Apparatus and method for aligning tubulars

An apparatus for aligning tubulars comprises a guide (217) and a socket centralizer (230) which are mounted on opposite sides of a power tong (202). In use, the power tong (202) is lowered so that the socket centralizer (230) lies circumjacent the socket (215) of a lower length of casing (220) and an upper length of casing (228) is lowered so that its pin (229) is brought into alignment with the socket (225) by the guide (217). The power tong (202) is then raised and the jaw assemblies applied to grip the upper length of casing (228) which is then rotated to screw the pin (229) into the socket (225) and make up the joint to the required torque.