Method, system and device for determining quality of assembly of tool parts

Abstract

A method, system and device for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts involves measurement of the rates of rotation of the tool parts or the torque imposed on the tool parts, or a combination thereof, followed by measurement of axial strain, or torsional strain, or hoop strain, or a combination thereof. The measured data are processed to determine the presence of a shoulder, seizing, seals, extreme hoop pressure, mismatched connections, and the like during assembly of the tool parts, thus assuring quality of assembly. The collected data are plotted versus time and displayed for the operator. The clamping device employed can be a one-part device for measuring hoop strain only, or can be a two-part device for measuring two or more of the aforementioned strain values.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method for determining.Iadd., during the assembly of tool parts, .Iaddend.the quality of assembly of .Iadd.the .Iaddend.tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring at least one of the .[.rates of.]. rotation of the first .[.and.]. .Iadd.tool part, the rotation of the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts and.]. .Iadd.part, .Iaddend.the torque imposed on the first .[.and second.]. tool .[.parts.]. .Iadd.part, and the torque imposed on the second tool part .Iaddend.to obtain a first set of data;   (b) measuring at least two of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to obtain a second set of data; and   (c) processing the first and second sets of data to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts.Iadd.;   wherein the measuring steps (a) and (b) take place during assembly of the tool parts, whereby the quality of assembly of the tool parts is determined from the data obtained during the assembly of the tool parts.Iaddend..   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises measuring axial strain and torsional strain. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises measuring axial strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises measuring torsional strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1, wherein step (b) comprises measuring axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       6. A system for determining.Iadd., during the assembly of tool parts, .Iaddend.the quality of assembly of .Iadd.the .Iaddend.tool parts, .[.wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint,.]. the system comprising: .Iadd.assembly means for assembling a first tool part with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint;   at least one .Iaddend.first .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring at least one of the .[.rates of.]. rotation of the first .[.and.]. .Iadd.tool part, the rotation of the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts and.]. .Iadd.part, .Iaddend.the torque imposed on the first .[.and second.]. tool .[.parts.]. .Iadd.part, and the torque imposed on the second tool part .Iaddend.to obtain a first set of data;   .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.second .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring at least two of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to obtain a second set of data; and   processing means for processing the first and second sets of data.Iadd.;   whereby .Iaddend.to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts .Iadd.during assembly of the tool parts by said assembly means.Iaddend..   
     
     
       7. The system of claim 6, wherein said .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.second .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.measures axial strain and torsional strain. 
     
     
       8. The system of claim 6, wherein said .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.second .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.measures axial strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       9. The system of claim 6, wherein said .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.second .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.measures torsional strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       10. The system of claim 6, wherein said .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.second .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.measures axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       11. The system of claim 6, wherein said processing means develops plots of strain versus time for said at least two of the axial strain, the torsional strain and the hoop strain. 
     
     
       12. The system of claim 11, further comprising display means responsive to said processing means for displaying the plots of strain versus time. 
     
     
       13. A clamping device for deriving data to determine the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, said device comprising: connecting means for connecting said device to at least one of the first and second tool parts; and   .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge carried by said connecting means .Iaddend.for measuring torsional strain and .[.at least one of axial strain and.]. hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint to obtain the data.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein said .[.measuring means comprises a hoop strain probe.]. .Iadd.connecting means comprises a clamp which connects said device to at least one of the first and second tool parts, and which is operable to release said device from said at least one of the first and second tool parts, whereby said device is movable from one set of tool parts to another set of tool parts so as to determine the quality of assembly of a plurality of sequentially formed tool joints. .Iaddend.   
     
     
       14. The device of claim 13, wherein said connecting means comprises a spring clamp. 
     
     
       15. The device of claim 13, wherein said .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.further comprises an axial strain probe and a torsional strain probe. 
     
     
       16. The device of claim 13, wherein said .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.further comprises an axial strain probe. 
     
     
       17. The device of claim 13, wherein said .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.further comprises a torsional strain probe. 
     
     
       18. The device of claim .[.12.]. .Iadd.13.Iaddend., further comprising at least one insert attachable to said at least one of .[.said.]. .Iadd.the first and second .Iaddend.tool parts for adapting said device to tool parts of different sizes. 
     
     
       19. A clamping device for deriving data to determine the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, said device comprising: connecting means for connecting said device to at least one of the first and second tool parts; and   .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring torsional strain and at least one of axial strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint to obtain the data.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein said connecting means comprises a top clamp and a bottom clamp, and wherein said connecting means further comprises a tapered screw for connecting said top clamp to said bottom clamp.   
     
     
       20. The device of claim 19, wherein said connecting means further comprises a spacer insertable between said top clamp and said bottom clamp for maintaining a gap therebetween. 
     
     
       21. The device of claim 19, further comprising at least one insert attachable to said at least one of .[.said.]. .Iadd.the first and second .Iaddend.tool parts for adapting said device to tool parts of different sizes. 
     
     
       22. A clamping device for deriving data to determine the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, said device comprising: connecting means for connecting said device to at least one of the first and second tool parts; and   measuring means for measuring torsional strain and at least one of axial strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint to obtain the data.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein said measuring means comprises at least one sensor and at least one target disposed adjacent to said at least one sensor so as to form an air gap therebetween, and wherein said at least one sensor detects variation in a dimension of said air gap as said first tool part and said second tool part are assembled, said at least one sensor generating an electrical signal corresponding to the variation in the dimension of said air gap.[., thereby generating an electrical indication of the torsional strain and at least one of axial strain and hoop strain.]..   
     
     
       23. The device of claim 22, further comprising at least one insert attachable to said at least one of the first and second tool parts for adapting said device to tool parts of different sizes. 
     
     
       24. A method for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring at least one of the .[.rates of.]. rotation of the first .[.and.]. .Iadd.tool part, the rotation of the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts and.]. .Iadd.part, .Iaddend.the torque imposed on the first .Iadd.tool part, .Iaddend.and .Iadd.the torque imposed on the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts.]. .Iadd.part .Iaddend.to obtain a first set of data;   (b) measuring torsional strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to obtain a second set of data; and   (c) processing the first and second sets of data to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts.   
     
     
       25. A system for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, the system comprising: .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.first .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring at least one of the .[.rates of.]. rotation of the first .[.and.]. .Iadd.tool part, the rotation of the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts and.]. .Iadd.part, .Iaddend.the torque imposed on the first .Iadd.tool part, .Iaddend.and .Iadd.the torque imposed on the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts.]. .Iadd.part .Iaddend.to obtain a first set of data;   .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.second .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring torsional strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to obtain a second set of data; and   processing means for processing the first and second sets of data to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts.   
     
     
       26. The system of claim 25, wherein said processing means develops a plot of strain versus time for the torsional strain. 
     
     
       27. The system of claim 26, further comprising display means responsive to said processing means for displaying the plot of strain versus time. 
     
     
       28. A clamping device for deriving data to determine the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, said device comprising: connecting means for connecting said device to at least one of the first and second tool parts; and   .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring torsional strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint to obtain the data.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein said connecting means comprises a top clamp and a bottom clamp, and wherein said connecting means further comprises a tapered screw for connecting said top clamp to said bottom clamp.   
     
     
       29. The device of claim 28, wherein said connecting means further comprises a spacer insertable between said top clamp and said bottom clamp for maintaining a gap therebetween. 
     
     
       30. The device of claim 29, further comprising at least one insert attachable to said at least one of .[.said.]. .Iadd.the first and second .Iaddend.tool parts for adapting said device to tool parts of different sizes. 
     
     
       31. The device of claim 28, further comprising at least one insert attachable to said at least one of .[.said.]. .Iadd.the first and second .Iaddend.tool parts for adapting said device to tool parts of different sizes. 
     
     
       32. A clamping device for deriving data to determine the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, said device comprising: connecting means for connecting said device to at least one of the first and second tool parts; and   .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring torsional strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint to obtain the data.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein said .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.comprises at least one sensor and at least one target disposed adjacent to said at least one sensor so as to form an air gap therebetween, and wherein said at least one sensor detects variation in a dimension of said air gap as said first tool part and said second tool part are assembled, said at least one sensor generating an electrical signal corresponding to the variation in the dimension of said air gap, thereby generating an electrical indication of the torsional strain.   
     
     
       33. A method for determining.Iadd., during the assembly of tool parts, .Iaddend.the quality of assembly of .Iadd.the .Iaddend.tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring at least one of the .[.rates of.]. rotation of the first .[.and.]. .Iadd.tool part, the rotation of the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts and.]. .Iadd.part, .Iaddend.the torque imposed on the first .Iadd.tool part, .Iaddend.and .Iadd.the torque imposed on the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts.]. .Iadd.part .Iaddend.to obtain a first set of data;   (b) measuring at least two of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to obtain a second set of data;   (c) providing a computer for receiving the first and second sets of data; and   (d) processing the first and second sets of data in an automated fashion using the computer to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts.Iadd.;   wherein the measuring steps (a) and (b) take place during assembly of the tool parts, whereby the quality of assembly of the tool parts is determined from the data obtained during the assembly of the tool parts.Iaddend..   
     
     
       34. The method of claim 33, wherein step (b) comprises measuring axial strain and torsional strain. 
     
     
       35. The method of claim 33, wherein step (b) comprises measuring axial strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       36. The method of claim 33, wherein step (b) comprises measuring torsional strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       37. The second of claim 33, wherein step (b) comprises measuring axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       38. A system for determining.Iadd., during the assembly of tool parts, .Iaddend.the quality of assembly of .Iadd.the .Iaddend.tool parts, .[.wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint,.]. the system comprising: .Iadd.assembly means for assembling a first tool part with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, .Iaddend.   first means for measuring at least one of the .[.rates  .Iadd.rate .Iaddend.of rotation of the first .[.and.]. .Iadd.tool part, the rate of rotation of the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts and.]. .Iadd.part, .Iaddend.the torque imposed on the first .Iadd.tool part, .Iaddend.and .Iadd.the torque imposed on the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts.]. .Iadd.part .Iaddend.to obtain a first set of data.[.;.]. .Iadd., and .Iaddend.   second means for measuring at least two of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to obtain a second set of data; .[.and.].   .Iadd.wherein each of said first means for measuring and said second means for measuring is disposed exterior of each of the first tool part and the second tool part prior to assembly, and wherein each of said first means for measuring and said second means for measuring performs its respective measurement during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means;   said system further comprising .Iaddend.computer means for processing the first and second sets of data in an automated fashion to determine the quality of assembly of the tool part.Iadd., whereby to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts during assembly of the tool parts by said assembly means.Iaddend..   
     
     
       39. The system of claim 38, wherein said second means measures axial strain and torsional strain. 
     
     
       40. The system of claim 38, wherein said second means measures axial strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       41. The system of claim 38, wherein said second means measures torsional strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       42. The system of claim 38, wherein said second means measures axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain. 
     
     
       43. The system of claim 38, wherein said computer means comprises a plotter for developing a plot of strain versus time for said at least two of the axial strain, the torsional strain and the hoop strain. 
     
     
       44. The system of claim 43, further comprising display means connected to said computer means and responsive thereto for displaying the plot of strain versus time. 
     
     
       45. A system for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts, .[.wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint,.]. the system comprising: .Iadd.assembly means for assembling a first tool part with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint;   at least one .Iaddend.first .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring.Iadd., during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means, .Iaddend.at least one of the .[.rates of.]. rotation of the first .[.and.]. .Iadd.tool part, the rotation of the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts and.]. .Iadd.part, .Iaddend.the torque imposed on the first .Iadd.tool part, .Iaddend.and .Iadd.the torque imposed on the .Iaddend.second tool .[.parts.]. .Iadd.part .Iaddend.to obtain a first set of data;   .Iadd.at least one .Iaddend.second .[.means.]. .Iadd.measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring.Iadd., during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means, .Iaddend.at least one of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to obtain a second set of data; and   processing means for processing the first and second sets of data to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts.[.;.]..Iadd., .Iaddend.wherein said processing means develops a plot of strain versus time for said at least one of the axial strain, the torsional strain and the hoop strain.Iadd.;   whereby to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts during assembly of the tool parts by said assembly means.Iaddend..   
     
     
       46. The system of claim 45, further comprising display means responsive to said processing means for displaying the plot of stain versus time. 
     
     
       47. A clamping device for deriving data to determine the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, the device comprising: connecting means for connecting said device to at least one of the first and second tool parts; and   measuring means for measuring at least one of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint to obtain the data.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein said connecting means comprises a top clamp and a bottom clamp; and   wherein said connecting means further comprises a tapered screw for connecting said top clamp to said bottom clamp.   
     
     
       48. The device of claim 47, wherein said connecting means further comprises a spacer insertable between said top clamp and said bottom clamp for maintaining a gap therebetween. 
     
     
       49. A clamping device for deriving data to determine the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint, the device comprising: connecting means for connecting said device to at least one of the first and second tool parts; and   .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.for measuring at least one of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on .Iadd.one of .Iaddend.the .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.tool .[.joint to obtain the data.]. .Iadd.parts .Iaddend.to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein said .[.measuring means.]. .Iadd.at least one strain measurement gauge .Iaddend.comprises at least one sensor and at least one target disposed adjacent to said at least one sensor so as to form an air gap therebetween, and wherein said at least one sensor detects variation in a dimension of said air .[.gaps.]. .Iadd.gap .Iaddend.as said first tool part and said second tool part are assembled, said at least one sensor generating an electrical signal corresponding to the variation in the dimension of said air gap, thereby generating an electrical indication of at least one of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain. .Iadd.   
     
     
       50.  A method for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein said tool parts comprise oilfield tubular goods having threads, and wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting at least a portion of the first tool part into at least a portion of the second tool part to form a tool joint, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring at least one of the rotation of the first tool part, the rotation of the second tool part, the torque imposed on the first tool part, and the torque imposed on the second tool part to obtain a first set of data;   (b) measuring at least one of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on one of the first and second tool parts to obtain a second set of data;   (c) providing a computer for receiving the first and second sets of data;   (d) processing the first and second sets of data in an automated fashion using the computer; and   (e) comparing the processed data to other time-varying data to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein steps (a) and (b) are carried out during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part. .Iaddend. .Iadd.   
     
     
       51.  The method of claim 50, wherein said oilfield tubular goods have a torque shoulder. .Iaddend. .Iadd. 
     
     
       52.  The method of claim 50, wherein said first tool part comprises a pin and said second tool part comprises a box. .Iaddend. .Iadd.53. The method of claim 50, wherein steps (a) thru (d) are performed at an oilfield well site. .Iaddend. .Iadd.54. The method of claim 50, comprising the further step of storing the first and second sets of data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.55. The method of claim 54, comprising the further step of recalling the stored first and second sets of data for comparison to subsequently generated data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.56. A system for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein said tool parts comprise oilfield tubular goods having threads, the system comprising: assembly means for assembling a first tool part with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint;   at least one first measurement gauge for measuring, during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means, at least one of the rotation of the first tool part, the rotation of the second tool part, the torque imposed on the first tool part, and the torque imposed on the second tool part to obtain a first set of data;   at least one second measurement gauge for measuring, during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means, at least one of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on the tool joint to obtain a second set of data; and   processing means for processing the first and second sets of data to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts, wherein said processing means develops a plot of strain versus time for said at least one of the axial strain, the torsional strain and the hoop strain;   whereby to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts during   
     
     
        assembly of the tool parts by said assembly means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.57. The system of claim 56, wherein said oilfield tubular goods have a torque shoulder. .Iaddend. .Iadd.58. The system of claim 56, wherein said first tool part comprises a pin and said second tool part comprises a box. .Iaddend. .Iadd.59. The system of claim 56, wherein said first and second sets of data are obtained and processed at an oilfield well site. .Iaddend. .Iadd.60. The system of claim 56, further comprising display means responsive to said processing means for displaying the plots of strain versus time. .Iaddend. .Iadd.61. The system of claim 56, further comprising at least one insert attachable to at least one of the first and second tool parts for adapting said system to tool parts of different 
     
     
        sizes. .Iaddend. .Iadd.62.  A method for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting at least a portion of the first tool part into at least a portion of the second tool part to form a tool joint, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring at least one of the rotation of the first tool part, the rotation of the second tool part, the torque imposed on the first tool part, and the torque imposed on the second tool part to obtain a first set of data;   (b) measuring at least two of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on one of the first and second tool parts to obtain a second set of data;   (c) processing the first and second sets of data to develop a plot of the first and second sets of data versus time for the tool parts; and   (d) comparing the first and second sets of data to other time-varying data to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein steps (a) and (b) take place during assembly of the first tool part   
     
     
        with the second tool part. .Iaddend. .Iadd.63.  The method of claim 62, comprising the further step (e) of displaying the first and second sets of 
     
     
        data and the other time-varying data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.64.  A system for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts, the system comprising: assembly means for assembling a first tool part with a second tool part by rotatably inserting the first tool part into the second tool part to form a tool joint;   at least one first measurement gauge for measuring, during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means, at least one of the rotation of the first tool part, the rotation of the second tool part, the torque imposed on the first tool part, and the torque imposed on the second tool part to obtain a first set of time-varying data;   at least one second measurement gauge for measuring, during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means, at least one of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on one of the first and second tool parts to obtain a second set of time-varying data; and   comparing means for comparing the first and second sets of time-varying data to other time-varying data to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   whereby to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts during   
     
     
        assembly of the tool parts by said assembly means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.65. The system of claim 64, further comprising processing means for processing the first and second sets of time-varying data to develop a plot of the first and second sets of time-varying data for the tool parts. .Iaddend. .Iadd.66. The system of claim 65, further comprising display means responsive to said processing means for displaying the plot of the first and second sets of time-varying data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.67. The system of claim 64, further comprising display means for displaying the first and second sets of time-varying data and the other time-varying data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.68. The system of claim 64, further comprising storing means for storing the first and second sets of time-varying data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.69. The system of claim 68, further comprising recall means for recalling the stored first and second sets of time-varying data for comparison to subsequently generated data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.70. The system of claim 64, further comprising at least one insert attachable to at least one of the first and second tool parts for adapting said system 
     
     
        to tool parts of different sizes. .Iaddend. .Iadd.71.  A method for determining the quality of assembly of tool parts, wherein a first tool part is assembled with a second tool part by rotatably inserting at least a portion of the first tool part into at least a portion of the second tool part to form a tool joint, the method comprising the steps of: (a) measuring at least one of the rotation of the first tool part, the rotation of the second tool part, the torque imposed on the first tool part, and the torque imposed on the second tool part to obtain a first set of data;   (b) measuring at least one of axial strain, torsional strain and hoop strain imposed on the tool joint to obtain a second set of data;   (c) providing the first and second sets of data to a computer;   (d) processing the first and second sets of data in the computer; and   (e) displaying the processed first and second sets of data as a function of time to determine the quality of assembly of the tool parts;   wherein steps (a) and (b) take place during the assembly of the first tool   
     
     
        part with the second tool part. .Iaddend. .Iadd.72.  The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of comparing the displayed data to other 
     
     
        time-varying data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.73.  The method of claim 71, further comprising the step of overlaying the displayed data to other time-varying 
     
     
        data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.74.  The method of claim 71, comprising the further step of storing the first and second sets of data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.75. The method of claim 71, comprising the further step of recalling the stored first and second sets of data for comparison to subsequently generated 
     
     
        data. .Iaddend. .Iadd.76.  The system of claim 6, wherein said at least one first measurement gauge and said at least one second measurement gauge are portable and separable from the tool parts, whereby the system determines the quality of assembly of a plurality of sequentially formed tool joints. .Iaddend. .Iadd.77. The system of claim 38, comprising connecting means for connecting said first means for measuring and said second means for measuring to the exterior of at least one of first tool part and the second tool part, said connecting means being operable to release said first means for measuring and said second means for measuring from said at least one of the first tool part and the second tool part, whereby said first means for measuring and said second means for measuring are movable from one set of tool parts to another set of tool parts so as to determine the quality of assembly of a plurality of sequentially formed tool joints. .Iaddend. .Iadd.78. The system of claim 45, wherein said processing means develops the plot of strain versus time during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.79. The method of claim 50, wherein steps (c) and (d) are carried out during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part. .Iaddend. .Iadd.80. The method of claim 79, wherein step (e) is carried out during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part. .Iaddend. .Iadd.81. The method of claim 62, wherein steps (c) and (d) are carried out during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part. .Iaddend. .Iadd.82. The system of claim 64, wherein said comparing means compares the first and second sets of time-varying data during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part by said assembly means. .Iaddend. .Iadd.83. The method of claim 71, wherein steps (c) and (d) are carried out during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part. .Iaddend. .Iadd.84. The method of claim 83, wherein step (e) is carried out during assembly of the first tool part with the second tool part. .Iaddend.