm having a closed position and an open position. When the adjustable arm is in its closed position, the pipe slot is surrounded about 360 degrees by the bit breaker. When the adjustable arm is in its open position, the pipe slot has an open side that enables the bit breaker to be removed from a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint by moving the bit breaker laterally relative to the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. The bit breaker has two jaws that respectively define two working surfaces (such as two flat working surfaces) that are each devoid of any concave recess configured to receive the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. The two working surfaces are located on opposite sides of the pipe slot. In addition, the two working surfaces confront each other and are configured to contact the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. The two jaws are each mounted removably to the generally flat plate so as to be removable from the generally flat plate when damaged and thereafter replaced with two new jaws. 
     Certain embodiments of the invention provide a bit breaker comprising a generally flat plate that defines two arms and a base leg. The two arms project respectively from opposed ends of the base leg. The two arms have two respective free ends. The bit breaker has a generally rectangular pipe slot located between the two arms of the plate. The bit breaker includes a jaw mounted on a desired one of the two arms. The jaw defines a working surface located on a side of the pipe slot. The jaw is mounted on the desired one of the two arms so as to be removable therefrom when damaged and thereafter replaced with a new jaw. The bit breaker further comprises a security plate attached to the generally flat plate so as to define a mount space (such as a float-mount space) between the generally flat plate and the security plate. The jaw is received in the mount space such that the jaw has a limited freedom of movement relative to both the generally flat plate and the security plate. 
     Some embodiments of the present invention provide a bit breaker comprising a generally flat plate that bounds a generally rectangular pipe slot. The bit breaker further comprises an adjustable arm having a closed position and an open position. When the adjustable arm is in its closed position, the pipe slot is surrounded about 360 degrees by the bit breaker. When the adjustable arm is in its open position, the pipe slot has an open side that enables the bit breaker to be removed from a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint by moving the bit breaker laterally relative to such a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. The bit breaker has two jaws that that respectively define two flat working surfaces located on opposite sides of the pipe slot and optionally are at least generally parallel to each other. The jaws are each mounted removably to the plate so as to be removable from the plate when damaged and thereafter replaced with two new jaws. 
     In some embodiments, the invention provides an assembly of a bit breaker and a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. The pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint has formed therein two crosswise flat-bottom grooves located on opposite sides of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. The bit breaker comprises a generally flat plate that bounds a generally rectangular pipe slot. The pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint is received in the pipe slot. The bit breaker further comprises an adjustable arm having a closed position and an open position. When the arm is in its closed position, the pipe slot is surrounded about 360 degrees by the bit breaker. When the arm is in its open position, the pipe slot has an open side that enables the bit breaker to be removed from the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint by moving the bit breaker laterally relative to the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. The bit breaker has two that respectively define two flat working surfaces located on opposite sides of the pipe slot and optionally are generally parallel to each other. The two jaws are received respectively in the two flat-bottom grooves such that the two flat working surfaces of the two jaws are generally parallel to, and bear against, the two flat bottoms of the two flat-bottom grooves. The two jaws are each mounted removably to the plate so as to be removable from the plate when damaged and thereafter replaced with two new jaws. 
     In certain embodiments, the invention provides a bit breaker comprising a generally flat plate that defines two fixed arms and a fixed base leg. The two fixed arms project respectively from opposed ends of the fixed base leg. The two fixed arms have two respective free ends. The bit breaker has a generally rectangular pipe slot located between the two fixed arms of the plate. The bit breaker includes a jaw mounted to a desired one of the two fixed arms. The jaw defines a working surface located on a side of the pipe slot. The jaw is mounted to the desired one of the two fixed arms so as to be removable therefrom when damaged and thereafter replaced with a new jaw. In some of the present embodiments, the bit breaker includes a second jaw, which is mounted to a second one of the two fixed arms. In such cases, the second jaw defines a working surface located on a side of the pipe slot such that the two jaws are located on opposite sides of the pipe slot. When provided, the second jaw is mounted to the second one of the two fixed arms so as to be removable therefrom when damaged and thereafter replaced with a new jaw. 
     In some embodiments, the invention provides a bit breaker comprising a generally flat plate that bounds a pipe slot. Preferably, the bit breaker has two jaws that define two working surfaces located on opposite sides of the pipe slot. In the present embodiments, the two jaws are configured to move relative to the plate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following detailed description. Embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a bit breaker in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure wherein a pair of stationary, replaceable jaws is mounted to a plate of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 1  with the jaws removed from the plate of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 1  with the jaws removed from the plate of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a bit breaker in accordance with certain other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of a bit breaker in accordance with still other embodiments of the present disclosure wherein a pair of movable, self-adjusting jaws is mounted to a plate of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a bottom perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 9  with the jaws removed from the plate of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 15  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 9  with the jaws removed from the plate of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 16A  is a bottom perspective view of one of the movable, self-adjusting jaws of the bit breaker of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 16B  is a top perspective view of the movable, self-adjusting jaw of  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 16C  is a top view of the movable, self-adjusting jaw of  FIG. 16A . 
         FIG. 17  is an in-use perspective view of a bit breaker of the present disclosure mounted on a table, with a drill stem received in the pipe slot of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 18A  is a schematic top view of a bit breaker in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure springs configured to apply force to movable jaws of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 18B  is a broken-away detailed view of a portion of the bit breaker  FIG. 18A , schematically showing the springs mounted in a plate of the bit breaker. 
         FIG. 19A  is a top view of a bit breaker in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure wherein pin-locator holes are formed in a plate of the bit breaker, and replaceable bushings are mounted removably in the pin-locator holes. 
         FIG. 19B  is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D of  FIG. 19A , showing two of the replaceable bushings mounted in their respective pin-locator holes. 
         FIG. 20  is a top perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 9 , showing an adjustable arm thereof in an open position. 
         FIG. 21  is a top perspective view of a bit breaker in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, showing an optional adjustable arm thereof in a closed position. 
         FIG. 22  is a top perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21 , showing the optional adjustable arm in an open position. 
         FIG. 23  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 24  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21  with a pipe received in a pipe slot of the bit breaker in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, and two jaws of the bit breaker each shown in a release position. 
         FIG. 25  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21 , with a pipe received in a pipe slot of the bit breaker in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention, and two jaws of the bit breaker each shown in an engage position. 
         FIG. 26  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21 , with two jaws of the bit breaker removed. 
         FIG. 27  is a bottom perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 28  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 29  is an exploded view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 30  is a top perspective view of a jaw of the bit breaker of  FIG. 21 . 
         FIG. 31  is a bottom perspective view of the jaw of  FIG. 29 . 
         FIG. 32  is a top view of a bit breaker in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 33  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 32 . 
         FIG. 34  is a top view of a bit breaker in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 35  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  is a top view of a bit breaker in accordance with a further embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 37  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is a top perspective view of a bit breaker in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 39  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 40  is a bottom perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 41  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 42  is an exploded view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 43  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 , with one jaw and its security plate removed, while showing the other jaw received partially within the generally flat plate but having its security plate removed, and with the illustrated jaw in an engage position. 
         FIG. 44  is another top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 , with one jaw and its security plate removed, while showing the other jaw received partially within the generally flat plate but having its security plate removed, and with the illustrated jaw in a release position. 
         FIG. 45  is a top perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 , showing the optional adjustable arm in an open position. 
         FIG. 46  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 , with a pipe received in a pipe slot of the bit breaker in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 47A  is a bottom perspective view of a jaw of the bit breaker of  FIG. 38 . 
         FIG. 47B  is a top view of the jaw of  FIG. 47A . 
         FIG. 47C  is a top perspective view of the jaw of  FIG. 47A . 
         FIG. 48  is a top perspective view of a bit breaker in accordance with still other embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 49  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 50  is a bottom perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 51  is a bottom view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 52  is an exploded view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 53  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 , with one jaw and its security plate removed, while showing the other jaw partially received within the generally flat plate but having its security plate removed, and with the illustrated jaw in an engage position. 
         FIG. 54  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 , with one jaw and the security plate removed, and showing the other jaw partially received within the generally flat plate but having its security plate removed, and with the illustrated jaw in a release orientation. 
         FIG. 55  is a top perspective view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 , showing the optional adjustable arm in an open position. 
         FIG. 56  is a top view of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 , with a pipe received in a pipe slot of the bit breaker in accordance with certain embodiments of the invention. 
         FIG. 57A  is a bottom perspective view of a jaw of the bit breaker of  FIG. 48 . 
         FIG. 57B  a top view of the jaw of  FIG. 57A . 
         FIG. 57C  is a top perspective view of the jaw of  FIG. 57A . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings have like reference numerals. The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, dimensions, manufacturing processes, and methods of use are provided for selected elements and embodiments. All other information for such elements and embodiments employ that which is known to those of ordinary skill in the field of the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided herein have suitable alternatives that fall within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring to the drawings, and in particular  FIG. 1 , there is shown a bit breaker in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present disclosure generally represented by reference numeral  10 . The illustrated bit breaker  10  is configured for use in making or loosening (or “unmaking,” or “relieving,” or “separating”) a threaded joint, such as a pipe joint having two components threaded together. As will be appreciated by those of skill in the present art, a first component of the joint has an externally threaded male section  20 T (see  FIG. 17 ), while a second component of the joint has an internally threaded female section. In  FIG. 17 , the illustrated lower component  20  of the joint has the externally threaded male section  20 T, while the upper component  20  of the joint has the internally threaded female section. This arrangement can, of course, be reversed (i.e., the internally threaded female section can be on the lower component while the externally threaded male section is on the upper component). Moreover, the bit breaker can be used when the two components of the joint are oriented horizontally, rather than vertically as shown in  FIG. 17 , or at various other angles. 
     The bit breaker shown in  FIG. 17  can be of the type shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , or of the type shown in  FIGS. 9-15 , or of the type shown in  FIGS. 18A-18B , or of the type shown in  FIGS. 1-29 , or of the type shown in  FIGS. 32-33 , or of the type shown in  FIGS. 34-35 , or of the type shown in  FIGS. 36-37 , or of the type shown in  FIGS. 38-46 , or of the type shown in  FIGS. 48-56 . 
     In certain preferred embodiments, the threaded joint is a joint between two sections of a vertically extending string (e.g., a pipe string or tool string). In such cases, the string (or at least a major length thereof) preferably has a longitudinal axis extending vertically or at least generally vertically. During use, the string (or at least a part thereof, optionally a major length thereof) may be located in an elongated hole in the earth (and thus disposed underground). The hole will commonly be vertical or at least generally vertical, although a variety of other downward angles may be used. The basic manner of using bit breakers is well known to skilled artisans. 
     In some cases, the threaded joint is between two components of a tool string (e.g., a drill string) or a pipe string. Thus, the joint comprises a threaded connection between two pipes, between a tool section and a tool pipe (e.g., between a drill bit and a drill pipe), between a tool pipe and a pipe, or between a tool section and a pipe. When the joint involves a tool section, it may be a drill bit or any other tool, such as a mudding tool or a fracking tool. Thus, while the present apparatus is referred to herein as bit breaker, it is to be understood that it can be used to make or loosen various types of threaded joints (e.g., pipe joints), not just those joints that involve a drill bit. 
     The bit breaker includes a plate and a jaw that is mounted to the plate. In many cases, the bit breaker  10  includes a plate  100  and two jaws  300 ,  305  that are mounted to the plate  100 . Thus, the bit breaker  10  generally has one or more jaws  300 ,  305 . While some sections of the present disclosure focus on embodiments where the bit breaker has two jaws, it is to be understood that any feature, component, or aspect described in such sections as being provided in pairs can alternatively be provided as a single feature (e.g., for embodiments where the bit breaker has only a single replaceable and/or moveable jaw). 
     Preferably, the plate  100  is a generally flat plate having opposed top  120  and bottom  125  planar faces. The top  120  and bottom  125  faces of the plate can optionally be generally parallel to each other. If desired, more than 50% of the area of the top face  120  can be parallel to more than 50% of the area of the bottom face  125 . This, however, is not required. 
     The bit breaker  10  has (e.g., the plate  100  preferably bounds) a pipe slot  105  that is configured to receive a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  therein. The pipe slot  105  can optionally be generally rectangular, e.g., it can have a generally squared-off back end (as shown in  FIGS. 2, 8, 10, and 19A ) or it can have a generally rounded-off (e.g., semicircular) back end, as is known from certain conventional bit breaker designs. Referring to  FIG. 2 , the back end of the pipe slot  105  is the end shown furthest to the top of the drawing. 
     In preferred embodiments, the bit breaker  10  is configured for use with a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  that has two crosswise flat-bottom grooves  25  formed therein on opposite sides  30 ,  35  of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . The two flat-bottom grooves are channels that extend along axes that are crosswise (e.g., orthogonal) to a cylinder axis of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. The axes of the two grooves preferably are parallel to each other. Reference is made to  FIG. 17 . Here, the bit breaker  10  is configured to support the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  such that when received in the pipe slot  105 , the weight of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  can be supported by the bit breaker. 
     We note in passing that in  FIG. 17 , the illustrated upper tool pipe  20  is not required to include the two crosswise flat-bottom grooves  25 . Instead, they may be omitted. Since the second (e.g., upper) component of each joint may be rotated using means that do not engage such flat-bottom grooves, the flat-bottom grooves are not required for the second (e.g., upper) component. 
     In the embodiments illustrated, two jaws  300 ,  305  respectively define two working surfaces  310 ,  315  located on opposite sides  110 ,  115  of the pipe slot  105 . In embodiments where the bit breaker has only one jaw, the jaw defines a working surface located on a side of the pipe slot. In such cases, the working surface of the jaw is configured to contact the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint, e.g., when the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint is rotated in the pipe slot relative to the stationary bit breaker. 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the illustrated jaws  300 ,  305  confront each other. These working surfaces  310 ,  315  are configured to contact the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 , e.g., when the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is rotated in the pipe slot  105  relative to the stationary bit breaker  10 . 
     The two jaws  300 ,  305  can optionally be at least generally parallel to each other. In some cases, they are offset from parallel by no more than 30 degrees. In certain embodiments, they are at least substantially parallel to each other (e.g., offset by no more than 10 degrees), or they may be parallel to each other. Preferably, the two jaws  300 ,  305  do not have (i.e., are devoid of) arcuate configurations that match an outside (or “outer”) radius of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. This can optionally be the case in any embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Preferably, the working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws  300 ,  305  are flat working surfaces that are each devoid of any concave (e.g., semicircular) recess configured to receive a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. For example, each of the working surfaces  310 ,  315  preferably is elongated along a line that is straight or at least substantially straight. This can optionally be the case in any embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-8 , each of the working surfaces  310 ,  315  has a rear extent that delineates a straight line while a front extent extends away from the rear extent at an acute angle. When provided, this angle preferably is less than 30 degrees, such as from 1-15 degrees. Thus, in  FIGS. 1-8 , the two rear extents of the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  are parallel to each other, whereas the two front extents diverge away from each other. 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 9-16, 18A, and 19A , each of the illustrated working surfaces  310 ,  315  extends along a straight line such that these two working surfaces are parallel to each other. This, however, is by no means required. 
     In certain embodiments, instead of each working surface extending along a straight line, it is possible to have the working surface delineate one or more slight curves. Preferably, though, any such curved working surface does not have an arcuate configuration that matches the regular outside (or “outer”) radius of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. 
     In preferred embodiments, the working surfaces  310 ,  315  are devoid of teeth. That is, the surfaces of the jaws that contact the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint preferably do not have teeth positioned to contact (e.g., bite into) the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint during use. It is to be understood, however, that various teeth, knurling, and or other grip features can be provided in other embodiments. 
     In some cases, the working surface of a jaw has one or more (e.g., a series of) recesses formed therein (e.g., carved, drilled, cut, or otherwise formed therein). For embodiments having two jaws, such recesses can optionally be formed in the working surface of each jaw. In such cases, for purposes of assessing whether two such working surfaces are generally parallel, substantially parallel, or parallel to each other, the non-recessed sections of each working surface are to be considered. 
     With conventional plate bit breakers, the plate itself defines the working surfaces that contact the pipe or drill stem. As a consequence, rotation of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint in the pipe slot exerts pressure directly on the plate. As noted above, this results in a phenomenon known as the “mushroom effect,” in which the plate begins to compress and swell in two distinct locations, namely the two points where surfaces of the two flat-bottom grooves on the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint contact the plate. Considerable damage to the plate can occur because all the force from the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint is placed on a very small area of the working surfaces of the plate. Over time, the resulting deformation can become so great that the plate can no longer securely hold the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint against rotation in the pipe slot. Once the deformation is so extensive that the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint can rotate within the pipe slot, the plate is rendered useless for its intended purpose and is normally discarded and replaced. 
     To address the “mushroom effect” noted above, two jaws  300 ,  305  can be mounted removably to the plate  100  of the bit breaker  10 . As noted above, in other cases, there may be only a single jaw. The removable nature of the (or each) jaw enables it to be removed from the plate  100  once it has become sufficiently worn or damaged, and thereafter replaced with a new jaw. This eliminates the material waste and cost associated with replacing the entire plate  100  when only the noted working surface(s) are damaged. 
     The plate can optionally define a connection ledge that is recessed from the top face of the plate. In the embodiments illustrated, the plate  100  preferably defines two connection ledges  130 ,  135  that are recessed from the top face  120  of the plate  100  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5, 13, 42-44 , and  52 - 54 ). This can optionally be the case in any embodiment of the present disclosure that includes two jaws  300 ,  305 . In such cases, the two jaws  300 ,  305  are respectively mounted removably to, and/or respectively mounted removably alongside (e.g., on), the two connection ledges  130 ,  135 . In some embodiments, this is accomplished via fasteners  320 , such as mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts). Thus, each connection ledge  130 ,  135  can optionally have one or more apertures (e.g., one or more bores) configured to receive one or more respective fasteners  320 . In certain preferred embodiments, each connection ledge has only one such aperture. In other preferred embodiments, each connection ledge is devoid any such aperture. 
     When provided, the (or each) connection ledge can optionally be provided with a debris management system. This can optionally be the case for any embodiment of the present disclosure that includes one or two connection ledges. More will be said of this later. 
     In some cases, when the jaw or jaws  300 ,  305  of the bit breaker  10  are mounted to the plate  100 , the upper face  350 ,  355  of each jaw is flush or substantially flush with, or at least substantially parallel to, the top face  120  of the plate  100 . This, however, is not required. 
     In some embodiments, each jaw  300 ,  305  has a jaw plate  325 ,  330  and a jaw flange  335 ,  340 . In such cases, each jaw flange  335 ,  340  preferably extends away from its respective jaw plate  325 ,  330  in a generally perpendicular manner. In more detail, the two jaw flanges  335 ,  340  can optionally define the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the bit breaker  310 . Thus, the jaw flanges  335 ,  340  can be exposed to (e.g., can bound) the pipe slot when the bit breaker is operatively assembled. In embodiments where the bit breaker has only a single jaw, the jaw can likewise have a flange that defines the working surface. Each jaw  300 ,  305 , and specifically the jaw plate  325 ,  330  of each jaw  300 ,  305 , can optionally have one or more apertures  345  formed therein. When provided, each such aperture  345  preferably is configured to receive a fastener  320  for mounting each jaw  300 ,  305  to a respective connection ledge  130 ,  135 . In some cases, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  and a respective connection ledge  130 ,  135  has a generally rectangular configuration. 
     In preferred embodiments, the plate  100  of the bit breaker  10  defines two fixed arms  140 ,  145  and a fixed base leg  150 . The pipe slot  105  is located between the two fixed arms  140 ,  145  of the plate  100 . In the illustrated embodiments, the two fixed arms  140 ,  145  project respectively from opposed ends  155 ,  160  of the fixed base leg  150 . The two fixed arms  140 ,  145  are non-adjustable in that relative positions of the two fixed arms  140 ,  145  and the fixed base leg  150  are fixed. Similarly, a width of the pipe slot  105  may be non-adjustable (e.g., in that the distance between the two fixed arms  140 ,  145  is fixed). Preferably, the plate  100  is a single body (e.g., formed of steel) that defines the fixed base leg and both of the fixed arms. 
     Thus, in preferred embodiments, the plate  100  comprises a single, generally flat body that entirely surrounds three sides  110 ,  112 ,  115  of the pipe slot  105 . However, it is also envisioned that in some embodiments, the plate  100  is formed by separate and distinct plate sections that can be coupled (e.g., welded) together. For example, three different bodies respectively defining the base leg and the two arms could be attached together to define the plate, or, two separate and distinct plate sections (each having the ability to accept one or more jaws) can be positioned in a spaced-apart relationship and mounted to a working surface  45  (e.g., a table  50 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the plate  100  can optionally have a recessed area  95  on its bottom face  125 . When provided, the recessed area  95  can be shaped to provide space for accommodating a head of a drill bit  65  (see  FIG. 17 ) or another upper portion of a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . As is perhaps best shown in  FIGS. 3 and 11 , the optional recessed area  95  on the bottom of the plate  100  can surround, or otherwise be adjacent to, the pipe slot  105 . It is to be appreciated that the present bit breaker is by no means required to have such a recessed area  95  in the bottom face of the plate. 
     Preferably, the pipe slot  105  (e.g., a front region thereof) tapers outwardly along its opposite sides  110 ,  105  in a direction extending away from the fixed base leg  150  (see  FIG. 7 ). This configuration facilitates readily sliding the bit breaker  10  into the flat-bottom grooves on the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . This gives the pipe slot an open mouth, e.g., having a width that is greater than the width of the rest of the pipe slot. As noted above, the jaws  300 ,  305  (e.g., front extents thereof) can optionally taper outwardly in the same manner (see  FIG. 4 ). 
     In some embodiments, the bit breaker  10  includes a locking mechanism  200  for securing the bit breaker  10  on a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  (and/or for securing the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  in the pipe slot  105 ). When provided, the locking mechanism  200  preferably comprises an adjustable arm  205  having a closed position  210  and an open position (see  FIG. 20 ). When the adjustable arm  205  is in its open position, the pipe slot has an open side. In such cases, the open side enables the bit breaker  10  to be mounted on a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint by moving the bit breaker laterally relative to the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint (and/or by moving the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint laterally relative to the bit breaker). For example, the bit breaker  10  can be mounted on the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  by aligning the bit breaker with a pair of flat bottom grooves  25  on the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint, and then sliding the bit breaker into those grooves. Furthermore, when the adjustable arm  205  is in its open position, the resulting open side of the pipe slot  105  enables the bit breaker to be removed from a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint by moving the bit breaker laterally relative to the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint (and/or by moving the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint laterally relative to the bit breaker). When the adjustable arm  205  is in its closed position  205 , the pipe slot  105  is surrounded about 360 degrees by the bit breaker  10 . In more detail, when the illustrated adjustable arm  205  is in its closed position  210 , two opposed ends  215 ,  220  of the adjustable arm  205  are mounted respectively to two free ends  147 ,  148  of the two fixed arms  140 ,  145 . In contrast, when the adjustable arm  205  is in its open position, the fourth side  118  of the illustrated pipe slot  105  is open. 
     A locking mechanism  200  can be useful, for example, when an operator initially positions the bit breaker on a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint (e.g., before the bit breaker is anchored to a table or other working surface). When provided, the locking mechanism  200  can optionally be attached to the plate  100  such that it can be removed from the plate  100  when desired. Additionally or alternatively, when the locking mechanism is provided, it can optionally be attached pivotally to the plate such that one end of the locking mechanism stays attached to the plate while the other end is pivoted away from the plate so as to open one side of the pipe slot. This is the case in the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-7, 9-15, 17, 20, 38-46, and 48-56 . 
     One or more fasteners  225 , such as welded pins (and/or bolts or other conventional fasteners), can be used to pivotally attach the locking mechanism  200  to the plate  100 . As is perhaps best appreciated with reference to  FIGS. 5, 13, 20, 42, 45, 52, and 55 , one end (e.g., the right end as seen in these figures) of the adjustable arm  205  can be attached pivotally to one fixed arm of the plate  100  while the other end (e.g., the left end as seen in these figures) of the adjustable arm is adapted to be attached releasably/temporarily to the other fixed arm of the plate. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 2 and 10  in view of  FIGS. 5, 13, and 20 , the right end of the illustrated adjustable arm  205  is mounted pivotally (i.e., so the arm is configured to pivot relative) to the plate  100  by a pin  225  having an enlarged base and a relatively narrow neck projecting away from the base. The base of the illustrated pin is received in a countersunk bore  1235  extending upwardly through the plate  100 , and a top region of the neck of the pin is welded to the right end of the adjustable arm. This pin is thus free to rotate in the countersunk bore  1235  and to move axially in that bore over a limited range, so as to enable the adjustable arm  205  to be lifted upwardly a bit relative to the plate  100 . The left end of the illustrated adjustable arm also has a pin  225  welded to it. The bottom end of that pin can be aligned with, and dropped into, a corresponding bore  1225  in the plate  100 . When it is desired to open the adjustable arm  205 , it can be raised up a bit relative to the plate  100  and pivoted (counterclockwise as seen in  FIGS. 2 and 10 ) relative to the plate. On the other hand, when it is desired to close the adjustable arm  205 , it can be raised up a bit relative to the plate and pivoted (clockwise as seen in  FIGS. 2  and  10 ) so that the pin  225  welded to its left end moves into alignment with bore  1225 . The adjustable arm can then be lowered relative to the plate, so that the pin  225  on the left end of the adjustable arm  205  drops into bore  1225 . These details, however, are by no means limiting. 
     The illustrated adjustable arm  205  is a single elongated body, although it could alternatively be formed by two or more separate segments. The illustrated arm  205  has a straight edge that bounds the pipe slot. If desired, the arm can alternatively have a curved (e.g., semicircular) edge that bounds the pipe slot. Thus, the pipe slot may have a generally ovular or generally egg-shaped configuration. In some cases, the adjustable arm comprises (e.g., is) a pivotal latch (i.e., a latch that is configured to pivot). Instead of an adjustable arm  205 , other locking mechanisms  200  can be used, such as a chain and hook or the like. Moreover, in certain embodiments, the bit breaker  10  is devoid of a locking mechanism  200  (see  FIGS. 8, 18A and 19A ). 
     In some embodiments, the jaws  300 ,  305  are rigid, stationary parts of the bit breaker  10  (see  FIGS. 1-8 ). In embodiments of this nature, when the bit breaker  10  is operatively assembled, the jaws  300 ,  305  are non-adjustable (i.e., not moveable relative to the plate). In such instances, the jaws  300 ,  305  do not move (at least not substantially) relative to the plate  10  when the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is rotated against the jaws. A single jaw of this nature may be provided in certain embodiments where the bit breaker has only one jaw. 
     In other embodiments, two jaws  300 ,  305  are moveable relative to the plate  100  (see  FIGS. 9-16C, 18A, 18B, 19A, 21-24, 26-28, 31-36, 38-42, 45-52, and 55-57C ). In some cases, the two jaws  300 ,  305  are configured to move generally toward each other (so as to narrow a width of the pipe slot  105 ) and/or to pivot or otherwise rotate relative to the plate  100 . For example, the two jaws  300 ,  305  in some cases may be configured to move (generally toward each other and/or by pivoting or otherwise rotating) in response to the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  rotating in the pipe slot  105  against the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws  300 ,  305 . In embodiments of this nature, the jaws  300 ,  305  preferably are self-adjusting in that when the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is rotated and the flat-bottom grooves  25  contact the jaws  300 ,  305 , the jaws move in response so as to engage (or move more firmly and/or more extensively against) the flat bottoms  40  of the flat-bottom grooves  25 . Preferably, this self-adjustment results in the working surfaces of the jaws contacting the flat bottoms of the two flat-bottom grooves along a longer extent than was the case prior to the self-adjustment. A single moveable jaw of this nature may be provided in certain embodiments where the bit breaker has only one jaw. Moreover, if desired, the bit breaker can have two jaws of different shapes and/or types, e.g., one that is replaceable but not moveable relative to the plate when the bit breaker is operatively assembled, and another that is moveable relative to the plate when the bit breaker is operatively assembled.  FIGS. 33 and 34  show one embodiment wherein one of two movable jaws on the plate is shaped differently than the other. 
     Thus, as noted above, although two jaws  300 ,  305  are described in various sections of the present disclosure, a single jaw can alternatively be provided. In such cases, the single jaw comes into contact with a flat bottom  40  of one of the flat-bottom grooves  25  during operation. 
     In some embodiments where at least one jaw is movable relative to the plate, each such jaw can optionally have a first geometric camming structure  600  carried alongside an adjacent second geometric camming structure  605 , which is defined by one of the two fixed arms  140 ,  145  of the plate  100 . In such cases, the second geometric camming structure  605  preferably is defined by a connection ledge  130 ,  135 . When provided, the first geometric camming structure  600  can have a shape configured to cam with the adjacent second geometric camming structure  605 . In some cases, the first geometric camming structure  600  comprises a series of angled first teeth  610 , and the second geometric camming structure  605  comprises a series of angled second teeth  615 . In such cases, the series of angled first teeth  610  is positioned to cam with (e.g., is carried alongside) the adjacent series of angled second teeth  615 . 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 9-16 and 18A-20 , each jaw  300 ,  305  is configured to move along an axis defined by the interface angle of the angled first  610  and second  615  teeth. The resulting camming action forces the jaws  300 ,  305  to move toward (or more firmly and/or more extensively against) the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 , e.g., such that the jaws  300 ,  305  tighten on the flat bottoms  40  of the flat-bottom grooves  25 . Although angled camming teeth are shown in  FIGS. 9-16 and 18A-20 , a variety of other camming structures can be used (e.g., different teeth angles or various cam surface curvatures). Moreover, the jaw or jaws can be configured to move relative to the plate by various means; camming teeth or other camming structures are not required. 
     In some of the illustrated movable-jaw embodiments, the jaws  300 ,  305  have apertures  345  for mounting the jaws  300 ,  305  to the connection ledges  130 ,  135 . In  FIGS. 9-16  and  18 A- 20 , the illustrated apertures  345  are elongated (e.g., oblong or slot-like) so that fasteners  320  can move within the apertures  345  to permit the noted camming movement of the jaws  300 ,  305 . Here, the elongated apertures  345  serve as tracks that provide the jaws with a limited range of freedom to move relative to the plate  100 . The fasteners  320  can optionally comprise pins welded to, or bolts (e.g., shoulder bolts) threaded into, the connection ledges and having enlarged heads that prevent the jaws from coming off the fasteners  320 . In embodiments where the bit breaker has only one moveable jaw, the jaw can optionally have any of the features described in this paragraph. 
     While each moveable jaw in  FIGS. 9-16 and 18A-20  is shown as being mounted to the plate by two fasteners  320 , the number of fasteners used is not limiting. In certain preferred embodiments, the (or each) moveable jaw has only one fastener  320  connecting it to the plate. This can be appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 21-36 . Moreover, in some embodiments, each moveable jaw is devoid of fasteners, or at least devoid of fasteners that extend through the jaw and are received in the plate. This can be appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 38-47C and 48-57C . 
     Thus, in certain embodiments, the bit breaker  10  has one or more jaws  300 ,  305  that are moveable relative to the plate  100  in a non-orthogonal manner. In some embodiments of this nature, when each jaw moves further into the pipe slot  105 , it moves along an acute angle relative to a longitudinal axis LA of the bit breaker  10  (see  FIG. 10 ). That acute angle may be less than 60 degrees, e.g., in the range of from 5-55 degrees, such as about 45 degrees. The longitudinal axis LA is parallel to the illustrated working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the jaws  300 ,  305 . In embodiments of this nature, the two jaws  300 ,  305  can optionally be configured to move closer to each other (e.g., so as to shorten the width of the pipe slot  105  between them) without moving straight toward each other. For example, the two jaws may be configured to move respectively along two axes that are parallel to each other and offset from the longitudinal axis by an acute angle. 
     If desired, the two jaws  300 ,  305  can each be configured to (e.g., mounted so as to) pivot or otherwise rotate relative to the plate  100 . In some embodiments of this nature, each such jaw is configured to rotate (optionally by no more than 10 degrees, or no more than 5 degrees) when it moves so as to seat against a flat bottom of a corresponding flat-bottom groove of a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . As just two non-limiting examples, reference is made to  FIGS. 43-44 and 46 , and  FIGS. 53-54 and 56 . Thus, in embodiments that include one or more moveable jaws, each such jaw can optionally have a limited range of motion relative to the plate. 
     In some embodiments, a separate source of force is provided to assist in moving the jaw or jaws  300 ,  305  of the bit breaker  10 . For example, at least one biasing member  360  (e.g., a spring) can optionally be provided for each jaw  300 ,  305  such that each jaw is under constant bias toward an engage position and/or toward the pipe slot  105  (see  FIGS. 18A and 18B ). The resulting bias can push, or help push, the moveable jaw or jaws  300 ,  305  against (or more firmly and/or fully against) the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . When provided, each biasing member  360  can optionally be mounted in a bore recessed into the plate  100  of the bit breaker  10 . When provided, the biasing members  360  can optionally be present on the bit breaker  10  in combination with a jaw camming structure of the nature described above or in combination with the jaw or jaws being pivotable relative to the plate. 
     In preferred embodiments, the bit breaker  10  is devoid of a manual or powered actuator configured to move any jaw  300 ,  305  of the bit breaker, or is at least devoid of any such actuator configured to move either or both jaws relative to the plate  100 . This can optionally be the case for any embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, the bit breaker  10  preferably does not have a lever or a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator configured to move either or both of the two illustrated jaws  300 ,  305  relative to the plate  100 . Thus, the bit breaker  10  preferably is devoid of any hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder configured to move either jaw or both jaws, or is at least devoid of any hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder configured to move either or both jaws relative to the plate  100 . 
     The bit breaker  10  can optionally have one or more handles  400 . When provided, the handles  400  can project outwardly from the plate  100 , such as from its top planar surface  120 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In embodiments of this nature, the plate  100  can optionally include a recessed area  405  below each of the handles  400  to facilitate grasping the handles  400  and carrying the bit breaker  10 . Alternatively, the handles can be defined by recesses (e.g., channels) formed in the sides and/or bottom of the plate  100  and sized to facilitate manual handling of the bit breaker  10 . Moreover, the bit breaker can alternatively have no handles. Preferably, the bit breaker  10  has two handles  400 , although a single handle  400  or more than two handles  400  can be provided. In preferred embodiments, the two handles  400  are respectively located adjacent (e.g., alongside) two jaws  300 ,  305 . For example, two jaws  300 ,  305  can be located between the two handles  400 . Preferably, each of the two handles  400  is elongated in a direction that is at least generally parallel to two axes along which the two jaws  300 ,  305  are respectively elongated. 
     When provided, the two handles  400  can optionally be mounted to the plate  100  so as to have a limited degree of freedom to move upwardly and downwardly relative to the plate. In such cases, the handles  400 , when grasped by an operator who wishes to pick up the bit breaker, can slide a certain distance upwardly relative to the plate so as to provide clearance for the operator&#39;s hands between the handles and the plate. This can advantageously allow the operator to comfortably grab the handles when lifting the bit breaker. 
     When provided, the handles can be mounted to the plate using various conventional fasteners, such as bolts. If desired, the handles can be welded in fixed positions on the plate. In some embodiments, each end of each handle  400  is attached (e.g., welded) to a head  1405  having a larger diameter than the handle, and each handle end and the head  1405  attached thereto is received in a countersunk bore  1410  extending upwardly through the plate  10 . This is best appreciated with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 13 . These details, however, are by no means required. In some cases, the handles are provided by two recessed areas. each formed in the bottom and a side of the generally flat plate (e.g., such that the plate has two recessed areas, on opposite sides of the plate, where the plate has reduced thickness). 
     The plate  100  preferably comprises (e.g., consists essentially of, or consists of) metal, such as steel. Similarly, the (or each) jaw  300 ,  305  preferably comprises (e.g., consists essentially of, or consists of) metal, such as steel. The bushings  510 , jaw(s)  300 ,  305 , and/or plate  100  can optionally include a surface coating to improve wearability. Preferably, the plate  100  and the jaw(s)  300 ,  305  are formed of steel, although other metals or certain non-metal materials (e.g., ceramic or a desired composite) can be used. 
     In certain embodiments, the jaw or jaws  300 ,  305  are formed of a softer material (optionally a softer metal) than the plate  100 . In some cases, both the plate and the jaw or jaws are formed of metal, and the jaw or jaws are formed of a softer metal than the plate. The jaw or jaws, for example, can be formed of a first type of steel, while the plate is formed of a second type of steel, with the first type of steel being softer than the second type of steel. In some cases, carbon steel may be used for the jaw(s) while abrasion resistant (“AR”) carbon steel is used for the plate. If desired, the jaw or jaws may be formed of a polymer or composite material, such as a metal-polymer composite, while the plate is formed of metal, e.g., steel. 
     In other embodiments, the jaw or jaws  300 ,  305  are formed of a harder material (optionally a harder metal) than the plate  100 . In some cases, both the plate and the jaw or jaws are formed of metal, and the jaw or jaws are formed of a harder metal than the plate. The jaw or jaws, for example, can be formed of a first type of steel, while the plate is formed of a second type of steel, with the first type of steel being harder than the second type of steel. In other cases, the plate and the jaws are formed of the same type of steel, but the jaws are hardened whereas the plate is not. Alternatively, the plate and the jaw or jaws can be formed of the same material, e.g., so as to have the same hardness. In some embodiments of this nature, the plate and the jaw(s) are each formed of the same A514 steel (e.g., ASTM A514-T1). 
     In the embodiments illustrated, a perimeter  170  of the plate  100  defines an exterior shape of the bit breaker  10 . As shown in the drawings, the bit breaker  10  can optionally have a generally square exterior shape. Reference is made to the non-limiting embodiments of  FIGS. 38 and 48 . However, it should be noted that the bit breaker  10  can have various other exterior shapes and is not limited to the square exterior shape shown in the drawings. In some cases, the bit breaker is generally flat (e.g., plate-like), rather than being configured as a box, cage, or housing. 
     The illustrated bit breaker  10 , and more specifically the illustrated plate  100 , has four corners  175 ,  180 ,  185 ,  190 . Each corner  175 ,  180 ,  185 ,  190  of the illustrated bit breaker  10  has a pin-locator hole  500  formed therein (or adjacent thereto). In such cases, each pin-locator hole  500  is configured to receive a respective pin for mounting the plate  100  to a working surface  45  (see  FIG. 17 ). When the bit breaker  10  is mounted operatively on the working surface  45 , the pins orient the bit breaker  10  in a desired, fixed position. If desired, the bit breaker  10  when so mounted may lie in a generally horizontal plane. This is the case in  FIG. 17 . As illustrated, the working surface  45  can optionally be defined by a mounting table or another mounting structure. The pins can project upwardly from the working surface  45 . Additionally or alternatively, the working surface  45  can include threaded bores configured to respectively receive the pins therein. 
     While the illustrated bit breakers  10  each have four pin-locator holes  500  located in four corners of the plate  10 , there can alternatively be more or fewer pin-located holes. More generally, the bit breaker may have two or more pin-locator holes positioned at various different locations on the plate. Furthermore, it is possible to eliminate the pin-locator holes from the plate, and instead provide other means on the mounting table to secure the bit locator in a stationary position. 
     The plate of a conventional plate bit breaker has four pin-location holes to receive four pins that anchor the bit breaker to a mounting table. With conventional bit breaker designs of that type, rotation of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  generates force on the pins in the pin-locator holes  500 . Eventually, this can cause the pin-locator holes  500  to become oblong or otherwise enlarged. That can result in the bit breaker no longer being stably mountable in a stationary position on the mounting table. Eventually, such deformation may cause the plate to be discarded. 
     In certain embodiments, the present disclosure overcomes this problem by providing replaceable bushings  510  that are mounted removably in respective pin-locator holes  500  (see  FIGS. 19A and 19B ). In such embodiments, when the replaceable bushings  510  become worn, they can simply be removed from the pin-locator holes  500  and thereafter replaced with new bushings  510 . This enables continued use of bit breaker  10  even after the bushings  510  have become worn or damaged. The bushings  510  can optionally be secured in the pin-locator holes  500  by a compression fit, a geometrical fit, and/or a mechanical fastener. Each bushing  510  can optionally be received in its respective pin-locator hole  500  such that a top  515  of the bushing  510  is substantially flush with, or at least substantially parallel to, the top face  120  of the plate  100 . The removable nature of the bushings  510  also allows the size of the bushings  510  to be changed so as to accommodate pins of different sizes. 
     When provided, the replaceable bushings  510  can optionally be formed of a different material than the plate  100 . For example, they may be formed of a softer material than the plate  100 . In some cases, both the plate  100  and the replaceable bushings  510  are formed of metal, and the replaceable bushings are formed of a softer metal than the plate. In some cases, the replaceable bushings are formed of brass, while the plate is formed of steel. In other cases, the replaceable bushings are formed of a first type of steel, while the plate is formed of a second type of steel, with the first type of steel being softer than the second type of steel. If desired, the replaceable bushings may be formed of a polymer or composite material, such as a metal-polymer composite, while the plate is formed of metal, e.g., steel. 
     In other embodiments, the replaceable bushings  510  are formed of a harder material (optionally a harder metal) than the plate  100 . In some cases, both the plate and the bushings are formed of metal, and the bushings are formed of a harder metal than the plate. The bushings, for example, can be formed of a first type of steel, while the plate is formed of a second type of steel, with the first type of steel being harder than the second type of steel. In other cases, the plate and the bushings are formed of the same type of steel, but the bushings are hardened whereas the plate is not. Alternatively, the plate and the bushings can be formed of the same material, e.g., so as to have the same hardness. 
     While the illustrated plate  100  has four pin-locator holes  500 , there can be fewer (e.g., two or three) or there can be more (e.g., five or more). Furthermore, in the present embodiments, two or more pin-locator holes, each equipped with a removable bushing, can be provided at various different locations on the plate. 
     In some embodiments, the jaw or jaws  300 ,  305  and/or the optional bushings  510  have a coating, such as an anti-galling coating. In such cases, the plate can optionally be devoid of such a coating (e.g., the plate can optionally be uncoated). As one example, a coating comprising a phosphate, such as manganese phosphate, can be provided. Coatings of this nature can be applied by well-known processes, or can be purchased commercially from various coating providers, such as Metal Coatings Corp. of Houston, Tex., USA. 
     In certain embodiments, the invention provides an assembly  60  of a bit breaker  10  and a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . In the present assembly, the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is received in the pipe slot  105  of the bit breaker  10 . Reference is made to  FIG. 17 . In the present assembly, the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is of the type described above, i.e., where two crosswise flat-bottom grooves  25  are located on opposite sides  30 ,  35  of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . The two removable jaws of the bit breaker are received respectively in two flat-bottom grooves of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint, e.g., such that the two working surfaces of the two jaws are generally parallel to, and bear respectively against, the two flat bottoms of the two flat-bottom grooves. 
     In the present assembly, the two jaws  300 ,  305  preferably are the only portions of the bit breaker  10  that are in contact with the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . It is to be appreciated, however, that this is by no means limiting to the invention. For example, a surface of the plate  100  bounding the rear of the pipe slot  105  may contact the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  in some cases. 
     In some cases, the working surfaces  310 ,  315  of two jaws  300 ,  305  contact the two flat bottoms  40  of the two flat-bottom grooves  25  along more than 10% of the length thereof, such as more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 50%, or even more 75% of the length thereof. In some cases, the percentage of contact is 90% or more, or even 100% (or at least about 100%). Here, the specified percentage of contact refers to the length of a flat-bottom groove and the segment (or portion) of that length that is contacted by one or more areas of the working surface of a respective jaw of the bit breaker. Arrangements of this nature advantageously result in force from the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  being distributed over a greater length of the jaws  300 ,  305  (i.e., over a greater area of the working surface of each jaw). It is to be appreciated, however, that the percentages of contact noted in this paragraph, while preferred, are not required. 
     If a working surface has a series of teeth that each come to a point, and those teeth contact the flat-bottom groove at points that are spaced-apart along the entire length of the flat-bottom groove, the percentage of contact is to be considered 100%, even though there will be areas between each pair of adjacent teeth that do not provide contact. The same is true if recesses are formed in the working surface of a jaw. 
     In some cases, the working surfaces  310 ,  315  of two jaws  300 ,  305  contact the two flat bottoms  40  of the two flat-bottom grooves  25  along up to 50% of the length thereof. In other cases, the working surfaces  310 ,  315  of two jaws  300 ,  305  contact the two flat bottoms  40  of the two flat-bottom grooves  25  along more than 50% of the length thereof. 
     Further, certain embodiments of the invention provide a threaded joint between an upper component (e.g., an upper length of a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint) and a lower component (e.g., a lower length of a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint). In the present embodiments, the lower component has two flat-bottom grooves in which two removable jaws of the bit breaker preferably are received respectively. The lower component preferably is received in the pipe slot of the bit breaker, e.g., such that the two working surfaces of the two jaws are generally parallel to, and bear respectively against, the two flat bottoms of the two flat-bottom grooves in the lower component. 
     To loosen the present joint, the upper component is rotated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), while the bit breaker prevents the lower component from rotating substantially in the first direction (e.g., holds the lower component stationary). To make the present joint, the upper component is rotated in a second direction (e.g., clockwise), while the bit breaker prevents the lower component from rotating substantially in the second direction (e.g., holds the lower component stationary). In such cases, the percentages of contact noted above preferably occur. The invention also extends to such methods of making, and loosening, the present joint in the manner described above. These methods can involve using a bit breaker in accordance with any embodiment described herein. 
     Thus, some of the embodiments described above provide a bit breaker having at least one jaw configured to move relative to the plate. 
     One group of embodiments provides a bit breaker  10  comprising a plate  100  (e.g., a generally or substantially flat plate) that bounds a pipe slot  105 . In the present embodiment group, the bit breaker  10  has two jaws  300 ,  305  that define two working surfaces  310 ,  315  located on opposite sides of the pipe slot  105 . The two jaws  300 ,  305  are configured to move relative to the plate  100 . Preferably, the two jaws  300 ,  305  are configured to move relative to the plate  100  in response to a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  rotating in the pipe slot  105  against the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws. In more detail, the two jaws  300 ,  305  preferably are configured to move relative to the plate  100  in response to the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  rotating in the pipe slot  105  such that flat bottoms of two flat-bottom grooves of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  bear respectively against the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws. 
     Preferably, the bit breaker  10  is devoid of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator configured to move either of the two jaws  300 ,  305 , or at least is devoid of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator configured to move (e.g., pivot or otherwise rotate) either of the two jaws  300 ,  305  relative to the plate  100 . 
     In the present group of embodiments, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  preferably has an engage position and a release position. Each jaw is positioned (e.g., oriented) differently when in the engage position than when in the release position. This is perhaps best appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 24 and 25 .  FIG. 24  shows each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  in a release position, whereas  FIG. 25  shows each of the two jaws in an engage position. 
     In the present embodiment group, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  is moveable (e.g., relative to the plate  100 ) between the release position and the engage position. The jaws can optionally be rotatable between the release position and the engage position. This can be appreciated by comparing  FIGS. 24 and 25 . This can also be appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 43, 44, and 46 , as well as  FIGS. 53, 54, and 56 . 
     Preferably, when each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  is in the release position, a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  can move freely, to some extent (e.g., along axis LA), within the pipe slot  105  of the bit breaker  10  (e.g., by virtue of moving the bit breaker laterally relative the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint). Reference is made to  FIGS. 23 and 24 . When the jaws  300 ,  305  are each in the engage position, the working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws  300 ,  305  are positioned to engage or they are engaged with (i.e., are positioned to contact or are in contact with, such as by embracing opposite sides of) a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  that is located in the pipe slot  105  of the bit breaker. As two non-limiting examples, reference is made to  FIGS. 46 and 56 . Preferably, when the jaws  300 ,  305  are in the engage position, their working surfaces  310 ,  315  are positioned to provide (or they provide) a percentage of contact within any one or more of the ranges noted above. 
     If desired, the two jaws  300 ,  305  can each be configured (e.g., mounted on the plate so as) to pivot or otherwise rotate relative to the plate  100 . In some embodiments of this nature, each jaw is configured to rotate (optionally by no more than 10 degrees, such as no more than 5 degrees, or even less than 3 degrees) when it moves from the release position to the engage position and vice versa. In embodiments where the jaws  300 ,  305  are pivotable or otherwise rotatable, they preferably are free rotate (e.g., relative to the plate) independently of each other. In some embodiments, each jaw  300 ,  305  is configured to move between the release and engage positions through a rocking motion (e.g., rocking against and/or relative to the plate). In such embodiments, the rocking motion includes rotation of the jaw relative to the plate. 
     In the present embodiment group, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  can optionally be pivotal between the engage position and the release position. Thus, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 24 and 25 , each jaw  300 ,  305  is mounted pivotally to the plate  100 , e.g., so as to have a limited range of freedom to pivot relative to the plate. This range of freedom to pivot can optionally be no more than 10 degrees, such as no more than 5 degrees, or even less than 3 degrees. 
     In some embodiments of the present group, the two jaws  300 ,  305  respectively have two pivot points P that are directly aligned, and/or directionally aligned, with each other across the pipe slot  105 . In this context, by saying “directly aligned” we mean that an imaginary straight line extending laterally (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA) across the bit breaker starting from the pivot point P of one of the two jaws will at least pass through some portion of the pin or other fastener  320  defining the pivot point P of the other of the two jaws. Preferably, the imaginary straight line will pass through both pivot points P. By saying “directionally aligned,” we mean the pivot points P of the two jaws  300 ,  305  are either perfectly aligned with each other (i.e., both lie on the same axis extending laterally across the bit breaker) or offset from being perfectly aligned with each other by no more than ½ inch. 
     As will be appreciated, in some assemblies that will be present during use, the bit breaker  10  will be positioned such that a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is received in the pipe slot  105  of the bit breaker. One non-limiting example of a bit breaker  10  so positioned is shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . As will be appreciated, the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is has a longitudinal axis A. In some cases, the two jaws  300 ,  305  are engaged with (e.g., embrace) the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  such that the longitudinal axis A of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is directly aligned with pivot points P of both jaws. In this context, by saying “directly aligned,” we mean that an imaginary straight line passing through the longitudinal axis A of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  and extending laterally across the bit breaker will at least pass through some portion of each of the two pins or other fasteners  320  respectively defining the pivot points P of the two jaws. Preferably, the imaginary straight line will actually pass through the pivot points P of the two jaws  300 ,  305 . 
     In some of the present embodiments, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  has a pivot point P comprising and/or defined by a pin or other fastener  320  extending from one of the two jaws to the plate  100  and received in a bore so as to be rotatable therein. In such cases, the pin or other fastener  320  can optionally be restrained against axial movement, or at least against substantial axial movement. Preferably, each pin or other fastener  320  is mounted to the plate  100  and connected to a respective jaw  300 ,  305  so that the jaw is prevented from being removed from the plate, at least without disassembling or breaking the jaw subassembly. 
     Thus, in certain embodiments, each jaw subassembly comprises one of the two jaws  300 ,  305  and a corresponding pin or other fastener  320 . Note that in some embodiments, each jaw subassembly is devoid of any pin or other fastener extending through the jaw. In some cases, each jaw subassembly can optionally include a spring clip or other anchor SC configured to retain the jaw on the plate  100  while providing the jaw with at least a limited range of freedom to rotate relative to the plate. When provided, the spring clip or other anchor SC preferably is configured to be removed and reassembled from/onto the plate repeatedly. In some cases, the bit breaker  10  includes (e.g., optionally has only) two jaw subassemblies, which are mounted to the plate  100  on opposite sides of the pipe slot  105 . 
     In certain embodiments of the present group, the engage position and the release position are separated by less than 0.5 inch. In some cases, the engage position and the release position are separated by a distance in a range of 0.1-0.26 inch, such as about 0.18 inch. By saying the engage position and the release position are separated by a certain distance, we refer to the displacement of the point or points on each jaw where the maximum displacement occurs when the jaw is moved from the release position to the engage position and vice versa. It is to be appreciated that the ranges noted in this paragraph are by no means required. For example, the extent to which the engage and release positions are separated can be varied, such as to accommodate different dimensions and designs of the bit breaker and the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. For any embodiment involving one or more moveable jaws, however, the engage position and the release position can optionally be separated by a distance in any one or more of the ranges (e.g., both ranges) noted in this paragraph. 
     In some cases, the working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws  300 ,  305  are parallel (or at least generally or substantially parallel) to each other when either both jaws are in the release position or both jaws are in the engage position. This can optionally be the case in any embodiment of the present disclosure that involves moveable jaws. Certain non-limiting examples are shown in  FIGS. 24, 25, 46, and 56 . 
     Preferably, the plate  100  includes two front regions  100 FR that bound a mouth of the pipe slot  105 . This can be appreciated, for example, by referring to  FIG. 22 . Here, the two front regions  100 FR of the plate  100  define two confronting mouth surfaces  100 MS. Preferably, one or each of the two confronting mouth surfaces  100 MS is more flush and/or more continuous with the adjacent jaw working surface  310 ,  315  when the jaws are in the release position than when the jaws are in the engage position. Reference is made to  FIGS. 24 and 25 . 
     In the present group of embodiments, the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws  300 ,  305  preferably are each devoid of any concave (e.g., semicircular) recess configured to receive a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . In more detail, each of the working surfaces  310 ,  315  preferably is elongated along (and optionally flush with) a line that is straight or at least substantially straight. This can optionally be the case for more than 50% (or even more than 75%) of the length of each working surface  310 ,  315 . Thus, the two jaws  300 ,  305  preferably do not have (i.e., are devoid of) arcuate configurations that match an outside (or “outer”) radius of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. 
     In some embodiments of the present group, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  has a bearing surface BSA that is engaged with (e.g., is in contact with) a corresponding mating surface MSA of the plate  100  when the two jaws are in the engage position. Reference is made to  FIG. 25 . The bearing surface BSA of each jaw  300 ,  305  can optionally comprise a shoulder SH configured to bear against a valley VA of the corresponding mating surface MSA of the plate  100 . In certain embodiments, the bearing surface BSA of one or each jaw comprises two shoulders SH configured to bear against two respective valleys VA of the corresponding mating surface MSA of the plate  100 . This is perhaps best appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 23-26, 43-44 , and  53 - 54 . 
     In some cases, the bearing surface BSA of one or each jaw has a serpentine configuration. In such cases, the corresponding mating surface(s) MSA of the plate preferably has a complimentary serpentine configuration. Additionally or alternatively, the bearing surface BSA of one or each jaw can have a zig zag-shaped or stair-like (e.g., “step-like”) configuration. In such cases, the corresponding mating surface(s) MSA of the plate preferably has a complimentary zig zag-shaped or stair-like (e.g., step-like) configuration. 
     As noted above, the bit breaker  10  can be positioned such that a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is received in the pipe slot  105  of the bit breaker. In such cases, the two jaws  300 ,  305  preferably can be engaged with the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  such that each of the two jaws is in the engage position and has its working surface  310 ,  315  in contact with a flat bottom surface  40  of a crosswise groove  25  formed in the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint over a first contact surface area. In embodiments of this nature, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  preferably has a bearing surface BSA that is engaged with (e.g., is in contact with) a corresponding mating surface MSA of the plate  10  over a second contact surface area. In such cases, the second contact surface area can optionally be equal to or greater than the first contact surface area. For example, the second contact surface area can optionally be greater than (e.g., at least 10% greater than, at least 20% greater than, or at least 25% greater than) the first contact surface area. 
     The illustrated bearing surfaces BSA and the corresponding mating surfaces MSA of the plate  100  are perpendicular to the top face  120  of the plate  100 . If desired, however, these surfaces can be provided at various non-perpendicular angles. Providing such corresponding angles and/or other more complex corresponding geometries can increase the contact surface area between such bearing surfaces BSA and the corresponding mating surfaces MSA. 
     In the present embodiment group, the plate  100  can optionally be formed of a different material than the two jaws  300 ,  305 . For example, the two jaws may be formed of a softer material than the plate. In some cases, both the plate and the jaws are formed of metal, and the jaws are formed of a softer metal than the plate. The jaws, for example, can be formed of a first type of steel, while the plate is formed of a second type of steel, with the first type of steel being softer than the second type of steel. If desired, the jaws may be formed of a polymer or composite material, such as a metal-polymer composite, while the plate is formed of metal, e.g., steel. 
     In other cases, the jaws  300 ,  305  are formed of a harder material (optionally a harder metal) than the plate  100 . This can optionally be in combination with the above-noted second contact surface area being greater than (e.g., at least 10% greater than, at least 20% greater than, or at least 25% greater than) the above-noted first contact surface area. If desired, both the plate and the jaws can be formed of metal, and the jaws are formed of a harder metal than the plate. The jaws, for example, can be formed of a first type of steel, while the plate is formed of a second type of steel, with the first type of steel being harder than the second type of steel. In still other cases, the plate and the jaws are formed of the same type of steel, but the jaws are hardened whereas the plate is not. Alternatively, the plate and the jaws can be formed of the same material, e.g., so as to have the same hardness. 
     In some embodiments of the present group, the jaws  300 ,  305  and/or the optional bushings  510  have a coating, such as an anti-galling coating. In such cases, the plate  100  can optionally be devoid of such a coating (e.g., the plate can optionally be uncoated). As one example, a coating comprising a phosphate, such as manganese phosphate, can be provided. 
     Coatings of this nature can be applied by well-known processes, or can be purchased commercially from various coating providers, such as Metal Coatings Corp. of Houston, Tex., USA. 
     The bit breaker  10  of the present embodiment group can optionally further include an adjustable arm  205  having a closed position and an open position. When the adjustable arm  205  is in its closed position, the pipe slot  105  is surrounded about 360 degrees by the bit breaker. When the adjustable arm  205  is in its open position, the pipe slot  105  has an open side that enables the bit breaker to be removed from a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  received in the pipe slot by moving the bit breaker laterally relative to (e.g., apart from) the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. In some cases, the plate  100  comprises a single, generally flat body that entirely surrounds three sides of the pipe slot  105 , and when the adjustable arm  205  is in its closed position the adjustable arm bounds the pipe slot on a fourth side thereof. 
     In the present group of embodiments, the plate  100  preferably defines two fixed arms  140 ,  145  and a fixed base leg  150 . In more detail, the two fixed arms  140 ,  145  preferably project respectively from opposed ends of the fixed base leg  150 . In such cases, the plate  100  may have a generally U-shaped configuration. The two fixed arms  140 ,  145  can have two respective free ends to which two opposed ends of the optional adjustable arm  105  are respectively mounted when the adjustable arm is in its closed position. 
     In some of the present embodiments, the two jaws  300 ,  305  are mounted respectively to two fixed arms  140 ,  145  of the plate  100 , and the two fixed arms are non-adjustable such that relative positions of the two fixed arms and a fixed base leg are fixed. In such cases, the pipe slot  105  preferably has a width that is non-adjustable in that a distance between the two fixed arms  140 ,  145  is fixed. 
     In the embodiments illustrated, the bit breaker  10  has four corners, each of the corners preferably has a pin-locator hole  500  formed therein, and four replaceable bushings  510  preferably are mounted removably in the four respective pin-locator holes. In such embodiments, when the replaceable bushings  510  become worn, they can simply be removed from the pin-locator holes  500  and thereafter replaced with new bushings  510 . This enables continued use of the bit breaker  10  even after the bushings  510  have become worn or damaged. The bushings  510  can optionally be secured in the pin-locator holes  500  by a compression fit, a geometrical fit, and/or a mechanical fastener. Each bushing  510  can optionally be received in its respective pin-locator hole  500  such that a top  515  of the bushing  510  is substantially flush with, or at least substantially parallel to, the top face  120  of the plate  100 . The removable nature of the bushings  510  may allow the size of the bushings to be changed to accommodate pins of different sizes. 
     While four bushings are illustrated, the bit breaker can take different forms and can thus be provided with a different number of bushings. Moreover, it is by no means required that the bit breaker be provided with any replaceable bushings whatsoever. 
     In any embodiment of the present disclosure, the bit breaker  10  can optionally have a debris management structure. When provided, the debris management structure preferably includes one or more (e.g., a plurality of) channels CH formed in the plate  100 . When provided, one or more such channels may extend beneath each of the two jaws  300 ,  305 . This is perhaps best appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 23, 24, 25, 43, 44, 53, and 54 . In some cases, beneath each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  there is at least one such channel CH. In addition, alongside at least one (optionally alongside each) of the two jaws there can optionally be at least one other channel CH of the plurality of channels. When provided, this side channel (or these side channels) can optionally be fully exposed (e.g., not concealed beneath a jaw), at least when the jaws are in the release position. Reference is made to  FIG. 23 . In some cases, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  has one or more (e.g., at least two) channels CH that are each located in part beneath the jaw while another part of each such channel extends beyond the jaw (so as to be exposed). This is best appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 23-25 . 
     In embodiments where the bit breaker  10  has a debris management structure, this structure may be defined, at least in part, by two optional connection ledges  130 ,  135  of the plate  100 . In some cases, one or more (e.g., at least two, or at least three) channels CH are formed in each such connection ledge. Thus, the channels CH can optionally all be provided at locations spaced from (e.g., below) the top face  120  of the plate  100 . 
       FIG. 26  shows the bit breaker of  FIGS. 21-25  with the jaws  300 ,  305  removed. In this particular non-limiting arrangement of a debris management structure, three channels CH are provided in each connection ledge  130 ,  135 . This exemplifies embodiments wherein the debris management structure has one or more channels with a curved or angled configuration and one or more channels with a straight configuration. Alternatively, all the channels can be straight, or all the channels can be curved, angled, or both. 
     When provided, one or more channels (e.g., each channel) CH of the optional debris management structure can be open to the pipe slot  105 . Additionally or alternatively, one or more channels (e.g., each channel) CH of the optional debris management structure can be open to a handle recess  405 , which when provided may open through a lateral side of the plate. The debris management structure can include, for example, two or more (three or more, four or more, or even five or more) channels CH that each extend from the pipe slot  105 , beneath a respective one of the two jaws  300 ,  305 , and to a handle recess  405  or a lateral side of the plate  100 . It is to be appreciated, however, that the debris management system and any channels thereof can take a variety of different forms. 
     In cases where channels CH are provided, one or more (e.g., each) such channels can optionally open all the way through the plate. Alternatively, the plate can optionally have one or more channels that are each open to one or more holes passing entirely through the plate. In other cases where channels are provided, no such drainage channel or drainage hole passes entirely through the plate. 
     When provided, the optional channel or channels CH can be configured to facilitate removing dirt, sand, and the like from between the jaws  300 ,  305  and the plate  100 . This may be accomplished, for example, by spraying the bit breaker  10  with a hose such that dirt, sand, and the like between the jaws  300 ,  305  and the plate  100  are removed by a stream of water flowing through the channel or channels CH. 
       FIGS. 30 and 31  show the details of one non-limiting jaw design. Here, the jaw  300  comprises both a jaw plate  325  and a jaw flange  335 . In such cases, each jaw flange  335 ,  340  may extend away from its respective jaw plate  325 ,  330 , optionally in a generally perpendicular manner. Preferably, the jaw flange  335  has a greater thickness than the jaw plate  325 . In  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the two jaw flanges  335 ,  340  define the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the bit breaker  310 . Thus, the illustrated jaw flanges  335 ,  340  are exposed to (e.g., bound) the pipe slot  105  when the bit breaker  10  is operatively assembled. 
     In some of the jaw designs disclosed herein, each jaw comprises a single body that defines both a jaw plate  325 ,  330  and a jaw flange  335 ,  340 . In such cases, the jaw plate and jaw flange can optionally be of the nature described above. 
     In embodiments where each jaw comprises a jaw flange, the jaw flange can optionally define the bearing surface BSA of the jaw. This can be appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 30 and 31 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the illustrated jaw  300 , and specifically the jaw plate  325  of the illustrated jaw, has one or more apertures  345  formed therein. When provided, each aperture  345  preferably is configured to receive a pin or other fastener  320  for mounting the jaw  300  to a respective connection ledge  130 . This can optionally be the case for each jaw  300 ,  305 . In  FIG. 31 , the illustrated pin  320  has been welded in the above-noted jaw aperture  345 . This, however, is not required. For example, the pin can alternatively be welded or otherwise anchored to the plate, and an upper end region of the pin can be received in the jaw aperture with a spring clip or the like provided on the upper end of the pin so as to retain the jaw on the pin such that the jaw can rotate relative to the pin. Many other variants will be obvious to skilled artisans given the present teaching as a guide. Moreover, some embodiments involve pin-less jaws, and the jaws can have different shapes. 
     In some cases, one or each of the jaws  300 ,  305  can comprise an elongated projection, such as a generally finger-like projection. In  FIGS. 30 and 31 , for example, the jaw flange  335  of the illustrated jaw  300  defines such an elongated projection. In  FIGS. 47B and 57B , each illustrated jaw has two such projections, which are located at opposite ends of the jaw (and project away from each other). This, however, is not required. In other cases, one of the two projections is eliminated. When provided, for jaw designs like those shown in  FIGS. 30 and 31 , the elongated projection can project from the jaw plate  325 . While not required, the (or each) elongated projection can generally be shaped generally like a flipper of a pinball machine. 
     In the present group of embodiments, each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  has a working surface  310 ,  315  and an upper face  350 ,  355 . In some embodiments, the upper face  350 ,  355  of each jaw  300 ,  305  can optionally be flush or substantially flush with (or at least substantially parallel to) the top face  120  of the plate  100 . This can optionally be the case, for example, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 38-47C . 
       FIGS. 32 and 33  schematically illustrate another embodiment wherein the bit breaker  10  has two jaws  300 ,  305  that are mounted to the plate  100  and are located on opposite sides of the pipe slot  105 . Here, the jaws  300 ,  305  are shaped different than those shown in  FIGS. 21-25 and 26-31 . Each of the two jaws  300 ,  305  in  FIGS. 32 and 33  has an elongated, generally rectangular configuration. Of course, the generally rectangular configuration is not required. As with the jaws  300 ,  305  shown in  FIGS. 21-25 and 26-31 , the jaws  300 ,  305  shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33  have two working surfaces  310 ,  315 , which confront each other across the pipe slot  105 . Here again, the two illustrated jaws  300 ,  305  preferably have two pivot points P that are directly aligned with each other across the pipe slot  105 . 
     Each of the jaws  300 ,  305  shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33  comprises both a jaw plate  325 ,  330  and a jaw flange  335 ,  340 . As is best shown in  FIG. 31 , each jaw  300 ,  305  can optionally have a jaw plate  325 ,  330  that is symmetrical, or at least generally symmetrical, about a transverse axis extending laterally (i.e., perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA) through, and passing through a midpoint of the length of, the jaw. In other embodiments, each jaw  300 ,  305  can optionally have a jaw plate  325 ,  330  that is asymmetrical about such an axis. Reference is made to  FIGS. 21-25 and 26-31, 34-35, and 36-37 . 
     In  FIGS. 31 and 32 , it can be seen that the two aligned pivot points P are not located at, but rather are spaced from, midpoints of the lengths of the two jaws. Here, each pivot point P is located closer to one end of the jaw than to the other end of the jaw. This can optionally be the case with other pivotable jaw designs shown herein. In some cases, a greater length of one of the jaws (i.e., the jaw  305  shown on the right in  FIG. 32 ) extends from its pivot point P toward the back of the bit breaker than extends from such pivot point toward the front of the bit breaker, whereas a greater length of the other jaw (i.e., the jaw  300  shown on the left in  FIG. 32 ) extends from its pivot point P toward the front of the bit breaker than extends from such pivot point toward the back of the bit breaker (the back of the bit breaker is the side that has the back-end of the pipe slot). This can optionally be the case in the embodiments of  FIGS. 21-31 , and  34 - 35  as well. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 34 and 35 , another embodiment of the bit breaker  10  is shown. Here again, the bit breaker  10  has two jaws  300 ,  305  that are mounted to the plate  100  and are located on opposite sides of the pipe slot  105 . These two jaws  300 ,  305  are shaped different than those shown in previous drawings. In this embodiment, the two jaws  300 ,  305  are not mirror images of each other. While both of the jaws  300 ,  305  in this embodiment are pivotally attached to the plate  100 , these two jaws have considerably different shapes. For example, the jaw  300  shown on the left in  FIG. 34  has two bearing shoulders SH, whereas the jaw  305  shown on the right has only a single bearing shoulder SH. Many other variations will be apparent to those having ordinary skill in this technology area, given the present teaching as a guide. 
       FIGS. 36 and 37  depict still another embodiment of the bit breaker  10 . The two jaws  300 ,  305  in this embodiment are also mounted to the plate  100  and located on opposite sides of the pipe slot  105 . And these two jaws are pivotable relative to the plate. Each of these particular jaws has a step-like bearing surface, and the corresponding mating surface of the plate has a complimentary step-like configuration. 
     As noted above, to loosen the present joint, the upper component is rotated in a first direction (e.g., counterclockwise), and the bit breaker prevents the lower component from rotating substantially in that direction (e.g., holds the lower component stationary). To make the present joint, the upper component is rotated in a second direction (e.g., clockwise), and the bit breaker prevents the lower component from rotating substantially in that direction (e.g., holds the lower component stationary). In the present embodiment group, this involves the two jaws  300 ,  305  of the bit breaker  10  moving (e.g., from the release position to the engage position) relative to the plate  100  in response to a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  rotating in the pipe slot  105  against the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws. In more detail, the two jaws  300 ,  305  preferably move relative to the plate  100  in response to the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  rotating in the pipe slot  105  such that flat bottoms of two flat-bottom grooves of the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  bear respectively against the two working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws. In such cases, the percentages of contact noted previously preferably result. Additionally or alternatively, the movement of the two jaws  300 ,  305  can optionally include pivoting or otherwise rotating each jaw. Typically, such pivoting or other rotating of the jaws will be rotational movement in a horizontal plane, while the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20  is vertically disposed. Such movement of the jaws preferably occurs while the plate is maintained in a stationary position (e.g., by virtue of being mounted to a table or another working surface). This can be appreciated by referring to  FIG. 17 . Thus, in the present method, the bit breaker  10  preferably is mounted on a table or another working surface. In some cases, the working surfaces  310 ,  315  of the two jaws  300 ,  305  remain parallel, or at least substantially parallel, to each other during such pivoting or other rotation (or at least end-up being parallel or substantially parallel to each other). Reference is made to the non-limiting release and engage positions shown in  FIGS. 24 and 25 . Additionally or alternatively, the movement of the jaws relative to the plate can optionally involve a bearing surface BSA of each jaw  300 ,  305  moving into engagement with (e.g., moving so as to bear against) the corresponding mating surface MSA of the plate  100 . This may occur when the method involves loosening a joint. Or, the method may involve a bearing surface BSA of each jaw  300 ,  305  separating from (e.g., moving apart from) the corresponding mating surface MSA of the plate  100 . This may occur when the method involves making a joint. Thus, certain embodiments of the invention provide methods of making, or loosening, the present joint in the manner described above. These methods can involve using a bit breaker in accordance with any embodiment described herein. In any method of the present disclosure, a rotational force of greater than 20,000 foot pounds (e.g., at least about 28,000 foot pounds of torque) can optionally be applied to the pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint  20 . 
     In embodiments where the method involves a bit breaker having a debris management system of the nature described above, the method can optionally include spraying the bit breaker with water (optionally using a hose) so as to flush dirt or other debris from between the jaws and the plate. This may involve flowing water through one or more channels extending beneath and/or alongside each jaw. Such channels can be of the nature described above. 
     In any embodiment of the present disclosure, the working surface of the (or each) jaw can optionally have teeth. While certain embodiments mentioned above have no such teeth, other embodiments may benefit from having teeth on the working surface of the (or each) jaw. 
     In one group of embodiments, the bit breaker  10  further comprises a security plate  700  attached to the generally flat plate  100  so as to define a mount space (e.g., a float-mount space)  710  between the generally flat plate  100  and the security plate  700 . Reference is made to  FIGS. 38-47C  and  FIGS. 48-57C . Here, a jaw (e.g., jaw  300 ) is received in the mount space  710  such that the jaw has a limited freedom of movement relative to both the generally flat plate  100  and the security plate  700 . While  FIGS. 38-47C  and  FIGS. 48-57C  show embodiments with two jaws  300 ,  305 , there can alternatively be just one jaw  300 . 
     Thus, the jaw  300  (or each jaw  300 ,  305 ) in the present embodiment group preferably has limited freedom of movement (e.g., to rotate) relative to both the generally flat plate  100  and the security plate  700 . In the embodiments of  FIGS. 38-47C  and  FIGS. 48-57C , each such jaw  300 ,  305  preferably is configured to move, between a release position (see  FIGS. 44 and 54 ) and an engage position (see  FIGS. 43 and 53 ), when engaged by a pipe, tool section, tool or pipe joint. This movement of the jaw (or each jaw) preferably includes rotation. For example, each jaw can optionally be configured to rock against the generally flat plate  100  (or against the security plate  700 , or against both the generally flat plate and the security plate) when moving between the release and engage positions. 
     Preferably, when the bit breaker  10  is operatively assembled, the jaw  300  is prevented from being removed from the plate  100 , at least without disassembling or breaking the bit breaker. In more detail, the generally flat plate  100 , the security plate  700 , and the mount space  710  preferably are configured such that the jaw  300  is prevented from moving so far into the pipe slot  105  as to fall out of the mount space  710 . As can be appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 43 and 44  and  FIGS. 53 and 54 , the shapes of the plate  100  and each jaw  300 ,  305  are such that each jaw is restrained by the plate against moving laterally entirely out of its mount space  710 . 
     While certain paragraphs or sentences herein refer to embodiments where the bit breaker has a single jaw  300  and a single security plate  700 , the present bit breaker  10  can optionally have more than one jaw (e.g., two jaws  300  and  305 ) and more than one security plate (e.g., two security plates  700 ,  900 ). In some embodiments, the bit breaker  10  has only two jaws  300 ,  305  and only two security plates  700 ,  900 . 
     In the present embodiment group, the jaw  300  preferably is sandwiched between the generally flat plate  100  and the security plate  700 . In embodiments of this nature, the security plate  700  preferably is attached to the generally flat plate  100 , e.g., such that the security plate  700  and the generally flat plate  100  are retained (e.g., rigidly) in fixed positions relative to each other. The jaw  300  in such embodiments preferably is moveable (e.g., so as to be configured to float freely, within its limited freedom of movement range) relative to the generally flat plate  100  and the security plate  700 . In such cases, the jaw  300  when floating relative to the generally flat plate  100  and the security plate  700  can optionally slide against both the generally flat plate and the security plate. In other cases, there may be another component between the jaw and the generally flat plate, between the jaw and security plate, or both. The features described in this paragraph relative to jaw  300  and security plate  700  can also apply to jaw  305  and security plate  900  in embodiments having two jaws  300 ,  305  and two security plates  700 ,  900 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments of the present group, the security plate  700  includes two apertures  720 ,  725  therein. Reference is made to  FIGS. 42 and 52 . In addition, the illustrated bit breaker  10  comprises two fasteners  730 ,  735  that extend respectively through the two apertures  720 ,  725  in the security plate  700  and that are also received in two respective apertures in the generally flat plate  100 . Although the security plate  700  is shown as having two apertures  720 ,  725 , it is to be appreciated that the security plate can have only one aperture, or it can have more than two apertures. 
     In embodiments having two jaws  300 ,  305  and two security plates  700 ,  900 , the second security plate  700  can likewise include two apertures  920 ,  925 . In addition, the illustrated bit breaker  10  can comprise two fasteners  930 ,  935  that extend respectively through apertures  920 ,  925  in security plate  900  and that are also received in two respective apertures in the generally flat plate  100 . Here again, while the second security plate  900  is shown as having two apertures  920 ,  925 , it is to be appreciated that this security plate can have only one aperture, or it can have more than two apertures. 
     In the present embodiment group, the jaw  300  preferably is devoid of apertures. For example, the jaw  300  (or each jaw  300 ,  305 ) in the present embodiments preferably is devoid of any aperture that opens entirely through the jaw from a top face to a bottom face thereof. In such embodiments, the bit breaker  10  preferably is devoid of any mechanical fastener (e.g., pin) that extends through the jaw. For example, in any embodiment of the present group, the jaw  300  (or each jaw  300 ,  305 ) can optionally be devoid of a pin that defines a pivot point for such jaw. 
     In preferred embodiments, the generally flat plate  100  defines a connection ledge  130  that is recessed from a top face  120  of the generally flat plate. In the present embodiment group, the optional connection ledge  130 , when provided, defines a slide surface  755  that bounds a bottom of the mount space  710 . In such cases, the jaw  300  preferably is configured to slide on the slide surface  755  of the connection ledge  130  (i.e., when moving between the release position and the engage position). 
     In embodiments of the present group having two jaws  300 ,  305 , the generally flat plate  100  preferably defines a second connection ledge  135 . When provided, the second connection ledge  135  is recessed from a top face  120  of the generally flat plate  100  and defines a slide surface  755  that bounds a bottom of the mount space  710  for the second jaw  305 . In such embodiments, the second jaw  305  is configured to slide on the slide surface  755  of the second connection ledge  135  (i.e., when moving between the release position and the engage position). 
     In the present group of embodiments, the bit breaker  10  preferably is devoid of a pivot pin connection between the jaw  300  and the generally flat plate  100 . In embodiments of this nature, the jaw  300  preferably is configured to move by floating within the mount space  710 , e.g., which may involve sliding on the slide surface  755  of the connection ledge  130 , as described above. Thus, the jaw  300  (or each jaw  300 ,  305 ) can optionally be received in a mount space (e.g., a float-mount space)  710  in a free-floating manner relative to both the generally flat plate  100  and a security plate  700 , within a limited range of motion. 
     In the present embodiment group, the jaw  300  (or each jaw  300 ,  305 ) can optionally be configured to move in a rocking manner (which includes rotation) between the release position and the engage position. In embodiments of this nature, the bit breaker  10  can be configured so that such movement comprises the (or each) jaw rocking against the generally flat plate. In such cases, one or more bearing surfaces BSA,  807  of the (or each) jaw can optionally be radiused (e.g., convex) or otherwise curved and/or angled surfaces that are configured to rock against (e.g., and cam with) one or more corresponding mating surfaces MSA,  857  of the generally flat plate. Reference is made to  FIGS. 41, 43-44, 51, and 53-54 . It is to be appreciated, however, that these details are not required. 
     In some embodiments, the security plate  700  is carried alongside (e.g., so as to be secured against, optionally contacting) the top face  120  of the generally flat plate  100 . Reference is made to the embodiment of  FIGS. 38-47C . This, however, is by no means required. 
     In other embodiments, the generally flat plate  100  defines a mount recess  760  that is recessed from the top face  120  of the generally flat plate  100 . In such embodiments, the security plate  700  can be received in the mount recess  760 , optionally such that an upper face  765  of the security plate  700  is at least substantially flush (e.g., is flush) with the top face  120  of the generally flat plate  100 . For embodiments of this type having two jaws  300 ,  305 , the generally flat plate  100  defines two mount recesses  760  that are each recessed from the top face  120  of the generally flat plate  100 . In such embodiments, each of the two security plates  700 ,  900  can be received in a respective one of the two mount recesses  760 , optionally such that an upper face  765 ,  965  of the security plate  700 ,  900  is at least substantially flush (e.g., is flush) with the top face  120  of the generally flat plate  100 . Reference is made to the embodiment of  FIGS. 48-57C . 
     In some embodiments of the present group, the jaw  300  comprises a jaw head  800  and a jaw neck  805 . In such cases, the jaw head  800  preferably defines the working surface  310  of the jaw  300  and is exposed to the pipe slot  105 , whereas the jaw neck  805  preferably is received in the mount space  710 . In  FIGS. 47A-47C and 57A-57C , the jaw neck  805  comprises (e.g., is) a generally plate-shaped projection from the jaw head  800 . It is to be appreciated, however, that many other jaw configurations can be used advantageously in the present embodiment group. 
     As can be appreciated by referring to  FIGS. 47A-47C  and  FIGS. 57A-57C , each jaw  300 ,  305  can optionally comprise a single body that defines both a jaw head  800  and a jaw neck  805 . If desired, that single body can be devoid of apertures, or at least devoid of fastener apertures extending entirely through the body. 
     In some of the present embodiments, the jaw head  800  defines a convex bearing surface  810 . One non-limiting example is shown in  FIGS. 48-57C . When provided, the convex bearing surface  810  preferably faces away from the pipe slot  105 . Such a convex bearing surface  810  can optionally be adapted to cam with (e.g., so as to rock against) a corresponding bearing surface  790  of the security plate  700 . If desired, that bearing surface  790  of the security plate  700  can be concave, as shown in the non-limiting example of  FIGS. 48-57C . In other cases, the illustrated concave bearing surface  790  of the security plate  700  can be replaced with a planar surface. 
     Thus, in certain embodiments, the security plate  700  defines a bearing surface  790  that is concave. When provided, the concave bearing surface of the security plate preferably faces toward the pipe slot  105 , while the convex bearing surface  810  of the illustrated jaw head  800  faces away from the pipe slot  105 . This is perhaps best seen in  FIG. 49 . Here, the convex bearing surface  810  of the jaw head  800  is configured to cam with (e.g., so as to rock against) the concave bearing surface  790  of the security plate  700 . Arrangements of this nature can enable the jaw  300  to move (e.g., rotate) in a rocking motion relative to both the generally flat plate  100  and the security plate  700 . 
     In the non-limiting example of  FIGS. 38-47C , each jaw  300 ,  305  is configured to cam with (e.g., so as to rock against) only the generally flat plate  100 . This, however, is by no means required. For example, in the non-limiting example of  FIGS. 48-57C , each jaw  300 ,  305  is configured to cam with (e.g., so as to rock against) both the generally flat plate  100  and a security plate  700 ,  900 . Other variants of both types will be apparent to skilled artisans given the present teaching as a guide. 
     As noted above, the bit breaker  10  of the present embodiments preferably includes a second jaw  305  mounted to a second one of the two arms  140 ,  145  (i.e., arm  145 ). When provided, the second jaw  305  defines a working surface  315  located on another side of the pipe slot  105 , such that the two jaws  300 ,  305  are located on opposite sides  110 ,  115  of the pipe slot  105 . The optional second jaw  305  preferably is mounted to the second one of the two arms  140 ,  145  so as to be removable therefrom when damaged and thereafter replaced with a new jaw. 
     Moreover, in such embodiments of the present group, the bit breaker  10  preferably comprises a second security plate  900  attached to the generally flat plate  100  so as to define therebetween a second mount space (e.g., second float-mount space)  910 . When provided, the second jaw  305  is received in the second mount space  910  such that the second jaw  305  has a limited freedom of movement relative to both the generally flat plate  100  and the second security plate  900 , as described above for jaw  300 . 
     When provided, the second security plate  900  preferably has one or more apertures (e.g., apertures  920 ,  925 ) therein. In embodiments of this nature, the bit breaker  10  further comprises one or more fasteners (e.g., fasteners  930 ,  935 ) that each extend respectively through the aperture(s) in the security plate  900  and that are also received in respective aperture(s) in the generally flat plate  100 . 
     Bit breaker components can be fabricated by a combination of cutting (such as flame, plasma, laser or waterjet), bending and/or forming, machining (which includes turning, drilling and milling), and either manual or robotic welding with various metals or composite materials. In addition, some or all the components can also be fabricated using casting, forging or molding in combination with bending and/or forming, machining (which includes turning, drilling and milling), and either manual or robotic welding with various metals or composite materials. 
     Bit breaker components made from certain metals can be subject to a heat treatment process to increase material hardness or toughness. Various coatings can also be applied to the components through wet or dry process, cold or hot process, electrophoretic process or a basic pickling process. 
     Thus, embodiments of the invention are disclosed. Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain disclosed embodiments, the disclosed embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration and not limitation and other embodiments of the invention are possible. One skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes, adaptations, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of the appended claims.