a method to add a joint of pipe to a conductor string includes securing the conductor string with a spider , grasping an upper end of the joint of pipe with a segmented - ring elevator , engaging a plurality of slips of the elevator with an outer profile of the joint of pipe , raising the grasped joint of pipe from non - vertical to vertical , positioning the vertical joint of pipe atop the secured conductor string , attaching the joint of pipe to the conductor string , releasing the conductor string from the spider , and retaining the joint of pipe and the conductor string with the segmented - ring elevator .