1. When using a new string of pipe make sure the Drive Chuck/Saver Sub is like new to prevent damage to the new threads. A Drive Chuck/Saver Sub that has worn threads can damage the new ones easily. Also, check proper alignment of the pipe and the Drive Chuck/Saver Sub and adjust if necessary. Good alignment will greatly reduce thread wear.

2. Break-In the pipe threads on the first bore. This consists of lubing the threads (preferably with a copper flake lube such as Jet-Lube) making up the joint to full torque, breaking the joint and re-applying more lube. Repeat this process 3 times. This will ensure that the threads are burnished and will prevent galling and seizing.

3. Make sure to maintain the alignment of the pipe in the ground and the pipe in the rig. This prevents side loading the threads and unnecessary wear and possible cross threading. Keeping the rig stake downs from moving is important.

4. When making up the threads use slow rotation to reduce heat and prevent over running the thread shoulders.

3. Always make up the joints to full torque. Having good vice jaw inserts is a must.

4. Keep the distance from the rig to the entry hole as close as possible. Lack of entry hole support will make it easy to buckle the pipe when thrusting to steer in hard conditions.

5. Keep the initial entry angle as low as possible and smoothly transition to the desired depth.
   
6. Never exceed the recommended max. bend radius (less bend radius is better and will greatly extend the life of your drill pipe). Many operators tend to level out the bore to quickly from the entry hole or surface to quickly when exiting. This causes extra bending stress on the pipe and shortens the life substantially.

7. Rotate the pipe regularly. This means moving the lead pipe to the end of the string continually. This prevents the first few pipes from seeing all of the footage on pilot and pull back every time.

If all of the above recommendations are followed you will get an excellent return on your drill pipe investment.