Patent ID: 8851164

Claim:
A method of handling a tubular member, the tubular member comprising axially-opposed ends, the method comprising: positioning one of the axially-opposed ends of the tubular member within a running tool; engaging at least one surface of the tubular member with the running tool; supporting the tubular member and lowering the engaged running tool relatively towards the supported tubular member; first applying an axial force to the one of the axially-opposed ends of the engaged tubular member; engaging at least one gripping assembly within the running tool so that the at least one gripping assembly grips the outer perimeter of the tubular member and, as a result, the at least one gripping assembly is positively engaged with the tubular member to support the load thereof; and then operating the running tool to move the tubular member with the at least one gripping assembly; wherein the positive engagement of the at least one gripping assembly with the tubular member permits the movement of the tubular member with the at least one gripping assembly; and wherein the positive engagement of the at least one gripping assembly with the tubular member is caused, at least in part, by first applying the axial force to the one of the axially-opposed ends of the engaged tubular member.