a non - rotating drill pipe / casing protector is disclosed . the protector has a bi - directional thrust bearing which can be mounted uphole or downhole from the protector . the bi - directional thrust bearing comprises a female and male part where the female is fixed to the tube and the male can relatively rotate with respect to the pipe . the protector has an insert which extends longitudinally out of the sleeve and is used as the male component in the thrust bearing . thrust loads are absorbed by metallic component contact , thereby eliminating edge wear of the non - rotating sleeve . the thrust bearing components may have wear pads that are replaceable . roller bearings can also be used to facilitate the relative rotation between the drillpipe and the sleeve . wear pads can also be employed on the outside of the sleeve to increase its life .