1. n. [Drilling]

A mechanical device for rotating the kelly. The kelly spinner is typically pneumatic. It is a relatively low torque device, useful only for the initial makeup of threaded tool joints. It is not strong enough for proper torque of the tool joint or for rotating the drillstring itself. The kelly spinner has largely replaced the infamous spinning chains, which were responsible for numerous injuries on the rig floor.

See related terms: kelly,  spinning chain,  tool joint