Patent ID: 7712523

Claim:
A method for making a threaded connection between a first threaded downhole tubular and a second threaded downhole tubular, comprising: providing a rig structure having a top drive operatively connected thereto; providing a gripping member, operatively connected to the top drive, for gripping the first threaded downhole tubular; gripping the first threaded downhole tubular with the gripping member; aligning a first thread on the first threaded downhole tubular with respect to a second thread on the second threaded downhole tubular; operating the top drive, thereby rotating the gripping member and the first threaded downhole tubular and thereby inter-engaging the first and second threads; measuring a torque developed at the inter-engaging first and second threads during make-up; controlling the top drive to adjust the torque in response to the measured torque and prior to an indication of shouldering between the first and second threaded downhole tubulars; and continue making the threaded connection after adjustment of the torque.