A.A. Hardy, W.C. Norris, Mfg., Inc.
Sucker Rods, the prime purpose of which is to impart the reciprocating motion and power of the end of the walking beam to the sub-surface pump, are such a simple piece of apparatus that it might seem nothing much could be done to improve them. However, much has been and is being done to make their proper care and use better understood, to obtain a more accurate understanding of the actual loads imposed upon them, and to improve the joint design, the rod materials and the manufacturing techniques. It is the purpose of this paper to review what has been done and what is now being done along these lines with a belief that an understanding of these problems will lead to a better use and consequently, a more economic life of this vital link in the oil well pumping mechanism.