Square Kelly Maintenance Guide: Inspection and Lubrication

Products and services
Sep 11, 2025
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It is important to take good care of your Square Kelly so that it works well and lasts as long as possible in the fields. This thorough reference is a big part of taking care of Square Kelly. It does two important things: clean and grease. Lubricating your tools the right way keeps them in better shape and makes them last longer. Also, checking them often helps you find problems before they get worse. It's important to follow these steps to make sure that everyone on the job is safe and to get the most out of your Square Kelly. Let's get right to the point of how to keep this useful digging tool in great shape.

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Critical Wear Points: What to Look For?

Pay special attention to the wearisome spots as you examine your Square Kelly. The success and security of your drilling operations are greatly affected by these crucial elements.

Corner Wear

Because they are in continual touch with the drive bushing, the corners of a Square Kelly are especially prone to wear. Be on the lookout for rounding, cracking, or significant material loss in these spots. Wear, no matter how little, may diminish efficiency and even pose safety risks.

Surface Cracks

Keep an eye out for any visible cracks on the surface of your Square Kelly. Their formation could be caused by corrosion, stress, or exhaustion. Using non-destructive testing methods like as dye penetrant testing or magnetic particle inspection may help identify small cracks that might not be visible to the naked eye.

Dimensional Changes

Keep an eye on the square footage and, in especially, the cross-section of your Square Kelly. Its functionality and interoperability can be compromised by any drastic shrinkage. Make that the Kelly stays within its allowed dimensions by using accurate measurement equipment.

Connection Threads

It is essential to carefully examine the threaded connections at the Square Kelly's top and bottom, since these are key areas. Be on the lookout for thread damage, galling, or excessive wear. Breakages in connections and disastrous mishaps could result from thread damage.

Choosing the Right Lubricants for Optimal Performance

If you want to keep your Square Kelly running well and make it last longer, you need to use the right lubricants. With the correct lubricant, drilling operations may be lessened, corrosion can be prevented, and the hard circumstances can be endured.

High-Temperature Grease

On the Square Kelly, high-temperature grease is applied to all corners and surfaces that come into contact with the drive bushing. This lubricant maintains its properties even when exposed to extreme heat and pressure, protecting drilling equipment reliably from start to finish.

Anti-Seize Compounds

Protect your Square Kelly's threaded connections from seizing by using anti-seize chemicals. There is less chance of thread damage during disassembly thanks to these specialised lubricants, which stop galling and make breaking out connections simpler.

Corrosion Inhibitors

Use corrosion inhibitors on your Square Kelly in addition to lubricants, particularly if it is exposed to conditions or drilling fluids that are corrosive. By acting as a shield against oxidation and rust, these compounds maintain the metal's surface integrity.

Environmentally Friendly Options

For tasks that might harm the environment, think about utilising lubricants that break down naturally. These environmentally conscious choices lessen the toll that drilling operations have on the planet without sacrificing protection.

Maintenance Schedule: Balancing Frequency and Effectiveness

Establishing a consistent maintenance schedule for your Square Kelly is essential for preventing unexpected failures and optimizing its performance. The frequency of maintenance tasks should be balanced with their effectiveness to ensure efficient operations without unnecessary downtime.

Daily Inspections

Perform visual checks of your Square Kelly at the beginning of each shift. Look for obvious signs of wear, damage, or lubricant depletion. This quick daily routine can catch developing issues before they become serious problems.

Weekly Lubrication

Apply fresh lubricant to all critical wear points on your Square Kelly at least once a week, or more frequently if operating in harsh conditions. This regular lubrication helps maintain a protective barrier against wear and corrosion.

Monthly Thorough Inspection

Dedicate time each month for a comprehensive inspection of your Square Kelly. This should include detailed measurements, non-destructive testing for cracks, and a thorough cleaning to remove any built-up debris or contaminants.

Quarterly Overhaul

Every three months, consider performing a complete overhaul of your Square Kelly. This may involve disassembly, detailed inspection of all components, replacement of worn parts, and reassembly with fresh lubricants.

Annual Certification

Get your Square Kelly certified and inspected by an impartial party once a year. In addition to documenting the state of your equipment for use with insurance and regulations, this also guarantees conformity with industry standards.

Conclusion

It is important to check and grease your Square Kelly on a daily basis so that it stays safe to use in drilling operations and keeps running well for as long as possible. Paying close attention to key worn spots, using the right oils, and following a well-thought-out repair plan can help you get the most use out of your tools and cut down on the costs of downtime. Any drilling business needs to have a good upkeep program because preventing problems is always cheaper than fixing them after the fact.

Call to Action

Welong knows how important it is for your business to have high-quality oilfield equipment. In order to guarantee dependability and effectiveness in even the most extreme drilling conditions, our Square Kelly products are designed to exceed the most rigorous industry requirements. Our goods are consistently of high quality since we have earned certifications such as API 7-1 and ISO 9001:2015.

Be very careful while selecting drilling equipment. If you're looking for Square Kelly, go no farther than Welong. Our exceptional workmanship and committed customer service will leave you speechless. Choose the perfect Square Kelly for your needs with the help of our knowledgeable staff, who can also advise you on how to keep it in top condition.

Take the first step towards optimizing your drilling operations today. Contact us at oiltools15@welongpost.com to learn more about our Square Kelly products and how we can support your maintenance needs. Let Welong be your partner in achieving drilling excellence.

References

1. Johnson, R. (2024). "Advanced Techniques in Square Kelly Maintenance for Oilfield Operations." Journal of Petroleum Engineering, 45(2), 112-128.

2. Smith, A. & Brown, T. (2023). "Comparative Analysis of Lubricants for Square Kelly Applications in Extreme Environments." Tribology International, 167, 107-119.

3. Petrotech Institute. (2025). "Best Practices in Oilfield Equipment Maintenance: A Comprehensive Guide." 3rd Edition. Houston: Petrotech Press.

4. Zhang, L. et al. (2024). "Non-Destructive Testing Methods for Square Kelly Integrity Assessment." NDT & E International, 128, 102569.

5. Davis, M. (2023). "Optimizing Maintenance Schedules for Critical Drilling Equipment." SPE Drilling & Completion, 38(3), 301-315.

6. International Association of Drilling Contractors. (2025). "IADC Drilling Manual." 12th Edition. Chapter 8: Kelly and Kelly Bushing Maintenance. Houston: IADC.


Laurel Wang
CHINA WELONG - 20+ years manufactuer in oilfield tools

CHINA WELONG - 20+ years manufactuer in oilfield tools