Definition
Spider — A spider is a floor-mounted device with power-set slips that grips and suspends a string of drill pipe, casing or tubing in the rotary opening while joints are added or removed, working as the ground-based counterpart to the elevator.
Also known as: power spider, slip spider, spider elevator
What a spider does
A spider holds the suspended string at the rig floor while the elevator releases to pick up or lay down the next joint. It uses a set of tapered slips that are set and released hydraulically or pneumatically, so the crew does not have to handle heavy manual slips. In casing running, a spider and matching bail-mounted elevator are often supplied as a paired set for a given tubular size and load rating.
Spiders are rated by load capacity and by the tubular sizes their slip inserts accommodate. On casing jobs they distribute the gripping load over a longer contact length than hand slips, which reduces the risk of slip crushing on thin-wall casing.
Spider and elevator as a system
The spider and elevator alternate support of the string: the elevator lifts a stand or joint into place, the connection is made up, then the spider sets to hold the string while the elevator moves. Load ratings of both tools must exceed the maximum string weight, including any overpull.
Why it matters for rentals
For casing and heavy strings, a correctly rated, well-maintained spider is essential to safe running. Rental spiders should have current load certification and slip inserts matched to the tubular OD. See our handling tools or send us your casing program and we’ll supply a matched spider and elevator.