The angle (A°) is selected such that, when a lifting force is applied to the hoist link, the resultant lift chain force on each elongate connector (50, 50') is generally orthogonal to the connector.

The axial forces exerted by the elevator against the bottom of the lift connector are transmitted through the connector to the threads engaged in the pipe.

The lift connector may be employed with a coupling-type elevator that closely surrounds the pipe and engages the bottom of the lift connector when the elevator is raised to raise the pipe.

The spreader component (12) comprises an in-use upper coupling arrangement (22, 22') for enabling coupling of the component to a hoist link of the dragline.